The best waterproof kit isn't immortal. My work gear, my PPE, was expensive Goretex. One entire day outside on Arran in constant driving rain was too much for it & the water eventually seeped though the fabric. No, it wasn't condensation; it was a few years old but I'd have called it nearly new - but outside its guarantee of course.
I did try the "tumble dry to reproof" (the heat is supposed to melt the coating & reseal it) but it didn't work. For most of us the best way to keep dry in really foul weather is to be sensible & get under cover.
In the past I've had Berghaus, North Face and Regatta and they have all worked well in heavy rain. But the most waterproof jacket I ever had was a waxed Barbour. Not very fashionable and it would need reproofed every so often depending on the frequency of use and of course it smells of wax but the water never went through it. I still have it in the loft somewhere, I got it over 30 yrs ago!
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 02/1/2018
The best waterproof kit isn't immortal. My work gear, my PPE, was expensive Goretex. One entire day outside on Arran in constant driving rain was too much for it & the water eventually seeped though the fabric. No, it wasn't condensation; it was a few years old but I'd have called it nearly new - but outside its guarantee of course.
I did try the "tumble dry to reproof" (the heat is supposed to melt the coating & reseal it) but it didn't work. For most of us the best way to keep dry in really foul weather is to be sensible & get under cover.
My cheapo anorak has never let water through but after it was washed I noticed water was no longer beading and running off so I reproofed it with Nikwax. It looked good to begin with but after only a few weeks of not all that much use it is showing signs of the water soaking in again. I am not too fussed providing it doesn't leak but I don't think too much of Nikwax and it wasn't cheap either.
The company I worked for (WPD) tried everything on the market and the only one that passed the test of time and waterproofing were Barbour waxed jackets and trousers.
As previously said they needed proper natural drying conditions and re-waxing occasionally,they are quite heavy and not all that stylish or comfortable but they are definitely waterproof.
saxo1
I have a tried and very tested Rab jacket, now 4 years old, a bit pricey but I bought it for my Kilimanjaro trek after it was thoroughly tested on Dartmoor. Still bone dry.
I have lived and worked on Dartmoor in all weathers, it is weird how driving rain will find it way in, but if you want good stuff then buy surplus army DPM Goretex jacket and trousers. The Canine Genitalia! 😀👍
Quote: Originally posted by Mike3003 on 04/1/2018
but if you want good stuff then buy surplus army DPM Goretex jacket and trousers. The Canine Genitalia! 😀👍
But do you have to roll over and lick them when they need washing?
Trespass paletail jacket - waterproof and not a bum scratcher. Also keeps driving snow out. Trekmates gaiters - waterproof until you get stuck over your knees. Fleece lined softshell trousers not waterproof but keep you warm when wet. Merino liner gloves - not waterproof at all especially when worn to dig one leg out of a bog, in a blizzard in the middle of nowhere with no signal if MRT needed phoned
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Topic: Properly waterproof waterproofs?
