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Lessons learned

J

jw2n

Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
959
I spent nearly all of the past 72 hours outside in the remnants of this latest tropical storm (due to work), and had some disappointments with equipment. The Nikwax treatment of some of my older Goretex was a complete failure. The cost for the bottle of techwash and resealant was around $30 - not cheap. The jacket began to soak thru in an hour. Waterproof 5.11 boots - were not. And, I have definitely got to stop farting around and get a rain cover for my pack. A new Windmill Trekker lighter worked great. Getting old, but still learning.
 
Same experience with Goretex here. Spend a day in heavy rain last year fishing...Based on my experience, goretex is neither waterproof, nor breathable enough. Nothing beats a good 'ol rain suit...if you're not sweating too much, that is.
 
A rain cover is good and a liner is good, also. You can use a large trash bag.

It's always nice to learn from someone else's experience. Thanks! :)
 
After the failure of my old goretex, I switched over to an Arcteryx goretex jacket that I have. It did not leak one drop. Arc is super expensive thou. I like the fact that many of their products are made in Canada.
 
Hey! Just received my new Arc'teryx Sidewinder yesterday :D I really like it (so far), and I will really test it tomorrow (full day of forest walking/geocaching) as they forecast quite a bit of rain :D I'll report back for sure (maybe with some pics)?
 
The Marine Corps and some special forces units have started using Arc'teryx products as standard issue. That should say everything right there, they make great stuff.
 
Yep old gortex does wear out. I have a set of 3ply that was faithful for about 8 years but now its toast. The wash-in treatments only help restore DWR and beading, but if the membrane is perforated then once the fabric soaks so do you.

I think the Gortex membrane simply degrades over time. So beware of 2nd hand shop gortex jackets. However, I have replaced my suit and the new one is great. For pants, I went to Entrant which is cheaper and we will see if it lasts as long as the original stuff. When it is good order I think Gortex is hard to beat. I've been through wave washes on boats. I even had a dry suit made of gortex that kept me dry under full immersion. Lots of people like to rant about the stuff because it costs a bunch. However, I find it works well but it has a limited lifetime of service.
 
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