On very wet Sundays, when the hills really aren't a good idea but we need a walk, we go to Sanna and....
....walk briskly the length of its empty sand beaches. What struck us was how many sea birds we saw, from these ringed plovers to....
....the masses of gulls, all reluctant to take off as we approached.
We don't mind walking in the rain and reckon that we have the kit to cope with it, but my latest purchase of so-called 'waterproof' trousers has been a disaster.
These are Karrimor Elite made from so-called Event waterproof fabric. They may be waterproof in China, but they're no good for a Sunday walk at Sanna.
The description of "Event" fabric is rather vague but it suggests the proofing method is by spray coating of polyurethane. This can leave "holes" where proofing is inadequate, thus letting through moisture - either in the form of water or water vapour. "Goretex" is proofed by applying a fine sheet of polyurethane to the fabric, followed by a second layer of fabric - thus forming a sandwich (transfer coated). Years ago hospital mattress covers were made from spray coated fabric that allowed any liquid you care to mention soaking into the polythene foam core and seeping back onto the next luckless patient occupying the bed! At the time (70s and 80s) there were only three companies producing proofed fabric in Britain and we didn't have to investigate Chinese methods.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annette, for your comment. Jon
ReplyDeleteApologies to Goretex - I should have said PTFE not Polyurethane - Annette
ReplyDeleteGoretex trousers are very good- Berghaus Paclites have are a popular choice.
ReplyDeleteAnother option that I own are the Craghoppers Steffan- very comfortable, warm and they also come with a lifetime guarantee. They are a great trouser- I've had mine out on West Penwith, Cornwall lately, in weather not dissimilar to Ardnamurchan, and they've been great.
Billy - many thanks for the advice. I ordered new trousers this morning - Berghaus Paclites! Jon
ReplyDeleteTry re-proofing the trousers with DWR. Nikwax or Grangers are two popular brands. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have bought a pair of Gortex trousers now but am also going to re-proof the Karrimor pair. Jon
ReplyDelete