I was again rummaging around the fabric talk blogs and saw where P2I has another footwear manufacturer who is buying into the use of their vaccuum chamber induced polymer waterproofing technology. I suspect others have seen the video gone viral used by Hi-Tec as a marketing hoax to create a name and announce their use of ion-mask. Quite an interesting video. I think when this technology was first introduced there was some talk within BPL forums with a "wait and see" slant.

Timberland now is joining Hi-Tec, K-Swiss, Nike and Adidas in the use of this technology.

The literature suggests that the polymer bonding at the molecular level makes for a durable coating with a life as long as the fabric/material it is applied to.

I am astounded that I have not seen more buzz in BPL from readers and from staff members. As important a topic as WPB gear is in these forums where is the buzz? Where are the user/staff gear tests?

I WANT TO BELIEVE!

I AM DRINKIN THE KOOLAID!

:)

Edited by crowculbertson on 11/25/2010 23:23:34 MST.

"Where are the user/staff gear tests?"


Where are the gear?


:P

I have used a test pair of Hi-Tec ion-mask nano waterproofing technology boots. In very wet conditions they leaked after a few miles. It is something BPL need to look at and get the truth on how it really works in the open.

Ion-mask is a DWR technology. It by itself will not prevent leakage from water pressure.

> I WANT TO BELIEVE!
> I AM DRINKIN THE KOOLAID!

I have this really good bridge for sale ...

Cheers

Now I surely saw Hi-Tec reps "walk on water". I know I saw it!

:)

Richard may be right on DWR. The latest line of Hi-Tec boots with ion-mask include an eVENT membrane. ion-mask alone may not do the trick.

Still believe in the new Polartek tech.
Am going to have the world's lightest fuzzy green single wall beathable tent. Yes.

hey dunt ya nock my porah tek .. lol

jsut because their powershield aint all that breathable shouldnt count against them ...

i mean its only a matter of time till polar bears replace their fur with powerstretch

did ya know that a polar bear fuzz has a clo valur of 8 ;)

Edited by bearbreeder on 11/26/2010 22:27:40 MST.

I have seen the following new WPB fabric announcements of late.

Neoshell -- Polartec
Dry Q -- Mountain Hardware
Omni Dry -- Columbia

Comment was made that with Columbia owning Mountain Hardware how similar are the two offerings.

Competition surely means better products for the customer.

It sounds similar to the "Nano-Sphere" stuff that Feathered Friends offers for their bags. I have that on one of my sleeping bags, and I've been happy with it, although I can't say I've really tested it. For the most part, it can be thought of as just another waterproof/breathable layer. It certainly is an area that holds some promise, but I'm surprised to see it in shoes before I see it in rain jackets. Waterproof/Breathable layers for shoes usually don't work. It seems like more marketing, than anything else. Spray it on shoes, and walk around the neighborhood and your shoes seem dry. Go stomping around in Spring snow, and you will get different results. That's why I would like to see this technology applied to rain jackets (essentially apply it to a wind shirt). Rain jackets are tested in a different manner, and it is much easier to see how well it breathes or protects you from rain. Perhaps they did that and it failed, so they just applied it to shoes (where the performance is harder to notice).

Warren,

NeoShell™ is a micro porous polyurethane coating like Entrant™ with a different trade mark name.
DryQ™ is an eVent™ membrane with a different trade mark name.
OmniTec™ is a micro porous polypropylene membrane like Propore™ with a different trade mark name

No WPB patents are pending or have been issued recently to Polartec, Mountain Hardware or Columbia; this indicates they are OEMing the membranes / coatings and putting different trade mark names on them. Although nothing appears to me to be new, the increased distribution channels should result in better value to the consumer.

Edited by richard295 on 11/28/2010 20:05:19 MST.

Richard,
If they put the polypropylene membrane on somthing more durable, it might be quite an improvement.

It's possible, but the most likely outcome is similar breathability with a lower cost.

Richard,
Maybe could have been clearer. Was wishing the polypropylene material on Driducks, FroggTogs etc, could be used with a more durable outdoor fabric, since the garments already are very breathable and very light, not to mention very inexpensive.

OmniDry appears to be somthing used by Columbia to wick persperation, and is not especially water resistant. They do have something called OmniShield.

If the available WPB technologies are going to be auctioned off for use under different names, I doubt that even BPL will be able to break through the confusion that results.

"If the available WPB technologies are going to be auctioned off for use under different names, I doubt that even BPL will be able to break through the confusion that results."

I've always been of the opinion that due diligence trumps marketing.

Edited by greg23 on 11/28/2010 19:14:30 MST.

Seems their WPB is indeed Omni Tech which includes a layer of Omni Shield.

"Columbia Sportswear's Omni-Tech® products provide premium waterproof and breathable protection by keeping outside elements from getting in, while still allowing moisture vapors to move away from the skin. Microporous membranes keep water from penetrating the fabric yet allow perspiration to escape, so you stay dry.

Omni-Tech's first layer of defense is Omni-Shield®, which prevents most water from ever making contact with the inner layers. Next, a microporous membrane provides the primary and most impervious layer of defense by completely blocking the passage of water molecules into the fabric. Omni-Tech membranes are 100% air permeable, which allows moisture vapors to escape. This superior breathability keeps you dry from the inside out. Lastly, lining materials protect the Omni-Tech membrane from underneath, while adding additional wicking properties. Waterproof. Breathable. Guaranteed."

Edited by crowculbertson on 11/28/2010 19:22:47 MST.