I have been a fan of WL Gore & Associates’ SHAKEDRY membrane since I first saw it about two years ago. It’s amazing.
Initially, it was used in Gore’s running and biking line, but as the clothing is primarily aimed at Europe the sizing combined with the tight, no frills design precluded me from purchasing a jacket. Later, Arc’teryx offered a limited release Norvan SL Jacket.
Now, other brands are getting into the “ROFO”* game with its permanent DWR. Water just heads up on its face. You can literally take your jacket off and shake it dry. Moisture slides right off. Plus, it breathes very well during physical activity.
The North Face Hyperair incorporates a hood, Velcro adjustable cuffs and large zippered chest pockets with mesh liners for both weight and ventilation.
Right now, SHAKEDRY is only available in Black. Additionally, the material is extremely lightweight at just 197g/m2. Regardless of brand, a jacket will compact into a ball the size of your fist. This is why they tend to be no frills designs. It keeps weight and bulk to a minimum. I’d say that TNF’s Hyperair is the fanciest so far on the market.
One last word. While I love the Jacket, it’s not a replacement for a hardshell parka. That Lightweight material isn’t going to put up with abrasion. It definitely has a place for physical training. Additionally, it can be used like an old Stealth Suit, worn under outer garments, like a smock.
*During development Gore’s stretch fabric was known as ‘TOPO’ and SHAKEDRY was called ‘ROFO’.
Tags: The North Face, WL Gore & Assoc
Hows the DWR last and what happens when it gets dirty/degrades?
Having worked with a few tech fabric companies, thats where the development needs to go. Once a DWR stops performing youre back to canvas especially when nylon is the base fabric (it warps).
From what ive seen, ultra high density polymers are the way forward as even when a membrane or DWR fails they are inherantly hydrophobic but still $$$ tho big brand marketing for fancy nylon is closing gap…
I handled one at a north face store a year or so ago. The closest thing I can relate it to is like directly making the jacket out of the gore tex membrane itself so there is no nylon base as you might traditionally think.
The whole point of this textile is that there is NO DWR to fail.
Interesting. But then why a DWR if no face fabric to keep from saturating?
Not being argumentative but genuinely interested.
When they were working on this fabric there were references to “permanent DWR”. Now, they call it “durable water repellant”. Either way, it works like DWR; the water beads on the surface and rolls off.
Shakedry is pretty simple actually. It’s an inner fabric and a membrane, no outer fabric. There is nothing on the outside that can absorb water.
It’s not as durable as traditional membrane laminates, but it’s a hell of a lot lighter.
This. It’s essentially reversed paclite. Membrane on the outside. Designed for running and emergency use.
So its less durable than packite but lighter and dries faster?
Still wondering how the DWR goes and what happens when its compromised.
Interesting tho some unaddressed questions.
See above.
https://www.gore-tex.com/technology/outerwear/gore-tex-active-products/shakedry-product-technology