Gore-Tex waterproofs, good or bad

[Ian Gray]

Thinking about getting some Gore-Tex water proofs for winter walking.
My question is, are they worth there weight in gold or just extra weight
in your backpack. Also, any recommendations on the value for
money issue would be appreciated.


Ian

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by Ian Gray

Thinking about getting some Gore-Tex water proofs for winter walking.
My question is, are they worth there weight in gold or just extra weight
in your backpack. Also, any recommendations on the value for
money issue would be appreciated.


Ian

Yes they are worth their weight in gold - any good maker will do if it suits you. I use Lowe Alpine but others are equally good.

[G0NYM]

I agree.I have a Berghaus cornice coat "long fitting" it don't ride up when you have a back pack .
I would recommend this coat 10 out of 10, zip in fleece for extra warmth in winter and they really do breath when you are sweating, go for Gotex
I think they are worth the money
Martin

[Pete Collins]

If you do a lot of winter walking, have you considered Paramo gear instead?

I carry a lightweight Goretex jacket (Mountain Equiment) in my rucksack during the summer months. But during the winter I wear a Paramo jacket (Alta II), a sort of 'soft shell'. Very warm, completely waterproof and highly breathable. Infinitely more comfortable to wear than Goretex or similar jackets on days when you have prolonged rain.

It's expensive (£200-220, I think) but I think it's the best bit of walking gear I've ever bought and don't begrudge a penny of it. I have worn it on days when the temperature has hovered around freezing point with just a warm Paramo shirt underneath (or a cheap fleece shirt) - if I wore my Goretex jacket, I'd probably have needed a fleece, a shirt and a base layer underneath.

Similarly I have waterproof overtrousers for summer use, but use Paramo's waterproof trousers in winter - again, they're warm, totally waterproof and highly breathable, much more comfortable than the clammy feeling you get with overtrousers. Not the most elegant looking garment perhaps (not that I care about such things, and waterproof overtrousers are hardly elegant anyway).

People tend to love or hate Paramo gear - the main complaint seems to be that it's too warm! I wouldn't use it in the summer (unless I had to walk on a day where I knew it was going to be raining heavily all day).

Apologies if the above sounds like a sales spiel - it's just an honest opinion from a very satisfied customer!

[KIDSTYPIKE]

Originally Posted by Ian Gray

Thinking about getting some Gore-Tex water proofs for winter walking.
My question is, are they worth there weight in gold or just extra weight
in your backpack. Also, any recommendations on the value for
money issue would be appreciated.


Ian

My initial response would be to say "Yes" but a lot would depend on what type of winter walking you do. If it is of the type were there is a fair amount of physical exertion and body heat created then yes go ahead and get the best you can afford.
If your winter walking however does not fall into that category then an ordinary set of good waterproofs would suffice.

Dave

PS....Don't let the salesman sell you walking gear that will do on Everest if your only on the hills

[Ian Gray]

through the winter I tend to stick to day walks ( thou that might
be changing ). spring summer and autumn my walks can last anything
from a few days to six months. with this in mind weight becomes a
major issue. In summer months I prefer to just get wet. Spring and autumn
can be a problem. I think if, as you all say Gore-Tex waterproofs do a
good job, the only person who can decide if the extra weight is worth it is me. At around £230 for jacket and bottoms, I would be grateful for any
economic suggestions

[thunder]

Depends on how much you perspire. If you perspire a lot these waterproofs will leave you soggy.

henrya

[russj1975]

I swear by paramo for winter use, but agree that it is too warm for me for summer. It is also heavy so when i am using it, i make sure i am wearing it, not carrying it. There is ZERO condensation as the material is actually porous and therefore 100% breathable, its keeps rain out because its works in the same way as animal fur - heat and capiliary action driving water away from the surface of the liner, combined with water repelant coatings. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, and it is reproofable indefinitely as there are not coatings or menbranes to wear away. It also remains waterproof even if you tear the outer layer and can be repaired with needle and thread. Its also rustle free unlike some other materials which is important if you are watching wildlife and need to be quiet.

It is used by many mountain rescue teams, and i noticed that wildlife photographer Andy Rouse has recently teamed up with Paramo to produce his own branded range.

Its not for everyone, but i will be donning my paramo kit this weekend for Ingleborough on Saturday. For summer i use a lowe alpine tripplepoint ceramic jacket (they have dropped tripple point now i beleive) Personally i dont think goretex offers any advantages over other equvalent materials, so i would never buy it unless the price was really competitive.

[Pete Collins]

[quote=russj1975;186390]I swear by paramo for winter use, but agree that it is too warm for me for summer. It is also heavy so when i am using it, i make sure i am wearing it, not carrying it. .... QUOTE]

I'm glad someone else likes paramo gear - you explained why it's so good much better than I could!

On your comment about it being heavier, personally that isn't a problem for me. When I switch over to my paramo gear for the winter months, my paramo jacket replaces BOTH my lightweight fleece AND my lightweight goretex jacket, so my rucksack actually weighs less!

[russj1975]

it isn't a problem for me either as i wear the trousers and jacket instead of carrying them, so yes, in the winter my rucksack weighs less too.

[Blackbrook Eye]

If you want Gore tex clothing for practical use and not just a fashion statement and find the price a bit daunting, can I suggest that you look on ebay for ex-military clothing, you will find that several sites are offering ex-German army oversuits for very reasonable prices, a friend has just bought a set and it is quite lightweight, the overtrousers have fitted braces which are far more comfortable to wear than a belt or elastic waistband, however you must alow for them being previously worn.

[mh68]

To stop waterproofs rustling etc when trying to watch wildlife the best thing i`ve found is to wear an old pair of lightweight combat trousers over the top of the waterproof trousers and something similarly lightweight over the top of the jacket.Thin material will dry quickly if it gets wet but will stop the infuriating noise caused when waterproof jacket sleeves, or trouser legs scuff together.The UK army goretex gear is meant to be worn underneath the normal combat dress to remain silent in this way.I`m told the US style hunting jackets/trousers made from silent material are very good but pricey.The above though,is a cheap way round the problem

Mark H

[paulchandler6]

I have a lightweight North Face gore-tex Jacket and also a more heavier Sprayway jacket.
The Sprayway is usually kept in the boot of the car and the other in a rucksack. I wouldnt be without them.

Paul

[foxy mars]

When Gore-Tex first came out, it was a bit pricey for me to buy. I could never afford a jacket being poorly paid and remembering buying a second-hand Gore-tex Jacket. I did the Dales Way one year and it rained heavily on the 2nd day from Grassington to Buckden, in fact so bad the dale of the Upper Wharfe was flooded and I had to walk to Buckden along the road. Getting back to the Gore-Tex jacket, it was letting in water and I was disappointed to say the least. Nowadays I'm better paid and now buy Paramo gear, no more Gore-Tex for me. Thank you.