I am wondering what the difference is between goretex and denier Cordura. I have been googling and have not found anything that directly compares the two. My husband has just bought a new pair of hunting boots which he assumed were goretex now he has found out that they are denier Cordura. He is feeling a bit letdown and I am trying to find out if there is any reason one would be better than the other.
Thanks
Denier simply refers to the number of threads (I think in a square inch) The higher the number the stronger the fabric. 1000 D is very strong, I think 600 D is what your average backpack is made out of. It is water-resistant by virtue of the tight weave, and is often treated with a water-proof coating.
Goretex is a waterproof/breathable fabric made of several layers of specialized fabric. It is inherently waterproof, aside from any coatings that are applied, wile allowing moisture to evaporate from within.
Cordura is a trade name for a coarse, abrasion resistant nylon. It is commonly used for abrasion resistant patches on the knees and elbows of textile (v. leather) motorcycle clothing for example.
I forgot to add that they could have a Cordura exterior with a Gortex ™ lining. Gortex is a very thin PTFE (generic term for Teflon ™ ) film that is easily damaged, so it is NEVER used on the exterior of a garment.
I certainly claim no great expertise in this area, but thought that I would add the Gore-tex is a product of of WL Gore & Associates. Here is their website indicating the products that they produce.
Carnac the Magnificent: [puts sealed envelope to temple] Gore-Tex.
[tears open envelope, extracts slip of paper]“Name the least likely electoral vote in 2000.”
my experience is very out of date. gore-tex doesn’t work well when dirty. so for boots, you don’t want gore tex as it won’t stay clean.
so a gore tex rain coat to wear around town is great, but use something else for an extended camping trip
As Hello Again explained, they are completely different and potentially complimentary products.
You could still back Cordura nylon with Gore-Tex and have both on your boots.
Thank you for your answers. I think that he would be fine if he sprayed the boots with silicone water protectant. He is not convinced though so he may take them back.
Getting G-T dirty can be a problem, but what happens is that it stops breathing. It’s still retains its waterproofness.
People expect to see water beading up on the outside of G-T jackets, but that has nothing to do with the G-T. The G-T membrane is inside the jacket, sandwiched between layers of protective fabric. The beading water is from the DWR (Durable Water Repelency) spray that has been applied to the outside. That can wear out and needs to be re-applied periodically. When that fails the jacket will continue to be waterproof but, like when dirty, fails to breath. People then sweat, and think the jacket has failed, but they just need to apply a new coating of DWR.
Did anyone else look at the title of this thread and think, “Sounds like a Japanese monster movie!”?
Gortex vs. denier Cordura! Now on the big screen! Watch Tokyo get stomped as the Big G defends Japan from the dreaded Cordura and his horde of denier accomplices! 