Good value Jackets?

[Mick w.]

I'm after a waterproof jacket that I can wear whilst walking the dog, but also for trips lasting a couple of days or so where I might have to wear it to keep the weather off, but equally it might sit in my pack doing nowt for long periods.
So, I would like your recommendations please, for a light(ish) weight waterproof jacket, with at least two pockets, green or brown, that won't make too much rustling noise, that will be comfortable if worn with a pack, that doesn't cost more than about eighty quid, a detachable hood would be nice but not essential...
I was looking at the Highlander Rexmoor which may fit the bill, if it isn't too bulky.
Any views on this one, or any others? Up to now, all my waterproof stuff is really for running, so not ideally suited to buggering about with honey stoves, tarpaulins, and trying to spot the local wildlife!

 

[Paul72]

How about this:
http://www.fu-kit.com/product.php/321/genuine-austrian-army-surplus-gore-tex-jacket-mens-s-xxl

I've got this one for the hills and it's great:
http://www.fu-kit.com/product.php/245/genuine-french-army-surplus-cce-camo-gore-tex-jacket-mens-s-xl

I've no connection to the company etc, etc, just a happy previous customer

 

[Nonsuch]

Ridgeline Monsoon Mk2 smock is superb, four pockets incl. two hand-warmers and bino pocket, tough, quiet fabric (sort of suede/furry), about £120, good colour ("teak" = dark tan), detachable hood, but maybe too heavy for you. Lightweight but tough is going to be hard to achieve.

http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/ridgeline-monsoon-euro-ii-waterproof-smock-jacket-7783-p.asp

 

[Hetzen]

I got one of these last year...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gelert-Mens-Countryman-Jacket/dp/B0041RRO98

The inside pockets aren't brilliant, but it's light, breathable, and does the job. Looks smart too.

 

[Ronnie]

Check this old thread too:

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62419&page=1

 

[snozz]

For the money i'd look for a secondhand Barbour wax jacket on ebay eg, or get yourself a craghopper waterproof in their (seemingly) continous sale. Don't go to their website, again use the 'Bay, or if you have a Hawkshead store near you, they do Craghopper sale gear

 

[Doc]

Mick's question is a darned good one and one that I'd like answered myself. You absolutely need a waterproof in the UK, but you'll probably/hopefully spend more time carrying it than wearing it.

Craghoppers may be be well the best bet for price vs performance, but beware: some of their green packable waterproofs are almost flourescent, not olive drab.

Keela Munro - £160, good colour, all technical features, issued by mountain rescue - but a bit heavy.

Paclite Goretex- AFAIK you'd need it from a made to measure supplier if you want it in Olive, but I'd love to be corrected on this.

Single layer Barbour (used to be the Durham jacket) - not bad, robust, not stupidly heavy but certainly not the lightest

 

[Toddy]

Endicott's goretex.
It'll come in under your budget and if you've phoned Kev and explained what you're looking for he'll offer you the best advice on what's available.
It's not all camouflage

http://www.endicotts.co.uk/index.php?cPath=105&osCsid=gkb9864c36oc6v3n6b25obfdo4

cheers,
Toddy

 

[barryasmith]

Ridgeline Monsoon Mk2 smock is superb, four pockets incl. two hand-warmers and bino pocket, tough, quiet fabric (sort of suede/furry), about £120, good colour ("teak" = dark tan), detachable hood, but maybe too heavy for you. Lightweight but tough is going to be hard to achieve.

http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/ridgeline-monsoon-euro-ii-waterproof-smock-jacket-7783-p.asp

Now that looks like a nice smock...

 

[Manglemender]

My vote goes to Paramo, I'm a big fan of everthing except the price. It doesn't have the Goretex "rustle" and is very comfortable to wear all day, I spent a full day walking in the scottish highlands last october when the rain didn't even pause for breath; at the end of the day I was completely dry (apart from hands - that's another story) but the same couldn't be said for some of my friends in Goretex. Having sung high praises for Paramo I should add that my new favourite waterproof hat is made of Ventile which is a material worthy of your considderation too!

Nick

 

[Mick w.]

...Well, after much deliberation and trawling t'interweb, I've gone for a Highlander Rexmoor jacket, which is generally reckoned to be tough and waterproof, but also reasonably light in weight. We shall see...
Oh, it came in at just over fifty quid including p&p, so that's not bad! Seems pretty well thought of on a wildlife watching site I chanced upon during my search.
I was tempted by an Austrian goretex M65 jacket, but couldn't work out what size to get so went for the Highlander.
(Someone's going to say the Highlander's crap now, aren't they..?)

 

[Toddy]

No it's not crap, a lot of folks use it and are very happy doing so.

Outdoor clothing is like everything else kit wise; it ranges from good army surplus to the high end, over priced, target marketed stuff, with a vast range inbetween.

One of the most regularly out there folks I know uses a waterproof jacket from Tesco, and he's really pleased with it. It doesn't even get sweaty inside.
The one I'm using just now is a Trespass one from one of the local garden centres.
Another friend is using double ventile at £350, lovely jacket, my budget won't stretch and I'm not for sewing the stuff.

We like kit, talk about kit, show off kit, advise on bargains but we don't look down on kit.

Do a review once you've had a chance to wear it though the Autumn and into Winter and let us know how you got on with it.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Mick w.]

Cheers Toddy, will do. It should be here any day now!

 

[mrcairney]

I should add that my new favourite waterproof hat is made of Ventile

Where did you get that from?

(I resisted just posting this link for comedy effect)

 

[Totumpole]

Ridgeline Monsoon Mk2 smock is superb, four pockets incl. two hand-warmers and bino pocket, tough, quiet fabric (sort of suede/furry), about £120, good colour ("teak" = dark tan), detachable hood, but maybe too heavy for you. Lightweight but tough is going to be hard to achieve.

http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/ridgeline-monsoon-euro-ii-waterproof-smock-jacket-7783-p.asp

I have been looking for some reviews on that jacket, but typing in ridgeline i just get lots of stuff about tarp set ups! Know of any reviews?

Sorry to thread jack mick, hope you get on well with the highlander.

 

[Mick w.]

No worries, Mr. T, always glad to share!

 

[rb1985]

bit late but these have a sale on ridgeline gear http://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/products.asp?cat=RIDGELINE+CLOTHING+CLOSEOUT

 

[bayleaf]

A bit late on this one....but for no frills goretex,..german army waterproof jacket.I brought mine years ago,and it has done some good service.A very useful stand-by,and relatively inexpensive.