Bushwalk Australia

Hi All,
I have a Snowgum VapourTec rain jacket that is about 7 years old. I took it on a hike in the Blue Mountains a couple of weeks ago and got pretty wet through it.
About a year ago I washed the jacket and resprayed it with one of those jacket waterproofers in an aerosol can.
I am walking the South Coast Track in Tassie in September, so want to make sure I stay dry.
Basically what I want to know is:
-Is Snowgum Vapourtec any good? or am I better off spending the money and getting Gore-tex?
-Can I expect another wash and spray to make the jacket waterproof?
-I like the style of the jacket and have looked at the new version of the VaporTec jackets. Would a new one be any better that the one I have now?

The jacket looks as though it is in excelent condition, no holes, stains, etc.

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Steve

Put it on and stand under the shower... can be a good way to test the waterproofness of your jacket
As far as I am aware VapourTec is just Snowgums own 'goretex'. Basically a way of them cutting costs and not having to pay to use the real stuff.
I would be surprised if it was vastly inferior. Regardless it is a 7 year old jacket so again, I would recommend testing its waterproofness before relying on it in the SW of tas.

Hi Steve
I have a bee in my bonnet about waterproof (so called) jackets I have a paddy pallin coat I pay over four hundred dollars for. all kinds of gortex, washed it treated, and were the coat makes contact with your pack on the back and shoulders as soon at it rains the fabric wets out. dont get me wrong I am not saying that I am getting wet but as soon as the fabric is wet it will not breath check this link http://www.oringi.com.au/product.pasp?c ... oductid=43 they seem cheap and will probably do the job. check out Rodger Caffins comments on bushwalking Australian.org FAQ.
If the water dose not bead up on the coat is it really waterproof. I am starting to think that these expensive waterproofs are a crock, from what I am reading O.S. many people in the states recon that too.
cheers
Climbingone (jb)

This has been discussed quite a bit I think....

Expanded PTFE laminate fabrics are waterproof wether they wet out or not. They just stop breathing in the area that has wetted out. Their ability to breathe is also dependent on the atmospheric conditions, they work best with a big temperature differential and low external humidity. Doesn't sound ideal for a raincoat does it? LOL.