The North Face company has created a few different waterproof technology options to help keep you dry when out and about. There are some key differences that you should know about before deciding on which one to use.
DryVent and HyVent technology are some of the most popular weatherproof materials made by North Face. HyVent technology uses polyurethane to create waterproof yet breathable products, while DryVent uses a water repellent finish to achieve waterproof, windproof, and breathable qualities.
Today, we highlight the key differences between DryVent and HyVent technology, in addition to the ways that they achieve the same purpose. Keep reading to learn about the basics of DryVent vs HyVent.
DryVent and HyVent Makeup
To compare and contrast DryVent and HyVent technology, let’s first explore the physical makeup of each of these products. They both have weatherproof qualities, but they’re composed of different materials that function in different ways.
DryVent Product Makeup
DryVent contains a multi-layered textile material that’s coated in a water-repellant finish. Different DryVent fabrics have varying textures, weights, and layers.
DryVent materials come in different numbers of layers, including 2 layers, 2.5 layers, and 3 layers. North Face products that use a soft fabric as the base often have a special microporous polyurethane (PU) coating, but occasionally, certain fabrics will have a waterproof membrane. Chemically, polyurethane is a polymer made from organic units joined by carbamate links.
Because of this coating and soft fabric, DryVent products are usually light and flexible in nature, which adds to their breathability.
HyVent Product Makeup
HyVent is also a textile material that gets treated with a tri-component, multi-layer PU coating. Again, this polyurethane coating gets tested by The North Face in their labs.
You essentially have two layers – a woven fabric, waterproof outer layer, and a microporous inner layer with polyurethane coating.
To give an idea of how this waterproof coating works, HyVent fabrics tested with an average of over 60 PSI on the waterproofing Mullens est. There are three different types of HyVent fabrics – HyVent 2.5L, HyVent Alpha, and HyVent.
How are DryVent and HyVent Similar?
The main similarities between DryVent and HyVent are their respective designs and purposes. Both have qualities to be weatherproof in one or more ways, and both include PU in the manufacturing process.
Waterproof Quality
Both HyVent and DryVent contain a microporous, polyurethane coating that gives them a hydrophobic quality (waterproof). HyVent blocks out “wet weather” (rain and snow) and sends any moisture collected inside the material towards the outer layer.
In essence, they both keep moisture out by wicking it away and blocking it from getting in from the outside.
Breathability
Another area of overlap between the two technologies is the breathability factor. Because they are lightweight and microporous, they allow air and moisture to filter out.
Even in severe weather conditions, garments made of each fabric keep their wearers dry and temperature-comfortable.
Durability
Furthermore, both HyVent and DryVent utilize multi-layer designs to make them durable against the elements. The North Face tests both types of technology to withstand different conditions.
The use of polyurethane in each material also contributes to their durability since PU is a resilient and strong substance.
Key Differences Between DryVent and HyVent
Although the two technologies share some similarities, they also differ – mainly in the fact that DryVent is the newer, more improved version.
DryVent Gets Tested More Extensively
HyVent originally came before DryVent hit the market. DryVent differs from its predecessor in that it got tested more thoroughly and developed to be more improved. It’s basically like a HyVent 2.0 that is more durable and weatherproof overall.
Waterproof Differences
After the improvements in HyVent led to DryVent, we ended up with a material with a higher waterproof rating. DryVent has a specific rating of 15.000 mm or more (highly waterproof).
Additionally, one characteristic of DryVent garments that stands out from HyVent garments is the DWR coating. Although some HyVent garments use DWR coatings (Durable Water Repellent coating), it’s more of a trademark in DryVent. DWR makes the fabric able to repel water by pooling it on drops on the surface. This helps moisture to roll off and away.
DryVent garments also typically get coated in DWR, which keeps out water even more.
Layers
Finally, one difference in design is that DryVent utilizes up to three layers in its multi-layer technology. HyVent garments only use up to 2.5 layers.
Final Thoughts
DryVent and HyVent are two excellent choices for those who want garments that will repel moisture and stay durable and breathable.
The two technologies have a lot in common, but DryVent outweighs its HyVent predecessor by being more durable, more weatherproof, and better proven to get the job done.