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Montagne Outdoors S.A. - Argentina
Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
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Breathable garments for technical activities

Advice from Montagne

The importance of breathability in technical clothing

The need for both warmth and impermeability when engaging in outdoor aerobic activities presents special challenges in clothing design, for it is difficult to increase simultaneously these two factors. For example, open weaves may increase breathability, but they make the product less waterproof, and vice versa.

The greater the density of water with respect to the air offers a range in which to work with applied technology. Creating lining with hollow areas, breathability increases, but it becomes more difficult to stop water from strong rainstorms and strong winds. Using intertwining threads permits rapid aeration and impedes the passage of water. Technical fabric employs values to express and measure breathability. Breathability is measured in grams per square meter every 24 hours. This means that meaning that if we close a source of vapour with a membrane of 1 m2 and measure the quality of the vapour that is able to pass through in this time, we obtain the value of breathability in this particular fabric. For instance, breathability of 8.000 gr/m2/24hs, which Montagne uses, signifies that in 24 hours, 8 liters passes through the membrane. The comparison is interesting when compared with normal clothing, which does not go over 300 or 400 gr/m2/24hs.

Using clothing with breathable, technical fabric that prevents interior condensation, which may be created through perspiration, is more comfortable. With non-technical clothing, one may feel restricted by the type of fabric. With technical clothes, on the other hand, one feels completely comfortable.

Technology may not seem that important in the store, but it becomes relevant on the terrain: Impermeable zippers are necessary for keeping your second layer of clothing dry.

Bonding technologies, like Montagne’s Touch Technical Concept , creates impermeable seams and pocket that protect your valuables.

It is important to look for systems for preventing infiltration of snow in the waist and boots that are efficient and adaptable to your body while providing comfort and functionaltiy. Radial sleeves allow greater movement in the arms through special cuts in the jacket, and elastic material in the knees and the between the legs provide greater flexibility.

After experiencing the comfort that technical fabric offers, it will be very difficult to feel comfortable in clothes that use inferior technology.