Waterproof Shell

[Paganwolf]

Just wondering what everyone uses as their waterproof outer shell (if any) when its hammering down? i usually wear ex-mod GTX jacket and over trousers as they are pretty cheap and good IMO, Or sometimes i use a poncho, used one in borneo when photographing Tarantulas as you can use them to work under as well and things dont get as sticky as jacket/trousers combo and its easy to sling over me and my kit when im wandering around aimlessly in the woods in the rain (hey doesn't everyone :?: )

 

[TheViking]

Just a cheap rain coat. Nothing fancy. :roll: This summer when bushcrafting in Sweden it began to rain heavy on the first day, and before that it had been sunny, but I didn't wanna bother, so didn't put on the raincoat.

So there I was, with a rucksack, in Sweden, heavy rain and only wearing a T-shirt. It was pretty cold, but the smart thing was that I only had to change my T-shirt when we got to camp. Call it stupid, but I find raincoats uncomfortable and bulky.

If you're out in the rain all day, even with a GTX or Ventile jacket, the rain is likely to pass through the material sometime. :roll: No matter how waterproof it is.

 

[Paganwolf]

Your Parents let you out with out a coat!! :shock: summer showers are one thing but minging winter rain is another, last time i got caught out i had the kids we sat under a low tree out of the rain watching people walk by getting soaked we loved it everone looked at us but no one joined us! people are strange like that arn't they!

 

[TheViking]

Your Parents let you out with out a coat!! :shock:

Hehe. No, it was me who was idle. Didn't wanna bother getting the raincoat up the sack. Easier to switch to a new T-shirt in camp then. :biggthump

 

[Gary]

Poncho - simple but effective!! Also means I have an emergency shelter too!

 

[leon-1]

Poncho - simple but effective!! Also means I have an emergency shelter too!

That's a good tip for people Gary:biggthump.

I still have a lot of kit from hobbies on the line of walking and climbing, so I have a multitude of choice from Lowe Alpine jackets to Sprayway.

I also use the Ventile jacket, but if it is really throwing and for a long time I use a light waterproof under jacket (it's bright orange and comes in handy as safety equipment) with the ventile. I tend to use the Ventile most of the time though nowadays. ):

 

[Bushmaster]

Well I'm gonna sound like a gear snob,but..............I use Paramo gear and I have never , ever been let down.My friends and I did ben Nevis Via the carn Mor Dearg arate. The wind was in excess of 80 mph and it was P***ing down and the waterproofs were excelent.Not a drop got next to my skin as the whole design of the material pumps the water away and out .Real good gear. No I am not on commision lol I just respect good, solid,functional equipment.
Geoff
http://www.paramo.co.uk/UK/index.html

 

[Paganwolf]

good recomendation bushy!

 

[Kim]

I have a light rain coat, great for the bike, rolls up into nothing...but I've recently come to love my poncho. It needs a bit more waterproofing but it's like a walking tent...it's completely brilliant. I keep wishing for tons of rain...sorry everyone!

I do also resemble ET in it as well, cos the hood just sticks out miles and the poncho nearly reaches the ground. I've just got to work on the walk...

or work more on my therapy, I'm not entirely sure which...

:shock:

 

[C_Claycomb]

I too have a Paramo coat. I haven't had a chance to really test in extreme weather yet, but it has kept me dry so far! I like it because it is pretty quiet, softer and squashier than Goretex. It doesn't swish when I am moving around. I also wear it to work where it isn't out of place :roll:

 

[Tumper]

Poncho for long term use...covers pack, and as previously mentioned, doesnt restrict movement as much as most waterproofs (specially in winter when layering becomes Yeti-ing)


Cheap regatta packaway jacket and trousers for day use. very light and packs up to coke can size. Always in my daysack, never go anywhere without them.

 

[martin]

I have one of these , which is basically a Paramo. The only time I've had any trouble with it is when I've got very wet and then put a rucksack on. This has forced the water through, but in fairness I was told when I bought it that pressure on a wet garment would push moisture through. Other than that its a great smock, it's light and it's wind proof.
Having said that I don't wear it very often now (but Goergina does). I wear my Snowsled Ventile Smock and if it's tipping down I use a poncho.

 

[Tvividr]

Poncho or a Fjellduken

 

[JFW]

It's gotta be the poncho,

packs up small, waterproof (with extra sealant), breathable - well enough air gets round it to limit condensation and when the weather really bad I put my walking pole into the hood and streach out a couple of guy lines - instant shelter - and put a brew on to enjoy while sitting out the rain

Cheers

JFW

 

[Nightfall]

I have both a poncho and a rain jacket. I found lately that I like the poncho much better. Even though they say the rain jacket is breathable I still get wet and clamy in it. Poncho just seems to keep me dryer. Also as stated before its many other uses.

 

[Squidders]

I have a nasty little £20 "Peter Storm" jacket that's ok I guess... I will be buying a poncho from Gary when my car decides not to ruin my bank account for me.

 

[simonsays]

I have one of these , which is basically a Paramo. The only time I've had any trouble with it is when I've got very wet and then put a rucksack on. This has forced the water through, but in fairness I was told when I bought it that pressure on a wet garment would push moisture through. Other than that its a great smock, it's light and it's wind proof.
Having said that I don't wear it very often now (but Goergina does). I wear my Snowsled Ventile Smock and if it's tipping down I use a poncho.

Yup, I have the same problem with my Paramo trousers. Very waterproof unless you happen to kneel down in them and then water is forced through the fabric by pressure from the ground.

simon

 

[ChrisKavanaugh]

I have used the old black sou'wester, rainjacket and bib pants on the ocean, A ankle length aussie riding coat or reproduction 'fish' slicker for horseback and a military poncho for evading lumber security in the Redwoods. In a truly severe weather system everyone of these has an Achilles heal where rain will find access. Usually it's around the throat or lower legs. Always remember to have a good insulating layer that can absorb both external moisture and that generated via perspiration- namely wool or pile garments. A german flektahrn poncho is my current kit of choice for the same reasons stated by others. There is a time and reason to go 'Singing in the Rain.' Then there is the moment when a snug shelter and hot brew can be the difference between exaustion and hypothermia.

 

[KIMBOKO]

As long as its not too windy I use an Umbrella.

 

[jamesdevine]

Funnily enough someone laughed at me for suggesting an umbrella as a waterproof or at least an addition to a light jacket. I makes perfect sense really but he thought he would be laughed at(by whom I asked as he was going solo )

This is an older thread but I was searching for info on a waterproof jacket and this came up in the search.

I am going to stick with my poncho I think and save the 200+ euro for a new sleeping bag for the winter and some flowers for my wife.

Thanks Guys

James