Re: [Paddlewise] Waterproof/Breathable no good in saltwater?

Rob Cookson wrote:

[major snipaloo]

> Regarding breathability:  I have never noticed any change in breathability
> in any of my gore pieces.  Maybe it's affected maybe it isn't, I think that
> it's just too subtle to tell.  There are a lot of myths that surround the
> product.

Thanks for the authoritative post, Rob.  Your experiences with earlier versions
of the Goretex membrane correspond to mine.  The modern stuff is good.  The
first stuff was bad (circa 1978) and caused me to avoid Goretex for some 15
years.

One small addendum:  My Kokatat Goretex paddling jacket **seems** to be less
breathable after the DWR has diminished to the point water no longer beads up
on the surface -- when the fabric "wets" and is uniformly damp.  There is good
theory re:  vapor pressure and droplet size to support this impression.  Of
course, good theory don't make it so.  I'll wager my six seasons of experience
with this PJ against any theory any day.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
chemist
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