goretex problem

[puzzledgrunt]

Dear Gentlemen

A potential problem of which you may not be aware;

Seam tape

I have had to pull apart a bivibag and a jacket solely because of the seam tape detaching itself from the seams. These were products from reputable manufacturers, not abused (or even put to hard use) and cleaned according to instructions. The problem arose after the warranties expired, so returning the items wasn't feasible.

I gather that it's a problem with WL Gore's licensing agreements; they can guarantee the quality of the fabric, but not of the tape. WLG don't like this any more than anyone else, but cannot really do anything about it.

Obviously a waterproof garment can only be as good as its seams- if the seams go, then the garment is useless for its intended purpose. The only remedy that I know of is to reinforce the seams with good quality, waterproof, cloth-backed, 100 mph tape. This has worked (so far) with a second jacket which has the same problem, but it shouldn't be necessary-why keep a dog and bark yourself?

Has anyone else had the same problem?

puzzledgrunt

 

[billiebob]

After nearly 10 years of faithful service, the seam tape on my North Face jacket completely delaminated. I tore open the lining to investigate, and nearly every inch was off the seams. I guess the glue just failed. This was a Mountain Light shell.

I sent it back to North Face, and they re-taped the seams PERFECTLY for free. They have my loyalty now.

 

[minhi]

Originally Posted by puzzledgrunt

Dear Gentlemen

A potential problem of which you may not be aware;

Seam tape

I have had to pull apart a bivibag and a jacket solely because of the seam tape detaching itself from the seams. These were products from reputable manufacturers, not abused (or even put to hard use) and cleaned according to instructions. The problem arose after the warranties expired, so returning the items wasn't feasible.

puzzledgrunt

can you tell us the manufacturers then? I thought all the main-line makers guaranteed their things for life.

minh

 

[StolenCar]

Originally Posted by puzzledgrunt

The only remedy that I know of is to reinforce the seams with good quality, waterproof, cloth-backed, 100 mph tape. This has worked (so far) with a second jacket which has the same problem, but it shouldn't be necessary-why keep a dog and bark yourself?

Most large cities will will have specialized shops that do repairs on tents and other outdoor equipment. They will be able to fix your jacket, too. If you can't get the manufacturer to fix it, call around to the outfitters in your area and they'll be able to provide a contact for you. It's a common issue, as other have pointed out.

 

[Dan-]

Helly Hansen and Gill both have lifetime warranties on their waterproof-breathable foulies.

 

[puzzledgrunt]

Dear Minh,

Mountain Designs and Wilderness Equipment-both Australia-only firms as far as I know.

I'm happy for those who could get their items re-taped, but here in backwater Australia, I doubt if such a service would be available, and even if it was, it would probably be cost more than the garment was worth

To be fair, all my items would have been made in the very late 1980's/early 1990's and the technology will have improved since then.

Thanks for the feedback, gents.

puzzledgrunt

 

[Jared]

Goretex gets filled with oil and stops breathing after some number of years. Shell technology is also improving at a rapid enough pace that you're better off replacing worn shells rather than fixing them. Besides, "waterproof & breathable" Goretex isn't and doesn't: softshells rule!

 

[billiebob]

I agree that if they are from the late 80s or early 90s that you should replace your garments if you can swing it.

Gore Tex XCR, which may have been updated itself in the past few years, is a vast improvement over the breathability of older std. Goretex, whether 2-ply or 3 ply.

While soft-shell (ex: schoeller fabric) is a great compromise for most active winter activities, in high winds or very wet conditions, goretex is still the standard to beat.

 

[puzzledgrunt]

Jared,

Do you have any experience with Ventile? If not, do you know anyone who does?

Puzzledgrunt

 

[fastrunningmom]

Puzzledgrunt,
Perhaps you could tell us what activities you were hoping to use your tech gear for and then we might be better able to make suggestions. I run in my gear, and care more about breathability than anything else. If I were doing a less strenuous activity I might care more about water repelancy or wind proof ability.

 

[Jared]

Originally Posted by puzzledgrunt

Do you have any experience with Ventile? If not, do you know anyone who does?
Nope, but people on the BackpackingLight forum do: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...e_pagination=1

 

[Drinkwaters]

Originally Posted by billiebob

After nearly 10 years of faithful service, the seam tape on my North Face jacket completely delaminated. I tore open the lining to investigate, and nearly every inch was off the seams. I guess the glue just failed. This was a Mountain Light shell.

I sent it back to North Face, and they re-taped the seams PERFECTLY for free. They have my loyalty now.

Regarding brand loyalty, my story is that I purchased a Patagonia shell parka from them aproximately 12 years ago that was made of a propriatary fabric that was suppose to be waterproof and it was for almost all the time that I owned it. During a hard rain while skiing, I got soaked so I returned to a Patagonia store and the manager stated that they had had problems with the fabric and I could do two things. If I loved the coat he would give me this spray to enhance its original properties or a full credit towards a new coat. I took the credit, spent a couple of hundred more for a new coat made out of Gore Tex XCR and I'll never shop anywhere else for my technical gear.

Puzzlegrunt,
I'm sure they do not want to lose your future business. I would contact someone in their corporate offices and explain your concern. Ask to speak to a supervisor if you do not get satisfaction.

Best Regards,

Gary