Re-Water Proof Jacket and Pants

[Julius]

Hey, :ted:

There are two basic types of water proof clothing;

1. Gore-Tex type, water proof by the weave and a chemical additive. Breathable and Expensive. Can be re-water proofed at home, best done by a professional.
2. Barrier type, a vinyl type coating on nylon, most of the water proof gear out there, not breathable but cheap(er). Not really re-water proof-able, but repairable.

I point out the two types because there are a lot of water proofing spays for the Gore-Tex type that get used on the barrier type with poor results.

My little tec-tip is about the barrier type clothing.

Some jackets will have a removable liner, some it's built in. At the time of production the seams of the jacket or pants are folded over several times and stitched together, then a seam sealing tape is applied to ensure a water tight barrier.


Please see photo [url]http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/654/184Dec_07_013.jpg[/url]this showes a typical seam with tape. Over time the adheisive of the tape starts to let go. Not alot, enough to let small amounts of water in, then you start spraying 'water proof' spray at the garment in hopes of sealing it. Mostly you will have poor results.

The next photo shows the user side of a seam, you can just make out the line of the tape and the little wrinkles where the tape has let go. My Joe Rocket B6. [url]http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/654/184Dec_07_017.jpg[/url]


I use McNett's 'SeamGrip' urethane adhesive seam sealer. Available at most outdoor stores. See my notes on boots http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/forum32/5005.html

I apply the seam seal to the user side of the garment. The tape side is usually behind fabric or other wise hard to get to. On my jacket this is on the inside. See next photo. http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/654/184Dec_07_020.jpg

On my pants I applied it to the exterior. See next photo. http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/654/184Dec_07_015.jpg

I have one wet ride with the pants, seems to work well. Soon I'll get the jacket out see how it works.

I hope this helps. Keep your roost up !! :dr:

 

[VIMike]

imported post

imported post

Speaking of good apparel I still haven't bought a good jacket. I would in a First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket buy a 4X for sizing, and some products don't even get up in those sizes. Having said that what would people recommend in a 3/4 length, with a removable liner? So far I have been leaning towards the Kilimanjaro III, even with it's $400+ price tag.

VIMike

 

[Julius]

imported post

imported post

Hey,

I'm all for the 3/4 length jacket. Inot certain about the liner. My Joe R. is built in, I'll never be without it. The jacket is a bit of a drag in the summer, no real venting.

I have anotherJoe R. with a removable liner, on a trip to theSeaton Passarea it was on the back of the bike then in the real sprocket...crap. Got a chewed up rain liner now.

I've heard the K III is a quality item. Ask very specific questions about the rain liner, how is it made, what materials, are the seams 'welded' or taped? Most stores don't have staff that care about these things. It would be worth your time/money to do some research on the jacket.