Which Type of Waterproof Jacket?

[BGD]

I'm toying with the idea of treating myself to a new (or ebay second hand!) waterproof winter jacket.......possibly one of those "three-in-one" types with the removable fleece inner "cardigan" thingy.

 

Now here's the quandary..................I see a lot of the high-end jackets are "Goretex", which apparently means they are very breathable, so you don't get sweaty and muggy inside them whilst they shield you totally from the rain.

 

 

 

I've no experience of Goretex clothing, so my question - to all who have - is: is it really the wonder fabric that retailers make out, and thus is it worth the price premium over "ordinary" waterproof jackets?

What's your real-world experience of jackets made of Goretex?

 

Also, is there a re-proofing process you have to do every couple of years, or is the Goretex fabric uber-wonderful forever, without re-proofing?

 

 

 

Thanks.................

 

[Guest Tracker]

I've always managed very well with 'Regatta' branded waterproofs. Not the cheapest but by no means the most expensive either so I have tended to stick with that brand for many years.

 

I was once told in a shop that you only really need breathable waterproofs in two circumstances.

 

One, if you are going where the temperature differential between the outside air and your skin is very large or, two, you are going to be involved in physical exertion making you perspire a lot if you are a lady or sweat if you are a guy!

 

I don't know if that is true or not but as I only wear waterproofs to keep dry and not as a fashion statement, and I don't do exertion or extreme temperatures, Regatta - some of which are breathable - allegedly - works for me just fine!

 

Lightweight lined jackets and unlined lightweight leggings work best when it's wet but not cold I find, and I buy sizes with plenty of room to take either a fleece bodywarmer or fleece jacket underneath for when it's brass monkey weather!

[peterjl]

Hi

 

Having tried several breathable fabrics over the years (trekking in various remote places in a variety of environments) I now always go for gortex - you get what you pay for. But bewared, nothing is absolutely waterproof if the weather is bad enough!

 

That being said it depends what you are going to do ie how much energy you will be expending. If energy expended low take one of the cheaper options.

 

By the by, I am not convinced by the three in one options, too bulky for my taste.

 

Peter

[paulmold]

Don't know if any of you have a 'Charlie's' store near you ( I believe they have several stores in the Welshpool/ Shrewsbury area) but just been to our local store and they have Regatta Jackets made of Isotex with seperate fleece jackets inside (3 in 1) reduced from £70 to £19. Only in brown colour but look great value.

[Guest pelmetman]

We have a couple of Baghaus, which cost an arm and a leg8-)..................fortunately they were Christmas presents:D.....But the Gortex does seem to work, and we have reproofed them once which was quite straight forward, just bought some stuff from Millets and stuck them in the washing machine;-)........and with the zip in fleece they are ideal for all seasons:D 

[thebishbus]

Hi, I find that Gortex works very well when new, but does wear out. My theory is that with a lot of use, and stretching of the fabric some of the microscopic pores join together and let water through. I have used it for cycling , walking and skiing, and find that if you are very energetic you can perspire quicker than the Gortex can wick it. Having said that, when new I think Gortex is still the best as the outer layer.

Brian B.

[flicka]

Hi BGD

I agree with other posters regarding Goretex, great for Mountaineering, Skiing, etc.

I've used Goretex garments for many years & they work for sweaty ol me.

But, it is expensive & although it's especially effective if you are exerting lots of energy, you will not get value for money if you want one for "normal" wet weather wear.

Also IMO, to ensure they maintain their wicking properties they should be considered "high maintenance garments" & are more suseptable to abrasion damage than conventional waterproofs.

Goretex products are aimed at the top end of the outdoor wear market. If you are thinking of "Expedition" type activities, then Yes, go for Goretex.

Alternatively, talthough are too many cheaper alternatives to list, any good "Outdoor Clothing" shop should have a selection across the price range & should be able to match the Waterproofs to your activity requirements.

[Brock]

I think the advice is to wear a number of breathable layers such as a T-shirt, thin pullover and perhaps a thicker pullover if cold. This minimises condensation I'm told by my local shop. An ordinary gortex coat next to a shirt and then the skin will result in perspiration/condensation.

[Guest Tracker]

Unless he intends to become Bruce of the Pyrenees I don't think cold is too much of an issue in Southern Spain - come to think of it they don't get rain that often either - on the other hand when it does rain oh boy it really does rain - and he would be well prepared for the delights of a UK summer should he ever want to risk it!

[pkc]

I gave up on real jackets years ago, having tried most combinations, and fabrics.

Breathable fabrics require a pressure differential between the body and outside air, aire? So if you unzip them they tend to lose their effectiveness, result a wet cold back.

My walking gear now consists of a good quality zipped fleece, a breathable 'Cag in bag' , with a pair of breathable over trousers always kept in the pocket, and a micro fibre towel to use has a scarf.

This works for me in the Derbyshire Dales, Pyrenees or the Costa Blanca.

Also it means I don't over fill the 10% of the wardrobe space allocated to me by Management.

Avoid the kind of garments that are not fully zipped as you will end up doing a striptease half way up a steep climb on some bleak peak, (threw in a little poetry there,) my six pack turned into a keg some years ago so not a pretty sight. :-(

 

As always just my opinion based on years of getting it wrong most of the time.

[PJay]

Hi Bruce

Have you looked at "Cotton Traders" on the net? they often have 3 in 1 jackets, a good prices. Also Trespass is another make that does 3in1.

Gortex is expensive, we had Gortex when we were sailing , and was well worth the cost, as they do what it says on the label, but we were in the weather at all seasons. I would not think you would need them in Spain (Even though it does rain) I personally think 3 in 1 are good value . I like ones that have a zip that you can have open at the bottom, but still have the top zipped up., this allows for sitting down without it being tight (especially( if you have a big B**)

 

PJay

[euroserv]

Hello,

 

As an avid hill walker, mountain-biker and general outdoor type this subject is pretty close to my heart.

 

Let's get this straight from the start; If you are just mooching about in inclement weather and if the temperature is not extremely cold a 3 in one jacket will probably do. You should make sure that it is from a reputable brand and has some form of guarantee of it's water-proof-ness. If you don't buy a good one, but spend little and find that it is not particularly good at keeping the water out then go and get some waterproofer like 'Fabsil' and spray it over the shaulders, seams and zips and you will probably be happy. Used in conjunction with an umbrella this should suffice.

 

Now; If you are in the UK and it's not only wet, but cold and windy too you have other requirements. The jacket needs to be windproof as well as water proof so at this point it is worth spending a bit more on a waterproof shell jacket and keeping warm with a fleece of suitable thickness underneath. There are alternatives to Gore-tex such as eVent and HYvent which are as good and sometimes better than the market leader. You may not think that breathability is important if you are not being particularly active but it will make you more comfortable and will help you deal with being a bit over-insulated when walking and will forgive you for your poor choices in base layers!

 

There are various levels of breathability as well as water resistance. Most of the quality jackets have 2 layers (one of which is a purely waterproof membrane), some have 3 or even 4 layers which introduce layers that 'wick' away moisture as well as control some of the moisure from inside and outside by channelling it away from you within the jacket! All very clever and very expensive; and not very likely to suit your needs.

 

One final note: If you are going to be active at all; jeans and cotton shirts are a no-no. Even under waterproof trousers you need a fabric that 'wicks' away moisure and jeans don't. Cotton shirts get soaked and hold onto the moisture as well which will not only make you feel uncomfortable but when you stop will make you feel colder! Synthetic base layers or those made from Merino wool are the best and while not cheap can give years of service.

 

Nick

[Randonneur]

Bruce have you got a Decathlon fairly close?, they have all these different kinds of jackets. I bought one in the sale last year needed to use it when we went to the UK last November and it was great, lovely and warm and kept me dry.

 

Sylvia

[Retread24800]

Hi.

Not great athletes here but we do like to be warm and dry when in the UK :-)

We have jackets from 'Musto' (the land based activity version not the seagoing Variety) and from 'Outdoors' both bought from a Chandlers, they seem to coimpare well with each other, Hoods,Neck seals, Zips and Flaps, draw strings, lots of layers on both including neat zipped wallet pocket and big fleece lined hand warming pockets, OK if you are striding across the Trossacks (wherever they may be) in mid winter the High end 'Musto' might win hands down but crossing the supermarket Car-park.........?

The 'Outdoors' can be considered disposable after a couple of washes and a bit of reproofing and is thus the jacket of choice for chores round the house and van, can't afford to damage the 'Musto':-(, The 'Musto' is a long term investment and would be worth returning for a pukka clean and reproof. (when we finally use them enough to justify it.)

[Guest pelmetman]

Hi Bruce

As Dave's already said we have Baghaus jackets which I think are the best jackets we've ever had.

In saying that we've also got Musto jackets from our sailing days which are pretty good but in my opinion if I had to choose it would be the Baghaus.

Whatever you go for I would definitely recommend a breathable fabric. We've also got cheaper ones that can make you quite "sweaty", not very nice!

Sue

[Guest Tracker]

Baghaus? Do you mean Berghaus?

[Retread24800]

Tracker - 2011-09-05 2:46 PM Baghaus? Do you mean Berghaus?

Thought he meant 'Bagpuss' :-)

[Guest pelmetman]

Hi Richard

Yes your spelling is probably correct.  Jackets are in the van and can't be bothered to go and look.

Whatever in our household they are known as "bag houses"!!

Sue

[Guest Tracker]

Unless he meant Bagpipes - they care well suited to wet and windy climes too!

[Rayjsj]

Hi,

I bought a 'goretex' 3 in 1 jacket a couple of years ago, off of E-bay, it cost £50, and is a Columbia titanium, It was Brand new 'liquidated' stock. It has worn very well, during the summer I take out the Fleece and use that on it's own, if it's raining I use the outer Shell, It is fairly light and breathable. I use it mostly for walking the Coast Path with the Dog, so it has seen quite a bit of 'Weather' . I have only washed it once, and used 'Nikwax' washing liquid, after, i gave it a spray with 'Nikwax' re-proofer (all off of E-Bay) and it looks like new again. I think it's worth getting 'Quality' outdoor clothing if you want it to last. Berghaus/Craghopper/Sprayway/Regatta/Columbia, Some more expensive than others (just keep a look out on E-Bay or Amazon (yes Amazon do some really good deals too !). ;-) Ray

[euroserv]

Ray,

 

I am all for saving money but would suggest folks try these sort of jackets on before buying for the following reasons;

 

1. There are a huge range of lengths of waterproof coat and you can't always get an idea from websites if the one you are looking at is short or long enough to say; cover one's derriere. This may be desirable and will give some protection if you want to sit on a damp seat outside a pub or other more physically demanding activity.

 

2. There is little or no standardisation of sizes in the outdoor clothing market indeed I have found that I need XL, L or even M in some cases! It depends on the design use of the jacket; ie whether the maker expects you to wear one or more layers of insulation underneath them, it is up to you to decide what you will likely want to wear with them and buy a coat large enough for that. I have one that fits brilliantly in every respect but will not zip-up properly below the chin once I am fully 'layered up'.

 

3. Hoods, where fitted are a very personal thing, and you should try them and see how they work and make sure you don't feel claustrophobic when using them.

 

4. Some waterproof fabrics make a lot of noise when you move in them. Make sure that the noise that your chosen coat makes will not drive you mad!

 

Bear in mind also that (with a couple of exceptions) the better waterproofs are just a shell and do not have any insulation inside. This is for very good reasons. It leaves you with the flexibility to decide how much you need to keep you warm under the shell and prevents any interruption of the breathability of the shell.

 

If you are interested I think that at any given price point Sprayway have always offered some of the best jackets around and my personal choice is partly Sprayway but mostly Rab (but their kit is a bit specialised and not exactly cheap).

 

Finally, for a waterproof jacket only buy synthetic insulation. It retains some of it's insulation properties when wet through whereas 'down' does not.

 

Nick

[Travelling Tyke]

Hello,

 

We "trialed" Shell -type gortex jackets and trousers 25 years ago. They were used in cold damp windy conditions (of course) and quickly became dirty with oil and grease besides normal everyday dirt. They were dumped in washing machines to clean them and still worked well afterwards........... My kit didn't get the oil and grease treatment but kept me dry when lounging about on damp (wet) ground from time to time and in the aforementioned weather.............I have no idea how long they lasted though............25 years on I assume there have been improvements.......... So Gortex would be the choice for me. However, as I am now retired and a part time out-doorist I use Regatta shells and layer up.

 

 

 

 

[laimeduck]

Another tip - useful if you are active in your waterproofs.

 

I do a fair amount of coastal sailing so have full breathable wet weather gear. However it is very important to layer up BUT all the layers should be of synthetic material (or silk)

 

The reason for this is that any wool or cotton underneath your breathable jacket will wick up all the moisture & retain it. When you are exerting yourself (sailing, cycling, walking etc) you will perspire then when you stop the sweat is wicked up by the cotton etc. When you then get cold, you get wet cold.

 

Synthetic materials do not retain moisture so the breathable outer can work correctly.

 

[Brian Kirby]

Personally, I would not bother with the three-in-one option. The idea of zipping in fleece linings seems over complicated to me. Just get a decent waterproof shell. Plenty of advice on what above. Make sure it fits and is comfortable and, if you want a sewn-on hood, I'd suggest looking for one with a wired peak, so the rain (mostly! :-))stays out of your face.

Buy two fleeces on price/quality, and ignore if they zip in to the shell. Get one lightweight, and one medium weight. Choose for fit and comfort. This gives you alternatives. 1, the shall alone. 2, shell + light fleece. 3, shell plus heavier fleece. 4 shell + both fleeces.

I have done this, but opted for a heavier fleece that was a windproof, waterproof version, that can also be worn on its own, or with the light fleece under when it is cold, but dry. So further variations are light fleece alone, windproof fleece alone, or windproof fleece over light fleece. This gives very good versatility and flexibility. Items are Sprayway and North face. However, you do need to find a shop with a good range, so that you can try on the various combinations, to be sure they are a comfortable fit when layered.

I'd also say avid any fleece with a hood and get a beeny hat or similar for when it is windy and cold, but dry. Hoods impair hearing, and make noise, so are really only beneficial when it is raining. For this reason, I also have a waterproofed cotton (Barbour type) hat, that I can stick in a pocket when wind is not too strong.

Have fun! :-)

[Corky 8]

There is a lot of truth in the saying you only get what you pay for, I have found this out over the years buying Waterproofs for Sea Fishing and Fly fishing and shooting, So for the M/H ,Caravanning, Camping ,I have found Burghaus to be the best value for money for us, not the cheapest granted but in with the best like Musto etc, at present Both my wife and I have Berghaus Cornice IA with inner fleece, three in one so to speak, wear either the fleece alone or the waterproof jacket alone  or both together, I find the longer length available in this model Ideal for use in the Motorhome both in the cold winter months and as a pack away jacket only in the summer months and if you shop about on the internet you can find them as reasonable as any other brand even on e bay.