Gore-tex alternatives

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rth1959rth

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Anybody have any waterproof alternatives to gore-tex? Went duck hunting this past weekend and was in a moderate rain for aprox 3 hours. End result was wet. I was wearing a Drake "waterproof" jacket and the inside of it was as wet as the outside. I have had similar experience with Columbia Omni-tech. In my experience, all of the breathable membrane materials are water resistant instead of water proof.

I have a wax cotton jacket that I am going to apply a new coat of wax and give it a try. If that doesn't work, I may resort to a pvc type of rain suit. The pvc will keep you dry on the outside, but you will be wet on the inside from perspiration.
Been considering the Helly Hanson as that is what is used by a lot of commercial fishermen.

So, fellow duck hunters/outdoorsmen, what are you using to stay dry in wet weather?
 
Was your jacket this past weekend supposed to be gore-tex? I've had a Sitka gore-tex jacket for a few years now (downpour jacket) and it is definitely water-PROOF. Same experience I've had with other high-quality gore-tex clothing/boots.
 
I've had weird expereinces with water PROOF stuff. The worst was a Gander Mountain Guide series Tech2O jacket, that jackets was as water proof as a peice of toilet paper. They replaced it with a new one and it was fine...
 
Originally Posted By: rth1959rthThe jacket was gore-tex or an equivalent material.

There's no equivalent material to Gore-tex, it either is or it isn't IMO... Some advertise their cheaper products to be just like gore-tex or similar to gore-tex and when it comes down to staying dry it isn't.

I have gore-tex coats, upland pants, boots and all have performed well in adverse conditions. I won't even consider buying a pair of hunting boots without it anymore.
 
How old was the gear?
I've had good results from goretex products, but after a few years, the seams leak as well as stress points,like elbows or knees.
Black Miner rubber is waterproof, but it sure is not Goretex. I wear it when hunting in the mountains with a horse. Wet snow is the worst as it piles up in your lap while riding. The rubber always works, but isn't the most comfortable for moving in.
 
You may need to re-treat the Gore-Tex. there are commercially available wash-in treatments. Use those and some Camp-Dry on the seams.

If it doesn't say Gore-Tex...it's not the same. Nothing else works like gore-tex brand.
 
Helly Hansen is a good brand, Sitka gear has some. I wear Gore Tex stuff fine and Rivers West. All work well where I live with 7-10 inches rain per year. Good for hunting in rain and snow through wet brush. Best of all being able to sit in snow or wet ground while staying dry. My lap gets piled on too.
To me these fabrics are one great outdoor advantage of our era. Wool is still king for warmth.
 
I'm not a fan of goretex. I've never had any that was waterproof for anything heavier than a light rain. But I'm also to cheap to buy anything better, generally I just try to avoid the rain. Don't mind the snow a bit of course but rain sucks (I'm a desert kid can ya tell). Anyhoo I have a couple friends that swear by Mountain Hardware Dry Q stuff. I'm tempted to try it but the price holds me back, but then again those boys go camping in weather that I swear would make commercial fisherman stay inside!
 


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