Question:
You don't see as many Pertex / pile tops on the hills these days. Have they become obsolete in light of newer soft shells hitting the market? I have always wanted one but wonder if I'd be better getting a modern soft shell instead. I already own a thin soft shell and am looking for a warmer option for cooler months. Answer:
Hi there,
Gear here, Richard 'Obsolete' Gear, expert on outdated technologies. In
fact the pile / Pertex combination still works extremely well,
particularly in cold and damp conditions, like Scottish winter for
example.
 The Pertex outer
is windproof, reasonably breathable and, with a DWR treatment, resists
water as well. Meanwhile the pile inner provides simple but very
effective insulation. Most people believe that the pile bit somehow
pumps moisture outwards, in fact the reality is that it simply doesn't
hold much water. Wash a pile jacket and you can watch water running out
of the bottom of the garment, then heat from your body dries out any
remaining moistness.
It's not all good though. The combination is very warm for active wear,
though extensive venting options help with this - hence the massive zip
vent opening on Buffalo and Montane pile-Pertex tops. They don't pack
down small, so taking them off and sticking them in your pack is
difficult and, the styling on most pile-Pertex garments is basic and
dated. On top of that, the fabric doesn't stretch, so cut is crucial
for comfort.
If you can live with all those potential flaws, then pile-Pertex is
great stuff in the right conditions, so I wouldn't dismiss it out of
hand. Don't expect it to look good though.
As alternatives I'd look at Paramo's Analogy system, which works in a
broadly similar way, but is less warm. You could also consider layering
two of Rab's excellent Vapour Rise tops in really cold weather. Or, if
you're someone who runs hot when moving, but cools down fast when
stopped, consider something like a Vapour Rise or your existing thin
soft shell teamed with a synthetically insulated, belay-type jacket to
be thrown on over your other kit as soon as you stop.
Happy shoft shell shopping.
Yours in obsolescence,
Richard G
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