Pertex
An ultralight nylon or polyester shell fabric engineered for minimal weight and packability while providing wind resistance. Used as the outer shell in down jackets and sleeping bags.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with pertex
We don't have any garments containing pertex in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from pertex. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same pertex feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good breathability (75) and moisture wicking (60) for light activity
Good comfort (68) and care ease (72) for casual wear
Good durability (60) and comfort (68) for office wear
Good moisture wicking (60) and durability (60) for weather protection
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Extremely lightweight — among the lightest shell fabrics available
- ✓ Excellent packability for travel and hiking
- ✓ Good breathability for a windproof shell
- ✓ Down-proof weave prevents feather escape
Cons
- ✗ Less abrasion-resistant than heavier fabrics
- ✗ Not waterproof without additional treatment
- ✗ Can snag on rough surfaces
- ✗ Synthetic — petroleum-derived base material
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+6 vs Pertex · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+5 vs Pertex · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+4 vs Pertex · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Use tech wash for best results
• Tumble dry low to reactivate DWR if applicable
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle with technical detergent
- • Tumble dry on low heat to restore loft of insulated garments
- • Do not iron — heat can damage the ultralight weave
- • Avoid Velcro contact which can snag the fabric
- • Store uncompressed in a breathable storage sack
- • Re-apply DWR spray periodically for water resistance
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives