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BS: need advice on rain jacket
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Subject: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: mg Date: 13 Apr 09 - 02:12 AM I walk everywhere and I have been stymied for years on getting a good rain jacket..it will have to be online. I do have a very heavy rubberized thing but it is clammy and too heavy. It does keep me dry though. The others I have bought basically do not at all. We have real rain here and lots of wind with it. Temperatures are generaly not much below 40 so warmth is not a huge issue. I have sent jackets described as waterproof back to Lands End and LL Bean..totally worthless for the weather here. I want something parka wtih a good hood, several pockets, lined with something..fleece is good..absolutely totally waterproof in anything. It does not have to "breathe." it does not have to keep me warm in Arctic conditions. It has to keep me dry, be visible to traffic, be windproof. It shouldn't be clammy. It shouldn't be terribly heavy. That is about all. I know other people ahve wet weather...what do you recommend? mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity Date: 13 Apr 09 - 02:22 AM mg, try Cabellas, and make sure the one you like has Gortex, inside. That's as good as advise, as you'll get....(though you might get others)..... |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 13 Apr 09 - 02:27 AM If you are in the UK you could do a lot worse than a Regatta lightweight. They are < £20, fold up to nothing, weigh very little and are very effective. If you want to go for the more expensive ones though go for Gortex. Craghopper seem to be good while Berghaus seem expensive for what you get. This conclusion is the result of years of hill walking in Northern England btw:-) Cheers Dave |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: gnu Date: 13 Apr 09 - 05:47 AM I have a Helly Hansen rainsuit that I bought over twenty years ago. It's like new. Extremely light and durable. You'll be dry as a bone in HH gear. Google the name... they have a LOT of products. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Rapparee Date: 13 Apr 09 - 08:40 AM You might try Galls. They sell to police and other security forces; look under "Uniforms" and then under "Rainwear". The prices run from $5.00 for a disposable parka to well over a hundred US. And the stuff is reflective. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave Sutherland Date: 13 Apr 09 - 08:58 AM You could try J.Barbour & Sons, South Shields - market leaders in that sort of thing. Just bought a new rain jacket at their factory shop last April and it is brilliant. Don't know if the factory shop facility is on line but it would be worth a look. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: artbrooks Date: 13 Apr 09 - 08:59 AM REI |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Jack Campin Date: 13 Apr 09 - 10:04 AM In very heavy rain, like what you get on the west coast of the South Island in New Zealand, Goretex can't cope. You need something totally waterproof, which means clammy. Goretex will handle pretty much any British weather except maybe the Western Highlands of Scotland. Where are you? How many inches of rain a year do you get? |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: katlaughing Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:01 AM Try layering for warmth and putting something WaterProof over the top? That's what I learned to do in New England. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Stilly River Sage Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:03 AM I think you'll find it is an embarrassment of riches, all of the places to try. REI, LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, Cabellas, they all have this kind of gear. You need to determine what fibers will work the way you want then shop around. Neoprene (that rubberized jacket you have) doesn't breathe, hence the clammy sensation. Gore-tex does, but gore-tex can be expensive. Do you want something that is not only water proof but warm all by itself? A rain shell will cost less and keep you dry, a parka will cost a lot more and keep you warm. A gore-tex shell over layers of sweaters, etc., will keep you warm, a gore-tex shell over a non-gore-tex parka is probably pretty bulky (but that parka can be less expensive). A shell out of something like PVC is lighter than the neoprene. It is what it sounds like, though, an off-gassing vinyl jacket. Look for features in neoprene or PVC like a vented yoke (there will usually be mesh inside the jacket) if you want a truly rain proof jacket that is a little more comfortable. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Megan L Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:06 AM |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: wysiwyg Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:15 AM A drover's coat is heavy oilskin, but it breathes while keeping you dry. One way it does that is with an extra layer over the shoulders (picture a cassock with a capey thing over it called a mozetta). Hardi has gotten his best coats not at camping supply places but farm supply. Carharrts is a good brand. The canvas fabric is made to shed and can also be spray-waterproofed like you'd waterproof tent canvas. My dress coat is water-repellant, but I carry an oversized golf umbrella when the weather looks to be serious. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Newport Boy Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:23 AM I don't quite agree with Jack - a good jacket with a Goretex membrane can cope in all weather. I've walked more than 10 hours in torrential rain in North Wales and the West Highlands in mine. It's now 14 years old and still going strong. It's a triple layer Goretex, for which the price now seems to be £250 to £300. Single or double layer are only suitable for lighter use, and will not last as long. I do agree with Jack that anything totally waterproof means clammy - and that includes Goretex. If it's wet enough outside to saturate the surface of the jacket, and you're putting out any energy, the inside will be damp from perspiration. Other solutions attempt to get around this problem - some of them with some success. A fairly recent one is Paramo Nikwax Analogy clothes. You do need to wear compatible garments underneath. These seem to be the choice of a number of mountain rescue teams. I haven't tried them myself, and they are also expensive. Another option is Buffalo gear - basically a Pertex shell with a pile (not fleece) lining. Not very practical for everyday use - you only wear Buffalo. The shirt is enough for most conditions - if it's really cold and you're not very active, add the jacket. I horrified our Icelandic leader by turning up for the long day's trek over the glacier in a Buffalo shirt. Like the others, he had 3 or 4 layers on. With a medium wind and about 5degC, we were 12 hours between huts. I started with a cotton T-shirt under the Buffalo, and soon chilled off. After removing the T-shirt, I was fine for the rest of the day. Both the Paramo and Buffalo systems allow some water into the garments, but your skin stays pretty dry, and so you are comfortable. If you wear cotton or wool, it's likely that you'll feel clammy from perspiration whatever you wear on top. Phil |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: GUEST,heric Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:33 AM (Jack she's talking more than 80" of rain per year on the US northwest coast.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Martin Harwood Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:58 AM I'd suggest a RAB Latok EVent jacket. Like goretex but lighter, more breathable and more waterproof in my experience. Designed for alpininsts but I use mine in the West Highlands regularly. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 13 Apr 09 - 12:07 PM she's talking more than 80" of rain per year In that case... Go naked! :D (eG) |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: mg Date: 13 Apr 09 - 12:26 PM too windy to go naked. Thanks for the suggestions...I have never tried Gortex because I heard it doesn't work here in the constant rains but I might try a used one from Ebay or somewhere to try it out. Rubberized stuff definitely works the best..I haven't found a lined one though...mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: GUEST,number 6 Date: 13 Apr 09 - 12:26 PM I go along with gnu's suggestion in regards to Helly Hanson. Our son the commercial diver has one ... not only will it keep you dry but they are guite very durable. They also are the raincoats of choice for many commercial fisherman out here on the Fundy coast. That in itself speaks for the quality of these raincoats I have an LL Bean raincoat that I cherish with the wet Saint John weather ... I bought this (it was rahter pricey) down at the LL Bean store in Freeport Maine. Unfortuantely for some reason this model is no longer aavailable. biLL |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: open mike Date: 13 Apr 09 - 12:40 PM i recommend a waterproof shell (Gortex is best) with a removeable lining of fleece...or just wear layers underneath. http://www.rei.com/category/4500371 Recreational Equipment , Incorporated is a co-operative and you get a portion of your purchases back in dividends each year. good luck keeping dry...that is life in the rain forest.. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: JohnInKansas Date: 13 Apr 09 - 12:52 PM ????? John |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 13 Apr 09 - 01:22 PM The only decent thing I found in rain of that magnitude was an oilskin cape and sou'wester to stop it dripping down your neck. Arrrrr, ship mate.... DeG |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 13 Apr 09 - 01:31 PM Oh - and quite seriously - you don't sweat up half as much in cape. As long as you can stand getting ribbed of course:-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Rapparee Date: 13 Apr 09 - 01:36 PM My old Army poncho is great, if you don't mind clamminess, sweat, rain down the front of you, and several other things. I wear a Columbia we got at Sierra Trading Post -- it's got a Gortex-like fabric and a nylon shell. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Richard Bridge Date: 13 Apr 09 - 06:23 PM What about the Australian Drizabone wet gear? |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: heric Date: 13 Apr 09 - 06:51 PM That's what I've been thinking, too - a drover's or stockman's coat. Look at this beauty on clearance. (Much as I would love some of that high tech stuff above for myself.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: van lingle Date: 13 Apr 09 - 07:10 PM I love my Patagonia SST wading jacket. Keeps me dry in a Rocky Mountain storm and the South Florida rainy season. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: EBarnacle Date: 13 Apr 09 - 10:14 PM Lady Hillary and I wear what we call "Fouly Tops," foul weather jackets designed for near shore use from Helly Hansen and Gill. I used my Helly jacket for 4 years of near daily use [including at the Portland festival last year] before it lost is waterproofing. It has a built in collar/hood and has reflective surfaces as well as being quite visible in compromised situation. They are made in several layers and do not get clammy. Plenty of pockets, velcro secondary closures in addition to double ended zippers. Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable. Plenty of room for sweaters when the weather gets cold. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: mg Date: 14 Apr 09 - 12:59 AM I have had Helly Hansen before and that might be the best one for me if I can find one that has the good waterproofing and some sort of warm but not extravagent lining. mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Peace Date: 14 Apr 09 - 01:04 AM "need advice on rain jacket" 'what do you recommend?' Get one that's waterproof. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 14 Apr 09 - 03:00 AM BTW - I assumed 80" of rain was a lot! I just checked our locality. Where I live, Manchester, is not too bad with an annual average of 806mm - Just under 32". Where I walk however is a different kettle of wet stuff. Lake district average is 2000mm - 79". Seathwaite in Borrowdale (Going back there in a fortnight!) has a healthy 3300mm (130") and is the wettest inhabited town in the British Isles. Sprinkling Tarn, just below the Scafells is positively Rain Forest with 5000mm - over 196"! 80" - I laugh at your 80" :-) David el Soggo Gnome |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 14 Apr 09 - 07:44 AM MG
Any waterproof shell is fine. It need not be expensive.
It is not about the lining - it is about layering.
Wool is the best beneath the shell. Even if it gets wet - it will still provide warmth. Several thiner layers rather than one thick one allow you to adjust to weather and activity conditions as you go through the day. Silk is also good near the skin.
Your cavalier attitude "lots of wind with it. Temperatures are generaly not much below 40 so warmth is not a huge issue could prove deadly - hypothermia seldom occurs below freezing - wind chill with wet is an issue - hypothermia is a killer of the unprepared.
Sincerely,
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 14 Apr 09 - 10:00 AM Agree with gargoyle on the layering but I would say that the new layers may be better than the old ones. I wear a Lowe Alpine T-shirt which wicks everything and never seems to get damp; a micro-fleece which even if damp stays warm and then dries in about 30 seconds; a softshell jacket which is warm, windproof and keeps out damp up to a reasonable amount and top it all with a light waterproof if necessary. Works for me anyroads. Around the legs I have long johns that match the T (I look a pretty sight in them:-) ) Rip-stop and wet resistant trousers by Rohan; gortex gaiters and lighweight waterproofs over them if it gets too bad - but that is very rare. Boots are Zamberlan, not Gortex lined but never seem to let the water through. Even standing in a stream for 10 minutes! Even after being out for over 6 hours in attrocious weather in February I was warm all the time and then dry within 30 minutes of getting in the pub! DeG |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 14 Apr 09 - 10:08 AM Just remembered - no piccies of me coz I took them but this album should give you an idea of the conditions:-) DeG |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Stu Date: 14 Apr 09 - 10:32 AM I spent ages looking for a good rainproof jacket to wear when fossiling. As the best time to go out is in the winter I was struggling to find something tough enough that would stand out to hours of horizontal rain lashing in off the English Channel, or walking up in the wild and woolly areas of the Peak District. After trying Sprayways, Berghaus etc I eventually podded out £300 on a Norwegian Norrona Recon jacket from Ray Mears' website. It's no thrills (you'll need layers underneath as it's unlined) but is extremely practical, loads of pockets, Goretex Xtreme, is a great shade of green so you don't impose yourself on the landscape, has a brilliant hood plus zipped vents underneath the arms (invaluable in summer) and it has never let a drop in after around four years of use. I can't recommend it highly enough as it's as tough as old boots and built to last. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: EBarnacle Date: 15 Apr 09 - 12:13 AM Lady Hillary pointed out something else to me today. The size, number and locations of pockets should be a consideration and should be checked out if you carry a lot of stuff with you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: Dave the Gnome Date: 15 Apr 09 - 07:17 AM The size, number and locations of pockets should be a consideration and should be checked out if you carry a lot of stuff with you. ...unless you use a small rucksack. In which case chosse one with a raincover as well! DeG |
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Subject: RE: BS: need advice on rain jacket From: John J Date: 15 Apr 09 - 07:29 AM Paramo is about as breathable as it gets, I have an Alta II. It's not cheap at around £200 but very good. An alternative is eVent stuff. Again not cheap but more breathable than Goretex and MUCH lighter. JJ |
