Gortex

[memphiz]

This **** has got to be the greatest thing ever invented. I may have only been issued gortex socks and a bivy bag so far, but damn it rocks hard.

I thought Id share.

[PrincessRAR]

The socks suck, unless you are in a really cold climate - I think you are canadian - you might not feel it, but your feet sweat to billy-o especially here in Australia.

Bivvy bags are great - be lost without one in timor wet season

[digrar]

I tried to use my jacket one day, it was just to hot for it to be practical and I didn't ever consider wearing the pants. I rated my bivy bag though.

[eggroll]

and it makes for great nonstick cooking utensils too :roll:

[Flagg]

I neither need(probably because I haven't been isued them yet :roll: ) nor desire gortex socks/boot liners.

But my bivvy bag is another story entirely.

It is mine and even in death will not be seperated from me as my will dictates that I be buried in it.

[digrar]

But my bivvy bag is another story entirely.

It is mine and even in death will not be seperated from me as my will dictates that I be buried in it.

Seems appropriate, I always felt like I was zipping myself into a body bag when I closed mine right up. ;)

[PrincessRAR]

Mate i remember in my second tour of timor - i was out with my no2 and I have a folklore surrouding me here it is - my farts wreek!

it seems to follow me from battalion to battalion (im sure they are setting me up), newho asid I wasnt bad enough in a farter mate the bivvi is 20 times worse especially when its closed, i remeber one fresh morning we awoke and i swear he nearly vomited and though half of timor would be after us rofl turns out I hadnt farted in like 4 hours just a culmination of bivvi and old stench - hope none of you are eating at the computer :P
Goes without saying though about bivvi bags - soliders would be lost without them ;)

[HoboWithAK]

It is the greatest ever. If it's outdoors around my climate (NNY) and it isn't late june/july/august/early september, i'll be wearing goretex pants if im out in the bush. I don't sweat much in it, but a lot of guys complain about it. I comes down to the individual user. I would never wear goretex socks, partly beause I have goretex boots, and partly because every pair i've seen look like you are sticking your feet into shopping bags.

[memphiz]

The socks suck, unless you are in a really cold climate - I think you are canadian - you might not feel it, but your feet sweat to billy-o especially here in Australia.

Bivvy bags are great - be lost without one in timor wet season
Yeah Im Canadian.
My most recent FTX we were doing navigation, the weather was getting nicer so everything melted, 2 ft of water with a foot of snow on top everywhere. It was effing insane, night came around and when I removed my soaking wet combat boots I discovered my Gortex socks had kept my feet dry throughout the whole day.... overnight the boots froze into sold chucks of ice, , luckily I had my muklucks :)

Oh and sleeping on that ground, without that bivy bag I would be one misserable mofo

[stuntman]

Gortex is the greatest material in the world, but you must wear it correctly. Lots of people wear cotton under it, and let me tell you that is the worst thing you can do with gortex, it will render the miracle material useless. Only acrilic(spelling?) or wool or synthetic wool will make gortex work properly! There have been times when I've worn (in below 30 degrees F climate) only a liner material shirt like lycra or polyester, and my north face jacket which consist of a fleece liner and gortex shell and I have been dry and warm all day with just that and may I add all day outdoors also!

[RGRBOX]

I neither need(probably because I haven't been isued them yet :roll: ) nor desire gortex socks/boot liners.

But my bivvy bag is another story entirely.

It is mine and even in death will not be seperated from me as my will dictates that I be buried in it.

X2 as for the other G-Tex stuff except my boots in Winter... throw it in the garbage..

[johnny_boy]

The gortex combat jacket the Canadian army issues is good, but bad. I love the pit zips on it, and the pockets, but I find it weird that the gortex is sandwiched between a layer of non breathable liner, and a water abosorbant shell.. So you dont get any breathing going on, and when it gets wet the jacket gets heavy.

The gortex socks I like, but you really have to watch what you wear under them otherwise you'll get just as wet.

[memphiz]

The gortex combat jacket the Canadian army issues is good, but bad. I love the pit zips on it, and the pockets, but I find it weird that the gortex is sandwiched between a layer of non breathable liner, and a water abosorbant shell.. So you dont get any breathing going on, and when it gets wet the jacket gets heavy.

The gortex socks I like, but you really have to watch what you wear under them otherwise you'll get just as wet.
Under my gortex socks I wear my issued wool socks and under the issued socks I wear these thin running socks that 'wick' away the moisture on my feet and into my wool socks.

[Igor01]

There's an excellent guide that among other things deals with goretex performance and has useful links to scientific data on various goretex branded fabrics and other waterproof breathable technology. While geared mostly towards the civvy market, there's still some very useful data there that makes it easier to understand how this stuff works.

http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/clothing.html (scroll down to Rain Gear Torso).

[FCK1]

No military background but i've an outdoors one - keep an eye out for gear made out of Goretex XCR, event and Sympatex.

XCR gear is just like standard goretex, the difference being a breathability increase, estimated by the manufacturers to be in the region of 25%. Obviously this means it is less than 25% - have used xcr for mountaineering with satisfactory results.

Event - rival to XCR, reckoned to be more breathable but has a lower hydrostatic head.

Sympatex - european high quality laminate, about as breathable as standard classic 3 layer goretex but not really available in the US. Supposedly more durable in footwear as its more flexible. Just as good as goretex, better value, gore have better marketing though.

[EsoognomEhT]

Gaytex is for gays. Wear it at risk of being mocked to death. Its only good for taking to Njmegan and swopping with the yanks for big knives etc

[oldsoak]

Eh ?
...must check my ****** orientation.....

[Steve Andrews]

Life in Northern Ireland would have been even ****ter without Gore-Tex.
When you go out on a patrol and it doesn't stop raining for forty eight hours (not even for one minute) , you start to really appreciate the stuff.

[oldsoak]

Remember the old wax jackets ? I had a Barbour DPM camo one, which I used in preference to the pre goretex waterproofs we had ( bl**dy thick nylon jobs that gave you your own personal sauna. ). Used to wear it with the 58 webbing...ah nostalgia, brings back the smell of hexi and bacon roll...

[ShadowNeo]

Goretex was a savior when I was at the RAF Regiment camp.....

All the "enemy" seemed to be wearing it, so it made it much easier to notice them when I was on stag :D.

swish...swish...swish

HALT!!!!

swish swish swish swish swish swish swish

BANG BANG BANG BANG

[Roger Rabbit]

Remember the old wax jackets ? I had a Barbour DPM camo one, which I used in preference to the pre goretex waterproofs we had ( bl**dy thick nylon jobs that gave you your own personal sauna. ). Used to wear it with the 58 webbing...ah nostalgia, brings back the smell of hexi and bacon roll...

Would that be back when blankets were issued instead of sleeping bags and you only had 30 rounds for your Martini-Henri? p-)



Saying gore-tex is for gays because it keeps you dry is like saying warm kit is for girls because it stops you from getting hyperthermia.

[oldsoak]

Remember the old wax jackets ? I had a Barbour DPM camo one, which I used in preference to the pre goretex waterproofs we had ( bl**dy thick nylon jobs that gave you your own personal sauna. ). Used to wear it with the 58 webbing...ah nostalgia, brings back the smell of hexi and bacon roll...

Would that be back when blankets were issued instead of sleeping bags and you only had 30 rounds for your Martini-Henri? p-)



Saying gore-tex is for gays because it keeps you dry is like saying warm kit is for girls because it stops you from getting hyperthermia.

..I resemble that remark !!! If you were any closer I'd poke you with my musket, sah !

[EsoognomEhT]

Saying gore-tex is for gays because it keeps you dry is like saying warm kit is for girls because it stops you from getting hyperthermia.

It is when your rq doesnt like you and issues you with some rather funky raf goretex, which is bright green, and everyone else has the proper stuff :/

[Sabre]

Point.....



.........and.............




............LAUGH!!!!!!!!!!

rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl




Goretex jackets and bivi bags are the ****. Would have been in a very bad place if it wasn't for my goretex back in the Beacons.

[oldsoak]

Funny innit - I remember being issued stuff that me Grandad would have been familiar with when materials like Goretex had been in use for years by civvy campers. And boots - remember German para boots used to be the dogs b*llocks on exercise when some of us still had boots, dms ? I was on Sennybridge playing with gimpys and I wore a helly hansen, shirt hairy mary, woolly jumper, combat smock, OD green trouses and terminal underwear ,barbour jacket and I still froze !
Now its norwegian, fleece, smock, and GORETEX.

[Sabre]

:lol:

Young whipper-snappers eh, oldsoak? Don't even know they're born! They can't even appreciate the good things in't life like goretex, they just take't f'granted....e' I don't know....youth o' t'day....
:lol:

(don't why I'm talking, I'm one of them!)

[Roger Rabbit]

Saying gore-tex is for gays because it keeps you dry is like saying warm kit is for girls because it stops you from getting hyperthermia.

It is when your rq doesnt like you and issues you with some rather funky raf goretex, which is bright green, and everyone else has the proper stuff :/

Ebay is your friend.

On a side note looking at the varying stuff to be found on ebay i reckon i could get close to building a complete SA80(although why you would want one is another question) and fully kit out at least a battalion with all the issue kit for sale there. You can even buy empty blank brass at £5 a pop for 16 cases :roll: Unfortunately Ebay took down the "Genuine Issue SAS Mars Bar" that was for sale at 49p with £50 for p&p :lol:


Back on topic it does make you wonder how the soldiers in the past coped. without all the fancy bits of kit available today like goretex, softies, comfortable boots etc etc

[oldsoak]

Listen, I did not join when Pontius was a private - he had in fact just come off the board and been promoted to sergeant when I signed on.

[Roger Rabbit]

So this isn't the only remaining picture of you signing up then? :lol:
http://arts-sciences.cua.edu/gl/images/safran_slides/Medieval_Art/11thCentury/BayeuxTapestryScene24.jpg

[oldsoak]

B8gger !

[Sabre]

Listen, I did not join when Pontius was a private - he had in fact just come off the board and been promoted to sergeant when I signed on.

Of course not, only pulling your leg mate!

I can just imagine you turning up on parade with your sideburns....

SgtMajor: "What the BLOODY HELL are those on the sides of your 'ed sunshine?!"

Private oldsoak: "Whatever do you mean Sarntmajor?"

SgtMajor: "Them a-rediculous sideBURNS-ah! They're a disgrace me-lad! Whatever do you think you're playing at boy!"

Pte oldsoak: "I'm sorry Sarntmajor...I..."

SgtMajor: "BLOODY HELL lad, they're nowhere near long enough!" You'll be shipping off to Natal in a few weeks, I expect to see some army-fasion muttonchops by then me-lad! You won't impress any of the natives with those whiskers boy-o!"

:D
http://www.amren.com/974issue/bayonet.gif

[oldsoak]

rofl rofl

...they dont like it up 'em sir !
:D

[Sabre]

Indeed not!

I'm curious.....when they taught you how to search the enemy dead....

















....did you lift the shield or the spear off first? :)

[oldsoak]

:D - get junior to stiick his spear in the enemy throat while you shift the shield - 'cause he might have a nasty short sword under it and you' might never make centurion. :D
you'll also get to his valuables first....

[Roger Rabbit]

So would this be one of the original sofites issued then?
http://www.graham.day.dsl.pipex.com/roman16.jpg
Looks like it could bite a bit in the cold.













I'll get me coat.

[oldsoak]

Soft furs ?!?- is he the consuls pet ? I bet he has a tunic made of the finest dalamatian wool and silk breeches - a right little mummys boy ! when I was a lad we had nowt but coarse linen and rough leather.....mutter mutter - I:D

[memphiz]

Gaytex is for gays. Wear it at risk of being mocked to death. Its only good for taking to Njmegan and swopping with the yanks for big knives etc
Somebody has never heard of snow Im guessing or rain

[EsoognomEhT]

If its not raining, we aint training.
If its not snowing, Im not going.
(sic, hurhruhru)

guess someones never been to Catterick training area..

Just my personal opinion and I think its wank unless your digging in somewhere for fooking ages. Its noisy, cumbersome and bloody annoying, our ds would skin us alive for wearing it at any other time than on stag (when its great for keeping the wind out) but thats because they're all paras/marines and they hate us because we're weak..

[memphiz]

If its not raining, we aint training.
If its not snowing, Im not going.
(sic, hurhruhru)

guess someones never been to Catterick training area..

Just my personal opinion and I think its wank unless your digging in somewhere for fooking ages. Its noisy, cumbersome and bloody annoying, our ds would skin us alive for wearing it at any other time than on stag (when its great for keeping the wind out) but thats because they're all paras/marines and they hate us because we're weak..
Gortex socks dont make any noise (or atleast I didnt notice it) and they wroked great for me. I can understand about the jacket and pants being noisy though.

[Sabre]

@ Mongoose

You do carry it though? (even your luminous RAF one........ :) ... :D .... :lol: ... rofl )

I ALWAYS carry a goretex jacket with me...ALWAYS. Even in summer. Hypothermia is bad news, and it's all too easy to go down with it, even in fairly mild conditions.

Trousers are not really necessary, you can get into your bivvy bag if you're not walking.

[Roger Rabbit]

Jacket and trousers are useful for river crossings.

Goretex trousers in my limited experience are never worn except for river crossings. Probably varies for others who have more or difference experiences.

Goretex jacket is a great bit of kit to keep your top layers dry. The argument about the noise created can be countered by the noise the rain makes depending nr its intensity. I fail to see the point in getting piss wet through when you don't need to. Then and again if i was a big burely Para i'd probably try and make sure all the scummy students had the most uncomfortable time as possible :D

[Sabre]

All I wear for river crossings are my running shorts and a pair of 'beach shoes'.

Goretex trousers are only useful if it's really cold and really wet and you have to be exposed. Otherwise, I don't carry them.


Hey, mongoose. You use Catterick then? Probably Wathgill I bet? So that means you're what, Leeds OTC?

[EsoognomEhT]

@ Mongoose

You do carry it though? (even your luminous RAF one........ Smile ... Very Happy .... Laughing ... ROFL )

I ALWAYS carry a goretex jacket with me...ALWAYS. Even in summer. Hypothermia is bad news, and it's all too easy to go down with it, even in fairly mild conditions.

Trousers are not really necessary, you can get into your bivvy bag if you're not walking.

ah yah, always carry the buggers..just in case it gets too wet and cold . Forgot about river crossings :cantbeli:

We only really use Wathgill over the summer helping of 9CTT with the ccf camp there. We use CTA for field stuff - wherevers free, Ive harboured in the same woods with the otc as I did when I was with 1 pwo (backfilling..what fun) mind you we're pretty low priority for areas..4para were in our harbour area not too long ago so we had to tab off to some other ****ty wood

And no, Im not Leeds.. :bash: :bash: :bash: :fork: :fork: :fork: , we Death to Leeds


Then and again if i was a big burely Para i'd probably try and make sure all the scummy students had the most uncomfortable time as possible Very Happy

methinks you would make a good otc psi ;)

[Sabre]

@ Mongoose

You do carry it though? (even your luminous RAF one........ Smile ... Very Happy .... Laughing ... ROFL )

I ALWAYS carry a goretex jacket with me...ALWAYS. Even in summer. Hypothermia is bad news, and it's all too easy to go down with it, even in fairly mild conditions.

Trousers are not really necessary, you can get into your bivvy bag if you're not walking.

ah yah, always carry the buggers..just in case it gets too wet and cold . Forgot about river crossings :cantbeli:

We only really use Wathgill over the summer helping of 9CTT with the ccf camp there. We use CTA for field stuff - wherevers free, Ive harboured in the same woods with the otc as I did when I was with 1 pwo (backfilling..what fun) mind you we're pretty low priority for areas..4para were in our harbour area not too long ago so we had to tab off to some other ****ty wood

And no, Im not Leeds.. :bash: :bash: :bash: :fork: :fork: :fork: , we Death to Leeds


Then and again if i was a big burely Para i'd probably try and make sure all the scummy students had the most uncomfortable time as possible Very Happy

methinks you would make a good otc psi ;)

Hmm, 9CTT? It's 11CTT up here, and you're not Leeds.....Sheffield OTC?

When was it that 4Para kicked you out? This year?

Not sure about wearing goretex for river crossings....I would have thought that there would be issues with 'swamping' (water collecting in your clothing and restricting your movement).

[EsoognomEhT]

http://www.army.mod.uk/9ctt/ccf_central_camp.htm

:p

Yeah it was this year, couple of months ago? Im pretty sure it was 4, although my memory is like a sieve


Not sure about wearing goretex for river crossings....I would have thought that there would be issues with 'swamping' (water collecting in your clothing and restricting your movement)

exactly, float across like a balloon, personal flotation devices :D

And I can neither conform nor deny that I am from Sheffield otc :hug:

[Roger Rabbit]

The instructions given to me for river crossings were all clothes off and into water proofed bags in bergan. Gortex on, sandals/some other kind of footwear other than your boots, and then through the river. Idea being if you got bumped then you could immediately begin contact drills and have some form of camoflage rather than being the naked warrior. Also you dont have to wait for your clothes to dry and most importantly you dont get blisters from wet socks/boots.

But it probably depends on whether you can get the chance to change before the river crossing etc etc etc. Horses for courses and all that. Wheres me port gone?

[Roger Rabbit]

And I can neither conform nor deny that I am from Sheffield otc :hug:
Of course one could always look at the SUOTC thread in the OTC forum on ARRSE. ;)

[EsoognomEhT]

my my! What a coincidence! Two mongoose's p-)

[Steve Andrews]

Just my personal opinion and I think its wank unless your digging in somewhere for fooking ages. Its noisy, cumbersome and bloody annoying..

Your opinion will change when you've done a couple of tours in Northern Ireland.

[EsoognomEhT]

Well Im sure it will, but I havent and my opinion stands at the moment :] I suppose in NI you're not trying to be overly sneaky beaky most of time?

[Steve Andrews]

I never found Gore-Tex to be that noisy, but if you are that worried, you could wear it under your smock/jacket.

We had do do that with our old rubberized nylon DPM waterproofs.

Being piss-wet is not funny, especially in cold climates and when you are not exerting energy to keep warm.

"Any fool can rough it, a good soldier makes himself comfortable under any conditions."

[oldsoak]

The current goretex is supposed to be warn under the smock ( not that many do that ). Its great for that extra layer when your lying in some wet excuse for a shell scrape doing the 3.30am stag in some f*cking wood in STANTA.

[EsoognomEhT]

We had do do that with our old rubberized nylon DPM waterproofs.

aah, love that stuff

[jeffbaldwin]

I planning to buy the new usmc apecs parka in marpat size medium reg.
Where can I buy that jacket, unfortunately the military stores don't have it?

Any ideas?

Thank you.

[memphiz]

BUMP**

New review

I was issued my Gortex field coat and Gortex pants about 2 weeks about before I spent a couple days in the field.

Once again this is the greatest stuff ever made, we had everyone weather scenerio while we were out in our trenches. Snow/hard wind/hard rain/hail/high temps. The jacket I wore all the time, and the pants I only wore at night to keep warm while keepign watch. The jacket only ever became bothersome while doing section attacks where I would sweat and it became to warm, but then I could just zip open this compartment on the bottom asnd fold it into itself and eventually attach it to my webbing.