Oilies - which ones?

[Nico]

I've just discovered that the Musto "breathable" salopettes I bought about 3 years ago are still very breathable but not waterproof. I've rinsed them from time to time and they are still in apparently excellent condition, but they won't keep me dry. This is of no use to me. Shall I invest in a set of MPX offshore jobbies at over 200 notes or should I revert to the totally waterproof but not breathable Mustos I bought in 1993? I do think that breathable oilies are great so long as they remain waterproof.

Has anybody had better experiences with other makes? What about Gill? I like the look of their race oilies.

 

[BrendanS]

Are they actually leaking, or just soaking water into the fabric which means they feel wet inside.

Most breathable fabrics benefit from washing, and then tumble drying. The tumble drying restores the beading effect on the fabric, which causes water to bead and drop off, rather than soaking into the material

 

[Solitaire]

Have a look HERE. If you like what you see, PM me and you might get a surprise.

 

[ccscott49]

I find a wheelhouse does it for me!

But I do like Musto gear, why not try what Brendans says? Worth a try.

 

[raven]

They may well be restored with an application of one of the waterproofing agents such as Nikwax.

Repeated soaking (and washing with detergents) can breach the waterproofing in the fabric after which it needs to be restored. If that doesn't work (and mindful of the cost of these articles) I would be marching back to the retailer quoting the "Sale Of Goods" Act and suggesting that their product is not as described and of merchantable quality.

 

[BrendanS]

It depends what type of breathable fabric. The ones with membranes like gortex will not need any proofing agents, they won't leak unless the membrane is torn. They will still benefit from tumble drying, as it stops the fabric retaining water which causes it to feel wet inside.

Non membrane materials can normally be restored by tumble drying as well, so experiment first. If you have to apply a water proof restorer, make sure the restorer is also breathable.

 

[Sixpence]

My Musto breathables just needed a spray with Fabsil , here http://www.camping-online.co.uk/WATERPROOFING/

 

[BrendanS]

Fabsil products aren't all breathable, so you'd need to select one for breathable fabrics, not the stuff designed for canvas etc.

 

[BrendanS]

Do you know which range the salopettes came from? It would help to know if the salopettes have membrane or breathable coating.

The Musto site says

Unlike many traditional lower performing garments, the majority of those in the MUSTO range can be machine washed at 40°C with mild detergent. However, please check the instructions on the sewn in garment care label on each item or contact our Customer Services Department on +44 (0) 1268 495830 or Email: customerservices@musto.co.uk for assistance.

So have a look at label first if you don't know which range it came from?

 

[Sybarite]

I got a set of oilies at Guy Cotten last week. 10 euros.

John

 

[uforea]

My 11 year old Musto HPX trousers were replaced FOC by the company when they leaked as the membrane had started to fail, so I have to say buy Musto as they are very comfortable and the service is first class.

Ted

 

[Nico]

Thanks for all the replies. The salopettes are from the "Breathable" range i.e. they are not goretex membranes but a hydrophilic or phobic (I can never work out which) coating.

I noticed dampness inside when sailing (o.k. fair do's I was sitting on the rail for several hours with a bit of water running along the deck) but wasn't sure if it was actually leaking. Once home I tested for leaks and water was clearly getting in through the fabric.

I'll try a proper wash as so far I've just rinsed them. I'll also contact Musto as a crew mate has just had a new set of HPX Oceans after they delaminated and Musto are obviously not a fly-by-night outfit.

 

[Nico]

I just got a reply back from Musto saying that life expectancy for the 'breathable' range is 2 to 3 seasons! If I'd known that I'd have thought twice about buying them. They HAVE offered to look at them though, so there is yet hope. Meanwhile I'll probably get some MPXs for the rest of the season.

 

[bludgeon]

I never had Musto, but I noticed that there are no breathability values like MVTR or RET for their products on the Musto site. It seems they are not so good as they were in the past.

If you look for extremly breathable inshore equipment look at this test results and the Jacket of Marinepool:

http://www.funktionstextilien.de/content/view/326/1/

 

[bludgeon]

or here

http://www.unterwegs.biz/index.php?load=...57b3fdb4234baa3

 

[Goldie]

I was in the Musto Factory outlet at Bicester the other day - they had (in limited sizes only) HPX jkts (RRP £500) going for £200.