What is Sympatex?
Sympatex is a high-performance, waterproof, breathable, and windproof fabric designed for outdoor and performance apparel, such as jackets, pants, gloves, and footwear. It protects against extreme weather conditions while maintaining comfort by allowing moisture vapor (perspiration) to escape from the garment, keeping you dry inside and out.
How Sympatex Works
At the core of Sympatex technology is a polyurethane membrane that is laminated to various outer fabrics like nylon, polyester, or other textiles. This membrane functions based on the principle of hydrophilic (water-attracting) molecular chains:
Waterproofing: The membrane has no pores but instead absorbs water vapor and transports it to the outside, ensuring that liquid water (rain or snow) cannot penetrate.
Breathability: Moisture vapor (sweat) from the inside is actively wicked away, preventing condensation and maintaining a comfortable microclimate inside the garment.
Windproofing: The structure completely blocks wind, providing additional thermal protection in blustery conditions.
Key Features of Sympatex
Waterproof
Sympatex fabric is completely waterproof, offering reliable protection in heavy rain, snow, or wet environments.
Sympatex fabric is completely waterproof, offering reliable protection in heavy rain, snow, or wet environments.
Breathable
Sympatex ensures wearers remain comfortable during physical activities by allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Sympatex ensures wearers remain comfortable during physical activities by allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Windproof
The fabric is a barrier against wind chill, maintaining warmth even in harsh weather.
The fabric is a barrier against wind chill, maintaining warmth even in harsh weather.
Stretchable
Sympatex membranes can stretch up to 300%, offering flexibility and freedom of movement, essential for outdoor and athletic activities.
Sympatex membranes can stretch up to 300%, offering flexibility and freedom of movement, essential for outdoor and athletic activities.
Environmentally Friendly
Sympatex is 100% recyclable, free from perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Its production process focuses on reducing environmental impact while maintaining high performance.
Recyclable:
Sympatex fabrics are fully recyclable, aligning with the brand’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.
Bluesign® and Oeko-Tex® Certified:
Ensures production processes are safe for workers, consumers, and the environment.
Durable:
Sympatex fabrics are engineered to withstand rugged use, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and professionals.
Sympatex fabrics are engineered to withstand rugged use, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and professionals.
Sympatex vs. Gore-Tex
Sympatex and Gore-Tex are the leading names in waterproof and breathable fabric technologies. While both offer excellent performance, they do differ:
Feature | Sympatex | Gore-Tex |
Waterproofing | Hydrophilic, non-porous membrane | Microporous membrane with tiny pores |
Environmental Impact | PFC/PTFE-free, fully recyclable | Transitioning to PFC-free alternatives, but historically used PFCs |
