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Army surplus Gore-Tex New

Paul Collins

Paul Collins

Senior Member
After a trip to the Avon last week in day long pouring rain it's apparent that my ESP digital camo jacket and trousers are no longer waterproof despite very careful washing and only using Nik wax products for washing and proofing. My companion that day was wearing a Gore-Tex army surplus jacket and remained bone dry, so that's what I'm after getting now.
Previous threads on here have praised the army surplus Gore-Tex stuff and most fans have said it's almost essential to buy new. Had a quick look online today and there's loads out there at reasonable prices but very little that's new. Lots of grade 1's, how good is that?
Wouldn't mind a lined jacket but it's not essential, want matching zipped overtrousers, green or camouflage.
Anyone got any recommendations?
This one looks ok but need to check out if it has pockets etc., it's not actually Gore-Tex so has anyone used one or the fabric?
https://www.militarymart.co.uk/british-army-dpm-tempest-waterproof-breathable-jacket/
 
In this situation myself mate, I think I have that jacket in the link you have put up, not put a foot wrong for me, used many times in this country and over in France in all conditions, I did notice I did start to feel damp after wearing it and being out in the rain so iv got myself some fabsil gold and I'm going to give it another waterproofing. Best waterproof jacket I have, very hard wearing also, when walking through thick woodland, brambles ext some more expensive branded bits of clothing start to rip and fray but this has been bullet proof so far, apart from the waterproofing, but I must point out Iv owned the jacket for at least 5 years so id say it was well overdue another waterproofing. As for the grading mate I can't really say, iv just had a pair of the Army surplus DPM trousers I'm sure they were a grade 1, to me they look unworn, but I'm going to give them a waterproofing also just to make sure. If your planning on getting some used gear, for the sake of a tin of fabsil which is around £15 for a 1L tin, I think you can also get it in a spray can now also, it would be well worth getting hold of the grade 1 stuff and giving it a coat of fabsil to make sure.
 
Have used army goretex for the last 3-4 years and it’s never let me down. Grade 1 means it was issued but is in very good condition. Usually looks brand new but may have a service number written inside somewhere.
 
I brought army gortex jacket and trousers from a store selling them at v festival back in 2006 I think. The trousers are a bit tight and I have managed to put a tear in them on the back but they still keep me dry. The jacket is still sound it’s always kept in my bag for when it’s needed. Was a bargain at £25 for the set
 
I brought one a while back, never issued so essentially new old stock from an army surplus locally. Charminster in Bournemouth. Cost me £45 but obviously it’s as new. The DPM stuff is getting rarer because it’s no longer issued for the last 10 years and the new stuff is made in China. So I was told anyway.
 
I have an RAF Issue Hooded DPM Gortex jacket, unlined , with no pockets (which is a bit naff) ,it was my sons , who was in the RAF, it was virtually unworn when he gave it to me on leaving , complete with an RAF issue fleece jacket which doubled up as the Jacket Gortex liner , about 13 years ago.
Since then it has always been rolled up in my Rucksack, and been worn in every downpour I have been unlucky enough to get cought in . It is 100% waterproof, has never been reproofed, and I wouldnt be without it.
Ideally I would like the overtrousers to match it but have never seen any as new.
I would recommend the Military Gortex every time if it is as good as mine has been . The Fleece Jacket has been a really good bit of kit as well, I wear it , or pack it in my gear when fishing every time, keeps me warm as toast, I have added an inside pocket for my mobile, and had to replace the zip about five years ago, apart from that , its great !
In the absence of UK Gortex overtrousers, I purchased about the same time a pair of used but A1 ex German Army Gortex Olive Green overtrousers, they have full length gusseted zips on the outside of each leg so are easy to put on over boots etc, they are also very waterproof, in fact as good as the DPM.

David
 
I did full term in the forces, it took me from the arctic to the gulf etc. It was excellent kit then and still is. My rule with any goretex is never wash it as detergent degrades it,simply wash with fresh water and a brush. If buying online buy new. The lightweight vortex is excellent and far better than the older stuff. If you don't like dpm or mtp it's not for you, however u will pay 5 to 10 times the price.
 
Chaps great thread and helpful thanks. I'll take a look into that as will need for work potentially to.
 
But the barbel won't see you ;) there's loads of other tops like the buffalo jacket. I'm getting me one of them. Dave the prices look cheaper though
 
I fish mostly at evening/ night and away from the crowds, so nobody would notice me much anyway, and tbh I am more bothered about keeping dry than what fashion statement my clothes make. My waders have a few patches as well , and my ancient cap is frayed at the peak, so the Wurzel Gummidge look does me fine .

In fact coupled with a beard , I bet I am pretty well invisible in the dark. :cool:

Dave
 
https://www.meanandgreen.com/army/Highlander/New_Waterproof_Breathable_Jacket/2150/3543.html
Took the plunge and one of these with matching trousers is on the way. Not Gore-Tex but apparently just as good and brand new to boot.
At £69 delivered for the pair I'm hoping it's a bargain.
Great reviews.
From memory the ESP kit cost over £250 and has been very disappointing, ok for a year or so but now soaks up water like a sponge.
Did find a new Gore-Tex jacket for £70 and if this one doesn't perform properly that's what I'll get next time, I'll still be in front over getting a new ESP suit.
I got the HMTC multicam pattern which I think will be good against the dying reeds of Winter at my usual venues.
 
When I bought my ex Army Desert Camo I felt a bit of a fraud wearing it having not served but soon forgot it when I sat out a thunderstorm without a brolly. The very large hood (designed to accommodate a helmet) pulled right over and I just sat huddled ‘till the storm passed. My fishing seat was holding water but my a***e was dry thanks to the Gortex membrane...great stuff, highly recommend it.
 
Paul Collins said:
https://www.meanandgreen.com/army/Highlander/New_Waterproof_Breathable_Jacket/2150/3543.html
Took the plunge and one of these with matching trousers is on the way. Not Gore-Tex but apparently just as good and brand new to boot.
At £69 delivered for the pair I'm hoping it's a bargain.
Great reviews.
From memory the ESP kit cost over £250 and has been very disappointing, ok for a year or so but now soaks up water like a sponge.
Did find a new Gore-Tex jacket for £70 and if this one doesn't perform properly that's what I'll get next time, I'll still be in front over getting a new ESP suit.
I got the HMTC multicam pattern which I think will be good against the dying reeds of Winter at my usual venues.
Click to expand...

I bought a set last year and used through the winter and very happy with them for the money, for me roving around through brambles and mud made goretex a waste of money as its not durable enough if you need to wash it and its not to good on brambles and barbed wire fences. if the mean and green stuff lasts me a few winters i'll be more than happy.
 
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