XM T8000 Breathable wet weather gear

Oh dear. That's the make I have /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif When you say 'no longer waterproof' are you talking all over or just the tops of legs for example? What happened to the first set? Were they replaced? If not why did you buy another set?
 
I bought XM Ocean Jacket & Trousers 4 years ago. These leaked from word go. Both replaced foc by Chandler following year. These were a different material, but only lasted 1 season before leaking, despite washing and reproofing. These went in bin at end of last season, and I bought Musto!
 
Is it actually leaking, or is the fabric simply getting waterlogged, and hence 'feels' wet. Breathable fabrics won't breath very successfully when waterlogged

Most breathable fabrics benefit from washing, then tumble drying while still damps. The tumble drying wet heat restores the 'beading' of the fabric, so that water runs off the material instead of water logging it.
 
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When you say 'no longer waterproof' are you talking all over

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Yep I would have said all over and to answer another post I would have said leaking not clammy.

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What happened to the first set? Were they replaced? If not why did you buy another set?

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No they weren't replaced they were 4 years old but had never been good so I didn't enquire, I think they were XM offshore and completely different fabric and construction which is why I thought these would be different.

It will be interesting to see if I get any reply from XM whom I have contacted and also interesting to see others have had similar problems.
 
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Is it actually leaking, or is the fabric simply getting waterlogged

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I don't think I am qualified to tell the difference between leaking and waterlogged. All I know is that in heavy rain I was very wet, breathable fabrics on wet weather gear that don't work when wet are not a lot of use IMHO.

OF interest to me is that I have a good quality Karrimor cagoule which is exhibiting similar tendencies. Neither have been washed or treated in any way.
 
I've been using XM T8000 gear and I too have problems. The trousers lasted ~4 years before the seat started letting in - definitely leaking. The jacket is now 6 years old and gets sodden easily - does it actually leak? Not entirely sure, but the sleeve linings, particularly, get wet, and the weight of the wet garment is uncomfortably heavy.
My answer was one of Lidl's cheapies and in comparison it is dry, light and breathes but doesn't seem to be as warm in the dry.
 
stick them both in the washer/tumble dryer, and see if things improve. My gortex climbing jacket is over 15 years old, and heavily used. Washed and tumble dried at least once a year, whenever it starts to get waterlogged, and still in perfect nick.
 
The washing instructions for the XM Jackets is handwash 30 degree max, do not tumble dry, dry away from strong sunlight, the waterproof properties will be ruined otherwise.
Normal reproofing sprays available from Millets or other camping shops will reproof them.
Musto Jackets can be machine washed but only on a gentle no higher than 40degrees wash, line dry, could explain why your mustos have survived and your XM lost their proofing.
 
Seems to be the 'heat' element of washing that that affects them, maybe hot car or some other warm storage area, We sell them so those are some of the questions I put to supplyers when I order.
Fingers crossed I havent had any problems yet with either my own or suits Ive sold, though I have sold suits to people who's own are no longer waterproof.
If you manage to get some spray on waterproofer, let us know how you get on, and we can establish how effective the various brands are.
 
Regatta sell a wash in reproofer "just an observation though as i have never tried it"
has any other bod tried this ? if so please report back to forum users.
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Some time ago I asked if they were any good. Loads of satisfied customers confirmed that they were, so I bought a set which went to the Azores and had a fair old soaking before I "inadvertantly" left the jacket on the train. I suspect someone in Wolverhampton is the envy of their friends.
I have replaced the jacket. No problems yet, but if they last 4 years I will be more than satisfied at the price.
 
I was probably a recommender. I have 5000 gear, have had it 3 or 4 years (can't remember) and am dead chuffed still. At £129 for the suit I don't care if it only lasts a few years. I object on principle to paying for a brand just because it's a brand. Next time it may be XM or it may be Guy Cotten.

I have bought a pair of Musto lace up deck boots, but only because Mailspeed Burnham had them for £35 for the size 13's they had left. I would not have paid £150 for them, and there is no way they were worth that.
 
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