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The main reason coated fabrics feel wet and clammy is because the moisture has no place to go and condenses inside the garment and is trapped in, making you wet inside. And as the cools, well you get cold.
David is right in saying breathable fabrics do not work as well in kayaking as the would in biking, skiing, running etc. The fabrics work by transfering the moisture through the membrane (or membranes) to the fabric and then that is transported to the environment through evaporation. But in kayaking we are soaked most of the time, and the outside fabric becomes saturated, at that point we can not generate enough pressure to overcome this, and the fabric stops breathing.
This will feel much more comfortable to the user because the membrane (or membranes) can collect a large amount of moisture, keeping it from condensing inside the garment, and keeping you dry, and warm. The most important thing to keeping your self warm and toasty in a breathable fabric is to make sure your DWR treatment is effectively beading the water off the top, allowing moisture to be transported to the outside fabric.
As for which is better, EVENT of Gortex, well thats a tough call. I know Gortex does not provide lab results to the public, and I have never looked up EVENT to see what it tests at.
The one company in the US that produces Gortex tops is Kokatat, and regardless of which fabric is more breathable they make a immaculate product and will stand behind it 100%.
Anyways I hope this helps a bit.
Ken
PeakUK
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