I took the plunge and got one of Ray's Tahr anoraks. They are beautifully made and have a really nice soft and quiet 'handle'. The hood is extremely good and the pockets are pretty serviceable.
I have three criticisms. The first relates to the cuffs. The velcro/neoprene combination is very good at keeping out rain but does not allow for much, if any, venting when the weather is slightly gentler (which it usually is). The chest pockets are good - large and well-positioned - but a couple of hand-warmer ones would not go amiss. I think my biggest criticism is about the cut of it. Unless you are of more sumo wrestler dimensions, there seem to be acres of fabric which hangs uselessly. Hitch it in using the waist drawcord and you transform yourself into Friar Tuck. I had thought that this surplus cloth would catch on every branch and bramble in the woods, ripping this Goretex gem. Thankfully, it does not but the folds of fabric do make the Tahr a weighty waterproof.
That said, I do like it but I am still waiting for the weather to give it a real test of its abilities. Perhaps my criticisms are borne out of frustration, waiting for some really good savage weather!
I have three criticisms. The first relates to the cuffs. The velcro/neoprene combination is very good at keeping out rain but does not allow for much, if any, venting when the weather is slightly gentler (which it usually is). The chest pockets are good - large and well-positioned - but a couple of hand-warmer ones would not go amiss. I think my biggest criticism is about the cut of it. Unless you are of more sumo wrestler dimensions, there seem to be acres of fabric which hangs uselessly. Hitch it in using the waist drawcord and you transform yourself into Friar Tuck. I had thought that this surplus cloth would catch on every branch and bramble in the woods, ripping this Goretex gem. Thankfully, it does not but the folds of fabric do make the Tahr a weighty waterproof.
That said, I do like it but I am still waiting for the weather to give it a real test of its abilities. Perhaps my criticisms are borne out of frustration, waiting for some really good savage weather!