Why Did We Stop Making These?

Product Review Summary

The video compares three waxed-cotton rain garments with a modern Gore-Tex jacket. The reviewer tests water resistance and moisture transfer, then evaluates each garment in a simulated rain chamber.

Test Results

Product Water-resistance test Breathability test Rain-chamber experience Barbour Classic Beaufort ($435) The waxed cotton had almost no measurable hydrostatic resistance—well below the reviewer’s cited minimum of 1,000 mm for waterproofing. The jacket also had a plastic inner layer, which surprised the reviewer. That layer was excluded from the fabric test. Airtight in the test, even with the plastic layer disregarded. Kept the reviewer mostly dry while standing and exercising lightly, though water entered around the front torso, possibly through the zipper or from the neck. The hood lacked a visor, so he had to look down to protect his face. Freeman modern-cut waxed jacket ($400) Began seeping at about 4 psi, or roughly 2,800 mm hydrostatic head. This was better than the other waxed garments tested, but not as resistant as the Gore-Tex jacket. Airtight in the test. The waxed fabric kept the reviewer mostly dry, but the hood directed water into the jacket and down his chest. He also noticed some underarm sweat. The jacket has a simple fabric lining, unlike the Barbour’s plastic layer. Jack Stillman waxed poncho ($247 plus $77 shipping) Failed to reach 1 psi, indicating very poor water resistance as supplied. Let through a small amount of moisture: the desiccant gained 2 grams in 24 hours. Water seeped through the hood, shoulders, chest, and other areas almost immediately, so the reviewer stopped before exercising. He noted that waxed garments can be rewaxed at home, though doing so might reduce breathability. Modern Gore-Tex jacket Began leaking at about 11 psi, equivalent to roughly 7,700 mm hydrostatic head—the strongest result. The desiccant gained 3 grams in 24 hours, slightly more than with the poncho. Performed well while standing, but became uncomfortable and “steamy” during exercise. The reviewer sweated the most in it and found its nylon lining unpleasant against the skin. He was unsure whether the membrane or lining was responsible.

Main Takeaways

• The tests suggest that waxed cotton can vary considerably. The Freeman performed reasonably well, while the Barbour’s waxed outer fabric and the Jack Stillman poncho performed poorly in the pressure test.
• In simulated rain, the Freeman’s fabric did a decent job, but its hood design let water in. The Barbour provided useful protection despite its poor outer-fabric pressure result, though its hood and front closure were weak points.
• Cut, hood shape, lining, and ventilation matter, not just the waterproof material. None of the tested garments kept the reviewer completely dry.
• The breathability results were limited: the Barbour and Freeman registered no moisture transfer, while the poncho and Gore-Tex jacket registered small amounts. The reviewer cautions that breathability depends heavily on conditions; in very humid rain, even breathable jackets may struggle to release sweat.
• Gore-Tex offered the best measured water resistance, but it was not the most comfortable option for exercise. The Freeman’s cotton lining seemed to feel better during activity than the Gore-Tex jacket’s nylon lining.
• The reviewer assumed the garments had been adequately waxed as sold, but acknowledged that the poncho might perform better after rewaxing.

Verdict

The reviewer concludes that a well-designed, properly waxed jacket can compete with modern rainwear for rain protection and may feel more comfortable during activity. However, the results do not establish that all waxed jackets are suitable for serious hiking: performance varied substantially, several designs had practical flaws, and none of the garments kept the reviewer entirely dry. No numerical overall ratings were given.

Speaker perspective: The video features one reviewer, who conducted the tests and offered the conclusions above.