Goretex storage, bivi bag in particular.

[lub0]

I read a while back that goretex bivi bags, and by extension I presume goretex products in general, should be stuffed in a stuff-sack and never folded/rolled up as apprantly goretex does not like to be folded in a predictable way for any length of time. It sounded a little unfounded to me, but considering how expensive our goretex kit is, I would love to know for sure if this has any truth to it as I currently store my army issue bivi bag tightly rolled up secured with a rubber band.

 

[The Lord Poncho]

I think it is more that repeated folding along exactly the same fold lines can lead to delamination of the fabric after a while, which weakens the membrane (rather than something being folded for a period of time). I generally don't worry too much about it to be honest. If you were bothered, just make sure your folds are in slightly different places from the last time each time you pack something away.

 

[mrcharly]

Rolling can generate a lot of stress on the fabric, if you are trying to roll something tight. You shouldn't roll sleeping bags tightly for the same reason.

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

I have hung my Berghaus Trango Extreme 3 layer taslan jacket since 1992 with a wooden coat hanger or it's been stuffed into my rucksac. No ill effect.

Some dry bags def. don't like being repeatedly folded on the same spot though.

 

[andybysea]

My gore bivi is 14yrs old and its kept folded in its bag when not used and looks as good as new.

 

[screwdriver]

the most important thing with goretex is not how you fold it ,its the fact that it must be bone dry when you store it otherwise it will delaminate with the usual sign of this being surface bubbling on the fabric

 

[ged]

Any delicate fabric will benefit from not being folded the same way every time. The same is said about fine silks for example.

 

[BillyBlade]

the most important thing with goretex is not how you fold it ,its the fact that it must be bone dry when you store it otherwise it will delaminate with the usual sign of this being surface bubbling on the fabric

Well said. I learned that lesson the hard and expensive way years ago.

 

[screwdriver]

so did i billy,about 20 years ago with a mint berghaus mistral jacket that i stuffed in a rucksack wet and destroyed it

 

[BillyBlade]

Mine was a brand new survval aids bivi bag, same again mate, late 80's. It bubbled up and delaminated after being stored wet for about a week.

Could have cried!