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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: WalkingWoody on 16:44:22, 10/09/19

Title: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: WalkingWoody on 16:44:22, 10/09/19
I am in need of a new waterproof jacket. I can't spend hundreds or the misses will kill me.

So, what in your opinion is the best value waterproof jacket out there?


P>S must be breathable.

Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: ninthace on 16:49:44, 10/09/19
Search Waterproof or Breathable in the forum search tool, there are many threads on this subject.  Here is one http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38841.0 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38841.0)
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: WalkingWoody on 16:54:55, 10/09/19
Thanks O0
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Sleepy on 17:12:38, 10/09/19
I have a nearly new berghaus attrition 2 (iirc) in blue/black that I've only worn twice - it's just the small side of medium if that's any good to you?


If I remember right it should have been £400 down to £300 because the shop was closing down and cost me £200 (i might even still have the tags come to think of it) because the little hanging loop was (is) broken, I'm gutted that I can't use it as its a tiny bit too small for me but, to a forum member, I could stomach £100 for it  O0  it's not going anywhere so no rush really
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: gunwharfman on 18:44:37, 10/09/19
As you wrote the words 'best value' I suggest like me you seriously look at buying a Champion long coat, I bought mine for £15. I used it a lot recently along the Two Moors Way in Devon and it kept me totally dry. The collar label says it's waterproof and breathable. It's certainly waterproof but how would any of us determine whether ANY jacket is 'breathable?' What does this word actually mean in REALITY? Having had 'expensive' jackets, a Paramo Alta 2 and a Marmot Precip for example I have no faith in the word whatsoever!

If you don't like the idea of a long coat (hem is halfway down your lower limbs) then get a pair of scissors and cut it off to your preferred bottom length. You can then use the waterproof trousers of your choice, or like me make yourself, or get someone else to make you a rain skirt. My wife's friend made one for me, it cost me £10 for the Silnylon and a bottle of wine for her.

I'd like to say I've found a better coat than my Champion one but I haven't as yet, I'm still looking. I'm hoping to find one made of Goretex or something similar but so far no luck.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: WhitstableDave on 19:38:49, 10/09/19
I'll have a go, but of course I can only talk about those I've actually tried.  ;)

I walk briskly and so breathability is very important to me because I can sweat buckets in a jacket.

I tried several cheap Mountain Warehouse jackets and they were all extremely non-breathable or not at all waterproof (or both!).

As time has gone by, I've increased how much I'm willing to spend. I've got an OEX jacket (with underarm vents) that was cheapish, waterproof but not very breathable. I've got a Dare2B jacket that was cheapish, nearly waterproof but not breathable despite having side vents from near the waist to the elbows. Actually, I think vents are a sign that the jacket isn't at all breathable! I've got a Berghaus Hillwalker (I think that's the name), which is very waterproof and very hot (it has side vents!). I've got a Berghaus Paclite 2 jacket that I love because it's very light, waterproof and reasonably breathable...

...and I've recently bought a Rohan Vertex jacket which is fully waterproof and easily the coolest jacket I've had so far. It's brilliant, but expensive.

So, in my limited experience, I would say that having both waterproofness and breathability will be expensive. Having said that, I know that gunwharfman has another view on the subject...
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 20:22:02, 10/09/19
One of the most expensive ways to buy gear (walking or photography) is to buy cheaply and then progressively buy slightly better / more expensive when expectations are not met. This doesn’t mean we have to buy the top of the range of most expensive items, but in the long run quality pays for itself (or itsdwarf).
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Sleepy on 20:53:36, 10/09/19
One of the most expensive ways to buy gear (walking or photography) is too buy cheaply and then progressively buy slightly better / more expensive when expectations are not met. This doesn’t mean we have to buy the top of the range of most expensive items, but in the long run quality pays for itself (or itsdwarf).


I'll second that and it's what I did early on "just in case it's not for me" in the long run, it cost me the cheap PLUS the expensive. On a budget, my advice would be to bargain hunt, including second-hand  (and it's a good time of year for both  O0 )
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 21:47:11, 10/09/19
Where's archaeoroutes when you need him? I bet he'd have a good answer.

I'm happy with my Mountain Equipment Zeno which wasn't that expensive. For reasons unknown it started out a bit more breathable than it is today but it's still good. I've even jogged in it though it wasn't zipped up and it wasn't uncomfortable.

But as wiser heads than mine have said, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Ronin83 on 10:51:33, 11/09/19
From the OP I think we're talking value, not just cheap.
I'd say the marmot precip gets a lot of praise, but I have no experience of it myself.
To me berghaus provide decent gear at a reasonable price and good availability. I got the arran jacket and it's been good so far. Its always better to have some sort of lining which keeps your body away from the outer layer and prevents a bit of the condensation. In mine it's a net lining. I also have a cheap packaway jacket from decathlon for summer/spring showers.


You can get a gtx jacket or equivalent with a lining for around £100 or a bit more. I'd say that represents good value for a general waterproof walking jacket. More than that is up to you, maybe you need something better for winter mountain hiking or something less because you only do fair weather rambling. Weigh it up according to what you do.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: richardh1905 on 11:01:36, 11/09/19
For fleeces, sleeping bags, even boots (as long as they fit), I'll penny pinch, but a good waterproof breathable jacket is one thing that I am prepared to pay decent money for - money wells pent when you are caught out in foul weather on the hill.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Sleepy on 13:22:46, 11/09/19
Just a thought, if you're on Facebook There's a group called "outdoor gear exchange UK" there's been quite a few jackets up for sale just lately  ;)
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:31:40, 11/09/19
Just been for a blustery wet 4 mile walk around Mull Head in Orkney - reinforced my view that money spent on decent waterproof gear is money well spent - my combo of Mountain Equipment 'Lhotse' jacket and Berghaus 'Deluge' overtrousers didn't let in a drop.


Wish that I could say the same for my lightweight boots that are nearing the end of their life.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Matt010791 on 22:13:47, 11/09/19
I always live by the saying buy nice or buy twice, sometimes it’s worth paying that little bit more. On the other hand who doesn’t like a bargain!
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Mel on 22:24:55, 11/09/19
I can't afford expensive branded gear which must explain why everyone walks way ahead of me in group walks.  Obviously I respect this and make no attempt to catch them up, which, in any case, would render me even hotter and sweatier in my boil-in-the bag Regatta  ;)   :D
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: ninthace on 23:04:42, 11/09/19
I can't afford expensive branded gear which must explain why everyone walks way ahead of me in group walks.  Obviously I respect this and make no attempt to catch them up, which, in any case, would render me even hotter and sweatier in my boil-in-the bag Regatta  ;)   :D
  Get hold of some of that counterfeit money Mel and go on a shopping spree!
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 03:11:11, 12/09/19
I can't afford expensive branded gear which must explain why everyone walks way ahead of me in group walks.  Obviously I respect this and make no attempt to catch them up, which, in any case, would render me even hotter and sweatier in my boil-in-the bag Regatta  ;)   :D

Everyone knows you go faster the more expensive your gear is!

I can't afford it either but that didn't stop me buying mid-range.

I feel sorry for you Mel. I had a Regatta Birchdale coat. Supposedly waterproof and breathable. The water soaked through and it cooked me to the point I wouldn't walk when expecting rain and chose to get wet rather than put it on, on more than one occasion. I was told Regatta were a good budget make too!

I'd start a get Mel a mid-range waterproof fund if I thought enough people would don in. I could spare a tenner I think for a good cause but doubt it would work out.  :-\
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: ninthace on 10:06:19, 12/09/19
I’ll chip in.  Nobody wants to be seen out with a shabbily dressed walker. Mel deserves better!
I have a Regatta waterproof jacket that I get wet in whether its raining or not.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:17:15, 12/09/19
I feel strongly that what I did about waterproof jackets is the way forward for anyone who doesn't want to buy or can't afford to buy expensive wet weather gear. Based on my own experience of hiking, I believe strongly that rain is far less a problem than we may want to believe it is. When I started hiking I bought an expensive jacket (over £200) and waterproof leggings (£40) because I looked at and read up about it and believed the marketing people, the fantastic photos and the 'experts,' it all made sense.

But as I gained REAL knowledge it no longer made sense! So I had a rethink and eventually made the decision to separate ALL wet weather clothing from ALL of the other clothing I wear. I own some 'expensive clothes' but they are only purchased for dry, windy, cold and hot weather. I now know that I will not buy 'expensive' wet weather clothing again because I now strongly believe that it's not at all necessary! When it rains. all that I want to achieve is to be dry and that is a very easy and cheap problem to solve. I know this because I have done it! I'm always looking for a 'better' jacket and by that, I mean a more lightweight material (I have no problem at all with my jackets design or colour) but as yet I have not found one.

I also readily admit that I like clothing where I can feel that when hiking I 'look good enough' in the hiking fashion sense, but when it's raining, even if I owned the most expensive jacket on earth, I don't care about 'looking good' in any way, I just want to stay dry.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 10:25:46, 12/09/19
Well it can't hurt to get Mel looking fashionable in a jacket many people like even if you have found a better solution GWM. Fancy a Marmot Precip Mel? They're £70 here (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/womens-clothing-c2/womens-waterproofs-c92/waterproof-jackets-c201/basement-marmot-womens-precip-jacket-p3911). I'll don in £10, not sure how much ninthace will chip in. If anyone else is up for it I'll start a thread for it and maybe a funding website though they take some of the money so it might be better just to give it to Mel if we can get up to £70, on the understanding it's for a waterproof  :)
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:46:13, 12/09/19
It's not about looking good, gwm, it's about staying dry in the foulest of conditions.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Mel on 13:48:05, 12/09/19
Appreciate the gesture and intentions but my comment was written with my tongue very firmly  in my cheek.  I'm quite happy with my Regatta jacket, it has all the features I want and need.  It is perfectly suited FOR ME for about 95% of the walks I do regularly.  The other 5% where a bit of unpleasant clamminess is to be had is not worth me forking out £100+ quid (plus clever layering all but solves that issue anyway).

 
   




Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 14:43:58, 12/09/19
Glad it suits O0 No worries. You can thank me by teaching me map and compass at a forum meet  ;D
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: WhitstableDave on 14:55:36, 12/09/19
We're all different and have different requirements.

For me, I want waterproofs that are as light as possible as well as being waterproof and as breathable as possible.

I walk in all weathers and have never not gone walking because of rain. However, in my experience (which is mostly in Kent) it almost never rains for an entire walk. I walk briskly, so if the rain stops, I shove my jacket back in my backpack and if the rain starts, I get it out again.

If rain is even a remote possibility I carry my Berghaus Paclite jacket because at 350g it's no burden at all and takes up very little space. If rain is probable or if it's pouring when I set off, I take my Rohan Vertex which is a little heavier at about 500g.

The point I'm making is this... there may well be very cheap waterproof jackets/coats and even some that are not too sweaty, but since they spend most of their time being carried in my backpack I want mine to be very light and packable as well.  :)
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: ninthace on 15:19:26, 12/09/19
That's fine Mel - I respect your wishes.  If we ever go out together, please make sure you walk in the other group.  I don't want you detracting from my sartorial elegance  ;)
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:41:32, 12/09/19
Yes, WhitstableDave, I certainly agree with you when you write 'but since they spend most of their time being carried in my backpack I want mine to be very light and packable as well.' I did consider buying the Berghaus Paclight after I decided that my Paramo Alta 2 was not what I wanted, but in the end, I bought a Marmot Precip because I couldn't really establish what made the difference in price between the two? When I wore mine it always worked well with my rain-skirt. It was only when the Marmot leaked around the neck (after a couple of years) I decided to go off on my own route for keeping dry.
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Davidedgarjones on 20:10:07, 12/09/19
Suggest you look for the quality makers on Ebay: Mountain equipment, Rab, Montane, Berghaus. I've got two ME shells made from Drilite which is cheaper than Gore-tex.
Dave
Title: Re: Best value waterproof jacket?
Post by: Mel on 20:51:07, 12/09/19
Glad it suits O0 No worries. You can thank me by teaching me map and compass at a forum meet  ;D


You already know what you need to know.  It's just practicing it now  O0