Velmet Hardshell membrane jackets
Waterproof Hardshell Jacket – is the outer layer of clothing that provides reliable protection against the harshest weather conditions. In our product line, we offer proprietary hardshells using modern membrane fabric technologies, suitable for extreme weather conditions during military operations.
What is a Hardshell?
A hardshell is an outer layer of clothing designed for maximum protection against water, snow, wind, and other adverse weather factors. This jacket is perfect for those exposed to heavy rain or strong winds, where staying dry for an extended period is crucial.
A membrane jacket has a denser fabric than a softshell and offers a high level of waterproofing and wind protection. It’s not an everyday garment but an essential option for active outdoor activities, hiking, or specialized tasks.
Membrane Material: What Protects You?
The foundation of any hardshell is the membrane fabric, which ensures both waterproofness and breathability. Often, the well-known Gore-Tex membrane is used for these purposes, one of the most famous membrane fabric brands worldwide. Gore-Tex offers a balance between waterproofing and breathability, allowing moisture from inside to escape while preventing water from entering from the outside.
Our jackets use two- or three-layer VMCtex membranes. This new generation of membranes provides lightweight, high breathability, and reliable protection. Due to their design, these membranes combine excellent protective properties with comfort, making them well-suited for military operations where lightness and durability are essential.
Other membranes, such as eVent or technologies from manufacturers like Helikon or Arc’teryx, also offer good water- and vapor-permeability performance.
Key Features of a Waterproof Hardshell Jacket
1. Waterproofing: This parameter is measured in millimeters of a water column and indicates how much water the fabric can withstand without letting it in. In our products, this indicator reaches 20,000 mm – the highest level, protecting you from heavy rain and downpours for extended periods. For comparison, 5,000 mm is the minimum level for light rain, while 10,000–15,000 mm is an average for most commercial jackets.
2. Breathability: Apart from rain protection, the fabric must also "breathe," meaning it should release moisture generated during physical activity. This parameter is measured in grams/m²/24 hours. In our jackets, this value is no less than **15,000 g/m²/24 h**, indicating a high capacity for sweat evaporation, preventing overheating and moisture buildup inside. Cheaper models with lower breathability (up to 5,000) may cause discomfort during intense military operations.
3. Fabric Density: Measured in Denier (D), it defines the thickness and durability of the fabric. In our jackets, we use 70D materials, making them lightweight yet durable. The density varies from 20D for ultra-light models to 100D for heavy-duty and wear-resistant options. The choice of density depends on the intended use: lighter models for more civilian purposes, heavier ones for situations where high abrasion resistance is crucial (e.g., with tactical gear).
4. Sealed Seams: Seams are the most vulnerable part of any jacket, as water can seep through them. That’s why our jackets have taped seams with special waterproof tape, ensuring complete waterproofness.
Important Design Features:
In addition to the high technical characteristics of the materials, the design of our jackets considers the needs of users in extreme conditions.
- The jacket has an anatomical cut that ensures freedom of movement, even with additional clothing layers or gear.
- A minimal number of external seams reduces the risk of water penetration.
Who is Our Hardshell for?
Our hardshells are designed for people facing extreme weather conditions.