J&H rain jacket

[simonm]

Last year my wife picked up a J&H Goretex rain jacket (Cat and Dog?) for $4 from the local second hand shop. From the history I have read about of J&H and One Planet I assume it is possibly from the late 80's to early 90's. Apart from the seam sealing tape it looks to be in immaculate condition. I contacted Remote Equipment Repairs today and they will check the fabric condition and then if its ok will re-do the seam tape.

My walks around town in considerable rain have shown that apart from the seams the fabric seems to do a good job of keeping me dry.

My question is does anyone else have a rain jacket of this era that's still functional? Is there any reason not to get it re-taped if everything else is in good condition? I like the idea of re-conditioning an old jacket to use on my upcoming walk on the Overland track.

[stry]

Looks like a twin to mine. I op shopped mine when it delaminated, but even then it was fine for casual bad weather use.

[simonm]

Looks like a twin to mine. I op shopped mine when it delaminated, but even then it was fine for casual bad weather use.

This has no signs of delamination that I can see, but I guess due to the age of it that may be the risk.

[Scottyk]

My father has one of these. He bought it in the early nineties and it is still going strong. In its early days it saw some serious off track walking and now it hangs in his laundry and gets used on the hobby farm for feeding out etc. I haven't asked him if its still 100% water proof but he still uses it so myst be ok.
They are a proper 3/4 length jacket unlike nearly all the jackets that are made today that use terms like "3/4 length" but in reality they are not.
I wish they still made them.

[Moondog55]

Mine is still usable although I think it shruncked a little over the last decade, great length coats really cover the bum

[gayet]

One Planet re-introduced the Cat and Dog about a year ago. Unfortunately it isn't as long as the original, by the look of it.

http://www.oneplanet.com.au/jackets/cat-and-dog.html

[simonm]

It's a shame the new model isn't as long, this is a really nice design. I went over the jacket again and couldn't find any signs of delamination or other issues, so I think I will take the risk and get it re-taped by Remote Repairs.

[simonm]

There is also this jacket by Wilderness Wear https://wildernesswear.com.au/rain/strider-jacket-290 and this one https://wildernesswear.com.au/rain/cascade-jacket.

Hard to tell whether they are true 3/4 or not but they look a decent length. Anyone have experience with these jackets?

[Nuts]

I had a blue Cat n Dog, nice big jacket, good score.
Later I had a MD gore jacket, the seams started to fall off, wore it for some time without the back one. You can buy the tape (as you may know).

[simonm]

I had a blue Cat n Dog, nice big jacket, good score.
Later I had a MD gore jacket, the seams started to fall off, wore it for some time without the back one. You can buy the tape (as you may know).

Yes I did consider trying to do it myself.

[Moondog55]

I'd save the cash Simonm and simply use silicon seam sealer works just as well if you don't mind snail tracks on the outside. Mine is a J&H "Cane Toad" similar to but with deeper wider sleeves than the CatsnDogs

[simonm]

I'd save the cash Simonm and simply use silicon seam sealer works just as well if you don't mind snail tracks on the outside. Mine is a J&H "Cane Toad" similar to but with deeper wider sleeves than the CatsnDogs

Just did a quick search apparently Seam Grip is the way to go for Goretex. It would certainly save me quite a few dollars.

[Mickl]

You could do it how I've seen some guys do the MLD rain mitts and use a tooth pick to put the seam grip on the seams. Would be slow and painful but would be a nice neat job that you would hardly be able to see as opposed to painting it on.....

[simonm]

Sounds very painful Mickl but I will get in some Seam Grip and then work out how to go about it.

Cheers

[Avatar]

I seam-gripped my 25 year old jacket since the retaping cost was almost as much as a new jacket.
Others have had theirs taped and swear by them.
It is OK in light showers but it does wet out even with a DWR treatment.

UPDATE:
I just tested the jacket again in the shower for a few minutes and the fabric kept dry on the inside.
Local wetting out of the outside surface right under the shower head. Probably just needs a bit more time to go through.

Use a strong light to inspect gaps in the seam seal. It may show up actual holes in the fabric too.
I can clearly see my own seam seal job is sadly lacking and needs redoing. That is probably the main source of water entry now.

Still can't part with it though since it is such a perfect design and it does duty in the boot for when putting on chains etc.

The new versions have impressive hydrophobic repellency which has to be seen.

[simonm]

I seam-gripped my 25 year old jacket since the retaping cost was almost as much as a new jacket.
It is OK in light showers but it does wet out even with a DWR treatment.
Unfortunately on testing it in the shower I found the fabric had somehow accumulated zillions of small pinholes and misted through.
Use a strong light to inspect.
Still can't part with it though since it is such a perfect design and it does duty in the boot for when putting on chains etc.

The new versions have impressive hydrophobic repellency which has to be seen.

Good advice mate I will put it under the spotlight. The professional re-taping certainly isn't cheap.

[Moondog55]

Before doing the silicon seam seal give it a good wash and rinse and do the Nikwax DWR

[simonm]

Will do MD.

[Nuts]

I'm missing something? Seam tape is 2/3$ a meter and irons on.. iv'e used seam grip (shoe goo) on packs.. and shoes..

[simonm]

Nuts - I was of the understanding that ironing the tape on was not ideal, and risked damaging the goretex. Is this not the case?

[simonm]

http://wildernessequipment.com.au/more_ ... article=76

[Nuts]

Was that written in 99?
As much a question from me, iv'e used the iron-on 3 layer tape on nylon (2/3 iron power & through wax paper) and seen it used on a gore jacket but no follow up on the longer term success. (we used to iron gore routinely before turning to tumble drying, no problems there)

Pretty sure I saw an article on BPL about this? You'd be in a good position to experiment for us all, given the shop.. and your bargain jacket

[simonm]

...and risk stuffing up my $4 jacket!

Leave it with me. At the very least this thread provided me with other items I should be stocking.

My wifes jacket also has the same problem so I might practice on her jacket first .

[Gulliver3]

We have a pair of J&H Bushlite sleeping bags that after 26 yrs are still in amazing condition. A few washes and and added a bit of down years ago but still doing the job! The problem is that the shell material has become thin with wear and quickly gets damp from tent condensation/air. Can anyone suggest a sprayon etc that might fix this and still retain enough breathability?
Phil

[stry]

Sleeping bag cover, Gulliver