eVent is a high-performance, waterproof, and breathable fabric technology developed in the late 1990s by BHA Technologies, later acquired by General Electric and eventually by a South Korean company, Shinkong Synthetic Fibers. It was designed to compete with other advanced weatherproof fabrics, most notably Gore-Tex, offering outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and military personnel a reliable balance of waterproofing and breathability.
eVent fabric is based on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the same material used in Gore-Tex. What sets eVent apart is its Direct Venting technology, which eliminates the need for a polyurethane (PU) coating. Traditional waterproof-breathable fabrics use a PU layer to prevent body oils and dirt from clogging the membrane, but this also slows the passage of moisture vapor, leading to a buildup of humidity inside the garment before vapor can escape. eVent, by contrast, leaves the ePTFE membrane uncoated but protects it with an oil and dirt-resistant treatment. This allows sweat vapor to escape immediately, keeping users drier and more comfortable.
The structure of eVent fabrics consists of millions of microscopic pores in the ePTFE membrane, which are small enough to block liquid water but large enough to allow water vapor molecules to pass through. This dual capability gives eVent fabrics their waterproof yet breathable properties. They are often bonded with face fabrics (such as nylon or polyester) and backers to create 2-layer, 2.5-layer, or 3-layer constructions, depending on the intended application.
eVent fabrics are known for their exceptional breathability, often outperforming competitors in moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) tests. They are fully waterproof, windproof, and durable, making them suitable for extreme outdoor activities such as mountaineering, skiing, cycling, and backpacking. The military and tactical markets also use eVent for its balance of protection and comfort in demanding conditions.
From a care perspective, eVent garments require regular cleaning to maintain performance. Because the pores are exposed, dirt and oils can clog the membrane over time, reducing breathability. Washing helps restore performance, making garment maintenance more critical than with PU-coated alternatives.
In terms of sustainability, eVent faces challenges similar to those of other synthetic performance textiles. As a fluoropolymer-based material, it is derived from petrochemicals and is not biodegradable. Additionally, treatments used to resist oils and dirt may involve perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental persistence. Like other brands in the outdoor industry, eVent has been working to reduce reliance on harmful PFCs and to explore more eco-friendly finishes. However, recycling and end-of-life solutions remain limited for high-performance laminated textiles.
eVent fabric is produced globally and is widely used by premium outdoor brands such as Rab, Montane, and Pearl Izumi. It is particularly favored by brands that emphasize high breathability in their gear, often marketed to serious athletes and outdoor professionals who need reliable performance in wet and challenging environments.
eVent represents a significant innovation in waterproof-breathable fabric technology. By eliminating the PU barrier, it delivers faster, more efficient moisture management, offering users comfort in extreme conditions. Though environmental challenges remain, its performance continues to make it a respected name in outdoor and tactical gear.