Gear Testing & Research Archives - Backpacking Light

What Properties Influence the Air Permeability of Wind Shirt Fabrics?

Ryan Jordan — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:38:11 +0000

The purpose of this report is to investigate the relationship between air permeability, fabric porosity, weave type, and yarn structure via photomicrography and image analysis. This is not an exhaustive research study, but rather, an exploration of some of the fabric design attributes that have an impact on air permeability rates.

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By The Numbers Fabric Air Permeability and MVTR are Closely Related, Just Not How You Might Expect

Stephen Seeber — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:00:56 +0000

This work explores the relationship between air permeability and MVTR in fabrics that do not include a waterproof membrane.

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By The Numbers – How Much Wind Penetrates Your Air Permeable Outer Layer at Hiking and Running Speeds?

Stephen Seeber — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:00:30 +0000

Stephen Seeber helps us answer the question, "do air-permeable garments allow a noticeable amount of ventilation while hiking or running?"

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By the Numbers: The Myth of Air Permeability in Windshirts

Stephen Seeber — Mon, 01 May 2023 15:00:47 +0000

If one of your objectives in selecting a windshirt is eliminating moisture vapor, your selection should rely more heavily on Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) than Air Permeability Measurements (APM / CFM).

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Using vapor pressure differential to predict condensation in tents

Ryan Jordan — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 02:58:56 +0000

How does vapor pressure differential influence condensation in tents?

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By The Numbers: What’s the Best Base Layer Fabric? Wool vs. Alpaca vs. Polyester

Stephen Seeber — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 15:00:41 +0000

In this paper, I subject base layers in various weights made from merino, merino blends, and alpaca to the suite of tests I have developed to evaluate base layer performance. I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. We also see if my preconceived notions about merino hold water. Finally, we will see how to choose the fiber for our base layers.

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How to Store Freeze-dried Food

Drew Smith — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Best practices for storing your freeze-dried food (plus one killer chiles rellenos recipe).

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By The Numbers: Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight vs. Patagonia Capilene Midweight Performance Comparison

Stephen Seeber — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

How does Patagonia Thermal Weight Capilene stack up against Midweight Capilene?

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By The Numbers: Testing the Performance of Mountain Hardwear AirMesh Garments

Stephen Seeber — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Is Mountain Hardwear AirMesh a breakthrough product or a prisoner of wicking base-layer physics?

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Why is my base layer soaked?

Stephen Seeber — Tue, 24 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Sometimes a wet base layer just can't be avoided. Soaked-based layers happen. Here is why it will happen to you.

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