Spec me a Waterproof winter Jacket

mid_gen said:
But back to OP....basically any breathable waterproof is going to get you wet eventually in a persistent torrential downpour. There is no perfect solution. But if you're doing something active, then GoreTex Pro or Paramo will work.....but bear in mind Paramo is very dependent on your body heat pumping moisture out through the vapour barrier, and needs to be looked after and treated regularly. GoreTex needs less maintenance but is harder to repair. Generally people working in proper grim conditions regularly will use either GoreTex Pro or Paramo, it's basically personal preference.
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Unfortunately I don't think the latest version is as good - though I've not tried it - but I have an older Urban Classics Winter Parka (full length black) which uses a GoreTex like material and I've found it stands up to any amount of rain and is still reasonably breathable - it is like being inside a tent or something once you put the hood up the way you feel insulated from the conditions. I've literally stood in unholy amounts of rain for several hours in it and still been dry and comfortable. Combining it with the thermal insert from my M65 jacket and it will stand up to crazy low temperatures as well.

mid_gen said:
There's a reason all my mountaineering kit is brightly coloured.....so that when MRT find me I'm still alive.
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While admittedly a lot of my outdoor kit is dark colours - after some of the safety training at work I tend to keep a light weight hi-vis packed even if not actively using it - though no use having it in your bag if an incident happens before you get to equip it.
 
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My Lads an outdoor pursuits instructor and I've just bought him this at his request

Mens Rime Pro Belay IN Hooded Jacket

For outstanding thermal performance whether cragging or bagging peaks. Made to fit over your hardshell, this jacket features lofty, easy-wash Mammut LOOPINSULATION to guarantee long-lasting warmth – even when standing still or belaying. An internal gaiter tunnel in the neck combines with stretch...
www.ldmountaincentre.com www.ldmountaincentre.com

Although I dont think its waterproof
 
VincentHanna said:
On dog walks I tend to get covered in mud in winter, either because my dog decided to jump up at me, or someone else's did so I just go for cheap and cheerful.
No point having a £300+ coat for that.
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Get one with the technical fabrics and cordura outer layer. They're designed for soldiers rolling in the mud and are easy to clean.
 
mid_gen said:
There's a reason all my mountaineering kit is brightly coloured.....so that when MRT find me I'm still alive.

But back to OP....basically any breathable waterproof is going to get you wet eventually in a persistent torrential downpour. There is no perfect solution. But if you're doing something active, then GoreTex Pro or Paramo will work.....but bear in mind Paramo is very dependent on your body heat pumping moisture out through the vapour barrier, and needs to be looked after and treated regularly. GoreTex needs less maintenance but is harder to repair. Generally people working in proper grim conditions regularly will use either GoreTex Pro or Paramo, it's basically personal preference.

I like GoreTex Pro personally, general mountaineering and use it ice climbing and stuff, I like how well it keeps the wind off when you're getting properly battered in a storm, when you're hunkered down something like a Mountain Equipment Tupilak (trousers and jacket) and some layer underneath, you feel like you're in a fortress from the elements! Spendy though.

Although generally I rarely use the GoreTex Pro stuff, and just wear soft-shell gear. This is a kinda halfway house sort of outer layer which will bead up and keep showers out, but will wet out in sustained downpours, but is incredibly quick drying and breathes brilliantly....so in light rain or just showers, I prefer this setup, as it keeps your base layers dry, which keeps you nice and dry and warm.
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I'm looking for a goretex pro jacket at the moment.
 
I absolutely hate winter jackets. Personally I prefer thinner layers. My outer shell just a lightweight montane jacket, extremely light and then I can wear what I want underneath.
 
200sols said:
I absolutely hate winter jackets. Personally I prefer thinner layers. My outer shell just a lightweight montane jacket, extremely light and then I can wear what I want underneath.
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Mostly everyone who's outdoorsy figures this out at some point. You need a rain shell all year round. You don't need an insulated rain shell all year round.
 
200sols said:
I absolutely hate winter jackets. Personally I prefer thinner layers. My outer shell just a lightweight montane jacket, extremely light and then I can wear what I want underneath.
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I actually moved away from that in the '90s, because layers are rarely adaptable. It's such a faff to keep stopping to add or remove layers, whereas a proper winter jacket will let you just open the vents and keep up the pace.
 
200sols said:
I absolutely hate winter jackets. Personally I prefer thinner layers. My outer shell just a lightweight montane jacket, extremely light and then I can wear what I want underneath.
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I’ve got a Flajarvin (spelling!) winter jacket, it’s quite thick but it’s super light.
 
ttaskmaster said:
I actually moved away from that in the '90s, because layers are rarely adaptable. It's such a faff to keep stopping to add or remove layers, whereas a proper winter jacket will let you just open the vents and keep up the pace.
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Yeah

It's all very well having layers, but if you are in the middle of nowhere and get really hot, you've then got a jacket to hold and another layer to put around your waist or something.
 
VincentHanna said:
Yeah

It's all very well having layers, but if you are in the middle of nowhere and get really hot, you've then got a jacket to hold and another layer to put around your waist or something.
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What if you still feel too hot even after opening the zip of the winter jacket and only wearing a t-shirt underneath? You'll have to take the winter jacket off.
 
ttaskmaster said:
I actually moved away from that in the '90s, because layers are rarely adaptable. It's such a faff to keep stopping to add or remove layers, whereas a proper winter jacket will let you just open the vents and keep up the pace.
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Even with vents a 'proper' winter jacket is still very warm. Layers are very adaptable.

beachBOYken said:
I’ve got a Flajarvin (spelling!) winter jacket, it’s quite thick but it’s super light.
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Yes you can get lightweight ones, but still warm. But of course not close to being as light as just a rain shell.

VincentHanna said:
Yeah

It's all very well having layers, but if you are in the middle of nowhere and get really hot, you've then got a jacket to hold and another layer to put around your waist or something.
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Who goes into the middle of nowhere without a bag, sounds risky.
 
Nabinium said:
What if you still feel too hot even after opening the zip of the winter jacket and only wearing a t-shirt underneath? You'll have to take the winter jacket off.
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Then it was too hot for a full-on winter jacket in the first place.

200sols said:
Even with vents a 'proper' winter jacket is still very warm. Layers are very adaptable.
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A proper winter jacket, as with any clothing made for high activity, should be breathable enough and padded appropriately to keep you warm without overheating. Sweat is your enemy in cold weather.

200sols said:
Who goes into the middle of nowhere without a bag, sounds risky.
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Who walks the dog and takes a full hiking set-up in order to transport half a wardrobe of different layers?
 
ttaskmaster said:
I actually moved away from that in the '90s, because layers are rarely adaptable. It's such a faff to keep stopping to add or remove layers, whereas a proper winter jacket will let you just open the vents and keep up the pace.
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This seems counter intuitive?

I get very very warm walking. Even in sub zero.

If I had one layer I would have to take it completely off or on. I'd be too hot or too cold.

For me layers are essential. And I will always have a bag.
 
ttaskmaster said:
Then it was too hot for a full-on winter jacket in the first place.


A proper winter jacket, as with any clothing made for high activity, should be breathable enough and padded appropriately to keep you warm without overheating. Sweat is your enemy in cold weather.


Who walks the dog and takes a full hiking set-up in order to transport half a wardrobe of different layers?
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There isn't really a jacket that can keep you hot and also that let's you breathe without overheating.

If you're just walking the dog having layers isn't going to be a problem either.because you're not going to get too hot or cold by that logic?
 
Also

When I walk the dog in winter I wear 9/10 my wind shell (not waterproof), as I avoid the rain if I can.

If its raining I wear a rain shell over my wind shell. I'm only ever going to need to take the rain shell off in winter. Never the wind shell.

I can't see the drawback of multiple layers. Yes, i can see when you don't need 2 layers, but if it is 2 layers you just get more flexibility?


I'm not a fan of rain coats of any description anyway. So I do not want to wear one every time is cool because my rain shell is bolted onto my wind shell. If I'm outdoors and it stops raining I almost immediately take my rain shell off.
 
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