For 2026, Level Six introduces the next evolution of waterproof-breathable fabrics: Exhaust Pro and Exhaust Lite. Both are designed from the ground up to be a high-performance, PFAS-free, and 100% recycled fabric that is purpose-built for paddlesports. From the onset of this project Level Six has sought to set a new standard in what sustainable fabrics can do. Where the outdoor industry has long relied on traditional PFAS-based laminates adapted from mountaineering, Level Six has spent nearly three decades (28 years but who is counting) engineering a fabric designed specifically for the dynamic demands of paddlers — and built without toxic chemicals. 

How Exhaust Pro Works 
Exhaust membranes contain billions of microscopic pores per square inch. Each pore is too small for water droplets to enter but large enough for vapour to escape, not dissimilar to traditional membranes. However, traditional fabrics use a hydrophobic system that are designed for dry alpine environments and relies on the interior of the suit or jacket to be more humid than the exterior environment to achieve maximum breathability. These fabrics slow down in humid environments, where the exterior environment is more humid than the interior, and this is especially exaggerated in immersion sports.  

Unlike these fabrics, Exhaust is hydrophilic. Meaning that it actively draws moisture away from the skin and diffuses it outward instead of relying on a pressure difference to push the moisture out (a process deeply affected by external conditions). This hydrophilic characteristic cannot compete with traditional fabrics in alpine or dry environments; however, it ensures that your garment continues to breathe in humid conditions and draw moisture away from your body when the nylon face fabric wets out. With substantially more in lab breathability and waterproofing than our previous generation, Exhaust Pro (6,000 g/m²/24h, 33,000 mm) and Exhaust Lite (6,000 g/m²/24h, 25,000 mm), it is a massive step forward for paddlers, offering a fabric that has been designed from the ground up to be the highest performing PFAS-free waterproof-breathable membrane. In real paddlesports environments, the difference is exaggerated in a way that a traditional lab test does not capture. 

Sustainability Leadership 

• PFAS-free at every level: Both the membrane and DWR finish are produced completely free of “forever chemicals.” 

• Recycled materials: Constructed from 100% recycled nylon, reducing reliance on virgin materials. 

• Longevity & repairability: A new seam tape system with 30% more adhesive, reinforced converging seams, and reactivatable glue extends garment life and allows for effective DIY or in-house repairs, reducing waste and keeping products in use. 

• Industry-first commitment: Since 2023, Level Six has led paddlesports by being the first to launch a fully PFAS-free dry wear line, proving sustainability and elite performance can coexist. 

Why It Matters 
For dealers and consumers, Exhaust Pro and Lite provide the first true high-performance alternative in paddlesports — one that aligns with growing environmental values without compromising comfort or protection. From whitewater to touring, paddlers can now choose gear that performs at the highest level and reflects their commitment to cleaner waterways. 

Exhaust is not just another waterproof-breathable fabric. It sets a new benchmark in sustainable paddlesports design, proving that high performance and environmental responsibility can—and must—go hand in hand. 

Found In The Following 2026 Products:

• The New Odin and Freya Drysuits: Exhaust Pro
• The New Australis and Solstice Semi Dry Tops: Exhaust Lite
• The New Kenora and Haida Semi Dry Tops: Exhaust Lite
• Loki Dry Suit: Exhaust Pro
• Breakwater Bib 2.0: Exhaust Pro/Exhaust Lite
• Cronos Dry Suit: Exhaust Pro
• Surge Pant: Exhaust Pro/Exhaust Lite