Have been looking for new jacket and narrowed it down to either Rab Momentum or Berghaus MeraPeak, but can someone tell me (in pretty basic terms) what the difference is between Goretex and eVent and which might be better suited for winter off road running - ie working pretty hard but not all day
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 Goretex == tons of fabrics  With the mera peak seemingly being 2 layer performance shell, the Event will be quite a lot more breathable and a good bit lighter when you have to carry it. Something using active shell would be much closer to the momentum in terms of specification/ performance.
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 I've got a Pro Shell and a 3-layer eVent jacket, and I feel that the eVent is much nicer to wear when I'm working hard. Other people generally agree, but: If you're really working hard (eg, running in mild temperatures, in the rain) you'll overpower any membrane waterproof. You may find that it is entirely more pleasant and practical to assume that you'll be getting wet, and to dress in something that a) won't cause you to get really cold if it wets out and b) remains comfy when soaked. Microfleece and a windshell would work, or perhaps one of the hybrid things like the sorts of stuff Buffalo make, or maybe even something like Rab Vapour Rise? I wouldn't want to run in either of my shells, but then I don't really like running. I wouldn't want to cycle far whilst wearing one either; they generally get saved for hiking and the occasional short, wet bike commute. editted because someone snuck their response in seconds before mine 
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| Edited: 09/02/12 12:12 |
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| Edited: 09/02/12 12:18 |
Aaah looks like I posted a pretty stupid question as the jackets are seemingly not that comaprable. OK ditch the Berghaus option, is someting from eVent more likely to be suitable for my requirements? I wouldnt want it in mild temperatures as clearly anything would overpower menbranes in these conditions, but I need to keep off the rain in windy winter conditions without overheating.
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Just to throw in that while eVent might be more breathable, just how much of a difference this will make when you're running is very doubtful. Design and fit are much more important imo. Some like the "athletic" (narrow shouldered, pigeon chested) cut of many Rab tops, others don't. Also, Gore stuff might well be more durable and need less frequent washing than eVent, which might be important if you use it a lot.
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In answer to your question about the difference.... I think eVent is considered cooler and less insulating than a Gore-Tex jacket especially in very cold weather which can be easily adjusted by your choice of inner layers for longer days walking etc but for high energy activities such as climbing, running, cycling or if you just get really sweaty when out in the hills, then eVent is probably more breathable, whereas Gore-tex (generic I know as there are different products) generally has a slower rate of breathability which is a real plus point in colder weather. I'm sure someone will correct me!! I found a great explanation on a blog on www.beoutdoors.co.uk which may help
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 I was expecting Sally to come along with a link to 'beoutdoors'. There seems to be a bit of a pattern emerging to halfamary's threads. Apologies if it's total coincidence.
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 Have a look at Rab's Neo Stretch jacket. To date, I have found it the most breathable jacket I've had, but only used it so far in temps below 5°C and hiking with backpack, not running.
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 I found a great explanation on a blog on www.beoutdoors.co.uk which may help Thanks for that, I just leart something!
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eVent is basically the original 1st generation goretex. The patent that goretex held expired and other companies became free to use the tech. It differs from current goretex fabrics as it does not have a PU backer. The pu backer serves the purpose of stopping the pores in the fabric being contaminated/clogged up with oils and sweat etc from your skin and therefore becoming unbreathable.
This is why you have to wash eVent more then goretex, to remove these contaminates.
No doubt someone will tell you different!
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Or buy yourself a Paramo and forget about such discussions
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 I went running in an old triplepoint Lowe Alpine last night, it's even pre ceramic. It's got the best cut for me for running, so it's actually comfortable. I did sweat a bit in it BUT I'd sweat anyway, whatever I was or wasn't wearing.
Find something that fits nicely first, then ask questions of the fabric. you're hardly ever going to run in a hard shell anyway.
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I run in the ME Firefox Active Shell and think it's great. I've not really used it in really low temperatures yet as this winter has so far been a lot milder than the previous couple. I think the worst I have run in must have been between zero and minus 5. It's a great jacket IMHO. Not yet sure on long term durability, that will only be known with time. It is incredibly thin and lightweight and can compress down to softball size. I have been wearing base layer of merino and also a lightweight fleece and I've been fine. Not too warm or cold. Breathability is good. It is a great design and fit and keeps you dry. It is short cut though so some may prefer something longer, but I can live with that. I would say breathability is up there with eVent and it's highly suited for running, cycling and also hiking.
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Apart from which membranes etc breathe best, the face fabrics do have an effect, a thick face fabric event jkt like a Rab latok will be less breatheable than a light one like a drillium or similar, Neoshell is heavier than event but nicely breatheable you accept that nothing will keep up with your moisture output, so thats a good realistic start, most breatheable will be lightweight event, look at Montane Spektr or Air jkt, Rab Demand or Drillium, fit is important so go for best close but enough movement fit, not too baggy If price is part of the equation then the Marmot Essence or Mica or Montane Minimus are light and ok on breathability HTH
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Thanks for all the advice everyone think I'm going for the Rab Momentum.
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 I'm not a runner, but do people really run in a hard shell? Wouldn't a soft-shell set up of any description be better?
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 Ben, depends on the circumstances
Jo Smith 2, WHAT!! are you Gortex's head of marketing in disguise?
I've been 100% Gortex apart from eVent jacket that I got from REI about 18 months ago. I might be in the market for a new jacket and at the moment I'll definitely go for an eVent one. My personal experience is that its pretty close but eVent MIGHT just edge it in terms breathability. The other things you should be factoring in is durability, fit, features which are just as important as this Coke/Pepsi thing.
As for the root message and running.... again as I've said a number of times when it comes to what jacket to wear it all depends on what sort of running your doing, where and the circumstances. Without this sort of info trying to give any informed advice is pointless.
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| Edited: 03/03/12 13:30 |
 I'm not a runner, but do people really run in a hard shell? Wouldn't a soft-shell set up of any description be better?
I've never understood it either, Ben.
My running days are over, but i never wore a waterproof shell while running. I was always soaked by sweat, so couldn't see the point of a waterproof. Even on winter mountain runs, i only carried a windshell. For races that insisted on a waterproof, i carried the lightest thing i could find, as i never wore it. Even in winter, i only ever wore a ls base-layer, and sometimes a club vest.
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I'm not a runner, but do people really run in a hard shell? Wouldn't a soft-shell set up of any description be better?
I've never understood it either, Ben.
My running days are over, but i never wore a waterproof shell while running. I was always soaked by sweat, so couldn't see the point of a waterproof. Even on winter mountain runs, i only carried a windshell. For races that insisted on a waterproof, i carried the lightest thing i could find, as i never wore it. Even in winter, i only ever wore a ls base-layer, and sometimes a club vest.
My experience is fairly similar. I do take a waterproof on my commute (eVent as it happens) but only put it on if it is raining heavily, otherwise I'll wear pertex.
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