Fabrics & Properties

There are so many difrent types of fabrics on the market these days that it becomes almost impossible to keep track of whats new, and whats the 'best'. Below is a list of fabrics most commonly used, either on their own or in tandem by varios outdoor apparel manufacturers. If you need any help as to what to buy, e-mail us with the activities you plan on doing.

Taslan Gore-tex® Tough for rugged use • standard by which other fabrics are judged. R49 Gore-tex® Lightweight ripstop • high tenacity Tactel parachute yarns • 2 & 3-layer constructions for lightest/toughest fabric combinations.
Kinetic Gore-tex® 3-layer construction • super-soft handle (WL Gore reckon it's the softest polymide laminte) • very high tear strength and resistance to abrasion. Gore-tex® Saturn A lightweight polyester fabric with standard Gore-tex membrane for reliable, cost effective performance • soft, flexible two layer • ideal for low level recreational activities • finished with a durable water repellent treatment (DWR) to shed water.
Gore-tex® XCR Membrane that can be added to all Gore-tex fabrics for extra breathability • up to 25% more breathable • transmit 500ml extra moisture away from the body in an average outdoor day • the only guaranteed waterproof fabric to be independently rated 'extremely breathable'. Gore-tex® Paclite 2nd generation fabric • Currently the lightest, most durable, packable, waterproof Gore fabric • its unique matrix dot design provides additional protection for the membrane extending the life of the fabric.
Impact Gore-tex® 2.5 times more abrasion resistant than Taslan • for high wear areas • high tear strength • only marginal weight penalty. Gore-tex® Stamina A lightweight ripstop polyester fabric with standard Gore-tex membrane for reliable waterproof, breathable performance • good abrasion resistance for summer activities • finished with a durable water repellent treatment.
Hydro/dry® New performance fabrics exclusive to SPRAYWAY • stable body micro climate • windproof • breathable • durable specified in 3 variants of optimum breathability, wind and waterproofing for specific activities. Hydro/dry P1 - Showerproof with maximum breathability & windproof. Hydro/dry P2 - Waterproof and windproof with high breathability. Hydro/dry P3 - Totally rain/sleet/snowproof • totally windproof • extremely breathable. TecBase Revolutionary 100% polyester moisture transfer fabric • regulates body temperature for comfort and performance • fast wicking, quick drying and breathable • ideal next to skin • specified in 2 variants: TecBase Mesh - Denier gradient construction enhances moisture transfer. TecBase Micro - Very High warmth to weight ratio, polyester yarns used are finer than silk (10 times finer than standard polyester), brushed both sides for comfort, warmth and air permeability. TecBase Chunky - Polyester mix chunky pile fleece foe extra warmth.
TecWeave 100% polyamid woven fabric • lightweight but very durable • resistant to fraying, tearing and abrasion • regulates personal climate by being fast wicking, quick drying and breathable. Polartec® Power Stretch® The high performance fabric • 60% • 30% polyamide on outer face for durability • 10% Lycra for complete 4-way stretch • antibacterial finish.
Polartec® Power Dry® Dry and comfortable next to skin • non-pilling lightweight bipolar construction with 2 unique surfaces • soft fast-wicking inner layer • durable outer layer spreads moisture for rapid moisture evaporation. Polartec® Windbloc® Completely windproof • breathable • water repellent.
Polartec® Thermal Pro™ Innovative fleece fabric that has excellent wicking, quick drying and is highly breathable. Polartec® 100 Micro Is an extremely lightweight fleece that is quick drying and provides excellent wicking • ideal for base layers.
Polartec® 200 Series Midweight and chunky thermal fleeces • excellent wicking, quick drying & antibacterial finish for next to skin • ideal for mid-layers. Polartec® 300 Series A chunky thermal fleece with excellent body moisture transfer and quick drying properties • ideal for outer wear.
Pertex® Extremely lightweight high windproof and highly breathable • very small packing size • strong and durable • there are deferent Pertex® combinations for all kinds of use. Gore Windstopper™ New generation lightweight fleece • combines windproofness with maximum breathability • ideal for aerobic sport • polyester microfleece face with lightweight mesh laminated to inside • highly packable and lightweight.
Primaloft® Is the single most thermally-effiecient insulation available • superior warmth, water repellence, and lightweight • not only does it outperform goose down (the only thing to challenge it when dry), but all other synthetics • with water-hating microscopic fibers, it repels water better than any other fabric • lofty and lightweight as down, and completely hypoallergenic • commonly used on its own or in combination with down in: sleeping bags, outer jackets and pullovers.  

Updated Mon, 6 May, 2002 http://www.rocksport.co.za