For what it\'s worth, this is my view on Whatevertex materials..........
Through many years walking & climbing, I\'ve had a number of \"Whatevertex\" material outershells; Goretex, Isotex, etc. all purporting to be \"waterproof\" and \"breathable\". The \"waterproof\" properties DO hold out.....UP TO A LIMIT.
I\'ve found that they are great to wear if you\'re not expecting the weather to be TOO wet. Now, I know that sounds a bit daft (and it is).......BUT........
The whole concept of \"breathable\" waterproofs was brought about by the need for efficient, but lightweight outershells which would\'nt make the climber sweat in high altitude mountaineering. Manufacturers such as Berghaus provided expedition climbers with such clothing, but soon realised that there was a huge consumer potential in the outdoor leisure market. Hence all the trendy looking (and extremely expensive) Goretex jackets you see being worn down the high street as well as in the hills.
The material was designed to protect the wearer in snow blizzards and I think that expecting it to perform in either heavy rain, or getting a soaking on a boat, is asking for performance beyond the materials\' capabilities. This \"expectation\" has been fuelled over the years by the garment manufacturers......and millions of such garments have been sold.......much to the manufacturers delight (and profit). I can\'t help but wonder just how many disapointed \"tex\" material users there are out there.
As regards Titan.......I\'ve been to their HQ on a couple of occassions. I\'ve ALWAYS found the owner, Alan and his son (also called Alan), aswell as the other staff there, very helpful.
As regard to Titantex (another \"tex\"), bear in mind what I\'ve already said about \"tex\" material.......it has its limitations.
Sorry to have gone on about this, but it really is a case of \"don\'t believe the hype\".......about ANY \"tex\".......whichever it may be.
[Edited on 27/8/2004 by TC]