Pertex Quantum vs Pertex Shield: What's the Difference

Get to know Pertex: The Fabric doing more than you realise 

You've probably worn Pertex without knowing it. It's one of those fabrics that shows up on hangtags without much explanation, so here's the quick version of what Pertex fabric actually is and why it matters more than you'd think.

Pertex isn't one fabric. It's a family of fabrics, and each one is built to solve a completely different problem. Two you'll come across most:

• Pertex Quantum – for static activities where maintaining body heat is key and dynamic activities in very cold conditions.

• Pertex Shield – waterproof and built for intense pursuits in challenging conditions, where weight and breathability are a priority.

Here's the breakdown.

• A lightweight, tightly woven, down-proof fabric.

• Made from incredibly fine yarns, precisely woven to let insulation fully loft and perform at its best.

• Finished with DWR (Durable Water Repellent), so it sheds light rain and snow with ease.

• Purpose-built for static, cold-weather activities and dynamic movement in seriously cold conditions—camp life, high altitude, anywhere trapping body heat is the priority.

• The go-to fabric for ultralight, packable down jackets and sleeping bags.

Quantum's whole design brief is warmth-to-weight and it's very good at its job. It's the reason a down jacket can feel almost weightless while still keeping you warm at altitude.

Pertex Shield: engineered for weather

•  A true waterproof, breathable, windproof fabric system.

•  Built in layers—face fabric, membrane, and an optional backer—rather than a single sheet of material.

•  Purpose-built for intense conditions where both weight and breathability matter.

•  The fabric of choice for technical waterproof apparel and equipment.

Shield's design brief is different again: stay dry and breathable through conditions that don't let up, without the bulk of old-school waterproof shells.

Neither fabric is “better,” they're not built to compete with each other, they're built to solve different problems. Quantum is the specialist for trapping warmth efficiently. Shield is the specialist for keeping sustained weather out. The trick is knowing which job you actually need done.

That's especially true for one category: down jackets. A DWR finish on its own, the kind you'll find on most puffers, is great for a light drizzle, but in real, sustained rain, it's not built to hold up. Once water gets through, the down inside gets wet, and wet down stops lofting, which means it stops keeping you warm. That's not a flaw in the fabric—DWR was never designed for that job. It's simply where a different kind of protection is needed.

It's one thing to talk about Pertex Shield in theory. Here's what it looks like built into a jacket:

The Epiq Waterproof takes the Epiq down jacket—same warmth, same fit—and wraps it in a 2-layer Pertex Shield shell, rated 20K/20K for waterproofing and breathability. Fully taped seams and waterproof zips seal up the rest. The result: a waterproof down jacket that performs exactly like a normal puffer when it's dry and just keeps going when the weather turns.

 •  600-fill power duck down, RDS certified.

 •  Pertex™ Shield 2-layer shell, 20K/20K waterproof/breathable.

 •  Fully seam-sealed, waterproof zips.

 •  100% recycled face fabric and lining.