Re: [Paddlewise] Is Goretex damaged by salt?

From: <Geruta_at_aol.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 09:11:27 EDT
<< It was my understanding that salt did not damage Goretex.  Perhaps you
 woule be kind enough to disabuse us on the suitability of goretex and how
 well it stands up to salt.
  >>
the reason for the current advice to rinse your goretex gear comes from the
fact that salt attracts water (remember how the salt in your shaker becomes a
solid mass in humid weather). if your dry gear is encrusted with salt, it will
attract enough water to significantly dampen the outer layer of fabric. this
wet layer will then require a higher vapor pressure inside the suit to force
your sweat out through the goretex pores, i.e. you'll dry out more slowly.
this is the same reason why it is worthwhile renewing the durable water
repellency (DWR) when it fades - you'll feel drier and more comfortable inside
the suit but even if completely wet, or under water the goretex suit will
still breath. the pores in the goretex are much smaller than the salt
molecules, so that there is no way for salt to directly contaminate, clog, or
alter the performance of the goretex membrane.

george ruta
northcountry kayak
518-677-3040
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Received on Wed Sep 02 1998 - 06:12:34 PDT

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