Hi,
I recently saw the adverts for Pertex shield jackets by Rab and Montane. Always on the look out for new breathable fabrics I happened to see some last week in Betws-y-Coed. The lightest I saw was a Montane weighing in at a paltry 215g (£140). Trying it on was like putting on a jacket made of paper, I was convinced it was going to tear.
Next up was a heavier Montane jacket at 325g. I was told the difference was the lighter one used a PU laminate which made it lighter and more breathable. The heavier one used a PU coating which made it tougher heavier and less breathable. (£100).
Then there was one from Rab at over 300g with an enormous hood suitbale for a helmet. (£150). Finaly I found one made by OR which weighed 14oz. and cost £200. I liked the chest pockets on this one as they were above waist belt height. All four had floppy hoods.
Now the thing is I have a pair of Mardale overtrousers that are about 13 years old made of Pertex with some kind of laminate over them to keep out the water. True it might not be a PU laminate and they're not exactly featherweight. So is this really a new idea? Or a re-vamp of an old one?
So what about my Mardale overtrousers? Well they've hardly been worn over that 13 years, spending most of their time roled up in a rucksack. I've probably worn them about 6 - 7 times, twice for a full days' use. Early use and they were very good. Recently they let me down and I got soaked. I washed and re-proofed them and 2 uses later they gave up after 2 hours in the rain leaving my lower legs very wet.
As for their breathability they were ok, but nothing special. I would be interested in hearing how breathable they are, having got soaked to the skin whilst walking in the rain in my Rab eVent jacket. As far as I can tell it was down to sweat unless there was leakage through the seams, as the water was clearly beading up on the fabric.
