Etaproof / Ventile®
EtaProof / Ventile® offers natural weather protection with unmatched comfort. EtaProof / Ventile® is made from 100% of the finest, uncoated, PFC-free impregnated cotton. Using selected, extra-long staple cotton fibers, a complex manufacturing process produces a fabric with maximum density, which is finished with a high-performance, long-lasting, PFC-free impregnation. EtaProof / Ventile® is therefore 100% windproof and protects against rain and snow. The cotton swells slightly when wet, becoming even more compact. As there is no coating or membrane to impede water vapor transport, the climate inside the garment remains very pleasant. This makes it ideal for comfortable, cozy, and low-noise all-weather clothing that can be worn all year round for everyday use and outdoor activities.
How does EtaProof / Ventile® work?
EtaProof / Ventile® is not a 100% waterproof material. The focus is clearly on combining weather protection, comfort, and sustainability. In light rain, water initially rolls off thanks to the impregnation. During prolonged rain, the cotton absorbs moisture and becomes denser. This makes the fabric firmer and denser to the touch. This keeps water out. However, the inside may still become slightly damp. EtaProof / Ventile® cannot usually withstand prolonged heavy rain. After 2-3 hours in the rain, it can become significantly wet. The shoulder areas and seams are particularly vulnerable. The shoulder areas can be made more waterproof with double layers of fabric. Seams can be made tighter by using flatlock seams and swelling cotton-polyester yarn. If this is not sufficient, the seams can be sealed with an iron-on seam tape. More information on processing can be found directly with the articles.
Different styles for a wide range of applications
The different thicknesses allow the product to be adapted to the individual application. Lighter versions are suitable for applications with less mechanical stress, as lining material or for doubling shoulder areas, hoods, seat areas, etc. to increase waterproofing. Heavier versions are suitable for applications where a stronger grip or greater stability is required. It is ideal for reinforcing shoulder and seat areas on jackets and parkas or as pocket and backpack material. EtaProof / Ventile® can be processed in multiple layers to increase waterproofing.
For applications where weather protection is not so important, there is EtaDry / Ventile® Dry.
Sustainability
All EtaProof and Ventile® variants use PFC-free impregnation. In addition to the classic cotton versions, there are also BIO, ECO, and ORG versions made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. Spinning and weaving take place in the EU, Egypt, or Turkey. Dyeing and finishing are carried out in Switzerland.
History
Today, EtaProof and Ventile® are one and the same fabric. The different names have a historical background: the original fabric, which was developed and manufactured in Great Britain in the 1930s/40s, was marketed by Talbot Weaving as Ventile and proved particularly successful in the military sector and on expeditions in ice and snow (Sir Edmund Hillary used it on his first ascent of Mount Everest, for example). In the 1980s/90s, dyeing and finishing were moved to Switzerland, where Stotz & Co. AG took over. At the same time, Stotz & Co. AG developed its own brand, EtaProof, to appeal to the civilian market. Since 1998, the same base fabrics have been used for both EtaProof and Ventile®, and in 2017, Stotz & Co. AG also acquired the naming rights for Ventile® and markets its sustainable outdoor fabrics under both names.
extremtextil as distributor
At extremtextil, we are delighted that, since our early days as a distributor of EtaProof, we have been able to help make this unique, sustainable outdoor fabric accessible to everyone and that it has already been used by our customers in many projects. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
