Outdoor gear today must prioritize both performance and sustainability. In 2025, leading brands like Berunwear, Gore-Tex, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research are pushing the limits with new waterproof technologies. These innovations keep you dry while reducing environmental impact. What makes them stand out? Let’s explore these advanced materials and eco-friendly designs.

BERUNWEAR

Berunwear is a well-established manufacturer with over 15 years of experience in customizing sportswear. It has earned a solid reputation by working with top global brands like Columbia, Adidas, and Nike. With its strong expertise, Berunwear offers a wide variety of products that meet the needs of sports and activewear enthusiasts.

Product Range

berunwear offers a broad range of products, including: – Teamwear – Activewear – Cycling clothing – Running apparel – Sublimated jerseys – Event wear – T-shirts, jerseys, jackets, polos, pants, shorts, hoodies, sweatshirts, socks, hats, and bags

Fabric Types

Berunwear focuses on sustainability and quality by using eco-friendly fabrics: – Organic cotton – Recycled polyester – Hemp blends – Bamboo fabrics – Moisture-wicking materials – Sustainable synthetics

Customization and Design Services

Berunwear offers a range of customization options, including: – Private label options (logos, tags, labels) – Custom packaging – Free design support from a team of 10 skilled designers who help create innovative styles

Production Capacity and Turnaround Time

Berunwear is known for its impressive production capabilities: – Produces over 100,000 pieces per month – Operates a 10,000-square-meter facility with 115 skilled workers – Can handle rush orders, delivering bulk manufacturing in just 1–3 days

Global Reach and Accessibility

Berunwear serves markets worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, and Europe. It works with leading logistics companies like UPS, DHL, and FedEx to ensure quick deliveries. The company also has a low minimum order quantity of 10 pieces, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Cost Efficiency and Quality Assurance

Berunwear has a reliable supply chain with over 30 material suppliers, ensuring both cost-efficiency and high-quality products. The company owns its production facilities, helping keep costs low while maintaining premium quality standards. Every garment undergoes a thorough inspection before reaching customers.

Case Studies

  • Helped DSA reduce costs by 30%, streamline logistics, and expand their product range.
  • Assisted Ot_m outerwear startup in making $30,000 in profits within the first month by designing and producing key clothing items.
  • Transformed P_m-X.com’s cycling apparel brand through full customization and production services.

Gore-Tex

I’ve always liked Gore-Tex because it keeps you dry, no matter how bad the weather is. Their high-performance membranes act like a strong shield, protecting you from the toughest conditions. This brand has always pushed the limits of innovation, creating gear that lets you face the elements with confidence.

New ePE Membrane

Gore-Tex has introduced its new ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane, which is PFAS-free. This membrane is lightweight, thin, and strong. It provides excellent waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance. It also allows sweat vapor to escape, keeping users dry and comfortable in all conditions. The ePE membrane also has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional methods of making new products.

Performance Benefits

The ePE membrane offers long-lasting protection while ensuring comfort. Its key features include: – Waterproof: Keeps water out. – Windproof: Protects against wind. – Breathability: Lets moisture escape, preventing sweating and discomfort.

This membrane has been thoroughly tested to ensure it works well over time and uses less energy during production.

Product Integration

The ePE membrane is combined with eco-friendly textiles, such as recycled, solution-dyed, or undyed materials. This helps keep the high performance of Gore-Tex products while reducing their environmental impact.

Awards and Recognition

The Gore-Tex ePE membrane has received industry recognition, including: – GearJunkie’s 2023 “Gear of the Year”
The Great Outdoors 2024 Gear Award for Best Innovation (Brand)

Applications

The ePE membrane is used in various products, including jackets, footwear, and gloves. For example, the Saucony Gore-Tex Collection uses this technology in shoes like the Triumph 22, Kinvara 15, and Peregrine 14, providing both waterproof protection and breathability.

DWR Treatments

Although the ePE membrane is PFAS-free, some Gore-Tex products may still use a secondary waterproofing treatment called durable water repellent (DWR). This treatment, which sometimes contains PFAS, is being improved to reduce its PFAS content.

Environmental Impact

The combination of the ePE membrane and carefully selected textiles helps reduce the carbon footprint of Gore-Tex products, as shown in the Higg Materials Sustainability Index. This commitment to sustainability makes Gore-Tex a forward-thinking brand in waterproof technology.

Patagonia

Patagonia’s H2No technology has changed the game for waterproof clothing. I feel like I have a personal shield against rain, wind, and even the strongest gusts. Plus, it’s breathable, so I never feel like I’m stuck in my own sweat. I appreciate how well it’s tested, including the tough “Killer Wash” test, which simulates 30 years of harsh weather. After all that, the products still hold up well, with a water rating that keeps me dry for a long time. This gear feels built to withstand any storm, both in reality and in concept.

Waterproofness and Breathability

H2No products are known for their waterproof and breathable features. The fabric is tested using the “Killer Wash” method, simulating heavy use in wet conditions. Initially rated at 20,000mm, the water resistance remains at least 10,000mm after testing, ensuring long-lasting waterproof protection.

Layer Options

Patagonia offers different H2No fabric options for various needs: – 3-layer H2No: This fabric includes a water-repellent shell, a waterproof/breathable membrane, and a light knit backer. It’s perfect for packing and comfort in extreme environments. – 2.5-layer H2No: A lighter option, combining a waterproof membrane with a protective top coat. It’s highly packable and helps with moisture management. – 2-layer H2No: This features a waterproof membrane and a durable internal lining for added comfort and durability.

Environmental Sustainability

Patagonia is committed to sustainability. By Fall 2024, 99% of its fabrics will be water-repellent without PFAS chemicals. This is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of waterproofing. All new styles launched by Spring 2025 will be PFAS-free.

Field Testing

Patagonia tests its products in real-world conditions through its global ambassador team. This ensures all products meet the H2No Performance Standard and perform well in various environments.

Examples of Products

  • Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket: Made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop fabric, this jacket features a 3-layer H2No shell. It offers both reliable waterproof performance and sustainability.
  • Dual Aspect Jacket and Bibs: Released in 2021, these items are PFAS-free and offer waterproofing through both the garment’s finish and inner membrane.

Care and Durability

To maintain the waterproof and breathable qualities of H2No products, Patagonia recommends regular cleaning and care. This includes machine washing, avoiding bleach, and tumble drying on low heat. Regular care can refresh the surface repellency, ensuring long-term performance.

Outdoor Research:

Outdoor Research has made progress in waterproof technology, introducing new materials and sustainable practices in its collections.

AscentShell™ Dry Technology

The AscentShell™ Dry material, introduced in Fall 2024, is a durable 3-layer fabric that is both breathable and waterproof. It’s designed for outdoor enthusiasts, maintaining its waterproof and breathability performance throughout the life of the garment. This material offers comfort and reliable performance in different weather conditions, making it a great choice for anyone looking for top-quality waterproof gear.

Direct.Dry DWR Technology

Outdoor Research has teamed up with Nikwax to create Direct.Dry DWR Technology, a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment that is free of PFAS. This is a groundbreaking innovation in DWR technology, providing an eco-friendly waterproofing solution without harmful chemicals. This effort is part of Outdoor Research’s commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability Efforts

  • By Spring 2024, 80% of Outdoor Research’s consumer products will be free from PFAS, and almost 100% will meet this standard by Fall 2024.
  • Key waterproof collections, such as the Foray and Aspire, are certified carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners, highlighting the brand’s focus on sustainability.

Material and Fabric Innovations

  • Foray II and Aspire II rain jackets and pants use C0 DWR treatment, free from fluorinated materials, and recycled materials with bluesign-approved Gore-Tex Paclite technology.
  • The Stratoburst Jacket and Pants are made from 50D recycled polyester stretch fabric and are free from PFAS, offering a mix of eco-friendliness and durability.

Innovative Features

  • The Foray jacket has double zippers extending from the armpit to the hem, providing better ventilation and helping to release heat during intense activities.
  • The Shadow Wind Hoodie features a lightweight, bluesign-approved stretch-woven material and a stowable adjustable hood for comfort in unpredictable weather. It also has a DWR treatment without fluorinated materials for extra water resistance.

Inclusive Sizing

Outdoor Research has expanded its size range, offering sizes from XS to 4X Plus in many of its collections for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024, ensuring more outdoor enthusiasts can find the right fit.

Technological Advancements

  • The brand uses Duraprint, a 3D-printed resin structure, to improve durability while maintaining lightness and flexibility in products like the Ferrosi Hoodie softshell.
  • Laser perforations are added to the Astroman collection to enhance ventilation for users in warm and active environments.

Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx has mastered waterproofing, especially in tough conditions. Their 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric keeps rain out and lets your skin breathe. I’ve always appreciated this feature during long hikes. The Beta rain jacket acts like an invisible shield. It has an impressive waterproof rating of 28,000 mm and breathability of 20,000 g/m²/24hrs. For me, this jacket has been a game-changer. It offers great protection against unpredictable weather, keeping me dry and comfortable even in the wildest storms.

Materials

  • The Beta rain jacket is made from 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric, incorporating GORE C-KNIT backer technology. The fabric blends 30-denier nylon with a membrane made from ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) or the more eco-friendly ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane, which is PFAS-free and reduces environmental impact.
  • The Beta SL Jacket uses a stronger 70d/40d nylon outer fabric, which enhances its durability in tough conditions.

Features

  • The jacket has several design features that ensure water resistance and comfort:
    • Adjustable hood for a better fit.
    • Velcro tabs to tighten the cuffs and create a better seal.
    • WaterTight zippers to keep water from entering.
    • Three pockets: two large hand pockets and a small internal chest pocket for valuables.
    • Pit zips in the Beta SL Jacket to improve breathability during intense activities.

Durability

  • Arc’teryx jackets are built to last with ripstop 30-denier nylon facing material, which resists abrasion and harsh conditions.
  • Micro-seams and anatomical shaping reduce stress on the fabric and help prevent wear and tear.
  • The jackets come with a Practical Product Lifespan guarantee, which offers repair or replacement if the jacket experiences issues during its typical life.

Sustainability

  • The PFAS-free ePE membrane used in the Beta SL Jacket makes it an environmentally friendly option by reducing harmful chemicals and lowering its carbon footprint.

Weight and Packability

  • The Beta SL Jacket weighs 12.0 oz for men’s sizes and 10.6 oz for women’s sizes. Although it’s lighter than earlier versions, it is still considered mid-weight, which may make it a bit bulky for some users to pack.

Use Cases

  • This jacket is perfect for heavy all-day rain, offering maximum protection during prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
  • The elongated sleeves and full-coverage hood keep water out, even in heavy rain.
  • Due to its bulk, the jacket is not ideal for light rain or unpredictable weather, as it may be too cumbersome to pack and wear for less extreme conditions.

Mountain Equipment

Mountain Equipment is well-known for using advanced fabric technology, especially its collaboration with GORE-TEX. GORE-TEX is recognized as the leading waterproof and breathable fabric, designed to perform well in harsh weather. The GORE-TEX bicomponent membrane provides long-lasting protection, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers facing extreme conditions.

Fabric Technology

Mountain Equipment mainly uses GORE-TEX fabrics, including GORE-TEX PRO. This innovative material offers 28% more breathability than previous versions. The fabric uses a multi-layer ePTFE-based membrane system and Micro Grid Backer technology, which provide durability and comfort. All waterproof fabrics, including those with GORE-TEX, have a hydrostatic head of over 20,000mm and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of more than 20,000 g/m²/24h, ensuring excellent waterproofing and breathability.

Durability and Breathability

Mountain Equipment’s garments are designed to be durable and breathable. The use of GORE-TEX ensures that these products can endure harsh weather, offering protection while staying breathable for comfort during intense outdoor activities.

Construction and Craftsmanship

The quality of construction plays a key role in the performance of Mountain Equipment’s products. The brand uses design techniques like seamless chinguards and strong bonding at the hem to reduce water entry. Their factories in Eastern Europe and the Far East employ skilled workers and follow Fair Wear standards, ensuring high-quality and ethical production.

Specific Products

Mountain Equipment’s Makalu Jacket is a standout, known for its strong performance in extreme conditions. Made with GORE-TEX fabric, it offers excellent durability, breathability, and protection. The jacket includes features like adjustable hoods, water-resistant zips, and shaped cuffs to improve functionality for various outdoor activities.

Partnership with Gore

Mountain Equipment has been partnering with W. L. Gore for over forty years. This long-term collaboration has helped develop and test GORE-TEX fabrics. As a result, Mountain Equipment’s products consistently meet high standards of performance, ensuring reliability and top-notch quality for outdoor enthusiasts.

Additional Features

Mountain Equipment’s garments often feature thoughtful details, like adjustable hoods, water-resistant zips, and shaped cuffs. These features enhance comfort, fit, and overall performance, making the gear a dependable choice for tough outdoor conditions.

summary

These top brands are leading the way with innovative waterproof technologies. Outdoor enthusiasts are looking for both higher performance and sustainability, and these brands are meeting that demand.

  • Berunwear offers custom solutions.
  • Gore-Tex uses eco-friendly membranes.
  • Patagonia features H2No technology.

Every brand has its unique style, combining durability with a focus on the environment. They are shaping the future of outdoor gear with each responsible decision, allowing us to enjoy nature without harming it.