Rainjackets

I have a Patagonia lightweight rain jacket and pants for travelling, and a heavy duty Marmot Gortex jacket and pants. Both are excellent and I've not experienced wetting out with either one no matter how heavy the rain. Both are guaranteed for life. In fact, two years ago my old Gortex rain jacket started to wet out on the shoulders, but I didn't think much of it because it was 23 years old. I did, however, call Gortex to find out if I could do anything about it; they told me to wash it with a certain soap and see what happens. This didn't work so I called them back and was told to send the jacket and pants to them and they would replace both with a Gortex jacket and pants of my choice. I told them that I had had the jacket and pants for 23 years and didn't have the original bill of sale; they said this didn't matter as Gortex carries a lifetime guarantee. True to their word Gortex replaced my 23 year old jacket and pants with the Marmot ones I now have, which carried a retail price of US$650. I can't think of a stronger endorsement for a product than this.
 
I thought everyone in the UK wore Barbour jackets and Wellingtons when it rained. :)

Of course, I'm from Oregon, and everyone in the U.S. thinks we dress like this:
lumberjack-234.jpg
 
moodymick said:
Bet there's 'suspenders & a bra' going on under that.
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Now you're thinking of Portland, Oregon. Not to be confused with the rest of the state.
It's full of environmentalists, gays, liberals, hippies, stoners, homeless people and a guy who rides a unicycle around town playing flaming bagpipes dressed as Darth Vader.
unipiper(pp_w980_h653).jpg

...and I'm not kidding.

Edit: and some truly excellent food. The Whovian themed fish & chips shop is great.
 
moodymick said:
For similar-ish money to Regatta / Tresspass, you should check out Tog 24 brand. If you have a 'Boundary Mill' outlet nearby, they always have them in. Another place to look for Berghaus is Sports Direct. Probably be end of line or budget, but what are you planning - walking to pub or climbing the Eiger?
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Seems like Berghaus is the leading name here, might have to scrimp and save up over the next few months!!
This is primarily for walking trips that are a few hours, not exactly hiking but nice to know I am protected when the heavens open and it lashes it down!
 
Berghaus took me to the peak of Snowdon twice, base camp everest and across the Anapurna range during monsoon season. Also kilamanjaro and several others it's lasted 15 years and has only lost 1 button head.

A much cheaper quick fix option is a decent waterproofing spray.
 
Seems like a lot of thought needs to be put into this, its not a case of a quick £20 purchase on a foldable jacket! I will say primarily this for summer or warmer weather as you get those showers we've had recently in July/August time. In the cold I can always double up underneath with a fleece.
 
Paramo would be my recommendation. also Ventile fabric is excellent rain wear. If your interested Snowsled are closing down their clothing - ventile - line. You may be able to pick up a bargain.
 
I just typed a long, detailed reply....and lost it.

OK...in short....there are lots of fakes on Ebay...especially North Face. Beware.

Beware cheap stuff in Sports Direct. Karrimor USED to be the best...it's now NOT the best!

Get a genuine make and keep the receipt. However you MIGHT think a jacket is leaking whereas it's more likely your sweat that isn't passing through the fabric...the biggest cause for complaints.

I like Paramo but some of it is a bit heavier. Tops using Paclite material are useful to roll up and put in a pack in summer.

Maybe just get a Regatta or Peter Storm and bin it as and when it fails.

Lots of reading and questioning required...and everyone will tell you something different. Just like shaving :)
 
I've had a Berghaus Mera Peak for, ohh, must be 13 years or more.

It's a fantastic jacket and has never let me down - it keeps out the wind and rain; it's light and fits well with loads of adjustability and pockets:

 
grarea said:
Doesn't water soak through after a while in the rain where the straps to the rucksack are?
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No, not at all Graham - I do know what you mean, however, as I have experienced that before with other jackets, but the Mera Peak is absolutely fine with straps.

Incidentally, the rucksack in the photo is a Karrimor Hot Rock 30l backpack and it is waterproof as well. An absolute bargain at £27 in one of Amazon's lightning deals.
 
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