If you're searching for alternatives to Ventile that won't break the bank, I’d recommend checking out Gore-Tex or Polartec NeoShell. I’ve used both for outdoor gear, and they really hold up against the elements while still allowing for breathability. If you’re after something a bit lighter, consider cotton or nylon blends that have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. I’ve found those work well for casual outdoor activities. Just make sure you pick a fabric with a decent weight for better performance.
Alternatives to ventile?
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Bought mine from survival aids in 1988 must of had it for 30 years use. To me better than ventile
I had a ventile jacket but grew out of it. Would not mind having a new one but can not afford one.
Single layer Ventile is really only wind and to a point shower proof. Double is waterproof but is heavy and as stated a bit of a bugger to dry. I have a Hilltrek Cruachan DV smock and love it. I love wearing it and look forward to autumn and winter to wear it. Spring and summer it’s too hot. I’ve never been wet inside it and have had it up hills in v heavy wind and rain. If it goes I’d love another but they are expensive. There is a love for Ventile it’s a kinda niche love I guess and limitations in stiffness, weight and drying but of all the coats I’d reach for on a winters day my Ventile is it.
I think the main issue is the dishonesty in the way its marketed.
It just isn't waterproof, its showerproof.
When it gets wet it feels wet.
It breaths well when dry but when it's soaked it just doesn't and did I mention that it feels wet on the inside? Thats cos it's wet on the inside.
Now, if I'm wearing a decent mid layer it's not so much of an issue and it's not letting water pee through.
I quite like Ventile but I've seen a few vocal advocates on here totally gloss over it's failings and almost claim it cures cancer.
It's also not quite so hardwearing as I've seen people claim. The jacket I have (which I think is L24) is about as thick as an Asda shirt I bought, its a much tighter weave than that shirt but the jacket cuffs have worn some small holes in the wear points.
I honestly have a Gore Tex work jacket that is made from far tougher fabric.
I still do really like my Ventile jacket but its much better suited to a windy cold climate or even a wet but cold day than days when it's warm and wet.
Cold wet days and a decent mid layer keeps the moist ventile layer away from my skin. Cold and windy days and it's great cos it's good and breathable but as windproof as I'll ever need.
When its too warm to wear a decent mid layer and it gets wet its a bit miserable cos it just feels like any other wet jacket.
Double layer ventile might well be a bit different but I don't know as I don't have any garments like that.
It's good, but nothing like as brilliant as some people make out for my Lake District wet climate.
IMO like.
Thing is my denim jacket works the same but at a fraction of the price and while some folks are very attached to it I doubt ventile lives up to expectations, certainly not to the extent I would consider using it. Course if got it cheap, different story, but apart from that, I doubt not.
Btw, if want a premade smock
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SAS Smock & Jackets Archives
The SAS Smock is a timeless design as the perfect military combat jacket, known originally in the UK forces as the Windproof smock
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I’ll challenge that inasmuch in what is your expectation? I have had my double Ventile smock on for a full day in driving rain on an open hill and still been dry inside. Your denim jacket may work as well as a single layer Ventile although not knowing your denim jacket I don’t know how wind resistant it is. There are some options to have double layer shoulders or hood, Hilltrek do some jackets using Paramo fabric insides and Ventile. I don’t know how that works but in my limited experience with the Paramo rain kit I didn’t like it. It is horses for courses, Goretex, I’m also a big fan, is great again I’ve used it a lot and the only downside is it doesn’t like open flame or sparks.
A large part of all the fabric options is your clothing underneath. “Be bold start cold” was the mantra our bootie Sgt gave us. Going uphill or walking with load minimise clothing. For me a merino L/s or s/s depending on temp. If the wind is cooling me down too much goretex/ Ventile on. If I’m bringing my Ventile it’s likely pants weather or winter so I’d be wearing it, it’s a heavy piece of kit. That single merino top is all I wear underneath it until I stop then it’s layer up, more wool/ fleece/pile. Going back down a hill it’s strip back to single layer and down I go. If the temp is below 3-5 degrees I may throw on a second merino top. All is good and it all works with me being dry and protected from the wind from without and largely dry inside. I find that with both fabrics you do sweat and it takes time for that to dissipate through to the outside but it does. Again that is going up hills with approx 13kg pack on, usually radio kit shelter etc. Going about woods/ sitting round a fire is a different game though.
It is around your expectations but also so many other factors. If you can stomach the costs, accept the weight, stiffness, drying time try Ventile. If not go goretex accepting risks with open flame and sparks. But all of that is my expectations based on what I do, carry balanced with experience. Others have different opinions, different experiences and different circumstances. Try out what you want to, accept an option and its limitations (each has them) and get outside and enjoy yourself. Good luck
I love Ventile - it is my" go to" fabric for all but the worst weathers! Invented for immersion suits during WW2 it IS waterproof when wet - for all practical purposes - but you need a good (wool) mid layer for comfort under it. I have used many different models of jacket/smock and currently use Smock, trousers and overtrousers in Ventile - all of which I designed and made myself.
I also like Cotton Gabardine fabric but find it even less hard wearing than Ventile as well as less wear resistant.
I dislike Goretex - overpriced, difficult to work with DIY, short lived, noisy and prone to failure (and smell) if not washed regularly ... and then retreated with a DWR spray.... and spark damages easily!
Ventile works when dirty, washes easily, repairs easily and can be sewn on domestic machines with no seam sealing needed.
There is no alternative!
- for me at least!
I also like Cotton Gabardine fabric but find it even less hard wearing than Ventile as well as less wear resistant.
I dislike Goretex - overpriced, difficult to work with DIY, short lived, noisy and prone to failure (and smell) if not washed regularly ... and then retreated with a DWR spray.... and spark damages easily!
Ventile works when dirty, washes easily, repairs easily and can be sewn on domestic machines with no seam sealing needed.
There is no alternative!
- for me at least!
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I think tastes and needs are all different.
I have a ventile smock, but I don't go out in the wet, (don't go out much at all) and seldom use any sort of waterproof.
I have no experience with gore-tex, except those MOD boot liners
(Inelegant, but do help keep feet warm)
I have a ventile smock, but I don't go out in the wet, (don't go out much at all) and seldom use any sort of waterproof.
I have no experience with gore-tex, except those MOD boot liners
(Inelegant, but do help keep feet warm)
Am trying to make something similar in wool to what you are pictured wearing. And an outer layer as well, hence the thread. Just not ventile as I don’t believe in it.I love Ventile - it is my" go to" fabric for all but the worst weathers! Invented for immersion suits during WW2 it IS waterproof when wet - for all practical purposes - but you need a good (wool) mid layer for comfort under it. I have used many different models of jacket/smock and currently use Smock, trousers and overtrousers in Ventile - all of which I designed and made myself.
I also like Cotton Gabardine fabric but find it even less hard wearing than Ventile as well as less wear resistant.
I dislike Goretex - overpriced, difficult to work with DIY, short lived, noisy and prone to failure (and smell) if not washed regularly ... and then retreated with a DWR spray.... and spark damages easily!
Ventile works when dirty, washes easily, repairs easily and can be sewn on domestic machines with no seam sealing needed.
There is no alternative!
LolI am a big fan of wool as well
It’s its qualities which are less so.
I saw some of your posts on making the wool smock, part of my inspiration.
It was but light and windproof and dried very quickly. As long as you kept it away from barbed wire it lasted forever
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