[at-l] What is Gortex?

[PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com (PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com)]

also - gortex works best in dry environements.  the AT has too much humidity
in the air to move the moisture OUT from your body thru the fabric to evap
outside.  So, on the AT, you get few, if any, benefits from gortex.  There
must be a decent difference in the air moisture content to get it to move to
the 'less humid' direction.  You see benefits on other trails where the air
is less humid and very high altitudes.

one of the reasons I ditched gortex and have gone back to the old tried &
true poncho and rain skirt & gaitors...  cheaper, lighter and more comfy,
esp w/ my fleece jacket under the poncho!

cheerio

-----Original Message-----
From: W F Thorneloe [mailto:thornel@attglobal.net]

The idea it to have something that is rainproof that doesn't get the wearer
wet from sweating. Gortex is a patented / trademarked fabric that allows
vapor to pass. Many feel that it is not nearly worth the weight and
expense, as dirt can clog pours and reduce its efficacy. This is
particularly true with boots. There are other competing products, including
inexpensive nylons with very small holes.

I suspect you can get a number of reviews on Gortex and competing products
via the reviews on Yahoo groups BackpackGearTest section. I may have messed
the name up slightly.

OrangeBug

At 10:07 AM 8/23/2002 +0000, manzana wrote:
>What makes Gortex so special? I know it is patented and good for water
>resistance, but why? Somehow I think it is some kind of plastic cloth.
>Why is it so expensive? Why the rave?