I agree. Keela Belay is an excellent piece of kit. Been using it for a couple of days now, along with the Keela CADS polo shirt (wicking/ breathable). The combination worked a treat in this cold weather - kept me warm, dry and seemed to help maintain a regular temperature. I tend to overheat quite quickly, but the Belay/ CADS combo performed really well. Better than anything I've used before. I think the Keela Munro or Spectrum jacket is next.
Keela is owned by Armel, who apparently invented the tape seam sealing machine for waterproofing garment seams. Here's an article I found, which shows their extensive fabric testing - probably the reason why my Keela kit performs so well:
http://lightweightoutdoors.com/?tag=ardmel
Knowing that Mountain Rescue teams use Keela is a good enough recommendation for me. I tend to steer away from big brands anyway. Still don't know why it's so cheap compared to North Face. Lack of advertising/ marketing hype maybe? Not complaining though!
Bought my Keela gear from TacLight (
http://www.taclight.co.uk/tactical-clothing.html), along with a couple of torches that have been recommended on Bushcraft UK. I think delivery was included and service/ advice was excellent - highly recommended.
So yes, invest in Keela and don't believe those people who say it's just like Regatta gear - that's what I was told. Chances are, those people haven't tried it. Keela is highly recommended by me also.