Gore-Tex or Non-Gore-Tex?

  • Thread starter Thread starter HM
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HM

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Dec 11, 1999
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Hi All,

I am looking for opinions on whether you would prefer or not using Gore-Tex lined boots in wilderness or if accidentaly in survival situation?

Read Jeff Randall's opinion (at his homepage) for consideration in jungle.

Thanks for all responses,

HM

 
Actually, from another point of view (weight issue) go with the Gore-Tex socks as a liner between your sock and your boot. Of course, this is only my 2 cents!!
 
Depends on the weather. In severe cold (Like the -50 it is outside right now) I would not want Gore-tex. It's just one more layer your prespiration has to escape through. In moderately cold weather, from the first point expect to encounter liquid water, up to around 50 or 60, I'd like gore-tex. Above that range, I'd want breatheability more. As far as boots go, I am convinced that your feet will get wet anyways, and would value extra socks/liners much more than gore-tex. See my previous post on bunny/mickey mouse boots for my thught on that.

Styver.
 
If you're trying to keep your feet warm a vapor barrier works well, and with GoreTex you might want to do something like; boot, GoreTex (maybe built into the boot), thicker sock/pac liner/etc., vapor barrier, thin sock, foot. The idea is to keep the thicker insulation dry, which means keeping water out and also keeping perspiration from getting it wet too. For a vapor barrier you can buy official vapor barrier socks, or use small plastic shopping bags or garbage bags. Remember that GoreTex is a membrane and that its waterproof ability varies with pressure, so in some cases walking with a sopping wet boot can force water thru the membrane, heavy wind and rain can force its way thru a parka, and if it gets dirty it can loose its ability to shed water.
 
HM,
As much as they advertise it as breathable, it really isn't. At least not enough to get rid of the moisture that the human body puts out. It is a decent fabric in above freezing conditions. Certainly better than the old vinyl suits. I would caution you against wearing it in below freezing conditions. It is a sure sign of an amateur. If you are having trouble with snow melting on you, than you don't have enough insulation. These last statements are pirated out of American Survival Guide. It has also been my experience on many x-country ski and snowshoeing trips. If it's below freezing stick with a rubber bottom pac boot that lets perspiration escape out of the top. If you must wear Gore-tex, put anti-perspirant on your feet. It really does work.

Take care, (AND a big knife)
Jim
 
I like the danner boot. I wear the Fort Lewis boot in mild to moderate weather and another model with cordura in warm weather. In harsh conditions, I wear sorrels and replace the liner daily.

No matter what I wear, I wear an appropriate style of sock for the time of year it is.

Side note: Last week end I was out doing a 5 mile snowshoeing (off trail of course) hike (to my neurosurgeons dismay) and wore a pair of expedition weight wool blend socks and my danner boots. I was in 4 feet of snow. Great time... For those comming on our January trip... the training site looks great . We still have a couple of openings if anyone is interested (dates January 20-23, 2000).

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
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