New "Commuting" jacket

slipd · 20 Dec 2020 at 20:52

Hi guys,

As above. I haven't properly commuted for over ten years but start a new job tomorrow and I'm in the market... the last coat, which I still have and use regularly was a North Face, but I need a refresh

Waterproof, windproof, comfort are my main requirements.

What's about?

Diddums · 20 Dec 2020 at 20:55

How much revenue do you earn?

Dis86 · 20 Dec 2020 at 20:57

A car.

slipd · 20 Dec 2020 at 21:02

Dis86 said:
A car.

Ha, I have one but I also have a 20/30 minute walk in the southern, coastal elements - a car will only get me so far

slipd · 20 Dec 2020 at 21:14

Diddums said:
How much revenue do you earn?

Enough

...but I don't want an endangered species wrapped round my neck or anything - NF, Berghaus etc. used to be the flavour of the day for winter commuter travel. I'm just so out of touch with current bands and styles, so I thought I'd reach out to all you experts on here.

A decade of hire cars and national travel tend to do this to you!
https://www.berghaus.com/

Quartz · 20 Dec 2020 at 21:19

slipd said:
Waterproof, windproof, comfort are my main requirements.

Barbour.

slipd · 20 Dec 2020 at 21:22

Quartz said:
Barbour.

Wow, forgot about them! Anything in particular?

I used to love their 'wax' jackets when walking the dogs...

Tek81 · 20 Dec 2020 at 21:29

Napapijri

Pen66 · 20 Dec 2020 at 21:36

Arc'teryx if you're a top revenue earner

josh_sheffield · 20 Dec 2020 at 21:52

Pen66 said:
Arc'teryx if you're a top revenue earner

Do they do belts too?

OP, I got a decent deal on a mountain equipment jacket from go outdoors, found it a bit cheaper online and they beat the price by 10%.

Out of all of my previous hardshells ME ones seem to have lasted the longest.

Quartz · 20 Dec 2020 at 22:03

slipd said:
Wow, forgot about them! Anything in particular?

Just one of their wax jackets. If you still have your old one, Barbour will restore it.

Somnambulist · 20 Dec 2020 at 23:12

If you're budget-unlimited Arc'teryx do lifestyle shell or lightly insulated jackets which look reasonably snazzy and not like you're about to go skiing or on an artic expedition whilst being properly water/wind-proof. If you don't mind that look then any of the outdoorsy brands will suffice at a cheaper price (maybe make an account on SportsPursuit and look at all the weather-proof jackets on there).

I'd avoid any heavy insulation like down as it severely limits when you can actually wear it - better to have something you can wear most of the year and stick a mid-layer (polartec fleece or lightweight down puffy) on underneath when it's cold rather than something that cooks you unless it's sub-zero outside. It just doesn't get that cold here.

Tbh unless you're going to walk in the rain without an umbrella something like a full-on Goretex Pro 3L jobbie is a bit OTT so if you want something of a particular look or style, as long as it's listed as windproof and has a DWR water-resistant coating you're good to go whether that's Barbour, SuperDry or anything in between.

Azza · 20 Dec 2020 at 23:18

Bought a Rab Latok GTX jacket a couple of months ago. Doubt I'll ever need to buy another jacket again it's that good.

Noxia · 20 Dec 2020 at 23:37

Azza said:
Bought a Rab Latok GTX jacket a couple of months ago. Doubt I'll ever need to buy another jacket again it's that good.

Dodgy name and colour aside I like that. Do they or have they done it in black or dark grey before do you know? The blue one is preferable to the red

Mr Blonde · 21 Dec 2020 at 02:25

You don't have to spend a fortune to stay warm and dry on a 30 min walk. I do my all my winter dog walking (around 1.5 hours) in one of these, with a t-shirt and decent fleece underneath (some Berghaus one's zip into it too) : https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/berghaus-mens-hillwalker-ia-jacket-A1114909.html?colour=124

ttaskmaster · 21 Dec 2020 at 11:04

Pen66 said:
Arc'teryx if you're a top revenue earner

Along with Triple Aught Design, Crye Precision and the like...

But for the more budget-conscious, UP Pro do a lot of their kit in non-military colours.

tom_e · 21 Dec 2020 at 11:05

Rab seem to be the go to brand for my mates in the forces.

Andrew_McP · 21 Dec 2020 at 11:25

As a lifelong pedestrian, the problem I have with a lot of waterproofs is they're generally too short to cover your backside and trouser pocket area. I don't mind wet legs below that, but I do mind faffing about with waterproof trousers as well. There are some longer jackets around, but it severely limits choice.

I have a longer Haglofs from about 8 years ago which I didn't really like (especially the price!) and is now thoroughly knackered; especially the zip... and the fact it's a sponge not a waterproof any more, no matter how much I spray it. I may end up getting another https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15911368/berghaus-long-cornice-ii-men-s-gore-tex-jacket-15911368 which is what the Haglofs replaced. But it'd be nice to get something in a colour other than 'blend in with the mud'!

Sherpa · 21 Dec 2020 at 11:27

Veilance

Years of outdoor clothing experience in a formal setting.

Scotty123 · 21 Dec 2020 at 11:32

I have a nice down and goretex coat from Arc'teryx - camosun. Looks good and I've never felt cold in it. I wear just a t shirt underneath it most of the time. Warm straight away when I step outside. Expensive yes but if it lasts 5 years at least will be a worthy investment.

It's windproof and waterproof due to the goretex and insulated from the down. Only suitable though for around town. Took it hiking once before I bought some gear and was a mistake. Far too hot when walking up things and it's not really packable. I've since bought hiking jackets for that though .