New Wild Things Hard Shell SO 1.0 System in 3-Layer GORE-TEX®
For 2015, Wild Things makes the switch from 3-Layer eVent waterproof/breathable fabric to GORE-TEX® Military, Light and Fast, Rain-Rated waterproof/breathable fabric. eVent has served us remarkably well in our Hard Shell SO 1.0 system since inception, however the latest fabric test results, in a side-by-side comparison makes a compelling case for GORE-TEX®. The key data point to note is the Mullens Burst after DEET Exposure and this test suggests that eVent is more prone to contamination, impacting its ability to maintain waterproofness over time. When you compare GORE-TEX® Light and Fast to eVent, GORE-TEX® wins on weight and durability. GORE-TEX® is significantly lighter weight and more durably waterproof than eVent while sharing similar stiffness and breathability characteristics.
3-Layer GORE-TEX® and eVent Fabric Comparison
Characteristic | Physical Property | 3-Layer GORE-TEX® L&F (Rain) | 3-Layer eVent | Test Method |
Comfort | Weight (osy) | 3.3 | 5.2 | ASTM D-3776 |
Comfort | Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (g/m2/24hr) | 13,000 | 12,800 | ISO 15496 |
Comfort | Stiffness (g/in) | 227 | 228 | ASTM D-6828 |
Durable Waterproofness | Mullen's Burst (psi) | 101 | 106 | ASTM D-751 |
Durable Waterproofness | Mullen's Burst after DEET Exposure (psi) | 88 | 53 | ASTM D-751 |
Mechanical Strength | Breaking Strength | 100 (warp) 85 (fill) |
175 (warp) 170 (fill) |
ASTM D-5034 |
Mechanical Strength | Tear Resistance (kg) | 4.4 (warp) 2.8 (fill) |
4.9 (warp) 4.0 (fill) |
ASTM D-2528 |