What breathable/water proof jacket to buy?

[SimonM]

As reviewed on Keela's web page...

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."

 

[Squidders]

I wouldn't get too hung up on finding the perfect jacket based on opinions here. I would find a few recommendations and place the order for the most likely. If it doesn't suit, send it back.

The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations gives you a cooling off period that allows you to change your mind. But you only have seven working days. In the case of services that starts from placing the order. And with goods you have seven working days from receiving the order. All you have to do is:

1. Phone the trader/company to inform them.
2. Then you must inform them in writing - by letter, fax or email - of your decision to cancel. Keep proof of postage.
3. Wait. Your money should be reimbursed as soon as possible - and in any case within a maximum period of 30 days.

 

[Rich83]

I think I may be sold on the Keela and thanks for that very sound advice Mr. Squidders. I guess I can't go wrong if I order one proper.

 

[Greek1983]

I love the Berghaus Cornice's design.

http://www.simplyhike.co.uk/products/Berghaus/MensCorniceJacketIA-Black.aspx

USMC "Happy Suit"? You must be a Big spender...

 

[Rich83]

Not a big spender, bargain hunter

That jacket is nice but the Keela appears to be more fully featured for the same money.

 

[Rich83]

Also this Keela SDP stuff sounds unique and the business.

 

[Rockmonkey]

I've had various apparently waterproof jackets, and the Tahr i have owned for 3 years now, is the only true bushcraft waterproof.
You really do get what you pay for when it comes to staying dry!
Great piece of kit!

RM

 

[Rich83]

While I am sure the Tahr is fantastic it is not going to be something I would wear to pick up the kids or pop to the shop in where as the Keela looks fine. Infact, I have a Soldier 2000 smock jacket I wear all the time (black) and that's pretty trendy, a mate has almost the same but SuperDry!

 

[Squidders]

I had a Swazi Wapiti coat... it was made by a lady called Rose I think.

It was so expensive that I restricted my activity to protect it. I then sold it to buy something else. Good kit but got VERY hot and too expensive.

 

[Rich83]

Yeah I don't want a jacket that is too nice to use! Just watched "keela tv" on Youtube and I think I am gonna buy it. I'll let you know how it turns out, thanks muchly for everyone's help.

 

[Squidders]

i'm ordering one at the end of the month myself I think... plain black.

I have used some munro salopettes for about 6 years now and love them.

 

[oldtimer]

You might like to look at Paramo jackets. They seem to have a "Marmite" reputation, but I've had one for 5 years now and it's the best I've ever had. Their ethos is to provide long lasting, re-proofable kit combined with sound business and manufacturing policies. Over the years I've spent too much on jackets that continue to look good long after the inside proofing had died.
No quality jacket comes cheap, but working on initial price divided by years of use, my Paramo is great value for money.

 

[greensurfingbear]

Keela make good kit and made in Scotland. Not bad kit at not bad prices. Have to say after being issued a ventile jacket for work am tempted to save up and get a ventile for myself! Or maybe one of the ridgeline jackets if I can't save up the money


Orric

 

[Rich83]

Ventile? whats that?

 

[rg598]

For that type of money, I would go with the Artexyx Beta SV or if you want more features the Alpha SV. I have the Beta SV, and it is just a pure shell. It is very light and compresses to the size of a sock. It makes it very easy to carry around in your pack all the time.

 

[greensurfingbear]

Ventile? whats that?

Ventile is a tightly woven cotton that expands when wet making them waterproof. I'm very impressed with my work jacket. Up in the hills of Scotland I've stayed warm and dry it terrible weather. Nice thing is that they don't russle with them being cotton


Orric

 

[Rich83]

IS that what the new army smocks are made of?

 

[plastic-ninja]

Here in the Lake District , Keela have a pretty good rep for the money.
I have loads of waterproofs but I guess the ones I wear most are Paramo smock if not too wet or Arc'teryx Alpha SV if it's very foul.
Paramo has the benefit of being silent like ventile but will get wet eventually.The Alpha is totally bombproof but even after quite a few years it is still stiff and fairly noisy.More of a mountain coat than a casual pick the kids up from school one.Mountain Hardwear conduit softshell might also be worth looking at.I have a pair of trousers in this material which shed water well and are very hardwearing.I would love the jacket to match but SWMBO would skin me alive.
HTH Cheers , Simon

 

[Hibrion]

I bought one of these in the sales the other day for general wear as well as outdoor activities. It's the style you are after and has the benefit of being adaptable for the seasons. So far I've very happy with it and it received good reviews everywhere I looked:

http://www.timberlandonline.co.uk/o...ear&pid=1000J&start=8&source=search&color=001

I got it a bit cheaper at half price by going into a Timberland shop. I know Timberland have become a bit of a fashion statement, but their gear is still well made. I bought some hiking boots there on sale a few years ago and they are brilliant. I use them for hiking and hunting all year round.

 

[Rich83]

I'm still totally sold on the Munro. Thanks tho its still interesting as I'll not order until I have had a couple of days to mull it over.