Leaky Gore-Tex
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by Backcountry BobQ. Hoping you can help me, I have bought a very good quality Gore-Tex raincoat and when I'm using it for tramping (hiking) in the rain I find it seems rather damp (wet) inside it. I thought at one stage it was letting water in around the area of my pack straps but it seems more than that. Could it just be that my sweat is not escaping (venting) fast enough ? I hope I have explained clearly. Regards, Tom
A. Tom,
There are basically three things that could be going on. As you said, you could be sweating in the coat. However, unless you are doing something very aerobic it is very doubtful that you would confuse it with rain. The jacket may just need to be re-treated. Any waterproof/breathable item will need to be taken care of. The best way to do this is with Nikwax Tech Wash. You just wash the jacket in a washing machine with this and dry it on low to medium.
Often times a jacket that you think is finished will come out feeling like new after you do this. The third thing could be that the Gore Tex has delaminated. This is very rare but even the best materials will break down eventually. If that is the case you can warrant the product through the manufacturer or us and it can be repaired or replaced.
This month's Gear Guru question was submitted by Tom from New Zealand. He will receive a Nalgene bottle for his question. Enjoy Tom!
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