jeff,

ive had no issues with pertex shield so far in terms of water resistance ... ive sold of all my dead bird rain jackets... ive now got 2 OR rain jackets, their torsion flo vent system is the best ive ever seen and very climber friendly ... im also waiting for the new wpb fabric coming out

like anything else ill eventually need to revitalize the dwr

i know that mr skurka had a pertex shield rain jacket that wasnt the best on his great trip according to posts, but then he was out for months with no chance to revitalize the DWR

the way i look at it, id rather have OR's infinate guarantee on a pertex shield helium than marmots "lifetime warranty" (of the product) for the mica

breathability is average

Edited by bearbreeder on 01/20/2011 18:59:07 MST.

Thanks Eric,

Lots of variables in w/b and keeping the DWR certainly is a real important one. I went back to the OR site and watched the Video on the Helium jacket. Funny, the person in the video, Melanie, I worked with when I repped Cloudveil. Smart designer and hard core
user. That torsoflo on the Helium does looks good and harness friendly!

the helium doesnt have the torsion flo a far as i know ;)

my OR revel has it ...



Double-sliding zippers allow for excellent temperature regulation while providing maximum weather protection.



Double-sliding zippers open fully for unparalled poncho-style ventilation while providing all-weather coverage.

Edited by bearbreeder on 01/21/2011 08:02:41 MST.

Yes, you made me curious so I checked out the Helium to see the torsion flo!

I think everyone will enjoything, here is an article about WP/B fabrics that are up and coming:

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2010/11/guaranteed-to-make-you-buy-three-new-fabrics-take-aim-at-gore-tex/

I have a Golite Tumalo with the Pertex Shield and I have found it to work so far in the few hour rains we have got around here since I have received the jacket. I like the soft feel of the outer material and I really don't care about how much the jacket breathes because it fits really well and has pit zips.

Great article and I liked the industry comments! It will be interesting to see if we reach agreement on what the waterproof standard is and breath ability standard is. I doubt it but the debate will be interesting and the end products should be improved. Ultimately long term waterproofing and breath ability count so hopefully those will improve as well.

I keep waiting for nano particles which separate to form larger pores after the water from the rain drop is dispersed and then constricts once water contact is made again. It could be regulated by the small electric charge generated from the rain drops impact. I have not clue what I am talking about but I think there will be some really cool funky stuff in our future!

Thanks for turning us on to a great article!

Jeffery

Thanks for all the great material information you posted in this thread.

KJ