Sympatex

The latter system offers greater durability, by better protecting the integrity of the Sympatex layer from abrasion to both the outside and the inside of the garment.

A closed membrane like Sympatex differs from microporous membranes (such as Gore-Tex) which have microscopic pores that let air (and water vapour) pass through, yet have such low surface energy that the surface tension of any (liquid) water in contact remains too high to allow it to squeeze through the pores.

Microporous membranes have traditionally been let down by the contamination of their pores which significantly degrades their breatheability and commonly also have poorer adhesion to fabrics making them more susceptible to delamination.

Sympatex's co-polymer consists of polyester for molecular strength, and polyether to transport water molecules.

[citation needed] Sympatex Technologies GmbH now markets four enhanced fabrics: HigH2Out; Reflexion; Phaseable; and Airflow.