The birth of "Täsmä," the next generation breathable waterproof material
The specifications that Teton Bros. looks for in a technical shell can be broadly categorized into "waterproofness," "water repellency," "breathability," "abrasion resistance," "tear strength," and "overall durability." We have been working with several material manufacturers to develop materials that meet these requirements at a high level.
Starting this season, Teton Bros. has added a new material to its technical shell lineup, "Täsmä," which was developed in collaboration with Toray over a three-year period. Its specifications surpass the performance of existing materials and its surface fabrics are tailored to suit different purposes.
Along with sufficient waterproofing, Teton Bros. also places importance on breathability. Breathability begins the moment you put on the garment, keeping the inside of the garment dry and reducing the risk of sweat chills and hypothermia.
This is because the membrane uses ESP (electrospinning), which creates countless physically tiny holes (smaller than water molecules) that allow moisture to escape from inside the garment. At the same time, it blocks 99.9% of outside air, making it highly windproof. Even a 0.1% intrusion of air is imperceptible to the human senses.
In order to surpass existing materials in terms of waterproofness, which is a contradictory feature, we conducted extensive experiments in the membrane manufacturing process and in field testing of the material, and have now achieved performance that far surpasses existing materials in both contradictory features.
In addition to developing an excellent membrane, we also develop and use the most suitable surface materials to match the development concept of each product (TB JKT&PNT, Tsurugi, etc.) Specifically, we achieve strength, lightness, and stretchability through the use of different threads and special weaving methods.
The water-repellent properties applied to the surface of the material are crucial for a membrane to perform its functions with excellent waterproofness and breathability. No matter how good the membrane is, if a layer of water forms on the surface material, it will not be able to perform its functions.
Furthermore, when actually using the garment in the field, it is necessary to consider the deterioration or loss of water repellency due to factors other than water such as rain and dew, such as sebum and resin. As water repellency decreases, waterproofness and breathability decrease significantly, causing the environment inside the garment to deteriorate rapidly, and sudden changes in the weather can sometimes put people at risk of hypothermia and other life-threatening conditions.
"Täsmä" is treated with the most durable water-repellent finish currently available, as well as oil-repellent properties. While there are currently various water-repellent finishes available, Teton Bros. develops and uses shell materials with the first priority being to protect the wearer's safety and life from harsh weather conditions in the likely situations they will be used in the field.
Before adopting the new material, we went through a lot of trial and error in each process, and the minimum requirement was that the laboratory-level figures must exceed those of existing materials.We then conducted repeated field tests with many testers engaged in activities in nature, including mountain guides, professional skiers, and snowboarders from Japan and abroad, before deciding on this change in material.
Additionally, during the development process with Toray, we were able to share a lot of information thanks to the advantage of being based in Japan, which enabled us to develop and use materials that we were satisfied with for the outer fabric, membrane, and lining.
We would be delighted if you would wear Täsmä, a new material created by Toray, which has excellent development capabilities and resources, and Teton Bros., which has worked based on development and feedback in the field, pouring their passion and knowledge into it.
