Army Goretex | A buyer’s guide

Buying Army Goretex on the Internet

We’ve been trading for over 20 Years now and during that time we’ve seen the steady improvements made by the Military in their Clothing and Equipment. I’m writing this guide to help you make an informed decision when buying an Army Goretex product online.

I very much doubt that anyone these days haven’t heard of the material or Company, Goretex, or their claims that this material is 100% Waterproof and 100% Breathable.

FANTASTIC, we can now stay dry and not have to sweat 4 pints for the privilege; or can we?

I don’t dispute that Army Goretex, or any of the other waterproof and breathable materials on the market, are a fantastic creation. However, they are only ever 100% Waterproof and 100% Breathable (simultaneously) in lab conditions.

I do not wish to put you of buying these types of items. The total opposite in fact (We have an website section full of Army Goretex) and I always have my jacket with me when I’m in the hills, but I want you to be aware that there are limitations and if you are on your knees in a muddy field, in the pouring rain, the 100% claims will not stand.

It’s the breatheability that really suffers. Why is that you say? Well, for hot air to be wicked away from the body and through the pores within the Army Goretex material. The pores have to be able to breathe.

If you’re limbs are pressed up against the material, or more often if it’s pouring with rain and the water is blocking the pores externally. The Army Goretex item will not breathe.

We sell a lot of British Army Issue Army Goretex Camouflage Suits (trousers and jackets) to farmers, fishermen and motor cyclists and not one of these items has GORETEX written on it…

Why??? The MOD does not Brand it’s Army Goretex clothing, it’s not allowed to been promoting one manufacturer over another. So, if you want to buy a genuine piece of Army Goretex clothing, what do you look for?

How do I tell it’s Army Goretex?

The Garment with usually have some reference to MVP or Moisture Vapour Permeability on it’s label
There is also the obvious difference in feel and texture, but that doesn’t help if you’re buying over the Internet.
Most British Army Goretex Items are 3-Ply (Three Layers) which feels thicker and is more Durable than the “PacLite” versions on the market, to give you some comparison. The Seams will be sealed with a waterproof tape

What do I look out for when buying Army Goretex?

It is important that you check the item has been sealed properly; despite being made from a waterproof material, a Army Goretex item will not protect you from the elements unless the stitching has been professionally sealed.

Check that the seams, pockets and any repairs have been finshed off properly. We had a customer come in before Christmas 2007 looking for Army Goretex Jackets and Trousers for his employees.
He’d already spent nearly £500 on brand new USA Army issue MVP items, but his lads were still getting soaked.
We told him all that we have mentioned in this Guide, yet you could see that he was reluctant to be caught out again.
He had one of the Jackets with him and at first glace it looked like it should stand up to the job.
On further investigation I noticed that the arm pits had been resealed since original manufacture and it had not been done properly or adequately. We then realised that water was seeping in at this point saturating the lining which was making the whole of the upper back soaking wet.
Once we had shown him our Army Goretex items, including some we have repaired and professionally sealed, we made a sale! Another happy customer… (His lads have since been back, Spring 2008 and purchased 4 more sets)

Bubbling

If your Army Goretex item shows signs of bubbles, this means that the layers are de-laminating (separating).
This will effect the items performance and should definitely have been mentioned within a listing.
If the item is supposed to be new and shows signs of bubbling send it back and ask for a refund

Conclusion

I hope that I have not made your decision more confusing and hope that you find the perfect piece of Army Goretex for you.  In fact I hope you find it at our shop.

Don’t be put off buying Army Goretex, or any of the other similar items, but take care when choosing. The majority of us are reputable and knowledgeable when it comes to our items, but there are the annoying few put a black mark on internet selling.

Stay Dry and buy Army Goretex now…