Goretex vs others

[mgsontour]

Just came across this which I thought was interesting for some of us

[Ultrastu]

It's interesting yes. 

But there are at least 4 levels of gortex .

With different waterproofing levels and breathability. 

A full 100% water proof membrane is next to useless for a wearable garment.  A plastic bag is 100 % and you will be wetter wearing it than not .

[Pops_Hants]

Good article,

Being that most my hobbies over the years have been outside, and I hate being wet, I've spent hours researching 'waterproof' clothing.

The biggest lie, is that they are called 'waterproof'. None of them are truly waterproof and there is nothing that'll keep you dry for an extended period of time in constant rain (heavy rain is variable depending on the activity, say stood in a field vs 70mph on a motorbike). That being said however, it is true, 'you get what you pay for', and I find Goretex (regardless of level) is an incredibly reliable brand, so if in doubt, that is a great benchmark. Being on the coast, I've also had a fair few Musto's over the years and again, also, a really solid benchmark. If you're budget is limited, then buy the best non 'waterproof' coat etc that you can afford, and use a cheap £20 waterproof over layer that packs down real small, can get them from tesco's, go outdoors etc, they're actually really good, but you do get hot if moving about.

However, with all that said and done, I've learnt a few things, avoid washing waterproof clothing, high temperatures and detergent ruin waterproof materials, you're better off rinsing them off in the shower with cold water. Nikawax, or similar is required, even if you're topping up the water resistance, it's a good product and works, but needs to be used regularly to be effective. Lastly, take a change of clothes if rain is forecast, you'll likely end up wet no matter how good your gear is with the exception of the Everest expedition type stuff.

[Dave at kelton]

15 minutes ago, Pops_Hants said:

Good article,

Being that most my hobbies over the years have been outside, and I hate being wet, I've spent hours researching 'waterproof' clothing.

The biggest lie, is that they are called 'waterproof'. None of them are truly waterproof and there is nothing that'll keep you dry for an extended period of time in constant rain (heavy rain is variable depending on the activity, say stood in a field vs 70mph on a motorbike). That being said however, it is true, 'you get what you pay for', and I find Goretex (regardless of level) is an incredibly reliable brand, so if in doubt, that is a great benchmark. Being on the coast, I've also had a fair few Musto's over the years and again, also, a really solid benchmark. If you're budget is limited, then buy the best non 'waterproof' coat etc that you can afford, and use a cheap £20 waterproof over layer that packs down real small, can get them from tesco's, go outdoors etc, they're actually really good, but you do get hot if moving about.

However, with all that said and done, I've learnt a few things, avoid washing waterproof clothing, high temperatures and detergent ruin waterproof materials, you're better off rinsing them off in the shower with cold water. Nikawax, or similar is required, even if you're topping up the water resistance, it's a good product and works, but needs to be used regularly to be effective. Lastly, take a change of clothes if rain is forecast, you'll likely end up wet no matter how good your gear is with the exception of the Everest expedition type stuff.

Some good points particularly don’t wash. On really wet days on the hill most of us wear two waterproof layers as almost the only way to keep the rain out. Equally important are the under layers that wick moisture away from the skin, I.e. sweat!

[Centrepin]

Being ex Para where the wearing of any type of waterproofing is a huge No No I've learnt to adapt. 

Goretex except in boots has never worked for me anyway.

I currently have 2 DPM goretex suits hung in my garage, they work fine there.

I've always bought the best quality windproof I could get, before that a standard issue Para Smock washed it throughly with tech wash, get all the starch and stiffness out till completely supple and rinsed in nixwax softshell proof.  

In bad weather I wear a further windproof underneath plus any layers I need.

My current set up is a Snugpak windproof shirt, no longer made but occasionally available 2nd hand but with the fleece removed. On top a Sarma windproof from Varusteleka in Finland but with a couple of mods of my own.

I would be happy in any conditions except sat in below freezing for a long period. Below freezing I'd put on a Snugpak sleeka underneath. Although the jacket gets wet, it drys quickly and the rain never gets through.

Many many years ago in boots DMS and puttees we would occasionally wear plastic bags on our feet inside the boots to try and prevent, foot rot, trench foot, frostbite and other nasties. Not always effective but I've always had good feet anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mgsontour]

18 minutes ago, Centrepin said:

Being ex Para where the wearing of any type of waterproofing is a huge No No I've learnt to adapt. 

Goretex except in boots has never worked for me anyway.

I currently have 2 DPM goretex suits hung in my garage, they work fine there.

I've always bought the best quality windproof I could get, before that a standard issue Para Smock washed it throughly with tech wash, get all the starch and stiffness out till completely supple and rinsed in nixwax softshell proof.  

In bad weather I wear a further windproof underneath plus any layers I need.

My current set up is a Snugpak windproof shirt, no longer made but occasionally available 2nd hand but with the fleece removed. On top a Sarma windproof from Varusteleka in Finland but with a couple of mods of my own.

I would be happy in any conditions except sat in below freezing for a long period. Below freezing I'd put on a Snugpak sleeka underneath. Although the jacket gets wet, it drys quickly and the rain never gets through.

Many many years ago in boots DMS and puttees we would occasionally wear plastic bags on our feet inside the boots to try and prevent, foot rot, trench foot, frostbite and other nasties. Not always effective but I've always had good feet anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting reply, as some of your kit is unavailable and assuming you lost all your outdoor kit, what would you replace it with today (socks, trousers, tops ) ? Cheers

[Velocette]

Never used anything but Paramo in its various combinations with Snugpack Sleeka and windproofs for static work.  Stay warm and don,t worry about staying dry.

[billytheghillie]

I have a old green, shiny rubbery coat, bought many moons ago from a farm shop for about £20. Yes it is heavy, and you couldnt wear/work in it all day, but it is 200% waterproof.

[tonyshooter]

Paramo for general stuff and on formal days Laksen, these are my choice.

The old story applies  "  you get what you pay for ", but at over £350 new for a Paramo and £450  new for a new Laksen, I expect as certain standard.

As for military stuff my " well informed pal " says it made to a standard and a price, so decide for yourself !

 

[samboy]

A thing to remember if you go out in the rain you are going to get wet 😂.

[billytheghillie]

40 minutes ago, samboy said:

A thing to remember if you go out in the rain you are going to get wet 😂.

Vert true, but remember your skin is waterproof.

[Centrepin]

17 hours ago, mgsontour said:

Interesting reply, as some of your kit is unavailable and assuming you lost all your outdoor kit, what would you replace it with today (socks, trousers, tops ) ? Cheers

Outer, I'd buy again the Särmä windproof from Varusteleka still available in Finland and comparably in quality to anything found over here. Under a T shirt in the new armour mesh, like the ones on Amazon sold by Viper (a cheap brand) with a waistcoat probably by    again a snugpak

Edited December 13, 2022 by Centrepin
The box jumps and adds spaces and doesn't let me type properly

[Centrepin]

RAB waistcoat. Brigedale socks over the medical compression knee socks I have to wear. Barbour wax cotton gaiters. Danner boots, still available. I favour karrimor walking trousers with lycra in the fabric but none of those silly zippy cargo pockets or just plain cotton trousers like chinos.

Had to do the reply in two parts as i seem to have a fault on either my phone or the forum 

[mgsontour]

52 minutes ago, Centrepin said:

RAB waistcoat. Brigedale socks over the medical compression knee socks I have to wear. Barbour wax cotton gaiters. Danner boots, still available. I favour karrimor walking trousers with lycra in the fabric but none of those silly zippy cargo pockets or just plain cotton trousers like chinos.

Had to do the reply in two parts as i seem to have a fault on either my phone or the forum 

Cheers for the concise reply, I'll peruse

[mgsontour]

On biblical downpours I wear wicking shirt or t-shirt, Paramo smock and Goretex shell. Seeland woodcock ll breeks and berghaus goretex overpants with boots and gaiters and very happy but always interesting what other combos out there used by experienced outdoor type blokes on here

[Dave at kelton]

If it’s going to be a biblical downpour….Being precise then it’s cotton sock liners with light running pants and wool shooting socks over. Sealand pants, Brandecosse boots . Top half is anti wicking vest, cotton shirt, jumper, regatta light waterproof and bib and brace danish army goretex trousers and the same goretex jacket over the lot. It keeps water out on the hill except the obvious cuffs and neck.

[mgsontour]

18 hours ago, Dave at kelton said:

If it’s going to be a biblical downpour….Being precise then it’s cotton sock liners with light running pants and wool shooting socks over. Sealand pants, Brandecosse boots . Top half is anti wicking vest, cotton shirt, jumper, regatta light waterproof and bib and brace danish army goretex trousers and the same goretex jacket over the lot. It keeps water out on the hill except the obvious cuffs and neck.

I do use the same army goretex set-up on the shoots that are a prone to ripping gear on barbed wire and thick brambles

[pux]

Best jackets i have used are Keela for work and hobbies. Little bit heavier than Goretex but never got wet wearing them. Thier duel system is Spot on.

[Dave at kelton]

11 hours ago, pux said:

Best jackets i have used are Keela for work and hobbies. Little bit heavier than Goretex but never got wet wearing them. Thier duel system is Spot on.

Just bought a Keela Falkland