Material technology profile

Waterproof Breathable Laminate

A waterproof, breathable membrane bonded between face and backer keeps rain and snow out while letting body vapour escape. Built in two-layer and three-layer constructions according to the level of protection required

Parent layerMainstay

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How it works

Blocks rain, releases vapour

The membrane's pore structure is smaller than a droplet of liquid water but larger than a water vapour molecule. Rain is held outside while vapour from the body passes through. The membrane is bonded with a dot-pattern adhesive so most of its breathable area stays open. The face finish matters just as much: once the face fabric saturates and forms a film of water, the vapour has nowhere to go

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Performance Profile

Evidence-led proof points explain what this material technology delivers. Values depend on construction and verified testing.

01 Hydrostatic Head

Hydrostatic Head

How much water pressure the fabric holds back before water passes through, expressed in millimetres of water column. What tests a waterproof is not the raindrop but the pressure points — a shoulder strap bearing down, sitting on wet ground — where the pressure runs far higher than falling rain.

Hydrostatic head (by fabric): 10,000–20,000 mmH₂O

02 Moisture Vapour Transmission

Moisture Vapour Transmission

How much water vapour the fabric lets out over a set period. The higher the figure, the less heat builds up inside during output. Waterproofing and breathability have to be read together: a fabric that blocks rain but not vapour condenses sweat on the inside and ends up feeling no different from being wet. It is also why the water-repellent face finish has to be maintained — a saturated face shuts the vapour path

Moisture vapour transmission (by fabric): 10,000–20,000 g/(m²·24h)

03 Laminate Construction

Laminate Construction

A two-layer build is face fabric plus membrane — lighter and more packable, with a separate lining hung inside. A three-layer bonds face, membrane and backer into a single piece, protecting the membrane in the middle for better durability and a cleaner feel against the skin, with no lining to cling. On warm builds the third layer is brushed, so protection and insulation come in one fabric.

Bonded layers: 2層／3層

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Performance may vary by fabric and construction. Confirm values against approved test documentation.

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8F., No. 896, Jingguo Rd., Luzhu Dist., Taoyuan City 338018, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

info@tbim.com.tw

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