Our very best Frank Shorter Running Suit now features eVent® fabric for 30% greater breathability with equivalent waterproofness to Gore-Tex® XCR. Frank Shorter XTReme eVent® jackets and pants are the new waterproof/breathable leader for cold weather running protection!

ANSWERING THE OBVIOUS QUESTION: WHY IS EVENT® BETTER?

To best answer, "Why is eVent® better, you should first know how eVent® jackets and Gore-Tex® jackets are similar.
There are dozens of waterproof jackets on the market. Making a waterproof jacket is easy. Waterproof and breathable. That's the challenge. Only jackets or pants made from fabrics like eVent® and Gore-Tex® that use ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) can truly claim to be both waterproof and breathable.

Originally used in Gore-Tex® jackets and suits, ePTFE is a unique film that is laminated to the shell fabric of both eVent® and Gore-Tex® fabrics to create a waterproof barrier with literally millions of microscopic pores that let water vapor (sweat) pass through unimpeded, but block rain and snow from entering your microclimate.

Unfortunately, the drawback of ePTFE is that it cannot be used in its raw form for waterproof applications because it's millions of pores are easily clogged by body oils and sweat. Once these "contaminants" get into the membrane, they allow water to pass through at those points and the material looses its waterproofness. So, to use ePTFE in waterproof applications, it must be rendered oil-repellant, and here is where eVent® and Gore-Tex® fabrics differ greatly.

So, why is a Frank Shorter eVent® jacket "better" than a Gore-Tex® jacket?

Gore-Tex® fabric and PU membrane technology:

Gore-Tex® fabric applies a very thin membrane of PU (Polyurethane) over the surface of the ePTFE to keep oils out. This added layer is effective protection, but it adds a step to the breathability process and introduces three new problems. First, it immediately compromises much of the inherent breathability of ePTFE because the open pore structure of ePTFE is now covered. Second, since PU absorbs and retains moisture, the inside of the fabric quickly becomes damp. Lastly, and perhaps most important for runners, this added layer of PU greatly S-L-O-W-S the process of moving the moisture you are making to the outside of your jacket.

Durring shorter runs. or slower runs in colder weather, this reduced breathability is less noticeable. But, on longer runs or faster runs, this collection of moisture becomes readily apparent and dangerous. The reality is, for the most intense demands of cold-weather runners Gore-Tex® fabric has always come up just a little bit short. But, it was the best choice before the radical improvement offered by eVent® fabrics.

eVent® fabric and direct venting® technology:

eVent® fabric uses a patented method of molecularly rendering ePTFE oil-repellant, thus avoiding the use of water-absorbing PU (Polyurethane) and retaining the open-pore structure naturally inherent in ePTFE. With eVent® fabrics DRY SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY the inside of your jacket stays dry and comfortable. The moisture you are creating as you sweat is able to quickly vent directly to the outside of your jacket without having to first pass through PU and collect moisture. Jackets made with eVent® fabric allow the millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. Sweat vents directly to the outside of the fabric in one easy step. We call this Direct Venting™ Technology. Its genius is hidden in its simplicity. eVent fabrics simply let the sweat out.™

How much better is a Frank Shorter eVent® jacket compared to a Gore-Tex® jacket?

Both are equally waterproof. There's no question here. The difference is in the breathabilty.

We could mention the exceptionally low "Water Vapor Resistance" (RET) of eVent® fabrics. Or, we could talk about how much higher the "Moisture Vapor Transmission Rates" (MVTR) of eVent® fabrics are in laboratory tests.

Tests to measure this criteria would tell you that, depending on the exact conditions of relative humidity and temperature, eVent® fabric breathes anywhere from 30% to 200% better than Gore-Tex® fabric.*

But, do you run in the lab? Did you put in your last 15 miler inside a climate chamber? Of course not. The bottom line is decided on the roads. Out there it's a black and white world: you're either wet or dry. You either soak in your own sweat, or not. It's that simple. eVent® fabrics, and more importantly, our Frank Shorter XTReme eVent® jackets and pants let the sweat out.™

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT EVENT

Runners in the US are only just now beginning to hear about eVent® fabrics, primarily in the Outdoor industry. However, eVent has a huge following overseas, primarily in Europe, where it has won numerous awards. Check out some of the accolades below and then try out the first true running jacket and pant made from eVent® fabrics, the Frank Shorter XTReme eVent® Jacket and pant!

Industry Buzz and Product Reviews:

Winner of the 2006 Outdoor Magazine Editor's Choice Award

"...without doubt eVent is the most breathable membrane"
- Outdoor magazine, Germany

"eVent fabric is the most breathable waterproof material we've ever worn."
- Backpacker magazine, USA

"The three-layer eVent fabric was the most breathable on test."
- Country Walking magazine, UK

"It's made with eVent, which testers generally agree is the most breathable of all the waterproof-breathable fabrics on the market today."
- Outside magazine summer 2007 Buyer's Guide, USA

"Superb breathability"
- Outdoor Enthusiast, UK

See more reviews at: www.eventfabrics.com/field_testing.php

FEATURES

Of course, simply owning an eVent® product does not guarantee comfort. You must match the right garment to the activity and the individual. When used as intended, your garment will be durably waterproof, very breathable, and windproof, even when you are sitting or kneeling on a wet surface. It will keep water from entering through zippers, pockets, and other openings - provided, of course, that they are properly closed. And it will allow perspiration vapor to move quickly from the inside out, keeping you dry and comfortable across a wide range of temperatures and activities.

Durable seam sealing.
Double storm flap on all entry zippers.
Elasticized Drawcord in waist.
Chafe free neck with covered zip.
Wick dry inner lining.
Full venting front and rear.
Mesh vents.
Adjustable elastic cuffs with Velcro closure.
Zippered side pockets.
All seams sealed against the rain
Front and rear mesh vents
Front zipper with wind flap
Storable hood
360 degree reflective piping for visibility

SPECIFICATIONS

Colors: Topaz
Sizes: S, M, L
Sizing Chart:
Chest: S 32-34", M 34-36", L 36-38"
Sleeve: S 31", M 32", L 33"
Waist: S 24-26", M 26-28", L 28-30"
Inseam: S 29", M 30", L 31"

Please use the above drop-down menu to choose color and sizing