Quote:
Originally Posted by
TheDroog 
Does anyone have experience with the new waterproof material mentioned in the Outside article, Polartec's Neoshell (
http://www.neoshell.com/)? I'm very intrigued because Polartec has always been a pioneer in synthetic fabrics, and if they think they can take on Gore-Tex, I want to give them a look.
I bought Polartec fleece way back in the day when it was first introduced and was relatively expensive. It was awesome back then, and those fleeces are still some of the best I've got. The cheaper fleece you find at Old Navy and Gap are junk compared to Polartek's fleece, and many of the top brands still advertise their items are made from Polartec.
REI sold a Neoshell jacket on their website a few months back, but I couldn't find anything at my local store. Would love to hear if someone has had a chance to test it out.
I also had Polartec fleece when it first came out and still have a few pieces left, although I have moved to higher density fleece over the years like R4. If you like Polartech then I highly recommend checking out the Polartech power dry base layer if you haven't already. It is all I use for a base layer anymore. It has replaced all my technical silk and polypro. Depending on the temp merino wool over that, high density fleece over that and then a gore shell. It has kept me warm and dry down to -20 F while physically active and I always stay dry even in warmer temps too. Awesome stuff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
hendrix
That might have been true 20 years ago but in my experience it's not true now. I've used gore-tex and it's great but I also like other products.
Soldiers just want to wear shit they're familiar with.
I would say a major advantage of gore-tex over the high density weaves is how light it is.
Being retired military I can accurately say your statement is totally false. Soldiers 1) usually are young without any previous experience or bias concerning technical rainwear 2) Don't give a damn what it is made of. They just want it to work in the field.
Even GT isn't the best in all situations. Hydrostatic pressure such as sitting on a wet log will cause your ass to get wet in a short period of time. Many of us are still looking for the perfect rainwear. In the Pacific NW commercial fisherman and most Alaskan hunting guides still wear rubber tops and bottoms. They avoid all technical rainwear including Gore Tex like the plague. Like I said I have tried several of the membranes including recently and for my use of heavy physical effort in all types of weather and temps. they don't cut it. And like I also said if all your doing is light physical activity like wearing it in the city it is fine for that use.
Here is REI's take on membranes vs. gore tex (ePTFE and eVent), of which they sell several types of both:
http://www.styleforum.net/t/301652/technical-outerwear/165
Lower cost, yet the newest versions are approaching levels of breathability comparable to 2-layer and even high-end, 3-layer ePTFE laminates.
They say it is approaching lower end 2 layer gore tex performance but they aren't there yet. Believe me.
Backcountry.com (hey got to have love for the RAM!) has a short but good article saying exactly what I said:
http://backcountrybeacon.com/2010/03/waterproof-breathable-buy-the-right-rain-gear/
I have recently owned or own Marmot PreCip and the MHW Conduit mentioned, among others such as Dry-plus and Omni-Dry. And am still looking.
As to footwear.. rubber boots of course. Half a size larger than normal with wicking socks under heavier smart wool socks. When your trying to get within kissing distance of a big game animal to stick an arrow in it also servers as scent control. And you can walk through most bogs and muskegs if your careful of depth. If longer faster walking is required such as backpacking, pheasant hunting or ruffled grouse busting through brush leather boots treated with HDLP can be made totally waterproofed. The Russel Moccasin Grand Slam Sheep Hunters are straight leather but treated with HDLP and never leaked. The Meindl Perfekt hikers are gore tex lined but also treated with HDLP. Same for the LL Bean Cresta Hikers and Meindll Perfekt Hunters. But not something you would wear everyday in town or the city. LOL or shouldn't IMO.
Even suede like my AE suede chukkas are very waterproof treated with Bicks Gardmore. Well you did ask what I'd wear when the Zombies came. I'm going out in style.... 
