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42 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

As you are aware waterproof breathable fabrics can "wet out" reducing them to simply waterproof fabrics. That does not make wetted out waterproof breathable the same as waterproof non-...
StrongBad's user avatar
  • 10.7k
27 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

You seem to have a specific outdoor activity in mind, like trekking or climbing. But what about water sports? A sailing ship deck would be the most obvious place. Sometimes you won't move much, but ...
Quora Feans's user avatar
15 votes

Is a full waterproof coat more important than waterproof trousers for hiking?

I can totally see your point of view as your coming from forestry or generally working outdoors, but this is fairly straight forward from a hiking point of view: Hiking is walking, meaning work for ...
imsodin's user avatar
  • 21.8k
15 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

There are several uses, but regular strenuous outdoor leisure activities aren't really among them. Breathable gear only goes so far - there comes a point when the best gear you can afford will ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 27k
13 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

The non-breathable pants are usually considerably cheaper than the breathable ones. That can make them a better choice for activities that stand a good chance of ripping holes in the material, ...
Charles E. Grant's user avatar
10 votes
Accepted

Is a full waterproof coat more important than waterproof trousers for hiking?

I say you should always wear the gear that you already own and you are comfortable in instead of following some fashion trend. If you like your setup go for it. Beyond that I think there are some ...
Erik's user avatar
  • 9,648
9 votes

Is a full waterproof coat more important than waterproof trousers for hiking?

Intro: You can get wet from sweat or wet from rain, or a combination. The waterproof breathables depend on the outside surface being not wet. So the outside layer has to shed water. This generally ...
Sherwood Botsford's user avatar
7 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

The non-breathable cheaper wet-weather protection is useful for when you must sometimes go outdoors in heavy rain to do essential jobs, but not for very long. Long enough that you would otherwise get ...
Weather Vane's user avatar
  • 4,785
6 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

To ride a motorcycle, for example, you will never chose breathable fabric. If you have to wear rain pants, temperature is such that sweat is almost never an issue and you want your garment to be as ...
Steve Perry's user avatar
6 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

Non-breathable waterproof garments are basically polyurethane plastic at the surface. This has one very big benefit in that dirt doesn't stick to it much, and what sticks will usually come off with ...
jpa's user avatar
  • 836
6 votes

Tent in the rain

I wouldn't say what you are experiencing is normal - my Helsport tent has been in use for at least 20 years (for weeks and weeks) and it is still working perfectly. Although, depending on the original ...
fgysin's user avatar
  • 13.4k
5 votes

How to repair dry sack with delaminated TPU

Small areas of damage can be repaired with tape (for example Tenacious Tape), but even with a very robust tape this is temporary in practice. Once the delamination starts it will continue. I ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 27k
5 votes

Durable Waterproof Dry Bags

The most durable and waterproof drybags are heavy and stiff. Carrying excessive weights of water in yours is likely to have accelerated damage. My large kayaking one (too large for regular use) is ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 27k
4 votes

Tent in the rain

1) Is it possible that this can be caused because of condensation? How wet your gear and tent floor was? If it's just slightly damp on the outside then this is perfectly normal in wet air conditions (...
andrzej.szmukala's user avatar
4 votes

Deodorising rain jacket without ruining waterproofing

Before getting into the main body of my answer, it should be noted that according to the company's guidelines a water-repellent product (DWR) should be reapplied "about every 5th washing cycle." ...
Ken Graham's user avatar
  • 9,609
4 votes
Accepted

How do breathable fabrics like Gore-tex and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) work?

In the absence of the DWR, it would still be waterproof, but not breathable. The DWR coating is to keep the rain off of the layer of Gore-tex but does not provide the waterproofing. Once the DWR ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
3 votes

How to remove butter stain from raincoat?

You already washed it, so it is probably not as waterproof as it was new. If the pores/fabric are open enough to trap butter and keep it through a wash with dish soap. you have two options. Buy a ...
James Jenkins's user avatar
3 votes

What are reasons why someone might use non-breathable waterproof pants?

As a cyclist, I expect to get wet if I'm riding hard in the rain. But if I'm wearing something waterproof -- breathable or not -- the (cold) rainwater will be kept separate from the (warm) sweat, and ...
Dan's user avatar
  • 39
3 votes

Where in nature can we find examples of natural "hoods" - either for reducing UV / sun exposure or for providing shelter from rain?

Protecting against UV is usually done with a covering like fur, feathers, scales, a hard shell, etc, or pigment. Our own species is a great example of the latter. It seems we emerged on the plains ...
Olin Lathrop's user avatar
  • 21.5k
2 votes

How can I avoid or lessen sweating in a rain jacket?

All answers seem focusing on better outfit. But in rain, the air is completely saturated with water. Therefore your sweat is not going to evaporate. Not even with the most breathable or wicking fabric....
ngi's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes

How should I pack for a week of backpacking in the rain?

Bring one change of dry clothes to change into when you are in your overnight cabin, all the way from top to toes and from the skin out, and make sure you have enough layers to be warm when there is ...
Willeke's user avatar
  • 4,740
2 votes
Accepted

Deodorising rain jacket without ruining waterproofing

I recommend you try Gear Aid MiraZyme. It is formulated specifically to remove odors and it is safe for your waterproofing. It does not require you to wash your garmet harshly; instead you dip your ...
Mr.Wizard's user avatar
  • 9,526
1 vote

Comparing breathable vs non-breathable clothing. What are good/bad points of each?

Aside from the practical differences aside, i.e. breathable lets sweat out, but tends to only keep rain out temporarily, breathable fabrics are typically made of 'forever chemicals' which might cause ...
Hugh Perkins's user avatar
1 vote

How to remove butter stain from raincoat?

Ok. If you aren't going to wear it dirty, then risking its waterproofing doesn't matter. Things to try: First one sounds crazy: You have a stain. Stain the rest of the poncho to match. You can ...
Sherwood Botsford's user avatar

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