Jacket - Recommendations/Brand Differences?

[hutchingsp]

First post so be nice

I'm after a decent jacket, ideally something that is suitable for winter use combined with when it's a little warmer but still likely to be damp or lash it down - a bit unpredictable like it is now I guess.

In the past I've typically gone for "hill walking/mountain" type stuff like RAB/Montaine, but I fancy something a little smarter this time around so started looking at country/outdoor/hunting type brands, and frankly I'm confused.

The biggest problem I'm facing is that in the Midlands there aren't too many places I can go to look at stuff, so I'm stuck with the (usually small) online photos from the dealers/manufacturers, which give you no idea of what sort of finish an item is.

Budget is flexible in that I don't mind paying a little more for quality but don't want to be paying simple for brand - this is where I'm struggling to work out the difference between "shared" brands such as Harkila and Seeland, and the likes of Deerhunter and Ridgeline which seem a little cheaper.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Lasse]

I'm not sure what you're after exactly, should it be waterproof?

 

[Bluebs4]

Maybe a two in one ,say a Barbour with a detachable body warmer. In fact the worlds you ocean just be quick before temp drops a little more .

 

[hutchingsp]

I'm not sure what you're after exactly, should it be waterproof?

Able to keep me dry and warm in heavy rain ideally, but not be so warm that it's unwearable in anything but winter temperatures.

Regards the level of waterproofing - not sure how to answer that, I've seen a video of a guy in a Rivers Wild jacket where they stood him underneath a fire engine hose and it let nothing in, not sure I quite need that

 

[maddave]

The Keela Munro.... Used by about 80% of mountain rescue teams in the UK..

http://www.keela.co.uk/outerware/extreme-jackets/munro-jacket.html

Reviews

Adventure Travel Magazine:- "The Keela Munro has gained legendary status in the Adventure Travel office over the last 12 years. We've used this jacket on a hike across Iceland, climbing high peaks in the Alps and the Himalaya and walks in all terrains and conditions. Not as warm as an insulated ski jacket but far warmer than a standard waterproof jacket, the Munro is a genuine go anywhere do anything item of clothing that comes with great breathability and it dries out quickly when wet. It's got every feature you need and then some - snow skirt, useful pockets and a great wired hood - and would be spot on for winter mountaineering, skiing, boarding, hiking etc. Only the fashion conscious will want to look elsewhere.
In a line: Great all round winter jacket - 5 stars. ''

OE Magazine:- "The Munro has a very sound pedigree, having become the jacket of choice for a number of mountain rescue teams in the UK. It's not that light as it's packed full of features, one of which is a dual protection system. Combine this with a highly wickable liner to improve breathability and you have a jacket that can be used pretty much year round unless you're in especially warm conditions. There are all the essential features you'd expect on any serious bit of mountain wear. The Munro also has a really nice fit, feels just 'right' when you're wearing it and makes an excellent option if you're after one really well specced jacket for year-round use."

 

[Mick w.]

I got a Highlander Rexmoor jacket a few weeks back, I'm quite happy with it and they're pretty cheap. On cold days I wear a fleece under it as it isn't the warmest of jackets which sounds good for you. I'm the same, I want one for almost year round use so having one that isn't too hot is good for me.
It's definitely waterproof! There are plenty of pockets, none massive but I can get my little binos in a fornt pocket, a buff and gloves in the other. It's got a biggish pocket at the back, too, which comes in handy sometimes.
I'm a (ahem!) stocky five foot eight, I got a 'large' and other than it not quite covering my backside it fits fine. The shorter length isn't really much of a problem and makes it easier to drive in.
It's a nice shade of green, not too military looking, and made from some material which doesn't rustle.
I'm happy with mine, it's in daily use for at least an hour or more, sometimes all day and I'v eno complaints.
Oh, it's got a rollaway hood which can be pulled in close.
..Hope this helps!

 

[oldtimer]

Go Paramo. Does all you want.

 

[blacktimberwolf]

I got a Highlander Rexmoor jacket a few weeks back, I'm quite happy with it and they're pretty cheap. On cold days I wear a fleece under it as it isn't the warmest of jackets which sounds good for you. I'm the same, I want one for almost year round use so having one that isn't too hot is good for me.
It's definitely waterproof! There are plenty of pockets, none massive but I can get my little binos in a fornt pocket, a buff and gloves in the other. It's got a biggish pocket at the back, too, which comes in handy sometimes.
I'm a (ahem!) stocky five foot eight, I got a 'large' and other than it not quite covering my backside it fits fine. The shorter length isn't really much of a problem and makes it easier to drive in.
It's a nice shade of green, not too military looking, and made from some material which doesn't rustle.
I'm happy with mine, it's in daily use for at least an hour or more, sometimes all day and I'v eno complaints.
Oh, it's got a rollaway hood which can be pulled in close.
..Hope this helps!

Had a look at the Highlander jacket & it's looks pretty good & at only £45 from military mart http://www.militarymart.co.uk/Highlander-Rexmoor-Sporting-Game-Jacket/prod_1630.html not sure about the fabric but I do like the design.

 

[peaks]

Have a look at the range of outdoor jackets sold by Hoggs of Fife (no affiliation etc). Although based in Scotland quite a lot of their stuff is stocked throughout the country by local retailers. Their own brand stuff is really good - durable, practical quality. If you use their mail order service, they are very good to deal with and no probs with any returns etc. I've always had v good service from them.
http://www.fifecountry.com/

Check out their clearance range - quite a few jackets heavily reduced at the mo.


I've had a Keela Munro for a number of years too - excellent piece of kit, but a little short unless you are wearing over trousers.

Hope this helps.

 

[RLD]

have a look at Tamarack out doors they have good gear not cheap but good

 

[hutchingsp]

Thanks all. I appreciate the suggestions, but should add that I'm looking for something a little more "hunting/outdoors" and less mountain/technical if that makes sense.

Thanks.

 

[peaks]

Try Hoggs - they do quite a range of hunting/outdoors clothing, including some of the scandanavian stuff.

 

[The Ratcatcher]

My main outdoor jacket is the "Rover" Ventile jacket from Country Innovation. I've always had Barbours, until I found this. A few quid more than the nearest Barbour equivalent, but well worth it.

 

[blacktimberwolf]

My main outdoor jacket is the "Rover" Ventile jacket from Country Innovation. I've always had Barbours, until I found this. A few quid more than the nearest Barbour equivalent, but well worth it.

A few hundred quid more you mean ...http://www.countryinnovation.com/rover-jacket.html