Originally posted by CRAVEN MOOREHEAD:
I have heard that the breathables are treated with a chemical (can't remember the name of it) but it is what keeps the water out...and those little impossible to find holes you eventually get are not really holes, but a spot where this chemical wore off and let the water pass thru... There is some truth to that...if you buy a Gore-Tex product such as the Simms, Lightweights, Classic Guide or G3's you will not have that problem.
Since the actual fabric is breathable (with Gore-tex), you do not have to worry about a treatment wearing away or being eaten away (such as what happens when exposed to DEET).
Pinhole leaks will develop over time but they are easy to find and very easy to fix!