Bummed Over Bubbly Gore-Tex, Unhappy Camper Snags New Bag

Granted, it might not be as emotionally scarring as the heartbreak of psoriasis. But the delamination of Gore-Tex has a traumatic effect all its own.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the self-destruction of a specialized garment worth a week's pay is as chilling as an ice-ledge bivouac, and far more daunting: mountains always play by the same rules. Garment manufacturers often do not.

It was a prospect I faced glumly several weeks ago, when my best friend came home from the cleaners nearly unrecognizable. My best friend is a goose down, Gore-Tex sleeping bag. For a decade, it had endured rainstorms in Queets Basin, snow camping on the north fork of the Soleduc River and soup stains in the Canadian Rockies.

But on its first trip to the cleaners, its formerly flawless Gore-Tex face came back pock-marked: the telltale sign of delamination.

Gore-Tex, a breathable, waterproof membrane, typically is laminated to the bottom of a lightweight, synthetic fabric such as nylon taffeta. Because it lets vapor escape but keeps wind, water and dinner out, it's an ideal - but expensive - sleeping bag material, especially if the bag is down-filled.

Ideal, but not perfect. Some early Gore-Tex, such as that in my bag, was prone to separation from its outer liner. The result is a series of air bubbles between the Gore-Tex membrane and the outer fabric. It can't be repaired, and it's no longer waterproof. New versions of the fabric have proven far superior. Little solace for me, left holding the delaminated bag.

First recourse: Bob Upton, owner of Rainy Pass Repair, which had cleaned my bag. He'd done everything right, he said, and his cleaning process is authorized by the Gore-Tex factory. Still, he vowed to replace the bag if either Gore-Tex or the manufacturer balked.

Next recourse: Marmot Mountain Works in Bellevue, the manufacturer. They sent the 10-year-old bag to their factory. A representative called the next week. "We're sending you a new bag," she said. "This one was in really good shape. The fabric shouldn't have done that."

No questions. No argument. A week later, a Marmot salesman handed over a new Gopher bag, now priced at about $600. The Colorado-based company, which had no idea it was replacing a bag for a news reporter, offers a limited lifetime warranty. Marmot proved last week it backs up that promise.

It's something to consider when purchasing an essential item of outdoor gear. Price tags on top-line equipment might make you reconsider couch potato-hood. But over the long haul, a hefty initial investment might pay off.

-- BOAT DOME-ICICLE: Boating enthusiasts can gaggle and gape at the latest watercraft at the Tacoma Dome Boat Show.. The show includes 500 boats and a series of fishing seminars.

Doors are open until 10 p.m. today and from noon to 10 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and kids 6-16.

Be sure to check out "Twiggy," the waterskiing squirrel, "The Rodent of the Roostertail."