Run Run Away

Question:

    It’s a Christmas tradition that (non-running) family and friends get you well intentioned gifts(running apparel or equipment), which are all but useless to the serious runner. I’ve had my share of such gifts, and allthough exceedingly grateful, many of these items remain in the dark reaches of my closets and drawers. This year was no exception, but one item really interests me. My Mom got me this warm-up looking thingee that looks and feels like paper(polypropylene fabric). The brand is "Frogg Toggs".     They are touted to be waterproof & windproof while still being porous enough to be breathable. They are light as a feather and full enough to fit over clothing without restriction. Temperatures here are starting to dip into the teens. I plan to try them out one these cold mornings. I’ll report back my findings. Would welcome any comments from anyone familiar with this product.

Response:

If I’m understanding your post correctly you got a tyvec (sp?) outfit. Tyvec is also used as house insulation because it breathes well and is waterproof. Some folks have raved about tyvec here. But years ago I remember it as being very hot and not breathable. I haven’t used it since but times have changed. They are kind of niosy to run around in. Andy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a Christmas tradition that (non-running) family and friends get you well intentioned gifts(running apparel or equipment), which are all but useless to the serious runner. I’ve had my share of such gifts, and allthough exceedingly grateful, many of these items remain in the dark reaches of my closets and drawers. This year was no exception, but one item really interests me. My Mom got me this warm-up looking thingee that looks and feels like paper(polypropylene fabric). The brand is "Frogg Toggs".     They are touted to be waterproof & windproof while still being porous enough to be breathable. They are light as a feather and full enough to fit over clothing without restriction. Temperatures here are starting to dip into the teens. I plan to try them out one these cold mornings. I’ll report back my findings. Would welcome any comments from anyone familiar with this product.

Response:

Hello All I would tend to agree with the hot and not very breathable opinion for Tyvek.  I work in the Environmental, Health & Safety industry, and Tyvek garments are used to give splash protection in manufacturing or spill cleanup.  Different levels of splash protection are given by adding layers of more chemically resistant coatings to the base Tyvek layer.  Having worn Tyvek suits when responding to spills, I remember the insides of the suit getting very wet, like the inside of an old style nylon jacket if worn on a run. I’m not sure if the Frogg Toggs are the same stuff, though.  Checking the prices on their web site, they are very expensive compared to Tyvek.  I can buy a full Tyvek suit here in Toronto for about $8.00 Canadian (ummm…. really, really cheap in US$)   I remember looking at Frogg Toggs a while back for one of our customers and came across this review: http://www.backpacking.net/frogtogg.html Let us know how it works Peter Skov Oakville, ON PS – I’m not endorsing the product, and am in no way connected to the company.

If I’m understanding your post correctly you got a tyvec (sp?) outfit. Tyvec is also used as house insulation because it breathes well and is waterproof. Some folks have raved about tyvec here. But years ago I remember it as being very hot and not breathable. I haven’t used it since but times have changed. They are kind of niosy to run around in. Andy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a Christmas tradition that (non-running) family and friends get you well intentioned gifts(running apparel or equipment), which are all but useless to the serious runner. I’ve had my share of such gifts, and allthough exceedingly grateful, many of these items remain in the dark reaches of my closets and drawers. This year was no exception, but one item really interests me. My Mom got me this warm-up looking thingee that looks and feels like paper(polypropylene fabric). The brand is "Frogg Toggs".     They are touted to be waterproof & windproof while still being porous enough to be breathable. They are light as a feather and full enough to fit over clothing without restriction. Temperatures here are starting to dip into the teens. I plan to try them out one these cold mornings. I’ll report back my findings. Would welcome any comments from anyone familiar with this product.

Response: