In my jacket the white lining begins to flake off. (this is the second one it has done this in) I have not washed it in a machine. I like the jacket performance but the lining flaking off is getting annoying

I have this Jacket...and I have to say that if you want something that last..don't buy it. It started to delaminate after 2 years...so I recommend you gore tex. I have another made from gore tex..and after the same time..is look like new ;)

I have this Jacket...and I have to say that if you want something that last..don't buy it. It started to delaminate after 2 years...so I recommend you gore tex. I have another made from gore tex..and after the same time..is look like new ;)

That's called de-lamination and is part of the normal lifetime of basically any waterproof/breathable material that isn't Gore-tex or eVent. Most of the time they'll last 3-4 years before coming delaminated, but that depends on use. Gore-tex, on the other hand, has a shelf life of approximately 20 years and is guaranteed for life to keep you dry. TNF warranty doesn't always cover de-lamination. Although HyVent is less expensive, Gore-tex pays itself off over its lifetime. Some factors that speed up de-lamination are excessive stowing and un-stowing, and abrasion. For example, I wore out the seat and thighs of a pair of REI rain pants made with a polyurethane coating similar to HyVent in 4 months simply from riding my bike. The thighs wore thin from abrasion, the seat had the polyurethane crack and peel off, similar to what you've seen. Washing it in a machine actually is good for it - and one should do so when its dirty. I now have a pair of Goretex Paclite pants that are as good as new after some serious abuse.