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[at-l] Goretex
Jim Mayer wrote:
>On the other hand, I have been questioning the need/usefulness of Gore-Tex
>parkas recently. This summer, all I used was a coated nylon rain jacket
>(LLBean again, for the usual "tall" reason). The argument against GoreTex
>runs something like this:
>
Jim -
You missed the big reason why Goretex isn't all that useful for long
distance hiking - it only works if it's "clean". For a thruhike it'll
work forthe first month or so - then it gets dirty, sweaty, etc. - and
the Goretex gets clogged. I know - you could wash it, but then you'd
have to renew the waterporoofing. If you don't, then it's useless in
the rain. Believe me - the middle of a thruhike is NOT the time to be
pulling that kind of maintenance.
Goretex is fine if you're doing weekends and short trips so you do the
heavy maintenance when you get home. And if you're willing to spend the
big bucks for it.
I used a Goretex parka until I got to Waynesboro - and then I traded it
for a coated nylon wind jacket which lasted all the way to Katahdin.
Talked to Cindy Ross about their section hikes on the CDT - and they
also use coated nylon. It's cheaper, lighter and more effective over
the long haul.
Same thing applies to boots - how do you keep the Goretex in your boots
"clean"?
Answer - you don't, so Goretex boots are a ripoff. We were in a shop in
Durango in August where they had a sign posted that said exactly that.
Buy your boots for fit and durability - leave all the Goretex
pie-in-the-sky claims for those who aren't experienced enough to know
better.
Walk softly,
Jim
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