Polartec NeoShell

What 'air-permeable' actually means here

Most waterproof-breathable laminates are effectively air-impermeable: wind does not pass through, and moisture leaves only as vapour driven by the temperature and humidity difference across the membrane. NeoShell is the documented exception — Polartec's own website confirms the 0.5 cfm figure, and a Polartec product sheet names the test standard behind it (ISO 9237) and describes the value as an average across NeoShell fabrics, not a minimum for every fabric style or finished garment.

Two cautions on the number itself. First, the sources do not state the area basis (for example cfm per square foot), test pressure or specimen conditions, so the figure is quoted exactly as published and no conversion to other units is offered — any such conversion would require information the source does not provide. Second, this is air permeability, not moisture-vapour transmission: the same sheet reports water-vapour flux separately in g/m²/24h, so the 0.5 cfm figure must not be quoted as an MVTR value. The detailed sheet is available only as a dealer-hosted copy of a Polartec publication, which is why its provenance is noted; Polartec's own site corroborates the headline figure.

Why it feels different in use

Air permeability may contribute to moisture management, but the cited material does not establish that every NeoShell garment feels drier than every air-impermeable alternative. Temperature, humidity, wind, layers and garment design also matter; we have not physically tested these comparisons.

Compare fabric-specific wind protection and garment ventilation rather than assuming that air permeability guarantees a noticeable draught. Pertex says conventional MVTR tests do not capture every potential comfort benefit of its Shield Air construction; that claim is not a quantified result for NeoShell.

Where it sits against the alternatives

Polartec positions NeoShell for waterproof protection with air permeability. Finished garment weight, stretch, seam sealing and intended use need product-specific documentation; the platform name alone does not establish a ranking against hardshells or softshells.

Owner

Polartec

Membrane type

Air-permeable submicron membrane

Construction options

Could not be verified from the accessible official documentation

Waterproof rating

Not publicly specified by manufacturer

Breathability rating

Not publicly specified by manufacturer

Air permeability

Polartec publishes 0.5 cfm air permeability for the NeoShell fabric (tested to ISO 9237, per a Polartec product sheet). The sources do not state an area basis, test pressure or specimen conditions, so the figure cannot be converted to other units reliably.

Typical price segment

Varies by garment.

Weight characteristics

Varies by face fabric and construction rather than by membrane alone.

Durability characteristics

Durability depends on the textile, laminate, seams, use and care; denier alone does not establish abrasion resistance.

DWR requirements

Face fabrics carry a durable water repellent finish. Repellency wears off with use and needs reproofing; the membrane itself is unaffected.

PFAS / PFC information

Check the current season's material declaration. Many brands have moved to PFAS-free repellent finishes, and platforms differ by year and by garment.

• Follow the garment label and official care instructions. Use the specified cleaner; Gore permits a small amount of suitable liquid detergent for conventional GORE-TEX outerwear. Avoid products those instructions prohibit.
• For DWR-finished garments, clean first and reproof only if needed, following garment and treatment instructions. Do not apply DWR to persistent-beading constructions such as SHAKEDRY.
• Tumble dry warm or press with a cool iron under a cloth if the care label allows, to reactivate the finish.