Waterproof breathable jackets - any recommendations?

[kyanya]

Although this isn't strictly horsey, I'm sure most people here need good waterproof jackets, so hopefully there'll be some good recommendations.

Since I've decided I'm serious about walking to work (4 miles a day) and my Dublin waterproof jacket has given up on being waterproof, I need a new coat for the winter. When it's dry, I'm still walking without a jacket at the moment because I walk quite quickly and get quite warm. I've been using a pac-a-mac thing when it has rained, but it's not breathable and I get quite sweaty in it, which isn't nice considering I then have to sit at my desk without having a shower!

So does anyone have any suggestions? I want it to have a hood, and be as long as possible (although if I can only find good short ones, I might have to think about waterproof trousers too). I'm not really sure how insulated I need it to be - like I said, at the moment I get quite warm when I walk, but will that be true when it's freezing in winter? I won't be standing around in it, I'll always be walking pretty fast, but ideally I want it to keep me cool and dry on autumn rainy days and warm enough and dry on snowy winter days.

 

[Kat]

My advice would be steer well clear of the horsey brands. Most are in the dark ages in terms of technical specifications. Look at jackets aimed at hikers, climbers and fell runners you will find all kinds of amazing things as yet unheard of in the horse world!

If you want the absolute business in terms of easy to care for waterproof breathable and lightweight have a look at Paramo http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/index.php I haven't got one of these but i know someone who has. They took it for a week climbing in Snowdonia and have nothing but praise for it, and they are a VERY picky customer.

If Paramo is a bit over budget or if you don't like the look of them then go for goretex. Look for the Goretex name and trademark, you won't go far wrong. Goretex is waterproof and breathable and easy to care for, wash and tumble dry no need for fancy re-proofing. It remains waterproof after washing, in fact washing improves its waterproof properties.

I have a Berghaus jacket made from Goretex Paclite. It rolls into a little bag about the size of a grapefruit and weighs nothing so you can bung it in your handbag easily. I have had it about 8 years now and it is still absolutely 100% waterproof, and if i wear it to the stables I am often dryer than anyone else after a heavy rain storm. It has never leaked.

I would suggest buying a jacket that is just waterproof with no padding or insulation and only wearing it to keep the rain off, then buying fleeces or down filled jackets/gilets for warmth. This is because a waterproof can never truely be as breathable as a non-waterproof so you will get less sweaty this way. It also gives much more flexibility, so I sometimes wear my goretex jacket over just a t-shirt to keep off the rain on a warm day, but in winter I will have thermals and fleeces underneath to make it warm.

Cotswold Outdoor is a good online site to look at a range of reliable brands. Berghaus, Mountain Equipment, North Face, Montaine, Mountain Hardware are all good makes that will do decent kit with long guarantees. They also have good sales.

 

[Kat]

Oh in terms of length, get one that is about bum length and then if you need them get trousers too, much easier to walk in than a long coat, and more flexible. You want something that you can use all year round.

Re: getting sweaty, hiking jackets have things like pit zips and venting pockets to help you keep cool. Some also have zip off arms.

Don't under estimate how warm walking keeps you. Or how much of a difference, hat gloves and scarf make. Even in snowy conditions I often walk without a coat as you generate heat. In all but the coldest weather a good thermal baselayer, and a warm fleece type jumper with thinsulate hat, gloves and an original buff was warm enough once I got going. I added the goretext jacket only if it rained, I only needed an insulated jacket if sitting/standing still or walking slowly (like round the shops). You should ideally feel a bit cold when you set off, this will get you walking briskly and you will soon warm up but will not overheat.

 

[kyanya]

Thanks so much KK, just the kind of advice I was after. It does make most sense to get a lightweight waterproof, as I already have enough layers to keep me warm if walking alone doesn't do it, but it is a breathable waterproof layer I'm really lacking all year round.

I was aware of Goretex, but didn't know that washing it only increased the waterproofing - that's a revelation for me. My Dublin jacket was great until I washed it! Do you know how Paramo jackets stand up to the washing machine?

 

[Merrymoles]

I got a Rohan walking jacket (it was previously my mum's) and it has been far better than any horsey brand I've had - washes like a dream and stays waterproof. It has no fill but has a two-way zip which is vital for riding and I wear a fleece under it when it's cold.

 

[Kat]

Thanks so much KK, just the kind of advice I was after. It does make most sense to get a lightweight waterproof, as I already have enough layers to keep me warm if walking alone doesn't do it, but it is a breathable waterproof layer I'm really lacking all year round.

I was aware of Goretex, but didn't know that washing it only increased the waterproofing - that's a revelation for me. My Dublin jacket was great until I washed it! Do you know how Paramo jackets stand up to the washing machine?

I think with goretex you have to wash and tumble dry to actually increase the waterproofing. I know it makes a difference with mine!

I've just bought a paramo, apparently they have to be washed with their "special" washing stuff, and that should also improve performance, once a year they should be done in their "re-proofing" stuff. But given that with correct treatment they stay waterproof for YEARS it should be worth the extra faff/cost though the tech wash isn't mega pricey.