Air permeability, Breathability, Airflow

Air Permeability—the movement of air molecules through a membrane under pressure—is NOT breathability. In fact, they couldn’t be further from each other. Fabric air permeability is a measure of how well it allows the passage of air through it. The ease or otherwise of passage of air is of importance for a number of fabric end uses such as industrial filters, tents, sailcloth, parachutes, raincoat materials, shirting’s, down proof fabrics and airbags. The only thing pressurized bubbling displays show is an inferior weatherproof membrane’s ineffectiveness at blocking wind from chilling your body. Unless you’re pumping up your jacket with an air compressor and want wind to hit your skin, don’t believe the hype surrounding these “breathability” displays. Here are the facts on breathability, waterproofness, air permeability . Air permeability is simply when air can flow through a fabric or membrane. Breathability is Not Airflow; Airflow should be thought of as ventilation and needs to be under your control at all times. Here are some really gross reasons why you should be in charge of how much air passes through your gear.