Hardshell clothing

In this article, we will discuss the laminate of our hardshell jackets.

Snowcountry focuses on high-quality clothing for winter sports and outdoor activities, including technical ski wear, snowboard clothing, hiking clothing, and apparel for other outdoor sports. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the laminate, the outer material, used in our hardshell jackets and pants.

What is hardshell?

A good hardshell jacket or pants are windproof and waterproof, yet they offer optimal breathability. This keeps the wind, rain, and snow outside without causing overheating on the inside. If you're familiar with hardshell, you know that hardshell clothing doesn't retain heat. Therefore, you always combine a hardshell with a base layer (thermal underwear) and possibly a midlayer. We call this the three-layer system, which is the most optimal way to dress for active outdoor sports.

Waterproofness of our technical clothing

The waterproofness of snowboard and ski clothing is often expressed in terms of a water column. All technical hardshells in the Snowcountry webshop have a water column of more than 20,000 mm. This indicates that the shells are completely waterproof, even under extreme pressure. This means the material won't leak, even during prolonged sitting.

Types of membranes/laminates

The most well-known laminate in hardshell clothing is Gore-Tex. Inside this fabric, there is an extremely thin membrane that makes the clothing windproof, waterproof, and highly breathable. Perfect for outdoor sports. Many brands have developed their own laminates with similar properties, making Gore-Tex not the only option for optimal jackets or pants for outdoor activities.

3-layer construction or 2-layer construction (3L or 2L)

Most hardshell clothing have a 3-layer or 2-layer construction. In a 3-layer construction, the outer and inner layers of the clothing are directly connected, with the windproof and waterproof membrane in between. All seams are waterproof. A 3-layer membrane lacks a warm lining and is, therefore, always combined with a baselayer and a midlayer as an insulating layer. The beauty is that you can adjust the number of layers according to the conditions and the activity you're doing. You can read more about this in our article on technical clothing and the application of the three-layer system.

Article: Technical clothing and the use of the three layer system

In the 2-layer construction, the outer layer is connected to the windproof and waterproof membrane. Unlike the 3-layer construction, the inner layer is not directly connected to the outer layer. This lined or mesh inner lining provides additional comfort and is usually made of insulating material to keep the body warm and dry. 2L shells are almost always combined with thermal underwear. Due to the usually lightly insulating inner lining, a midlayer is not always necessary, but it's recommended in colder temperatures.

Brand membrane for your hardshell clothing

All hardshell clothing in our webshop is windproof, waterproof, and highly breathable. Whether you choose Gore-Tex or another brand's membrane doesn't matter. Most membranes in our webshop have a 3-layer construction, so they need to be combined with a base layer and a midlayer.

-40%

Mammut Haldigrat Air Hs Hooded Jacket Men
As low as €329.97 Regular Price €549.95
40%
$Norrøna Tamok Gore-Tex Performance Shell Jacket M$
Norrøna Tamok Gore-Tex Performance Shell Jacket M
As low as €798.95
Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket M
As low as €689.95
-40%

Jones Mountain Surf Recycled Jacket Men
As low as €341.97 Regular Price €569.95
40%
-35%

Arc'teryx Macai Shell Jacket M
As low as €487.49 Regular Price €749.99
35%
-40%

Patagonia Untracked Jacket Women
As low as €419.97 Regular Price €699.95
40%
State Of Elevenate Pure Jacket Women
As low as €699.95
L1 Premium Goods Alpha Jacket M
As low as €499.95
Open Wear Open One 3L Shell Jacket
As low as €489.00
-60%

Schöffel 3L La Grave Jacket Men
As low as €219.98 Regular Price €549.95
60%

For more information about the membranes from each brand, you can find details in the product information. Below, we'll dive a bit deeper into the Toray Dermizax and the different Gore-Tex variants.

Toray Dermizax

The Toray membrane technology is known for its high-level waterproofness and breathability. Within this membrane technology, we distinguish Toray Demizax EV and Toray Dermizax NX. The EV membrane is soft and flexible and produces minimal noise for ultimate focus. In our experience, it's ideal for touring. The NX membrane has greater breathability and is suitable for very active activities, such as freeriding.

Gore-Tex

Within Gore-Tex, there are different variants, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Gore-Tex 3L

Gore-Tex 3L clothing consists of a single layer. All seams inside are waterproof. The material has no warm lining and is, therefore, always combined with a base layer and a midlayer. If you get warm during an activity, you can remove and store the midlayer.

Gore-Tex 3L Pro

Gore-Tex 3L Pro has a thicker laminate, making it stronger. Its properties are otherwise similar to Gore-Tex 3L.

Gore-Tex Pro 3L Most Rugged

Gore-Tex Pro 3L Most Rugged is made of even more robust and thicker material, making it almost tear-proof. However, it is also stiffer due to the thicker material.

Gore-Tex 2L

Gore-Tex 2L typically has a lightly insulating inner lining, providing extra warmth and comfort. The disadvantage is that you cannot remove or detach the insulating inner lining when it gets too warm. You always combine the 2L shell with a base layer and a midlayer is advisable in colder conditions.

Gore-Tex Active

Gore-Tex Active material is breathable, lightweight, and waterproof. The laminate has a 2-layer membrane and is suitable for high-intensity sports such as running and cycling.

Gore-Tex C Knit

Gore-Tex C Knit has a 3-layer membrane that includes wool, making it softer and highly comfortable to wear.

Gore-Tex Infinium

The Infinium membrane focuses on breathability, comfort, and optimal wind protection. Unlike other membranes, Infinium is not 100% waterproof because it lacks a waterproof membrane. Gore-Tex Infinium clothing items are excellent for activities where wind protection is crucial, even if complete waterproofness isn't necessary.

Gore-Tex Extended Performance (EPE)

Gore-Tex EPE is a membrane technology designed to enhance the durability of Gore-Tex clothing without compromising the waterproof and breathable properties of the membrane. The membrane is made of a 3-layer construction. Unlike other Gore-Tex membranes, the EPE is recyclable.

Washing tips for hardshell clothing

After purchasing a technical hardshell jacket or pants, you want to enjoy the windproof, waterproof, and breathable properties for a long time. This can only be achieved with proper maintenance. Therefore, we'd like to provide a few tips!

An obvious tip, but important nonetheless: read the care label. This way, you always use the correct washing method.
Always wash a hardshell with a tech wash. Regular detergents can have a negative impact on the material.
Always check the care label to see if your hardshell can go in the dryer. This depends on the material of the laminate. If your hardshell can go in the dryer, it's advisable to do so. In this case, the material recovers better in the dryer compared to not using one. Note: if you put a hardshell in the dryer when it's not allowed, you will damage the laminate irreparably!
After extensive use, it's wise to re-apply water repellency to your hardshell. You can do this with a suitable detergent or spray. The advantage of a spray is that you can apply it exclusively to the outside, so it doesn't affect the inside of the jacket.