40
votes
What is the use case for 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-breathable ...
- 10.6k
21
votes
What is the use case for 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 ...
- 551
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 ...
- 21.6k
13
votes
What is the use case for 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 ...
- 24.6k
13
votes
What is the use case for 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, ...
- 2,962
11
votes
How can I avoid or lessen sweating in a rain jacket?
Unfortunately there isn't much you can do if your rain jacket is not breathable. My recommendation is to replace your rain jacket with a poncho, which may be very cheap - while a highly breathable ...
- 4,565
10
votes
Will it damage my rain gear to store it in a compression sack?
The creases that develop can theoretically compromise rain proofing treatment, especially if those creases cycle (bend and straighten repeatedly) however you can always retreat your gear to get more ...
- 4,664
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 ...
- 9,628
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 ...
- 11.9k
9
votes
Accepted
When rain jackets wear out, do they soak through?
I would imagine it's a breath-ability issue.
"Breathable" waterproof fabrics, in my experience, are basically "pretty waterproof and allow some/most moisture out in most conditions."
Especially in ...
- 2,138
9
votes
How to stop rain from entering at the cuffs of my rain jacket?
I've never had too much trouble with a double cuff - a velcro or (better) elastic inner cuff and a loose outer. In the worst conditions, an elasticated inner cuff under a goretex glove with long ...
- 24.6k
7
votes
What is the use case for 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 ...
- 3,470
6
votes
How can I avoid or lessen sweating in a rain jacket?
Even breathable fabrics like Gore Tex will make you sweat when it's too warm - there needs to be a certain temperature difference for the fabric to work. So, you'll need to increase ventilation. The ...
- 201
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 ...
- 12.5k
6
votes
What is the use case for 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 ...
- 836
5
votes
How to stop rain from entering at the cuffs of my rain jacket?
While working outside in the rain and when wearing a rain jacket, I have two simple solutions for keeping as dry as possible when the weather is miserable. I do not wear wrist bands because I like to ...
- 9,579
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 (...
- 141
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."
...
- 9,579
4
votes
Are zipper covers crucial?
The answer will depend on the quality of the jacket and therefore somehow also the price. In the high-end range you often find jackets without zipper covers and still they are 100% waterproof (well to ...
- 12.1k
4
votes
What to look for in an Umbrella for Backpacking?
After years of experience doing short and long treks in various climates this is the first time I hear of a trekking umbrella. And honestly, I'm not convinced.
Yes, rain protection will be good, ...
- 12.5k
4
votes
What to look for in an Umbrella for Backpacking?
So trekking umbrellas are apparently a thing. And no one can really argue the claim that they are the most "breathable" form of raingear. There are a couple varieties, some are designed ultra compact ...
- 53.3k
4
votes
Accepted
What's the best way to apply patches to partially waterproof softshell jackets?
Stitch and seam seal. As Liam noted, softshells aren't really waterproof. There are plenty of products you could use to glue the patch and it would be more waterproof than the rest of your jacket. ...
- 32.1k
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 ...
- 69.1k
4
votes
What is the use case for 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 ...
- 41
4
votes
What is the use case for 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 ...
- 41
3
votes
How does one rewaterproof a rain jacket?
When jackets get dirty and tired, they no longer 'bead' rainwater and will 'wet out' easier - This is when the outer layer becomes saturated with water.
They should still be waterproof, because the ...
- 3,916
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible