Gore Tex Pants

[Mr. Technicality]

I'm looking for some gore tex pants to keep my a$$ dry while I'm riding my bike to class. And also for airsoft when it's raining. I've found that it's futile to cover the seat so it doesn't get rained on. Back-spray from my rear tire will inevitably hone in on my a$$ whether I sit or stand.

I want something I'll be able to use both for airsoft and on-campus. They may even see some use for skiing or other outdoor activities. There are lots of ROTC people on-campus and I'm the slightest bit embarrassed to be seen wearing camo, as I fear I might attract negative attention.

I'm looking at 3 options:
Full set of MARPAT ECWCS
M81 ECWCS pants
solid-color Gore Tex pants

The lattermost wouldn't attract attention, but would be less useful to me on the field, as I rely heavily on stealth where I usually play. The former-most would be the best for airsoft, but would leave me feel a might awkward under pressure from potential dirty looks and misunderstandings. Full MARPAT is also the most gucci option and half of airsoft, as we all know, is looking badass. Woodland pants are the crossover option. I have a (leaky) woodland gore tex jacket that could go with them for airsoft. This is also the cheapest option.

I'm sure I'd make up my mind eventually, but some input would be appreciated. Particularly, suggestions for online retailers. And any other related ramblings that I might take into consideration.

[Fluffy]

What Nasty said. If you decide you want the camo pattern for airsoft later on you can always buy one in whatever camo print you want.

[Order_66]

What about the Level 6 Hardshell from Orc Industries?

http://www.orcind.com/webstore/products.asp?cat=20

[weasle8877]

The german gortex pants are really nice. I feel like they breath a bit better than other gortex I have. I've worn my Fleck parka on campus everyday for the last month or so, and none of the military have ever given me any grief about it. Besides I'm pretty sure that german gore-tex comes in green too.

[ogrejager]

I've worn my Fleck parka on campus everyday for the last month or so, and none of the military have ever given me any grief about it.

But according to your profile, you're in Fairbanks. Here in real America people can get grumpy about camo. I do see a lot of ACU backpacks around, though.

[DJ]

Heres my experience with Gore tex and biking and the ECWS. For biking where (hopefully) you will be generating a bit of body heat, the military stuff if far too hot ( 3 layer gore tex). You need the lighter 2 layer stuff so as not to become a mobile sauna ( I was a bicycle cop / instructor 94-04). Check out a bike shop or Bike Nashbar online to find something more suitable. Usually the bike stuff has a short "tail" to prevent the skunk stripe up your back. I used the ECWS stuff at the range where I would sometimes be relatively stationary for 6-8 hours in the rain. For that scenario or like airsoft where you are relatively stationary ( as compared to biking) The ECWS works great. I still use my ECWS (retired now) for airsoft , hunting etc... you could get by for short distances with it on a bike , but not for long. There is at least 3 thicknesses of Goretex, You should select based on your exertion and heat generation level. This may be a bit over the top for most so pick based on what activity you do the most. I spent all day out in the Oregon elements so I needed job specific stuff to stay functional. Also check the surplus stores. this stuff is expensive.

[danneskjold]

What about the Level 6 Hardshell from Orc Industries?

http://www.orcind.com/webstore/products.asp?cat=20

Its non-breathable...you are essentially wearing rubber.

I would avoid goretex if I was you period...the fact is it just does not breathe well enough under sustained activity in the PNW. You will end up wet anyways from perspiration.

What Fluffy said is good...and I would listen to him - if you can find some goretex made specifically for biking thats worth a try but the ECWCS stuff is not..

[Snowman]

I saw a Gen 2 PCU 6 at the Foxhole in Lakewood, it said it was made of Goretex.

[danneskjold]

Gen2 is Goretex, Gen1 is not.

[Mr. Technicality]

Thanks for all the replies! I'll try to be a little more specific about my situation. I'm seldom on my bike for more than 10 minutes at a time. In-between I'm either walking a short distance or sitting inside for an hour or two at a time. On top I wear a North Face soft-shell TNF APEX jacket with 2-3 layers underneath. That keeps my torso plenty warm and dry.

I think you've all helped me narrow down my options. I either want some old Woodlands or I want something that isn't so hot that would only see use on-campus.

Woodland is common enough amongst civilians that people won't immediately assume I'm military. It would see use both in airsoft an on-campus. It's the most budget-friendly option. I'm not sure it wouldn't be too hot though. Before I got my North Face soft-shell, I used to wear that old woodland gore tex jacket I mentioned earlier. It kept me at a reasonable temperature with a similar number of under-layers.

I could look for lightweight 2-layer gore tex pants, perhaps that are made for biking. I'm not really sure where to start looking. Eventually I'd want to get something waterproof for airsoft, but if I went with this option I would probably put that off for now.

[jellomaster.....]

T
I could look for lightweight 2-layer gore tex pants, perhaps that are made for biking. I'm not really sure where to start looking. Eventually I'd want to get something waterproof for airsoft, but if I went with this option I would probably put that off for now.

checkout bike Nashbar or performance bike online