softshell material
The universal and flexible material is breathable and protects against wind and moisture
This designation covers functional synthetic (PAI, PES) woven materials that offer a combination of different degrees of functionality such as wind resistance, breathability and some degree of water resistance or They provide hydrophobic property. Softshell is characterized by its flexibility, which is reflected in the increased comfort of movement of the clothing.
Detail of the cross-section of a light, 3-layer softshell, its internal structure, which facilitates the removal of sweat from the body.
Detail of both sides of a light, 1-layer, hydrophobic surface softshell, which, thanks to the structure on the inside, quickly wicks away sweat. sweat and guarantees effective ventilation.
Most softshells excel in their flexibility and adaptability, which is achieved by placing elastic fibers in the fabric. The clothing therefore adapts well to the parameters of the body and, together with the technical cut, significantly increases mobility.
All softshell fabrics have a hydrophobic surface that repels water droplets and does not allow them to seep into the material under normal conditions. The resistance decreases with the increase of the external water pressure and of course with repeated wearing of the clothing if we do not pay attention to the care of the surface.
Performance in all weathers
Softshell materials protect against the wind. Although they do not guarantee absolute waterproofness, they do not disappoint in wet conditions thanks to the membrane and hydrophobic surface treatment.
Flexibility and breathability
The strength of softshell materials lies in their flexibility and adaptability, which contributes to the high level of mobility of the clothing. Together with breathability, which prevents overheating during exercise, these factors make softshell clothing extremely suitable for a wide range of wear throughout the year.
Universal layer
Softshell clothing is a very versatile garment. Works well in dry and changeable conditions with wind as a top layer. Can function as a middle insulating layer in extremely wet weather. The winter version with microfleece performs well in the cold and does not require wearing an additional insulating layer.
Not all softshells are reliable. We at NORTHFINDER know this and have been carefully selecting only the highest quality softshells (PERFORMANCE SOFTSHELL) when designing our pants and jackets for more than two decades.
Hardshell versus softshell
Hardshell, as the name suggests, is made of harder densely woven fibers. It is created by laminating several layers with different functions.
The outer layerprotects the waterproof membrane from damage. At the same time, it forms a hydrophobic barrier on the surface with a unique coating.
Underneath themembrane(microporous or non-porous) is found, the main task of which is to prevent the penetration of moisture from the outside to the inside. It must ensure the transmission of heat and moisture in the form of vapor away from the body.
They often add onethird layer or half layer, which is closest to the body and is designed to protect the body in contact with the waterproof membrane.
We compared the advantages of both materials:
Softshell was created based on the need for a durable, breathable, insulating and flexible material that compensates for some of the shortcomings of hardshell. Since then, both materials have undergone intensive development to improve them. The softshell category has been expanded with various functions. Hardshell focused on increasing breathability and reducing weight while maintaining maximum water resistance.
It forms a kind of hybrid combinationDermizaxmaterial that most closely resembles both materials in its properties and functions.
+ 100% WATERPROOF
+ 100% WIND RESISTANCE
+ EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES
+ OUTER LAYER
+ COLLABLE
- thermal insulation
- breathability
- flexibility of the material
+ 100% WIND RESISTANCE
+ WATER RESISTANCE
+ FLEXIBILITY
+ BREATHING
+ UNIVERSAL USE
+ THERMAL INSULATION PROPERTIES
- water resistance
- can be packed together
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