goretex paclite

is a light, thin version of gortex

for example my OR Zealot paclite rain jacket (hood, one pocket) is 7.something ounces

from gortex:

* Face fabric made of high-performance polyester or nylon
* Membrane covered by a protective layer made of an oleophobic (oil-hating) substance and carbon
* Special GORE-SEAM® tape technology ensures all seams are 100% waterproof

Goretex, Paclite, XCR…

My understanding is that the laminate itself is all the same. What's different is just the fabric backing — Goretex has managed to bond or laminate the waterproofing material to thinner fabric — and thereby increasing breathability somewhat — although if you believe Goretex's marketing hype — you'd think they had invented something phenomenally different (which they hadn't).

it has no backing/lining – that is the "new and exciting" aspect of it (laminate layer is the inside layer)

I see… I long ago stopped keeping track of Goretex's "new and exciting" breakthroughs… :)

me too

it just happened to be the material used for the jacket i got a deal on from bunny (she listed a bunch of gear here for sale)

have to say it's a great jacket & i love it

:)

Paclite new ?
It's been out since 2007 at least.
It is a 3 layer fabric, outer, Teflon and "protective inner layer.
Franco
Added
A bit like Ben , I was thinking of the Paclite version launched around 2007 not realising that it was one of several versions…

I first got a Paclite jacket back in 2000 or 2001. The original NF Ama Dablam which weighed 16oz and is still my favorite ice climbing parka. (Of course as soon as NF realized the climbing community loved the Ama Dablam they completely redesigned and ruined it.)

The Ama Dablam was a 2 layer Paclite. I believe Paclite comes in both a 2 layer and 3 layer version. You can tell which is 2 layer because the inner will be covered with a million little bumps.

Paclite is already available since 1998. Not really new isn't it. However, current paclite is the 3de generation(the 1st and 2nd generation had those distintive dots/bumps John mentioned) and available since around 2003. The only new thing about paclite recently is that they have been able to make a stretchy version (oh what an exciting thing) and that they renamed it to Paclite Shell (fits better with the other 3: Pro Shell, Performance Shell and Soft Shell).

My opinion: not too bad but prone to condensation, particularly when the facefabric wets out.

BTW, I know Gore has a huge marketing machine regularly introducing the newest and most exciting thing. But at least you know something has changed (or renamed). How do we know that eVENT hasn't changed (in a negative or positive way)?

"How do we know that eVENT hasn't changed (in a negative or positive way)?"

Actually, we don't (or at least I don't). But for now, eVENT is the most breathable wp/b laminate we got. Will the maker rest on its hands like Goretex? Who knows? But if they do, then they too will become obsolete. Competition is a good thing.

Paclite can be made lighter than eVent because the
inner protective layer is lighter. If you use a 2 layer version of each then the weight should be comparable.

Gore-Tex and other H20-proof/breatheable(a.k.a. WPB) laminates are typically either a 2-layer (WPB face fabric + membrane + hanging liner), 3-layer (face fabric + WPB membrane + laminated mesh liner), or 2.5-layer (face fabric + membrane + sometimes 'bumps' or other miscellaneous striations intended to protect the membrane from damage from rubbing layers, etc.)

This is getting off topic ever so slightly, but if one is going to mention a laminate, one should consider the face fabric attributes also. Most Gore, eVent, patagonia, etc. membranes are laminated to nylon, which we all know stretches when wet (think sil-nylon) and is not inherently hydrophobic. Polyester, on the other hand stretches less and repels water even after the DWR has worn down. Different manufacturers & suppliers use different DWR finishes also, which can greatly effect water shedding abilites and breathe-ability.

As far as performance goes, I've noticed the best performance from the now less-popular 2-layer versions of Gore-Tex. The 3-layer versions would be 2nd, and Paclite last. Paclite and other 2.5 layer garments tend to feel somewhat clammy and the reason that I think the other garments work better in real world situations is because of the mesh liners, which create more surface area and air circulation inside of the layering cavity, causing an acceleration in the conversion of water to water vapor, which allows it to more effectively pass through the membrane and outer fabric. 2 and 3-layer versions also insulate slightly better (especially the 2-layer ones – most ski jackets use this) than the Paclite or 2.5 layer versions, which helps to heat up the air inside and get the vapor moving out – think physics.

Each one has it's merits and there are many reasons to choose one over another. There are certain instances where I would prefer each different option. For example:

– For Warm weather through-hiking in the Southeastern US, expecting frequent thunderstorms, I would choose the Paclite or another 2.5 layer (usually the lightest option also).

– For Cold or temperate cooler wet weather I would choose the 2-layer, if I could find a decent light one (an unfortunate persistent challenge)

– If Mountaineering, Climbing, or bushwacking I would likely prefer to have a 3-layer piece because the third laminate tends to give added strength and a stiffer hand to the fabric, which helps to aid in abrasion resistance and overall durability.

To qualify my mostly subjective and empirical summary, I would state that I have owned multiple versions of each type from different manufacturers over the years and have destroyed a few in the field in the process of wearing them.

For what it's worth, most wet-suits (where waterproof-ness is arguably most critical) are made of 3-layer fabric as well.