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In FGF last week there was a gilet made of EN343 Grade 3 waterproof and breathable material. I know that EN343 is a workwear standard and not an outdoor adventure standard but googling the differences doesn't lead me far.
Does anyone have any practical experience of EN343 Grade 3 v Gore-Tex 2, 2.5 or 3 layer? (Yes, other waterproof membranes are available)
Gore-Tex 2, 2.5 or 3 layer?
That doesn't actually determine the performance of the fabric as the material the ePTFE has been bonded to will determine the breathability and they are lots of different fabrics of varying construction types e.g. one GTX jacket might use 3 ply Goretex in with three different weights of the same outer fabric, each of which will have different performance.
Fair enough. I was trying to find a way to phrase the question of 'what is the overlap between workwear standards garments and outdoor activity garments' and I thought if I didn't acknowledge there were different types of waterproof membranes for activity garments I'd start a different debate. I have failed.
Thank you Matt. Interesting that the waterproof element of outdoor garments (but not Gore-Tex) tend to be measured by hydro-static head (mm) whilst workwear is by pressure (pascals). So the overlap between ‘standards’ still seems difficult to judge.
I was only interested as I have plenty of outdoor gear but no workwear and the gilet piqued my interest.
More and more are using RET too.
I was always believing that the work wear waterproof and breathability was pretty basic - like around 8k/8k. I've no evidence though, maybe urban myth.
Remember that Goretex is available in different formats and performance, but most quality membranes are now 20k/20k or above.
Also remember that people like HellyHansen offer Goretex work wear - at higher cost, so surely higher performance?
Also remember that people like HellyHansen offer Goretex work wear – at higher cost, so surely higher performance?
I'd expect that workwear prioritises durability which means using thicker and tougher outer fabrics which will compromise breathability.
Most GTX jackets sold get very occasional use compared with, say Network Rail employees, who will be wearing their hi vis kit 8 hours a day, day in day out working on site etc.
I also thought that workwear would have a greater emphasis on durability but I have no experience to say if that is just a sub-conscious bias or a reality.
In a gilet it may not matter anyway. I have a very old Altura gilet with a relatively thick nylon waterproofed front and a mesh back. It seems counter intuitive but works really well on those cold dank days where it’s damp but not ‘proper rain’. The waterproof coating is starting to peel away.
Anyone with experience of the one in Fresh Goods Friday? It’s only available via e bay so no chance to view.
I don't think you need to compromise durability to get breathability. I've got an old 3 ply goretex jackets that's unbelievably tough, and breathes well, but it isn't light
