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Rab Downpour is now 6 months old.
And has started leaking like a sieve across the shoulders…
That was my experience with the one Rab waterproof I had except it was less than 6 months.
Now then, who suggested the ME Zeno many months ago......
😜
If it's not really good I'll be very surprised. ME might not be sexy and trendy but they just don't make bad kit - their sleeping bags and waterproofs have been fab as long as I remember.
I still have some 20+yr old DriLite gaiters
*nods deferentially*
Shoulda gone with that originally...
(Edit: still needs another 3-5cm in length, we all like more length...)
I've just hit buy on one too. In classic STW style I don't REALLY need it.
I’m struggling to find pros and cons to regular goretex vs pac lite plus goretex. I’m interested in waterproofness, breathability and durability. I understand pro and active but not these two? I’m considering a montane pac plus xt or Ajax as I’m a bit of a montane fan boy, thanks
regular goretex
Is not really a thing....
From: https://www.facewest.co.uk/Gore-Tex-Fabrics-Explained.html
(And out of date as it doesn't list PacPlus)
There are 3 Gore Tex waterproof membranes. Gore-Tex, Gore-Tex Pro & Gore-Tex Active. There is also Gore Infinium, which is windproof, but not waterproof. This article will explain the different constructions and uses of each of the membranes.
- Gore-Tex - Great breathability which is tough, light and durable.
- Gore-Tex Pro - Built for maximum durability and protection.
- Gore-Tex Active - Breathability and weight optimised at the expense of durability.
- Gore-Tex PacLite - Low bulk and small pack size optimised over durability.
- Gore Infinium - Completely windproof and weather resistant softshell membrane.
Thanks, I also found that but as you said; no reference to paclite plus and not enough detail on the differences. I need numbers!
And Shake dry, to further confuse!
I need numbers!
The numbers are less important than things like cut, venting and face fabric.
All gore waterproof membranes are over 20k, most 28k waterproofing, minimum breathability is 15k iirc, most 20k.
DWR, face fabric and how the user treats it all way more important once it's been worn and stuffed in a bag more that a couple of times.
That said, I won't take a waterproofing below 15k these days, as a sign of good quality.
So any suggestions on how to choose between the two. I’m planning on using it for day hiking with a light day pack, predominantly in spring and autumn as I have a paramo that refuses to die for winter. One is regular goretex and the other is paclite plus. Thanks
I'd be dubious of the useful lifespan of anything Paclite if used under pack straps. The Plus bit adds abrasion resistance to the old version, in and outer face...but that's not saying much as the older versions delaminated on the inside if you just looked at them in funny way.
And yet we've a Paclite jacket and two pairs of overtrousers that are in 3rd year, one pair of overtrousers used for work, that are still ok.
So any suggestions on how to choose between the two. I’m planning on using it for day hiking with a light day pack, predominantly in spring and autumn as I have a paramo that refuses to die for winter. One is regular goretex and the other is paclite plus. Thanks
I look at it this way; regular Gore-Tex is decently waterproof, reasonably breathable - not as good as Active or Pro but okay for walking - and quite robust and durable. Paclite Plus is lighter, not massively more breathable, but appreciably less robust.
The last Paclite was bad enough that a friend, who is an outdoor clothing designer, point blank refused to use it. It was oringally intended as a fabric for an 'emergency shell', ie something you just put on briefly if you absolutely have to. Regular Gore-Tex is more of an all-round workhorse in a solid, dependable sort of way. Paclite Plus is a nicer fabric than Paclite and should do the job, but wouldn't expect it to last as long.
The nicest bog standard Gore-Tex btw, is the stuff with the C-Knit backer, feels softer and nicer than standard 3-layer fabric, but costs more.
Thanks all, that’s helped
Just to double check whilst stuff Im selling on Ebay "looks" to be going for enough money.
Basically buy the most appropriate jacket from Mountain Equipment based on technical requirements and budget?
I own no Rab kit so what’s the sizing like?
Traditionally far too skinny a fit in their jackets for me so I'd always discounted them. However, couple of years ago I tried on a Rab Kangri GTX just for the hell of it, and lo and behold it fitted. Bought straight away. I find trying to find a good jacket that fits to be one of the most annoying buying processes I ever go through. Too short for your requirements and the hood is too big too. A ramblingly-rubbish suggestion all in all 😂
Sprayway Torridon. First, and last, GoreTex coat I bought back in … 1988 or thenabouts.
Was a revelation after years of cheap boil-in-a-bag waterproofs.
Seams fell apart after two or three years. Wetted out after one. Pockets were a bit more water resistant than a sieve. Maybe the new one is better.
Edit. i should look to check outdated thread posts.
Indont suppose theres any Mountain Equipment Makalu owners here?
Seems to offer the right balance of features/cost/protection for me.
It's basically an ME Lhotse, but made from standard Gore-Tex rather than the s****ier, more breathable Pro Shell, so a little less breathable, slightly heavier and maybe a little less durable, but quieter and good for general all-round use. The Alpine cut is their sleeker, more athletic fit and is great unless you're on the large side of things or want to layer it over bulky insulation regularly. Good hood unless you want to use a helmet regularly in vile Scottish winter conditions, in which case the full-on helmet-specific mountaineering hood is better, but actually works less well on a bare head or with a beanie.
I've not used a Makalu, but I've worn a Lhotse a fair bit and it's a cracking mountain hardshell, I don't see why the Makalu wouldn't be every bit as good most of the time and arguably an improvement if you don't like the crinkly, crackly feel of Gore-Tex Pro, the only downside is that it'll be slightly heavier and a little less breathable.
ps: 30g heavier than a Lhtose, £170 cheaper on RRP.
Cheers for that, appreciated.
I think most of the time Im after a solid shelter that is durable in terms of load carrying in cold weather (overnighters)
The fit should be ok, but this will be a "bought in person" and theres a stockist not too far from home that has a good range. That may end up being a deciding trip but the more I know in advance the better the decision Ill make when I have a fancy new jacket in my hands.
I have an OMM Kamlight smock and Montane Spine jacket. Both of which are great, but arent Cairngorms foul winter jackets.
An update on my ME Zeno - it will not take a DWR / Nikwax will not 'take' on it.
All our other household jackets and waterproof trousers have worked, albeit less well than the old, environmentally nastier Nikwax.
But the Zeno has been washed in it twice, and last week I tries spraying it. It just wets out really quickly - as in each rain drop can be seen wetting it out. I am going to message ME and Nikwax and see if they have anything to say.
🙁