| Whose | Patagonia (in-house) |
| What it is | Waterproof-breathable standard + test protocol |
| Signature test | 'Killer Wash' durability testing |
| Goal | Lasting waterproof-breathable performance |
H2No Performance Standard is Patagonia’s proprietary waterproof, windproof, and breathable technology and rigorous testing protocol used across its rain shells. Rather than a single membrane, it’s a standard a garment must pass — including a ‘Killer Wash’ durability test that repeatedly launders and weathers garments to ensure they keep performing over real-world use.
Patagonia’s alternative
It’s Patagonia’s in-house answer to licensing Gore-Tex, judged on waterproofing and breathability over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Patagonia's H2No?
H2No Performance Standard is Patagonia's own benchmark for waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance. It's both the suite of technologies in their shells and a strict testing standard each garment must meet, so 'H2No' signals the jacket has passed Patagonia's durability and weather-protection requirements.
Is H2No as good as Gore-Tex?
H2No is Patagonia's alternative to licensing an outside membrane like Gore-Tex, and its top tiers aim for comparable waterproof-breathable performance and durability, validated by Patagonia's testing. Real-world performance depends on the specific garment's construction and tier, just as Gore-Tex performance varies by version.
What is the 'Killer Wash' test?
It's Patagonia's torture test for H2No gear: garments are repeatedly washed and weathered to simulate seasons of hard use, then checked to confirm they remain waterproof and breathable. The aim is to ensure long-term, real-world durability rather than just impressive numbers when new.
Sources
- H2No Performance Standard — Patagonia
- Waterproof-breathable tech — The Mountaineers