Popular Science test finds Polartec Neoshell outperforms Gore-Tex
Popular Science, a leading source of science and technology news, recently conducted a one-month, head-to-head test between two shells, one made with Polartec NeoShell® fabric and the other with Gore-Tex® Active Shell fabric. The magazine also reports its testers found NeoShell is more breathable and comfortable. The magazine published the results of its test in the May 2011 issue — click here to read.
For one month this winter, four testers compared the Rab Stretch Neo Jacket made from Polartec NeoShell, to the Millet Trilogy Limited GTX jacket made with Gore-Tex Active Shell. Testers wore the two shells while skiing in the mountains of Vermont, Colorado and Utah in conditions ranging from snow to bright sunshine, with temperatures varying from close to freezing to as low as -30°F.
In reporting on the testing, the magazine summarized the results with this statement: “All four testers felt consistently more comfortable in the 17-ounce Polartec shell, despite the Gore-Tex’s jacket being three ounces heavier. Testers had to physically air out the Gore-Tex jacket by unzipping its armpit vents, whereas sweat evaporated quickly out of the ventless Polartec.”
As one might expect, even though it is only one test and limited in the breadth of shells tested, Polartec’s team is thrilled with this news.
“This fabric review is significant because the test was conducted by a respected and unbiased science publication outside the outdoor industry,” stated Nate Simmons, global director of marketing for Polartec. “The Pop Sci test validates all of the fabric testing we have conducted in our own lab – Polartec NeoShell is significantly more breathable than any other waterproof fabric on the market.”
Polartec NeoShell is being used in outerwear shells by companies such as 66 North, Mammut, Marmot, Montura, Rab, The North Face (North America only), Vaude and Westcomb.
–Michael Hodgson
