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Fabric Information
The fabrics we use are all highly water-resistant and breathable. The Pertex Shield shells are waterproof, HOWEVER the construction is not. We don't tape any of our seams in sleeping bags or the jackets/parkas. One of the reasons our bags and garments are considered the finest in the world is our ability to source the most effective shell materials available for any application. The demands of an ultra-lightweight backpacker are very different from those of a high-altitude climber; this is why we offer five different fabrics throughout our line. Any of our fabrics will handle the common conditions of the outdoors with ease; they all rank very high with respect to wind-proofness, water resistance, packability and weight. IN GENERAL we can make the following recommendations: If you put a priority on having the lightest shell material available: go with Pertex Endurance UL or Schoeller NanoSphere. If you need a blend of durability, weight savings, soft hand and water-resistance: go with Schoeller NanoSphere or Pertex Endurance LT. If extended backcountry trips and expeditions are the name of the game: look at Pertex Shield EX or XT. (note: most of our products are only available in the listed fabrics, e.g. we won't make a Rock & Ice parka from NanoSphere. We've paired them based on the designed function of the bag/garment and the characteristics of the chosen fabrics.) |
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NanoSphere® is a permanent treatment to the fabric, which through the use of nanoparticles, alters the material to a much higher degree of water and stain resistance. In practical terms, this is our lightest weight fabric we use in our sleeping bags and garments, and the choice for ultra-light packing.
For more information on Nanosphere technology click here. Nylon |
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Pertex® Endurance UL pushes the weight category ever lighter. This new fabric comes in lighter than Nano yet offers the same water resistance. Utilizing relatively old (1990’s) technology but applied to a very new and inventive fabric the performance applications are significant. There are a small handful of other manufactures using this technology in their products but none are using it in down sleeping bags or windbreakers and none of them offer the skilled craftsmanship that Feathered Friends is able to provide. Nylon |
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Pertex® Endurance LT uses the same weatherproofing technology as the Endurance UL but with a slightly heavier face fabric, increasing durability for more rugged use in garments.
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Pertex® Shield EX is a relatively new fabric and also makes use of a PU coating but with a slightly different chemical compound that offers full water proof performance while still coming in under 2 oz/sq yd. The waterproof and breathable features combined with the weight and durability makes this the perfect fabric for Expedition sleeping bags. Nylon |
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Pertex® Shield XT offers the same waterproof/breathable performance as Shield EX but applied to a slightly heavier face fabric for use in Expedition garments. This fabric offers the best durability to weight ratio for extended and rugged use. Nylon |
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