What are the differences between Sympatex© and other waterproof membranes?

Lagoped made a strategic and ecological choice by opting for the Sympatex membrane for its waterproof clothing. This choice is based on several fundamental criteria: technical performance, environmental commitment, and alignment with the brand's values of sustainability and ethics. We explain the reasons behind this decision and its implications for consumers and the outdoor industry.

Like other membranes on the market, the Sympatex membrane is renowned for its exceptional technical qualities. It offers total waterproofing, optimal breathability, and effective windproofing. These features are crucial for mountaineering, hiking, skiing clothing, etc., which must protect outdoor sports enthusiasts in extreme weather conditions while ensuring maximum comfort.

Produced by Sympatex Technologies GmbH, a German company, the Sympatex membrane guarantees perfect waterproofing thanks to its hydrophilic structure, which repels external water while allowing water vapor (sweat) to escape. This keeps the body dry, even in heavy rain.

Unlike other waterproof membranes on the market, it is called "solid" because it does not have "holes" which are pores. A significant advantage!

It is based on a physico-chemical principle: you can imagine a membrane made up of two fabrics, an outer fabric that is hydrophobic, it dislikes water and prevents it from penetrating, and an inner fabric that is hydrophilic, it likes water and absorbs the water vapor generated by body heat and expels it outside.

These absorption and evaporation processes allow the transfer of moisture through the membrane and ensure its breathability. This membrane works by pressure difference between the inner side (body side) and the outer side (outside) of the membrane. The greater the differences in temperature and humidity, the more significant and effective the breathable effect of the Sympatex membrane will be. It thus perfectly adapts to different sports activities and weather conditions.

Additionally, by completely blocking the wind, Sympatex helps maintain a stable body temperature, which is essential for comfort and performance outdoors.

Many waterproof membranes rely on microscopic pores for effective weather protection and breathability. These pores are small enough to prevent liquid water infiltration while allowing water vapor molecules to pass through, resulting in efficient moisture evacuation from the body.

However, the pores risk becoming clogged over time, which is not the case with the Sympatex membrane whose functions are sustainably maintained.

The presence of PFAS, also known as "forever pollutants," in garments equipped with certain waterproof membranes raises growing concerns about sustainability and environmental safety. These chemicals, used for their water-repellent properties, are known for their persistence in the environment and their potential to accumulate in ecosystems and living organisms. While waterproof garments with these other membranes offer high-quality weather protection, the presence of PFAS raises questions about their long-term impact on human health and the environment. 

With growing awareness of environmental concerns, consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for their outdoor clothing, highlighting the need for innovations in waterproof membrane technology.

Lagoped and Sympatex share a common vision: minimizing the environmental impact of their products. The Sympatex membrane stands out for its ecological approach to production and recyclability.

The Sympatex membrane is made from 100% recycled polyester, which reduces dependence on fossil resources and lowers the carbon footprint. With the waterproof membrane used by Lagoped, Sympatex guarantees a 100% recycled membrane, which is added to the other two layers (inner and outer), also made from 100% recycled material. This use of recycled materials perfectly aligns with Lagoped's commitment to sustainability.

Sympatex is also 100% recyclable, thanks to manufacturing from single-material polyester, allowing the creation of a closed loop where materials can be reused at the end of their life, thus reducing textile waste. Lagoped incorporates this approach into its production cycle, contributing to a circular economy.

The membrane is certified free of PTFE and PFC, chemical substances often used in other waterproof membranes but harmful to the environment and human health. 

Lagoped’s choice of the Sympatex membrane is motivated not only by technical and environmental criteria but also by a deep alignment with the brand’s ethical values.

Lagoped advocates full transparency in its manufacturing processes and selects partners who share this ethic. Sympatex regularly publishes sustainability reports and engages in transparency initiatives, thereby strengthening consumer trust.

By choosing Sympatex, Lagoped supports a community of brands and consumers committed to environmental preservation. Indeed, the brand raises awareness among its customers about the importance of choosing sustainable and responsible products.

Lagoped’s choice of the Sympatex membrane for its waterproof clothing is a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance, durability, and ethics. By combining Sympatex’s technical qualities with a shared vision of environmental responsibility, Lagoped offers its customers products that not only meet the highest outdoor standards but also contribute to preserving our planet. This partnership shows how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to create high-performance, eco-friendly outdoor clothing.

To equip yourself wisely, we always encourage you to learn about the characteristics of the products. That’s why you will find transparent articles on our blog about our choices of raw materials and technologies.