I used to use synthetic waterproofs but couldn't get on with them. I like the paramo method but prefer natural materials. I have always been surprised at how well my wool handles the rain so what i am doing in effect is seeing if it can be a long term solution forneveryday, bimbling in thenwoods and for longer hikes.
It does take a fair bit of experimentation to find what works for you.
many people make the mistake of wrapping up in too many layers and overheating, even with the best modern fibres they can only breath to a certain extent.
I'd found a fantastic combination for year round walking in the UK, but then when i moved here i found that these combinations didn't work in the weather we have here.
Even if the temperatures are the same or similar there is a lot less humidity here so the cold doesn't seem to cling to you and go through as many layers as in the UK.
I've been out hiking in the snow here with only a very thin baselayer and an even thinner windproof smock and found it about perfect.
Stop for more than 5 mins though and you need to add another layer.
End of the day we're all different, so there really is no right or wrong here it's all down to what you prefer.
I will say though that synthetic materials can absolutely work great, BUT they do need some experimentation to get right.
Which is how most synthetics make me feel!
Natural fibres are less uncomfortable to wear (synthetic fibres make me sweaty and stinky and prone to fungal infection if worn next to the skin), wool is very warm for its weight and natural fibre fabrics can be very water resistant (immersion suits made of cotton WORK!) - I prefer natural fibre fabrics though I do not totaly reject synthetics
If it was anyone else John i would say "you've not tried the right synthetics" knowing your career and experience in this field though, your opinion has to carry a LOT of weight in this discussion.
As i said above we're all different so there is no one solution that works for all people in all environments.
I do honestly believe that i have tried if not all then the vast majority of alternatives over the years.
From Árann and various other wool clothing, to Ventile, waxed jackets etc etc.
I just can't get on with walking around in damp clothing, and it is always damp because non of the outer wear stuff i've tried breaths at all when wet.
Even then although you are warm and damp,
personally i hate having damp clothes stuck to me, and the smells when returning back to base/home have to be smelt to be believed.
Then there is the itching
Arrghhhhhhh i'm getting depressed and itching just remembering some of these fabrics
As for old immersion suits.
Sure Ventile can be waterproof and warm, but it also becomes as breathable as a bin linear when wet, add to this the fact that it dries slower than a fish in water.
The when used in the wet during any activity beyond opening a beer, you'll sweat quicker than you can drink, throw in some really cold weather and you end up with a solid block of ice being wrapped around you.
The ONLY reason it was selected for immersion suits (as in the army) is because it's no where near as flammable as the alternatives back then, (although being a quiet and very tough and tough material helped).
I know a lot of guys on here like old army stuff, in some cases it can be a great cheap solution for many things, clothing included.
In this case though, although new fabrics are being tested, i have never seen or heard of any army surplus kit that comes anywhere near the quality of modern high street stuff.
Personally i'm a function over form kinda guy, if a fabric came out that kept me warm, dry and sweat free i wouldn't care if it only became available in pink with black spots, i'd still wear it.
A lot of my camping and wild camping mates rip the **** out of me because i use modern fabrics in ALL their glorious colours
After a cold wet night though i yet to find anyone that's been as warm, dry and comfortable as me in my "gucci gear".
Cheers
Mark
