Walking Forum

Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Kampo on 00:25:35, 06/01/21

Title: Which Rain Jacket
Post by: Kampo on 00:25:35, 06/01/21
First post, so Hello.


I am after some advice. I really like these two jackets:


Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds:


(https://www.hellyhansen.com/media/catalog/product/6/2/62938_300-2-main.jpg?quality=75&bg-color=255,255,255&fit=bounds&height=&width=&canvas=:)


And Haglofs Grym Evo:
(https://cdn.bike24.net/i/mb/4f/48/28/318691-00-d-662637.jpg)


Both really hard to find (I spoke to Haglofs direct and the Grym Evo is discontinued.)


I've looked at the Rubus GTX and Skuta from Haglofs, but they just dont match up for me. Has anyone got any recommendations. Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Which Rain Jacket
Post by: watershed on 08:59:00, 06/01/21
Hi Campo, welcome to the forum.


For me it depends on what you would be using them for.


Both jackets get very good reviews.


The HH appears bullet proof. It is well ventilated and has pit zips. its pockets seem rucksack friendly. The weight 624 grams would put me off as I find that, for my walking experiences, generally this type of jacket spends most of its time in my rucksack with just occasional use on and if doing a multiday walk I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight.


The Haglof has pit zips and a scoped back which is a nice feature, but its pockets do not look rucksack friendly, it is also a little heavier than some of its competitors @ 580 Grams.


Probably both brilliant if doing walks in very heavy rain, where the weight isn't a concern.
If using a Rucksack on these walks the HH looks the best.
Title: Re: Which Rain Jacket
Post by: Kampo on 09:13:22, 06/01/21
Thanks Watershed.

Helly Hansen is the only real option out of those two due to the Haglof not available in the UK (due to brexit) and end of line.

Are there any other jackets in this category that you think I should look at?

Title: Re: Which Rain Jacket
Post by: watershed on 09:57:01, 06/01/21

Hi Kampo,
             The jackets you are looking at possible fit into the "Hard Shell" category of jacket, rather than "Rain Jacket".


These are more robust and durable, suited more to severe weather and snow sleet, mountain type walking. overkill for general hill walking. They are also usually heavier and more expensive, although very good at what they are designed to do. 


If it is a more general use jacket, for rain protection for general road and hill walking, the best bet is to read many reviews to get a feel for the equipment and the reviewer.


Ideally visit a shop to try it on, or make sure there is a good returns policy so that you can send back if the sizing doesn't suit .


I found some of the review sites below helpful.


Best Rain Jackets for Men of 2020 | GearLab (outdoorgearlab.com) (https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/clothing-mens/best-rain-jacket)
10 Best Rain Jackets of 2020 — CleverHiker (https://www.cleverhiker.com/best-rain-jackets)
Best Rain Jackets of 2020 | Switchback Travel (https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-rain-jackets)


Coming from Shetland I can't easily access the big retailers, but I have found Ultralight Outdoor Gear | UK | Browse our online shop (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/)   very helpful both with their reviews and over the telephone for advice.