Marmot's New Waterproof Fabric - Exclusive

The Marmot Speedri jacket in both men's and women's versions is one of three jackets using the new three-layer FusionDri waterproof fabric.

FusionDri is a three-layer fabric with the MemBrain wateproofing technology combined with a high-wicking lightweight wicking backer.

It's been an interesting year for waterproof fabrics with Gore-Tex Active Shell and Polartec's NeoShell fabrics raising the performance bar and now, we can exclusively tell you, it looks like there's another top spec waterproof fabric on the way in the shape of Marmot's new for 2013 MemBrain FusionDri.

Based On Membrain

Marmot won't reveal the lab figures for the new fabric, but they're clearly very happy with the technology which has been in development for three years. It's apparently 'far more breathable' than the very decent Strata MemBrain fabric and combines the brand's MemBrain, erm, membrane with an ultra-lightweight wicking backer for improved comfort when working hard.

In theory, in those cirucmstances,  it should pull moisture away from your body and outwards towards the membrane. Looking at the diagram - left - it also has a stretch element, which should help with mobility and fit.

Three Jackets

Marmot is initally producing three jackets using the fabric, with the Speedri - pictured - in both men's and women's versions, being the top of the range mountain jacket.

Obviously Marmot would say their new fabric is good, but the fact that they're already making noises about it suggests that they genuinely think they have something impressive waiting in the wings and we're looking forward to seeing it in the flesh at this year's OutDoor trade show in Germany and trying it on the hill later this year. 

More Marmot info at www.marmot.com. And more 2013 scoops coming soon on OutdoorsMagic.