Well, I'm really old and also (for probably unrelated reasons) really dumb, but for me Gore-Tex has been an absolute revelation. Whereas previously, rain gear w

Well, I'm really old and also (for probably unrelated reasons) really dumb, but for me Gore-Tex has been an absolute revelation. Whereas previously, rain gear was heavy and had a very limited lifetime, anything with the magic GORE-TEX (sorry for the all-caps, but that is the trademark...) label actually worked and lasted pretty much forever (like PFAS, I get it now, but still...). I'm sure that PE-coated and membrane-only gear are also really great, and I'll definitely check them out the next time I need a new softshell, but for the next decade or so, I'm also sure my current jacket will be just fine. But, Nikwax? Nope... good for the outside layer of shoes (with the inside layer taking care of heat/moisture), but that's really about it. Tents, maybe, car-tops, no idea, but for garments that's just a no-go, since it will all but eliminate outgoing heat transfer.