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World's Most Breathable Waterproof?

Cocona says its new fabric is the most breathable out there and you can try it for free.


Posted: 25 February 2010
by Jon

Cocona Fabics is not only claiming that its new waterproof material,  Cocona Xcellerator, is the most breathable in the world, but the company is also looking for active outdoors people to try it out for free.

Cocona Test Team

Cocona fabrics are based on carbo extracted from coconuts and embedded into polymers. The carbon is permanently incorporated into the yarn and fibres of the garment and is claimed to combine excellent moisture handling, cooling, odour management and UV protection.

The fabric's used in base - see the Sprayway Tech Tee review - soft shell and mid-layers already, and can even be combined with merino wool to give a high-tec hybrid fabric. The latest development is a 100 per-cent waterproof fabric called Cocona Xcellerator which combines a PU laminate with an inner surface containing Cocona and designed to move moisture rapidly away from the body.

Garments using the fabric will be appearing later this year, but Cocona is looking for 1,000 outdoor folk to try jackets made from Xcelleratore right now and report back. If you want to be part of the test team, all you have to do is head over to www.coconafabrics.com and fill in the form on the web site, simple.

We've got a test garment on the way as well and we'll let you know how we get on.

Note: Although the web site may suggest otherwise, the trial scheme is a global one and not restricted to US citizens, so if you register your details, you will be considered.

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[Just to clarify things, the trial scheme is global whatever the web site says, so if you register, you will be considered. Jon - OM editor]

Hmmm.... You can only enter if you are a US citizen!

3. Can You enter?

You are eligible to enter this Selection if you meet the follo requirements:

  • You are a legal resident of the 50 Unites States (including the District of Columbia), and you are least eighteen (18) or older at the time of entry; and
  • You are NOT an employee of Cocona, Inc. or an employee of a Cocona, Inc. subsidiary, or a person involved in any part of the administration and execution of this Selection

Posted: 25/02/2010 12:41

I thought skin was?
Posted: 25/02/2010 12:54

only when wrapped in warm neoprene.
Posted: 25/02/2010 13:05

Parky Again wrote (see)
only when wrapped in warm neoprene.
Less of your sexual foibles please....
Posted: 25/02/2010 13:10

oops! wrong site.
Posted: 25/02/2010 13:20

...Not if you walk in the nude.....


Posted: 25/02/2010 13:53

PU laminate eh? isn't that the same as what's used in Goretex and such....

Guess they've never heard of Paramo.
Posted: 25/02/2010 14:41

Indeed most breathable and waterproof is your own skin, so butt naked unfortunately


Posted: 25/02/2010 14:48

Bugger! Just filled in all their forms. Should have read the terms and conditions before writing all that hype.
Posted: 25/02/2010 17:49

Mr Fuller wrote (see)
Bugger! Just filled in all their forms. Should have read the terms and conditions before writing all that hype.
Or read my first post....
Posted: 25/02/2010 18:02

Just to clarify, I've checked with Cocona and the test scheme is very definitely global and not confined to the US regardless of what the web site conditions may say. So if you want to apply to take part, just register on the web site. Hope that clarifies things.
Posted: 26/02/2010 11:12

Global eh? Wonder if they'd send one to me then?


Posted: 26/02/2010 12:09

The site says it's a 30 day test period... does that mean that you have to return the item afterwards (if you're chosen of course) ?


Posted: 27/02/2010 08:13

I don't know, to be honest. I'd be surprised if Cocona wanted 1,000 test garments returned to them, but I'll see if I can find out and report back.


Posted: 27/02/2010 09:38

I've gone for it. I will report back (in fact, I'll have to report back!) if I get chosen.

The next major fabric thing is on its way fairly soon. As I understand it, gore-tex, eVent and all similar items are woven membranes. The 'nanotechnology' non-woven membranes currently in development could be perfectly developed for purpose.


Posted: 27/02/2010 09:41

u don't have to be a US Citizen, just a legal resident of the US, even if you are currently living outside the US...so in that sense it's 'global'. at least that's what the rules state.

 My immediate thoughth was  'wot? more breatheable that Paramo?'

I've enjoyed running thru winter blizzards in Germany wearing my paramo kit and ski goggles but now the temperature is moving above zero my Aspira is fully unzipped during the runs. Still too cold to run without a jacket & gloves tho so a breatheable option without the heat would be of great interest. Can't see it being as breatheable as the paramo tho, but I'd be happy to be convinced otheerwise.


Posted: 02/03/2010 13:31

Pedantically breathability can be measured relatively objectively, so doesn't need user testing. (Well you do seem to get to choose your lab test method to suit )

Anyway its not easy to see how cocona particles could really help technical breathability. They could however certainly make the thing more comfortable to wear by making the backer more effective.

And no it won't be more (or indeed remotely as) breathable as Paramo. Not using a membrane   (it almost certainly won't get near that power shield pro either.).


Posted: 02/03/2010 14:19

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