Gortex or imitation rain gear?

[NELS-BELLS]

I am looking for some good quality waterproof rain gear that I can wear for bow hunting and fishing in the summer. I've noticed that there are a lot of clothing manufacturers that claim that there garments are waterproof and breathable (like Gortex). They are a lot cheaper than Gortex but are they as good?

[blue_healer_guy]

Nels, I have never wore gortex, but being a mailman and finding out what a waste of money it is to buy the imitation stuff, I would advise it. I suppose it's the old "get what you pay for thing."

[PerchJerker]

What you really want is raingear that was a waterproof membrane, which is what Gortex is -- a waterproof membrane. There's a few of them out there, for example if you buy Columbia raingear you won't get Gortex but you'll get an OmniTech membrane and it's every bit as good as any garment with Gortex. What you want to avoid is "waterproof treated" material, which will wear out quickly and will probably leak through the seams right away.

I have a ScentBlocker suit I wear hunting and I don't remember what they call the membrane --- it's not Gortex but it's a membrane --- and after years of hard use it's still as waterproof as the day I got it.

[fisherdog19]

Lots of companies offer Gore Tex type membranes that are constructed in the same way. Columbia, Cabela's and others make products every bit as good as Gore Tex. You are paying extra for the brand name Gore Tex. I have some Cabela's jackets, pants, and insulated bibs for ice fishing that have worked great over the last 5 years.

Fishing

[sightfisher]

The patent for Gore-Tex ran out, that is why so many other makers have a similiar product. Always buy raingear that has a waterproof/breathable membrane. If it claims to be waterproof, but does not have a membrane, and has a urethane coating or a silicon impregnated waterproofing it is really only water resistant. The ScentBlocker version is called 'RainBlocker' Other brandnames are Omni Tech for Columbia, Pac Tech for Pacific Trail, TecH20 for Guide Series, Helly Tech for Helly Hanson..... notice the use of the word 'tech.' Any of these brands, including Gore-Tex, do require to be regularly treated. Use a DWR product, Durable Water Repelancy. For waterproof membranes to perform best they require the up-keep of the outer repelancy of the material. Do not use silicon based products on waterproof/breathable membranes; they will plug up the pores and not allow the fabric to breathe. Also don't be afraid to run the raingear through the washer and dryer. The washer will remove dirt from the jacket that can cause the material to 'wet out'; this happens because dirt in the pores attracts and soaks in water. The dryer will cause the 'tiny' fibers in the raingear to stand on end and thus restore the durable water repelancy.

Gore-Tex is a great product, it will not fail; no other waterproof material has gone through as much testing. But if your pocket book does not allow it the other brands will, with proper care, perform to your expectations.

[DuluthGuy]

NELS, I can only comment on fishing gear. I have used columbia and cabelas (and everything below) I have many, many hours on the water. I would recommend cabelas guide gear above all, then Columbia. I tryed Ganders H2O tech, as my cheap pair($200.00) and they would leak down the front no matter what I did with them. (mostly while I charter fished on Superior). As stated before - you get what you pay for. I have had the same gear for 10? years and they still work great!

B2

[NELS-BELLS]

Thanks guys-

I knew I could count on this group for some insightful information. I've had my eye on the Cabelas brand. They make the same style with Gortex and with thier own waterproof version for a little cheaper.

I didn't know that there was any maintanence involved with Gortex and the like.

Nels

[Gus]

I own two pairs of cabelas brand DryPlus breathable waders. I'm never wet on the river.

[Super Black]

If your going to be hunting with the same gear nothing beats the MTO50. What's great about this gear is that you can get just the rainwear or go with the insulated. I personally use both, but just the rainwear would suffice. Extra clothing underneath and your ready to go. Just for fishing, the ultimate is the Cabela's Guidewear. I've had a pair since 1994 and the stuff is just as good as new. SB

[ccarlson]

In response to the washing and drying of the gore tex type products, I know that original gore tex can only be washed with powder detergent and not liquid. Be sure to check the label but as stated, a good washing and complete drying in the dryer will improve the repellancy of the product over the long haul.

ccarlson

[Captain B.R.K]

Nels, I replied to your post in the hunting forum. Didn't know you had something going here too.

Though Gore's patent did run out, I'd still look at

GORE- TEX brand items than those imiatations. Do a search on the web about Omni-Tech, H20 Tech and I bet you wouldn't find nearly the information you would if you went to Gore's HSOforum.

When I'm buying a product that is going to keep me warm, dry and comfortable, I like to research it the best I can before I buy it. Talk to an associate at Cabela's or a Sportsman's Warehouse; they will ditto what I've said plus the stuff I wrote on the other forum.

Good luck.