Down jackets waterproof?

[McW]

Does anyone have of know whether down jackets are waterproof? I'm considering a kingsland or Eurostar but neither actually say waterproof in the description...!? I would imagine in this weather that with the constant snow or rain would need quite a waterproof outer, so I'm concerned for the price they might not be which would be useless.

Thanks guys

 

[katherine1975]

I have a musto down jacket that is not waterproof but very warm. I often wear it with a waterproof jacket on top to keep dry and warm.

 

[vallin]

No waterproof! Never where down in the rain it will ruin it!

 

[*hic*]

It depends on the outer, and whether the seams are effectively taped, ie you get what you pay for!

 

[Renvers]

unlikely to find many - you could try mountaineering brands as they are better constructed. I have a Mountain Expert one which is pretty good but I have treated it with Nik Wax Down Proofer, but wouldn't trust it in more than light rain.

 

[Caol Ila]

Vallin beat me to it. Don't wear down in the wet! Some outdoor gear companies make down jackets for mountaineering that have a water resistant outer layer but they will cost you an arm and a leg. I would not use one at the barn, as gear just gets trashed there. Either get a synthetic fill jacket or put a waterproof over a light down one.

I'm currently using an old ski jacket that I retired from skiing some years ago, due to losing some of its loft and warmth and the zipper being a bit ******ed. Synthetic fill and a water resistant outer shell.

 

[webble]

Vallin beat me to it. Don't wear down in the wet! Some outdoor gear companies make down jackets for mountaineering that have a water resistant outer layer but they will cost you an arm and a leg. I would not use one at the barn, as gear just gets trashed there. Either get a synthetic fill jacket or put a waterproof over a light down one.

I'm currently using an old ski jacket that I retired from skiing some years ago, due to losing some of its loft and warmth and the zipper being a bit ******ed. Synthetic fill and a water resistant outer shell.

Agree with this a decent mountain one will be a few hundred pounds

 

[McW]

Thanks guys, so I'm still on the look out for a lovely warm jacket!

 

[birchave0]

I have a Schockemohle down filled jacket that is shower proof, in fact last month whilst in Germany I spent all day outside in the snow WITHOUT getting wet! Amazing really as it was heavy snow too.

TBH I reckon the only true waterproof coat is a waxed one, true they are smelly and heavy but never seem to let the rain in if well waxed.
It seems even the new modern fabrics need constant reproofing

Buy a down filled jacket and a lightweight cagoole to go on top if it chucks it down lol

at least you'll be warm

 

[sbloom]

I ahve a down waterproof KyraK jacket and it's heavy and unwieldy, and yes, if the waterproofing fails then the down will fast become useless - down is for cold, dry conditions.

I recommend going away from riding coats - look for synthetic filling, and conside a separate waterproof outer. For saddle fitting work I wear a Jack Wolfskin 3 in 1 jacket - for most of the winter I've had a baselayer and zip in 200g fleece, then added a fleece gilet when a little colder, then swapped the fleeces for an old down jacket under the outer in recent frigid conditions!

I find horsey stuff underperforms or is really expensive. I disagree that wax is the only truly waterproof coat, and loads of walkers would disagree, you just need to go to non-horsey brands and make sure you do an extra rinse when you wash it, having used a specialist wash or a very delicate detergent. I wash my jacket fortnightly and rarely reproof.

Though I do agree with the layers! My cheap down jacket is from LandsEnd, there are plenty around. Spend money on the waterproof bit. When I rode a lot I also swore by Polartec Windpro for schooling where I'd get hot even in cold weather - not remotely waterproof though it'll shed a light shower; it'll keep some wind out but breathe much better than windproof fleece with a membrane. Outdoors Magic is a great forum for talking about gear

 

[Louby]

I have a Caldene waterproof down jacket, its years old, its soooo warm but its a total pain to wash, well dry.... and since I got rid of my dryer its hard work and has never looked the same, a bit flat, so spends most of the time smelly
TBH I wouldnt buy another unless it was a total bargain.

 

[SpottedCat]

Not unless it has the right outer - and most don't. I used to have a goretex down jacket, which was waterproof and warm as down filled. Most of my yard coats have been mountaineering brands as I climb too and technical outdoor clothing is streets ahead of horsey stuff. However, I recently bought a Wellenstyne jacket, which is amazing - waterproof, breathable, toasty warm, tough and doesn't harbour yard smells, should have got one years ago! They are originally a ski brand though I think.

 

[Kat]

As the others say, it is unlikely, down jackets with waterproof outers are expensive.

There are two possible solutions.
1) Buy a light weight waterproof to go over the top - this is a practical and flexible solution and one recommended by many experts on outdoor clothing.
2) Buy a synthetic down equivalent like primaloft which is less likely to be damaged in wet weather and easier to clean, but is still unlikely to be more than shower proof.

Personally I think the paramo insulator garments are very good, I have the gilet, it is warm like down, light weight and comfortable and they have a water resistent outer that can be kept waterproof by using TX Direct. I also have a primaloft jacket and a down jacket so I can compare - much as I love my down jacket I wouldn't buy another, it is heavy and bulky compared to the paramo and the primaloft and needs specialist cleaning.

 

[Caol Ila]

As I've replaced a lot of the fleece I used to use for mountaineering with primaloft (lighter and warmer), I am now using the fleece as a barn mid-layer underneath the ski jacket I mentioned earlier. Is it just me who retires mountaineering gear to the barn? My good gear stays as faaaaaar away from the barn as possible.

A word of warning -- I've found that barns eat Gore Tex unless you wash it regularly. All the dust and dirt that comes from being around horses will damage the waterproof shell.

 

[Kat]

I agree Caol Ila I keep my good hiking gear away from the horse, unless the weather is really dire! I wouldn't dream of letting the horse see me in my down jacket.

She's developed a fondness for the zips on my primaloft jacket so I think its days might be numbered. I do think Paramo is better than goretex for horses, doesn't rustle and is easier to wash and less likely to be damaged. It can also be repaired if ripped, I keep an eye out for it cheap on ebay and then buy it quick.

 

[Myloubylou]

Does it need to be down. Have a ariat Bergen coat that really rate for warmth, waterproofness and looks.

 

[moana]

It does not matter what the filling, but many jackets are just shower proof and not waterproo, check the description. If it does not say waterproof it is unlikely to be, not many jackets are!

 

[rossiroo]

I have a down ski jacket that is fab, got it from TK MAX at a good price, kept me warm and dry in all the cold wet weather of late. If you are lucky you may get one in a sensible colour !

 

[Goldenstar]

My friends a climber she has wonderful waterproof down jackets but they are very costly.
Her springer spaniel chewed hers !!!!!