The three constructions
| 2-layer (2L) | 2.5-layer (2.5L) | 3-layer (3L) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Face fabric + membrane, with a separate hanging liner | Face fabric + membrane, with a thin print or coating on the inside | Face fabric + membrane + backer, bonded together |
| Weight and packability | Heavier; liner adds bulk | Lightest and most packable | Light to medium; depends on the face and backer |
| Durability | Good; liner protects the membrane | Lower; the thin inner layer can wear | Highest; the membrane is protected on both sides |
| Feel | Soft against skin because of the liner | Slightly clammy or tacky when wet | Smooth and dry; hand feel depends on the backer |
| Breathability | Good; liner can reduce it | Often high because of the thin construction | Good to very good; backer choice matters |
| Cost | Usually the lowest | Medium | Usually the highest |
| Typical use | Rain jackets, urban, casual outdoor | Emergency and ultralight shells | Alpine, ski, hiking and professional shells |
General tendencies. Fabric weights, membranes and backers vary by supplier.
What each layer does
- Face fabric: takes abrasion, carries the colour and holds the DWR finish
- Membrane: the waterproof breathable layer, such as microporous or solid hydrophilic films
- Backer: protects the membrane from skin oils, dirt and abrasion, and sets the interior feel (tricot, mesh, microgrid or textured)
Choosing for your product
- Choose 3L for jackets that will be used hard and priced as technical products. See our 3-layer hard shell jacket program
- Choose 2.5L when the priority is weight and packability
- Choose 2L for rain and everyday jackets where comfort and price matter. See custom rain jackets
Construction notes
The laminate type decides the seam tape: 2L and 2.5L use tape on the membrane side, 3L uses tape matched to the backer. See seam-sealed construction. A broader view of the membrane and finish options is in materials & technologies.