There may have been a time when all outdoor brands had to do to impress us was make gear that worked, but with growing concern for the impact of our adventures on the environment, companies have faced a new challenge in recent years – how to protect us from nature without leaving a scratch?
For a long time, technical outdoor gear has relied on synthetic fabrics and DWR containing PFCs to keep us safe in cold, wind and rain, but these materials shed microplastics into our soil and water sources. A 2018 study on the carbon footprint of active sport participants found that participants in nature sports had the highest emission levels of all and consumers are looking for ways to stay safe and dry in the mountains without increasing their carbon footprint.
British outdoor brand Montane believes it may have come up with an answer to the riddle of sustainable waterproofing with the launch of a new advanced waterproof technology available now.
Petrichor Technology, named for the way the earth smells when it rains, is a 100% waterproof and windproof 3-layer fabric that remains breathable while you work up a sweat and transports moisture away from your body thanks to a non-porous hydrophilic membrane.
Technical fabrics used in most waterproof jackets and rain pants still rely on synthetic materials, but in this case, Montane has minimized the impact by using 100% recycled Nylon 21D Ripstop face fabric. Furthermore, Petrichor uses a PFAS-free membrane and PFC-free DWR.
“Our inspiration for this new technology is rooted in the outdoor spaces where we test our products as well as the commitment that we have to reduce our environmental impact," comments Montane’s Marketing Director, Matthew Hickman.
If you're ready for a new waterproof jacket and want to cut down on your footprint, Petrichor Technology is already available in the Cetus Lite Waterproof Jacket built for hiking, trail running and fastpacking at a retail price of $340/£270.
