Pertex vs Goretex - Gear - Runner's World

Andrew Whaley

27/12/2002 at 14:55

I'm looking for a waterproof top for fell running and was thinking of spending around £100 on a Concurve goretex jacket. However I've been advised to get a Pertex top e.g. Mardale Aerolite instead because goretex isn't breathable enough.

I live in the peak district and it's always pi**ing it down but I tend to run hard so would be prone to overheating.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

the man mandelson couldn't silence

27/12/2002 at 16:31

Andrew, The Concurve jackets are a great buy but you might like to consider the Karrimor Vail Goretax Paclite. It's £30 more but I've been using one for more than a year on the moors and fells and it's been great. Paclite is the lightest Goretex fabric and ideal to put in a bumbag for fell running.

Don't know who gave you the recommendation for the Pertex but perhaps you should have asked how waterproof it is. A couple of hours up High Peak in the hissing rain will provide your answer.

Go for the Goretex. No contest.

Andrew Whaley

27/12/2002 at 18:24

Thanks Ed, I looked on the Karrimor website and could only find a Phantom or a Vapour jacket, is it one of those ?

greyhound

27/12/2002 at 21:55

Pertex is generally best for sitting in your bum bag. Goretex will actually keep you dry (and alive, come to that)

the man mandelson couldn't silence

28/12/2002 at 11:59

Greyhound, Agree with that but I reckon pac-lite is about same weight as Pertex

Andrew Whaley

28/12/2002 at 14:45

I already have a dirt cheap non-breathable PU nylon jacket and pants that sits in the bumbag to satisfy race regulations. I would never run in them.

What I want is something that I can comfortably run in when its raining. I looked at the Vail and it doesn't look very breathable since it doesn't have any vents, I believe that paclite is slightly less breathable than regular goretex. Do you run for prolonged periods in yours or do you just put it on if it starts to rain as a last resort ?

lloyd bower

28/12/2002 at 21:18

Paclite is lighter than traditional goretex, it's slightly less breathable. That said nothing's very breathable when you're running.

Pertex is more breathable than both, its windproof, water resistant but certaintly not waterproof and will let in rain in a downpour.

Reedy

13/01/2003 at 20:05

have pertex bufalo mountain shirt exellent for keeping out the wind i live in south england but pertex isnt waterproof go for gortex

Beaks

14/01/2003 at 14:42

I wouldn't go for a jacket if you are prone to over heating. Try a gilet - best thing I ever bought. Keeps all (except arms obviously!!) dry and you won't overheat!! I can't run in a jacket for the same reason - I just get too warm.

Andrew Whaley

14/01/2003 at 17:39

I've got a gilet and I agree that its an invaluable piece of kit. I use it to keep the wind out at this time of year and also for light showers in summer.

I really need a proper waterproof though, for running in the rain at this time of year, long runs with wet arms in windy sub-zero temperatures is not my idea of fun.

LizzyB

14/01/2003 at 20:36

I run on the hills, often in temperatures down to -10 (I don't live in the UK), but sometimes in driving rain.

I wear a lightweight pertex when it's cold but I know it's not going to rain, sometimes with a thermal underneath - even in -10, it's all I need (and I'm a nesh southerner!

If there's a hint of rain, it's a thermal (or two) and a Lowe Alpine Triplepoint jacket (£80)- lighter than similar goretx jckets. Keeps me wrm and dry, but heavier thn option #1.

But as the weather warms up, you can't beat filet - I've got a £15 wndproof flouro one, which I bought in a bike shop.

So my v. unhelpful answer is ... you need all three so that you're prepred, whtever the weather!

David Bennett 2

18/04/2005 at 17:21

Paclite is _more_ breathable than traditional goretex, not less. eVent fabrics are similar in performance to Paclite, but is rated by those in the know as performing better.