Gore-Tex Shakedry is Insanely Light and Breathable

[@notgate2624]

The guy in the thumbnail bouta drop the hottest mixtape of all time

[@mateoleoncamacho3222]

Lil' Keeb

[@paul4866]

Thank you for not just repeating Gore marketing gibberish. This was an extremely informative video.

[@YTACCPP]

I'm another pauL and I can confirm that.

[@jap3v07]

The description of the outer layer water repellency and inner goretex membrane was great - lightbulb moment! I subscribed just because of that.

[@BenVallack]

Felt like a lightbulb moment when I finally got my head around it too! Cheers!

[@MrCortiz767]

Legend has it, Gore-Tex watches Ben to learn about their own products

[@YourFrienjamin]

One of the best videos out there on raincoats 🙏

[@nate-beard]

I've been using the gore-tex shake dry jacket by north face since it first came out. You have to be somewhat careful with it, but I can't imagine a better rain jacket for cycling or backpacking. Also it's really solid for travel as it packs so small. Thanks for the awesome explanation!

[@JaredClarkBoaz]

New subscriber here. Found you via your keyboard content and stayed because of the quality of your content and professionalism. Keep it up, and hope to see more keyboard-related content soon!

[@BenVallack]

Yay, welcome! Yep lots of super interesiting keyboard stuff happening soon.

[@geoffsmith7403]

I have 3 jackets of Columbia's Outdry. It is the same thing only thicker. Much thicker. But more durable if weight is not an issue. On a windy cool day if I am not wearing a sweater under the jacket I can just feel the breeze. Totally waterproof in a heavy downpour for over two hours and not a hint of sweat. LOVE IT

[@rabbithole8592]

I have a light waterproof Columbia jacket that only cost $100 Canadian and it hasn't let me down. I think it's just nylon and polyester.

[@lindawinn2568]

Incredibly informative video. I never knew there was so much to know about waterproof jackets. Many thanks.

[@BenVallack]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimsaintamour2]

I've used Goretex Shakedry for several years now and it really is the 'real deal'. Simply the best rain jacket ever!

[@ilikehiking]

The outer layer exists for a reason, which is to protect the membrane. The reason why this fabric is not the end all solution you describe it to be, and is specifically made for running, is because as soon as you start wearing a backpack over it, the membrane will eventually get damaged and fail. These membranes are unfortunately quite sensitive to abrasion. Even with the outer protective layer, membranes becoming damaged over time and failing is unfortunately an inevitability for all membrane type jackets. Being an avid hiker for many years, and having tried pretty much every solution under the sun, I find that simply accepting that you're gonna get wet sometimes and preparing accordingly (quick drying/wicking garments that retain their heat when wet) is my preferred solution. The hard truth is that all waterproofs just kind of suck, some just suck less than others, but they still suck because the drawbacks are always significant. Though I'm not sure how applicable my little anecdote is for you, since your use case does not appear to be hiking or running. Though one question that popped into my head while watching your video is how much breathability do you really need? I find that the value of breathability is mostly for when you're working out and sweating, which I imagine you're not doing in your casual day to day outfit as you described. Good video nonetheless!

[@BenVallack]

Good points cheers

[@maxpiardi9697]

Whats the best rain jacket option so far?

[@willjohnson2722]

I got a Gore shakedry running jacket last year. It's so good I wear it when it's not raining. Super careful with it, wouldn't expect it to win a battle with a hedge, but best thing ever for running.

[@luckyomen]

I get Q from James Bond vibes from your videos. Genius concepts and professional quality presentation.

[@BenVallack]

I’ll take that! Many thanks 😊

[@CanyonWanderer]

Outstanding explanation!, thank you so much. The way you explain it, it make so much sense. As a hobby cyclist in The Netherlands, I'm very interested in light waterproof gear, this enlightened me

[@Windingify]

Great stuff, my man. Just found you via the Apple ultra. I have turned towards Rains, a small company making really sweet rain gear; albeit old school as in its rubber. But it is thin rubber and thus very light and with the vents quite breathable. It also packs quite small although not pocket size. But it will last you years and years. The notion that you can just get another, is not really kosher imo.

[@BenVallack]

Agree with the lifecycle issue- I’ve been looking at waxed cotton recently as the opposite to this idea. Heavy and tough but natural and durable. Now it’s getting colder I’m wanting an extra layer of insulation ideally a bit longer in the body.

[@okthen22ok]

I wear Glad force flex with gain original scent when it rains.

[@FraserChapman]

As you say, shakedry is amazing for any application where there is no chance of abrasion, but very, very poor if there is. With any kind of abrasion it will 100% fail with micro tears. I have the Montbell Peak Dry Shell and it uses the slightly heavier Shakedry than the Arc’teryx Norvan, but obviously because the membrane is still on the outside it is just as delicate. I also have the Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smock - which I would very highly rate for winter/serious fell walking (it is the choice of Mountain rescue teams all over the world)...but - my favourite "multi use" jacket has to be the Montbell Versalite - it uses Gore-Tex Infinium but it has amazing ventilation options with big 42cm "pit zips" - so you can basically vent the jacket and stay dry whilst doing physical activity - without the "babying" that Shakedry requires. If I had to pick a single jacket - for "most applications" I think it would be the Montbell Versalite as it really is the "happy medium". Great review!

[@BenVallack]

Great info cheers!

[@KerenWang]

So if you want to get the shakedry for running, the inevitable abrasion under your arms will wear out the waterproofness fast?

[@z0uLess]

I have tried different types of gore tex jackets over many thousands of miles hiking in the mountains. My favorite jacket in the rain is a traditional oil treated raincoat.This is what I bring with me in the backpack on hikes in the mountains over several days as well, along with a light wind jacket. When you have three different thicknesses on wool in the backback, you can dry one layer while using another, or adjust to the heat. Rain sucks either way -- you just have to reduce the speed ... and when the rain is letting up, I quickly switch jackets to get the moisture out. This rain jacket is one of the heaviest things I carry with me, but its well worth it when the weather forecast is rainy. This coat is long, so I dont bring extra pants (to save weight), but I use wax on the areas of the hiking pants where water tend to get into. If its in the summer in the mountains, long wool underpants works fine under the hiking pants when you are soaked to stay warm. The easiest way for me to identify an inexperienced outdoor person is bringing fancy fabric that will fail if you breathe a little heavy on it, like a thin downs jacket with no arms or something like that.

[@katie7891011]

You don't need to worry about replacing in 3 years or ever Ben. I have an original shake dry jacket that is No.275 of the very first thousand ever made. Its lost its Gore logo's but its still the same totally water proof jacket that it ever was. I think they started making them in 2016.

[@Dan1ell]

The first bacth of any new product is usually the best. Because it needs to wow the market. The batches afterwards tend to have compromises added in by the cost-saving committee. There's no guarantee the version Ben has will perform as well as your 275.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

The key to using membrane waterproofs effectively that you haven't mentioned in a couple other videos I just watched is temperature control by regulating effort. I.e., slow down before your body pumps out a bunch of sweat. Slowing down has the added benefit of not having to carry extra water to replace what you sweat out, thus lightening your load.

[@lazydog3741]

Great content Ben! I just got the Haglöf Shakedry Hoodie (because it was half price on sale and i needed a jacket). This is hands Down the best jacket i’v ever had. Pair it with merino base layers and a synthetic down jacket for extra insulation and you have a system that is Wind and water proof and very breathable. It is such a cool jacket.

[@BenVallack]

Thanks! Exactly the conclusion I’ve come to, although with three merino layers I’ve never needed a lofty jacket.

[@sdemosi]

I have the haglofs shakedry with their version of polartec alpha liner. It's got a stretchy GTX TOPO back section for backpack wearers. It's brilliant tbh. A great combination for winter and autumn hill walking. I'm not 100% convinced the shoulders will hold up to a few years of back wearing but it's great while it lasts.

[@azizinanc]

Can you do an update on it?

[@azizinanc]

Got my self a Gorewear R7 Shakedry now. Now I test it.

[@romac9516]

Subbed on first view. Superb quality information thank you Ben. Your kids have the best organised Dad in Britain!

[@bradl2636]

A "film of solid water" would be ice. 😂 Great video. 👍

[@Ben-ix8yb]

For a 50,000 subscriber special can we get an AMA with your neighbours? Alternatively can we get the outtakes of this edited into a music video?

[@BenVallack]

Haha they would have some stories to tell I’m sure. There are also some funny outtakes!

[@mikelivesey5044]

I just saw this interesting video. Thinking I might buy one I looked online for them, only to find they've been discontinued 😞

[@Andylf87]

Hey do you have a update on how it’s been after a year?

[@hamishorbell1431]

Interested to hear your views on the North Face futurelight running jacket and how its performance compares.

[@kitefan1]

I have an ancient gore-tax jacket (eddie bauer). It's finally reaching it's end after about 25 years. During it's life, per the instructions it needs to be washed with a non-detergent and line dried. This removes the dirt and pollution from the fabric allowing it's structure to work again. Someone gave me some washing soda that has kept it going the last five years or so.

[@zacke6]

So useful bro i love this

[@Rahulsmanral]

Reminds me of Columbia's rain jackets with OutDry Extreme wherein the outdry membrane is the outer/face fabric like this

[@djayjp]

Shakedry uses PFAS and was discontinued because of this (Gore is no longer manufacturing it).

[@BenVallack]

That doesn't add up though because they still make normal Gore-Tex!

[@gavanmitchell9095]

I just wandered up a mountain today in rain that didn’t let up for the whole day wearing a shakedry jacket. I was bone dry underneath all day even with extended periods of high intensity exercise. I have a $1000 Arc’tyrex jacket and this stuff is better.

[@gren509]

Thank you Sir !!!! For 30+ years I've been wondering why my ultra expensive "breathable" Gore-tex has felt about the same as a bin-liner when it comes to getting soaked in your own sweat; it's the junk they wrap it in. So the next step is for someone to create a durable Gore-tex-like fabric - surely not such a big ask in this day and age ?

[@BenVallack]

I’m still interested in wool. Very opposite approach really. Check out WeatherWool

[@zacharybennett3249]

I've opted for synthetic or wool "wicking" warmth layer and a gortex outer shell, with ventilation slots, to try and solve this problem. The issue being: I have to do a hood roll to carry the warmth or shell layer around if the weather changes abruptly. (A hood roll as in, folding the jacket into itself which creates a pineapple sized object rather than a scrunched mess.) The main benefit of the gortex outer shell is that I can flick most of the water off of it once I get to a dry place and it will dry faster while also providing a windproof layer when it's not raining. Ultra light jackets tend to lack the impermiablilty to effectively block both wind and water. I suppose it's all about the compromises you're willing to make for your desired effect. On rucksacks: They're wildly useful for extended periods of time in transit, but It's hard to rationalize bringing one when I'm just going from home to office. Something about having everything I need on my body, rather than my back, just makes more sense to me. I've debated using a leg pouch for easy access to my edc items but I've yet to find a bag system that feels genuinely natural for me. Great variety for your videos and I look forward to sharing lifestyle optimization techniques in the future! 🍻

[@BenVallack]

Awesome cheers!

[@MWA35]

I do hate how clammy rain coats get, so my current solution is just getting wet, I'm not the wicked witch of the west, I'll be fine. But then I do live in one of the drier parts of NZ. On particularly wet days I'll take an umbrella, but that's as much to use as a walking stick on muddy or leaf-strewn paths as to keep the rain off. I've been thinking about getting a poncho or rain cape, solving the problem through structure rather than fancy fabrics, but these would have the disadvantage of making me look like a bit of a numpty, so I haven't pulled the trigger on that one yet

[@BenVallack]

Yeah poncho is a pretty good idea, I did explore that. I think the flappiness, especially in wind is a bit of an issue though.

[@boyanlilov2531]

Amazing video! Just one thing I dont get - if this inner gore tex layer used on the Arcteryx jacket is so waterproof and breathable, wont dont brands use it as the outer layer of their jackets?

[@BenVallack]

It's too vulnerable

[@tkdonyt]

Subbed. Love your style . Thank you

[@matthewmchenry2889]

A Brit with a rain machine. Now I've seen it all.

[@BenVallack]

😂

[@ryanwwest]

Your audio is always so crisp. What mic do you use to keep it nice but out-of-camera?

[@BenVallack]

Thanks! Rode something or other, link is in the description I think. Actually in any video since I switched from the chalkboard backdrop to the one in this vid I actually a have concealed sound treatment in the room now. It made a staggering difference to how far I can get away with the mic being. I will be doing a video on my studio remodel soon!

[@ryanwwest]

@@BenVallack I'm excited to see it!

[@garavonhoiwkenzoiber]

wonder if it comes large enough to wear OVER a rucksack

[@ollyhammonds2925]

Since shake dry has been discontinued, is there any other alternatives worth looking at that fit the same principle? I'm a fell runner and really struggle finding a waterproof that doesn't basically sweat itself to death, making the waterproof redundant within the hour. I wear a merino base layer, sometimes a synthetic mid layer if it's cold but still haven't nailed the outer waterproof shell yet!

[@BenVallack]

Not as far as I know

[@georgeivan8646]

Hi, i’m unable to find a similar product to the one you’re showcasing in the video with the goretex shakedry technology. It would seem these types of products have been discontinued? What would you go for nowadays?

[@BenVallack]

Yeah it’s totally gone now! I think an umbrella might be the closet to filling the EDC rain event role now.

[@RickMeijer]

I've used a poncho for a couple of decades now. Cheap, packs small, and there's plenty of airflow.

[@healingeventsbc2156]

It's 2 years now - would love an update!

[@BenVallack]

Still going strong, I'm generally pretty afraid to wear it though so it does't actually get a lot of use!

[@peterkelly8357]

Ben, as you know, when there is a torrential downpour trousers tend to get soaked… not the greatest feeling if you have to go back into the office after a lunchtime walk for example. Any suggestions?

[@SpringRolI]

Rain pants? Same idea would apply with all the materials.

[@ariccb]

Aren't there pants made of the same material that could be warn over your other clothes?

[@gavinvales8928]

Shorts. Bare legs are easier to dry than wet trousers

[@BenVallack]

The shorts in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoiZcoyClr18bJI dry so quickly (same as the trousers I was wearing while filming!) that I find that is best option, even in trouser form. Thin, fast drying shorts or trousers, job done. Merino long johns underneath in winter.

[@youtubeaccount2302]

I came here to ask the same thing.

[@dfha797]

How have your opinions changed over the past 2 years? Have you found a new waterproof coat that you prefer more or have you more or less held the same opinions in the video? Perhaps you could think about making a follow up, your video is very informative and interesting to watch and I'm more than sure those qualities transfer into any follow up video. I'm curious if maybe theres a new desire thats been presented such as wanting more pockets since you say you don't carry a backpack and instead opt for using pockets. All in all, nice work and thanks for the video

[@BenVallack]

Interestingly I’ve rather changed direction. I’m wearing a waxed cotton Barbour most of the time in the rain these days. It’s tough as hell and I don’t worry about anything wearing it through. It’s the exact opposite of Shakedry though - although its breathability is increasing as it wears and presumably looses its water proofness to some extent.

[@marekt2501]

It’s all about being PFAS free though, and Paramo are the ones keeping it real - is gortex currently any good for the environment?

[@virtualtools_3021]

nothing is pfas free... even the rain has shit in it these days

[@marekt2501]

​@@virtualtools_3021 Yeah - still you should try to get garments without it

[@boogboog8097]

Lol

[@petermitchell7851]

What would be the difference between a Paramo coach, and just using nikwax to treat a $100 LLBean jacket??

[@kuponokai]

Ive had a number of shake dry jackets, the Norvan being the best so far. With a couple of thousand miles on it, it remains in very good shape with no apparent wear under the backpack straps. Recently I've noticed leaking under the zipper. Customer support claims the zipper is water-resistant not waterproof. If true I find it extremely irritating that at this price point they would use a non waterproof zipper in an otherwise completely waterproof jacket.

[@nadsim154]

If the "shakedry" is the material inside the goretex but without the outer layer, the normal goretex should be as toxic to produce as this one and they should stop producing both (according to their logic)? Am i missing something or is it different?

[@BenVallack]

Yeah I think the toxic arguments would apply to this as well. I’m actually not sure though if most of the toxic/forever chemical stuff levelled at Gore-Tex is as a result of the membrane or just because they usually use DWR on the outer fabric though.

[@nadsim154]

@@BenVallack Yes it's a bit strange. I would think that the shakedry is a variant that is more toxic to produce, because if the point was to just remove the outer layer, firstly it sounds a bit too easy and it should be less expensive to produce...

[@Yer_Da_]

Smart bloke - good vid - thanks

[@spotlight761]

The hood of the Arcteryx jacket doesn't cover the face properly.

[@DanielNyberg7]

that was some hollywood rain you made there😂👍

[@SpicyHotPot12]

After 2 years, how has your shakedry held up?

[@BrandonHowardRay]

It really seems like this product is no longer available. I can’t find it anywhere, even in the Amazon links

[@vlvr]

Curious if you have an opinion on the Vollebak Planet Earth Ultralight Shell and its waterproofness and breathability. Thanks!

[@BenVallack]

What an interesting company! Watching with interest for sure.

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

Excellent video!

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

I especially like when you made the distinction of vapor versus moisture and how the different materials deal with it passing through. Thank You Ben!

[@karlulrich9098]

it has been 2 years by now. Any updates on wear and tear?

[@BenVallack]

It’s still fine - but in reality doesn’t get much use!

[@nfo981]

Gore wear r7 shakedry is more robust version. They advertise it as bacpack safe

[@TyBraek]

So you’re saying gortex needs reproofing only for the breathability? That’s crazy. I never realized that. I also wonder if the surface tension of the water makes water pass through because the fabric is absorbing the water breaking the surface tension. Even if the lining is still waterproof. I always thought if the water doesn’t bead off the outer fabric that it is no longer “waterproof” I guess as long as the membrane is intact it’s still waterproof just not breathable.

[@jackgutz]

Did arcteryx stop making this jacket?

[@BenVallack]

Yeah. Everyone has. Shakedry is gone - real shame! www.cyclingnews.com/news/shakedry-fabric-is-set-to-be-retired-by-gore/

[@arronpalmer2773]

Any update on how long it's lasted?

[@leotaku5216]

09:05 I don't really relate to this approach to longevity. Why would 4 Years be just fine, while 3 would already cause you to think about getting a different jacket? For products that are not extremely expensive, I tend to see lifetime on more of a log scale, so something that lasts "a couple years" is obviously better than something that lasts "a couple months", but between that everything basically blurs together. This is true especially for timeframes of multiple years, where, in my experience, factors that have little to do with the quality of the product (e.g. losing a knife, a better alternative coming to market, ...) become more relevant.

[@BenVallack]

I guess I just decided that for the money, the minimum I’d want it to survive is 4 years. I.e if it lasts 4 years I’d be fine to get another. But if it lasts only 3 years for me that would mean I’d be nervous about buying another. It’s just an arbitrary point where the cost/benefit starts to sound too expensive for me I guess. You’re quite right though that once things get past a certain point it is often other factors that end up enforcing its obsolescence. I want to do a video on this kind of concept specifically in fact.

[@leotaku5216]

@@BenVallack That sounds like a great video idea, I'll be looking forward to it.

[@mcmike446]

Can you do an update on the goretex shakedry? It seems that they are being phased out because of supply issues. Any good replacement garment ideas? Thank you

[@BenVallack]

For serious rain for any length of time it’s back to Paramo (Nikwax Analogy)for me. For short spells in rain I’m just thinking more about natural fabrics in garments that look stylish/appropriate for the setting. I.e taking the style a bit more seriously and embracing natural fabrics (wool, waxed cotton) I’m also happy to be moving back away from membranes and the dubious environmental impact they have. I think my interest in membranes will die with Shakedry!

[@ryanrossuk]

How are you getting on with the coat? How's the breathability? Still your top recommendation? I did manage to find the coat on their website again btw.

[@BenVallack]

Breathability is legendary. Truth is though I don’t wear it a great deal. It looks very odd and the durability issue is always a worry!

[@ryanrossuk]

@@BenVallack that’s a shame. What’s your daily driver?

[@BenVallack]

@@ryanrossuk I’ve been wearing the Barbour seen in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4jTdnuOl7CWibs - it’s tough as anything but the exact opposite of the Shakedry. Super heavy and basically zero breathability. But it has made me think of it more as part of what I’m choosing to wear rather than something I just put on over the top of what I’m wearing. I.e part of the overall outfit choice for the day. It doesn’t look out of place just wearing it as any other kind of jacket. That solves the packability issue. The problem with being a purist is sometimes I shoot myself in the foot by pursuing what I think is an ‘ideal’ format and trying to make it work everywhere. In reality you could say the Barbour is good as an everyday dog walking/weekend pub walk/town trip etc jacket then the Paramo for high activity/high durability requirements like hiking and Shakedry for unexpected and super high activity but low durability requirements (funnily enough like running, but I don’t do much of that!).

[@ryanrossuk]

@@BenVallack Yep, I totally get you. Sometimes the all rounder solves all the issues, sometimes it falls just short at everything. My favourite coat is probably the Uniqlo ultra light down coat that can be compressed into a small bag. But it’s not especially water proof and is ever so slightly too big even in the bag. I guess our quest for the Goldilocks coat continues! 😂

[@jamsams]

I have a Castelli Idro Shakedry.....what a material it is. Shame its being discontinued.

[@milel0]

My personal experience with Paramo has never been good except in light rain in winter. Other than that I came to the same conclusions. I wasn't aware of GoreTex Shake-dry however I've been using Inov8 Pertex running tops for many years to the same effect, I've found them to be very light packable, waterproof and breathable.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah it's interesting how some people just don't get on with Paramo - I think a lot depends on your body temperature etc. Thanks for comment!

[@AreaCode4hoe8]

Could this replace a Patagonia Houdini air jacket? I know im comparing a windbreaker with this rain jacket but people praise the shakedrys breathability

[@jamsxr]

Great video.

[@angellike2234]

Very interesting and informative

[@alsteooaai]

hello, I was reading that the Shakedry fabric had some resistance and therefore durability problems, and I read that there have been variations in the fabric on some manufacturers. Is this true or do all gore-tex Shakedry jackets have the exact same fabric?

[@crypt0gyp5y3]

Anyone got any good alternatives? Seems like they discontinued this jacket everywhere?! Probably because they didn't want everyone to only need one kind of jacket. I'd like one or something similar. Any recommendations?

[@pastoralrezowiecki4379]

I cannot find this product anywhere online.

[@BenVallack]

Strangely it seems Goretex have stopped making the fabric!

[@contactkelvinsim]

How long have you used it for? Bought a pretty expensive goretex jacket by North face and guess what.. everything started peeling apart in 18 months.

[@OmarAhmed2016]

Is this coat a health risk with the membrane being from ptfe/pfas

[@BenVallack]

I don't think there is any risk to you the wearer (especially as there is no DWR wearing off) but it's pretty grim reading about the water supply pollution law suits near the factories.

[@frzen]

This in the pocket of a ventile jacket might be a good recipe... hard wearing, breathable, and waterproof enough and then put this on in absolutely terrible conditions

[@EugeneBurmaka]

How Shakedry compares to the north face Futurelight?

[@michaelchomiczewski7937]

It seems Arc'teryx Norvan SL Hoodie was so good -- it got discontinued 😕

[@BenVallack]

Along with all Shakedry stuff! Bizarre. I’ve been reading about these forever chemicals in this stuff now though so am starting to have doubts.

[@michaelchomiczewski7937]

I got really excited that I FINALLY found the perfect waterproof / breathable shell. Alas - I'm a couple years too late 😢

[@bahaar5215]

George Constanza: It’s Gore-Tex Seinfeld: You like saying Gore-Tex don’t you

[@lewispotter7369]

Are these jackets only available in black? I would like to get one but need it to be more visible.

[@BenVallack]

Yep, I think because it’s the actual membrane that is visible, it is what is it!

[@mikekelly6603]

Now that you have had it for 2 years - how is the durability?

[@BenVallack]

It’s still fine - funnily enough I’m actually finding it is brilliant for running. But actually don’t tend to wear it a great deal for everyday day use any more.

[@richardmbarrelmaker]

Ben, just wondering how the jacket is coping after 1 year?

[@BenVallack]

Still fine - in truth I’m not using it that much. I decided it was too delicate for waking dog in woods so got a Barbour and have been chucking that on. I think the Shakedry still has a place though but I am quite protective of it!

[@ADHDnB]

i am poor but desperately want a go-to lightweight actual waterproof coat, what do i do?

[@stuqwertyly]

Very interesting, thank you. I was thinking about this idea recently and the best option I could see was Enlightened Equipment’s VISP jacket - do you know how it’d stack up against this?

[@BenVallack]

I think I considered that on the way to this, you are back to dealing with an outer layer. Good if you need the durability but the impact on breathability when wetted out is troublesome to me.

[@ronandy8681]

I used the visp on the A.T. And it wetted out within 1 hour of steady rain. My zpacks backpack wore right through my visp within 1 month, I was so bummed.

[@Nevir202]

LOL, I have a motorcycle jacket with a removable waterproof liner. I thought it was a surprisingly good coat on its own, apparently someone else had the same idea.

[@alanrobinson2229]

I nearly got one of these today,missed out on bidding. However,these are of questionable durability, similar to a similar designed plastic jacket....which does the same?

[@BenVallack]

No sign of any issues on mine yet, lives in my pocket every day! Walked the dog in heavy rain this afternoon, I was totally comfortable just wearing it over my merino jumper.

[@cv6473]

Any updates on this jacket. I have been looking for a superlight wait, packagble, breathely weterproof jacket for everyday but hiking as well.

[@BenVallack]

Still using it as my day to day coat. Love how it doesn’t make me too hot. Not convinced the fabric will last forever but for what it is it’s great. I think there is a reasonable chance one day I’ll just tear it and decide I can’t live with something so delicate, but until that happens it’s all good!

[@cristiandemirel1918]

I have something similar from Decathlon. It fits in a pocket and cost me $6.

[@BenVallack]

Quite tempted to get one to compare actually! Certainly a much cheaper option.

[@BenVallack]

The main difference is the decathlon is water proof due to a coating so it will reduce with time as it washes off.

[@millicentduke6652]

How is the shakedry holding up a year later?

[@BenVallack]

I still have it but havn’t found myself wearing it that much - I sort of had a moment where I got bored of worrying about it and got a super rugged waxed cotton jacket instead- literally the opposite end of the scale. Heavy, not at all breathable, but looks great and is tough as hell. It’s featured in my next video.

[@jacobtb1]

I love your channel.

[@BenVallack]

Thanks so much!

[@ipcexeter6393]

Great video Ben - I have been trying to find a solution to the issue of down jacket = comfort but if it rains = soaked through. I'm off to answer the all important question - how much ?

[@BenVallack]

I paid £260 but this one seems to not be on their website any more! There are other brands making them though.

[@liamhikes]

Shakedry is being discontinued by GoreTex due to imminent PFC bans. Not because its so good they are worried about it cannibalizing their other jackets. Even without it being discontinued, longterm durability and therefore sustainability are the main reasons ShakeDry didn't take over the entire shell jacket market.

[@BenVallack]

If it’s due to PFC bans surely that applies to their whole product range?

[@liamhikes]

@@BenVallack yes, the whole GoreTex line has to be redesigned. California is banning all PFAS- or forever chemicals, by 2025. This is leaving many brands like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and GoreTex, scrambling to come up with a new, less harmful waterproof membrane for their jackets. GoreTex is releasing a ePE membrane which boasts a smaller carbon footprint as well as being PFA free. It’s a catch 22 scenario: the new membrane will be better for the environment, but will most likely be not as waterproof or breathable. In the coming months/years, expect manufacturers to redesign their entire waterproof line.

[@liamhikes]

@02ditf haven’t heard of them. I’ll have to check it out!

[@linkert810]

Much interesting!

[@davewebb1115]

Umbrella plus Paramo Windproof smock or Buffalo! Perhaps you could wear the shakedry inside the smock to protect it when bushwhacking.

[@BenVallack]

Appealing idea! Would be keen to try a buffalo.

[@davewebb1115]

@@BenVallack I think it might be too bulky for your use case

[@richardpwaller]

@@BenVallackI had one for years, excellent for colder climates like Scotland but just too warm for England tbh

[@davegalloway7531]

Excellent kit. I have the Buffalo 6, and it is RED HOT! Makes a good pillow as well. Even if you have no base layer under it (should be worn next to the skin anyway), it is still red hot.

[@brgulker]

Is this jacket discontinued?

[@BenVallack]

Yeah along with all Shakedry products. It’s a shame but I’ve also been reading more about how environmentally dodgy Goretex is with forever chemicals etc. what I can’t quite figure out is how much of that applies to the DWR coatings (which Shakedry doesn’t have).

[@AlbertoNoys]

Very interesting, but I think £300 is a bit too much.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah it is a bit hard to swallow. Then again Paramo are similar money.

[@orbispictus6127]

Black Friday I got one for 180

[@abel6575]

Hello, are you still carrying Olight's mini perun as an edc flashlight?

[@BenVallack]

I don’t leave the house without it!

[@abel6575]

@@BenVallack I'm thinking about getting one and I remembered your video, that's why I asked you 😅

[@Marty72]

Rapha have a Shakedry jacket that is popular with cyclists.

[@BenVallack]

No hood though right?

[@Marty72]

@@BenVallack Yep, no hood, and not sure if the cut is suitable for off the bike.

[@milessmith589]

Goretex produce a cycling cap made of shakedry. It's excellent & because of the requirements (legal in OZ) for a helmet, it gets more 'abrasion ' than my shakedry jacket by a big margin. After two years riding everyday for 2+ hrs, absolutely no damage to the shakdry caps properties. NB my shakedry jacket is from 7Mesh. It's longer than all the others covering my bum when in the drops on the bike. 7Mesh are worth a look given where their principals left to start up this Canadian company 👍 Oh' & I love the factual content , especially the lack of marketing hype 👍👍