Montec: Snow gear with superior waterproofing and breathability
You want to ride in all conditions, right? And we want to make sure you can. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing high–level waterproofness and breathability in Montec gear. In fact, we thread these elements through every jacket and pair of pants we make.
For long days on the mountain, the first thing you should think about is the waterproofing and breathability of your jacket and pants. Waterproofing keeps water out, and breathability means sweat won’t build up. Moisture conducts heat 50 times faster than air, so if you get wet, you’ll get cold. Quickly.
With this mountain truth at heart, the Montec team has worked tirelessly to produce the best fabrics and membranes in the game – all without using nasty forever chemicals that harm the environment. Want to learn more about how Montec raises the bar in waterproofing and breathability? Read more in our Sustainability hub.
Understanding waterproofing and breathability ratings
Waterproof ratings, measured in millimeters, indicate the amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand before it allows water to leak through. For example, a 20,000 mm rating means the material can resist a 20-meter-tall one-inch-wide column of water pressing down on it before any moisture seeps beyond the fabric. The higher the number, the more waterproof the jacket is.
Breathability ratings are measured in grams (g/m²/24h) and show how much water vapor a material can release in a day. A 20,000 g rating means 20,000 grams of moisture can pass through a square metre of fabric in 24 hours. This number matters because it determines how dry and comfortable you’ll feel when you start ripping – and sweating – on the slopes and beyond.
Montec waterproof protection explained
Montec’s SHIELD-TEC shell fabric features a two-layer (2L) construction that balances protection, durability, and comfort. The outer layer is a woven, recycled polyester or nylon shell treated with a PFAS-free, durable water repellent (DWR) finish. This DWR coating allows water to bead up and roll off, rather than soaking into the material, preventing it from becoming saturated. Beneath that, the recycled polyester itself provides an extra barrier, thanks to its tightly woven structure.
The final line of defence is a laminated TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane bonded to the back of the fabric. This membrane is where the real waterproofing happens, forming a shield against rain and snow while still allowing the garment to flex and move naturally. And what is the result of combining these three elements? A shell with an impressive 20,000 mm waterproof rating – roughly twice the level of common industry references – without compromising on durability.
Breathability in Montec outerwear
Breathability is just as important as waterproofing in skiwear. When you’re riding hard, hiking in the backcountry, or just spending hours on the slopes, your body generates heat and moisture. Without good breathability, moisture builds up inside your jacket and pants, leaving you feeling damp and cold. That’s why we prioritize breathability in every piece we design.
The secret lies in the TPU membrane. On its own – and as a plastic – TPU traps sweat inside. However, when engineered into a microporous membrane, it allows tiny water vapor molecules to escape while blocking larger liquid water droplets from getting in. This means sweat can pass through the fabric, but snow and rain stay out. And SHIELD-TEC’s 20,000g breathability rating shows just how effective this system is, making Montec gear ideal for even the most active riders.
Wrapping up
Waterproofing and breathability are the foundations of technical outerwear, and our 20,000 mm/20,000 g fabrics deliver both at the highest level. By combining a rugged, waterproof construction with advanced breathable membranes, our jackets and pants keep you dry, comfortable, and riding all day long, whatever your shred style.
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