Originally Posted by Bekologist
I switched out of goretex gaiters almost 10 years ago because they don't breathe well enough! uncoated packcloth shorties gaitiers from OR work MUCH better to keep my lower legs drier without the big calf sheathing effects of goretex gaiters -even on multiday backcountry ski trips. Knee gaiters are good for serious bushwacking, but you're better off with a set of timber cruiser chaps from Filson if you're doing some serious 'thwacking.
I own both gaiters from Outdoor Research, The Shorties and the Crocodiles, the Shorties work OK, but never make it out of my Outdoor bin. I prefer the Crocodiles for the extra protection they provide. I bought them initially to hike the West Coast Trail and never noticed reduced breathability even when they were coated with muck and mud. Now I just use them more for BC skiing and winter Hiking, mostly for keeping snow out of my boots. I prefer the way they work.
Those uncoated shorties would not have worked as well on the WTC. Even though my boots are 1 peice waterproof leather, water still gets into the boot. My Goretex socks stopped my feet from becoming a prunny mess after 10 hours of slogging in wet boots.
Originally Posted by Bekologist
sometimes you need a WB coat, but you're better off the less you wear them.
You said that before, however your evidence seems lacking to me. I use my WB jacket and pants the most of any garment other than my boots and shorts. It has never hampered me, again having a good design helps as it feels nearly like a un coated shell, yet it's WB. I have participated in countless outdoor activity's this way, and will continue to do so.
Originally Posted by Bekologist
Unlaminated fabrics technologies, my friends, are what gets you better performing outdoor fabrics, for all conditions. I like name brand outdoor gear, but prefer my Patagoinias without a WB liner whenever possible. I've even got a TENT that's made from NON-waterproof fabric, but it works great. It's more breathable, and packs up small as a quart water bottle too.
I own quite a few tents from a single wall Bibler, a TNF Expedition VE25, Sierra Designs Stretch Dome, a Moss Big Dipper. I know in a storm or after a week of solid raining I would rather the coated tents like the Moss and the VE 25. What you use depends on what you are doing and how you plan to use it.
An uncoated tent why bother? You may as well use a Siltarp from Integral designs, it's lighter, and is at least waterproof
It packs to the size smaller than a 355ml can of pop.
Here we are using one as a cook kitchen during a full day of rain, make that a week of rain
Originally Posted by Bekologist
If you think riding or skating or cross country skiing is great in goretex(why??) Try the Ibex softshells. There is NO comparision in 85 percent of weather conditions.
Why? Ahh, because it works... besides, I'll pack along both and use what ever suits the situation, or drop one of the other. My routines are not cast in stone, and is activity and weather dependant, however
I know what works for me, If it doesn't work for you, carry on then....
Originally Posted by Bekologist
I do not praise the Gore when there are much better jackets approaching the golden fleece that even Jason and the Argonauts would rally round.
And I'll continue to praise my Gore jackets, because they are indispensable to me. With a good quality XCR jacket, gone is the potato chip bag feel. The jacket is much softer in hand and supple. It stretches, and it breaths, yet is water proof. It's been a winning combination for me so far.
It's not perfect, but it approaches it closer than any other garment I have tried or thought about buying, and I like buying