All round waterproof coat

[Tom D]

I work outdoors, we don't stop for rain either. Over the years I have not found ANY coat that was waterproof and breathable. Many will be pretty good at the start but once you grind some dirt into them and generally use them then the leaks appear. My favourite combo was a hiltrek ventile smock which would leak but it didn't pour through like some things can. I prefer cotton outers as when you have a fire they don't get holes in them, and when you are spending serious money, which with decent coats you usually are, you don't want to wreck it in week one.
I think the key to staying comfortable in really wet weather is all about what you wear under the coat, a merino base layer rather than a cotton t shirt is the first thing, then more wool on top of that if it's cold, then your ventile, goretex or whatever. These days I'm wearing a swandri ranger shirt and it actually seems to keep you dry, even though it's just wool. I haven't worn it in prolonged ****ing rain yet but I like it a lot. I do have the fortis / country covers smock and it's OK, but it leaks of course. If you expect every coat to either leak or cook you up a real sweat, you won't be disappointed.. the key to not feeling cold wet and miserable is don't wear cotton next to your skin, because once it's cold it stays cold and it takes a long time to dry.. wear a wool base layer and being wet isn't so bad..

 

[Alantoo]

snip...I prefer cotton outers as when you have a fire they don't get holes in them, and when you are spending serious money, which with decent coats you usually are, you don't want to wreck it in week one.
I think the key to staying comfortable in really wet weather is all about what you wear under the coat, a merino base layer rather than a cotton t shirt is the first thing, then more wool on top of that if it's cold, then your ventile, goretex or whatever. snip... the key to not feeling cold wet and miserable is don't wear cotton next to your skin, because once it's cold it stays cold and it takes a long time to dry.. wear a wool base layer and being wet isn't so bad..

I agree with this wool inner, cotton outer philosophy..I also tend to keep clothing to the minimum as I find that excess heat and sweat is one of the problems for me as far as long term comfort goes...I find it better to be slightly cold to start with in order to make sure I do not sweat when I start working or walking.

Mostly for beating I wear a wicking yoked and vented Jack Wolfskin polyester shirt under a simple lightweight Border Barbour. If it is really raw I put on a merino base or Helly Hansen Lifa...though that often is taken off mid-morning. I usually wear the Barbour open at the front, unless walking into driving rain.

For site work I found a Sioen unlined "breathable" hi-viz jacket best...fixed linings are so much less useful than adding or subtracting a fleece or two.

Alan

 

[Hales Smut]

I agree with this wool inner, cotton outer philosophy..I also tend to keep clothing to the minimum as I find that excess heat and sweat is one of the problems for me as far as long term comfort goes...I find it better to be slightly cold to start with in order to make sure I do not sweat when I start working or walking.

Mostly for beating I wear a wicking yoked and vented Jack Wolfskin polyester shirt under a simple lightweight Border Barbour. If it is really raw I put on a merino base or Helly Hansen Lifa...though that often is taken off mid-morning. I usually wear the Barbour open at the front, unless walking into driving rain.

For site work I found a Sioen unlined "breathable" hi-viz jacket best...fixed linings are so much less useful than adding or subtracting a fleece or two.

Alan

Is this the Sioen Flexothane Jacket ?

 

[Erik Hamburger]

I'm looking for a new waterproof coat. Don't like smocks as prefer full zip. Lowland stalking, rough shooting and a bit of wildfowling. Fed up making my mind up and then seeing some really crap reviews. Considered Swazi wapiti, fortis Falklands and Sitka cold front. Any recommendations or comments?

British Army Goretex in 'Used Grade 1' condition - £30-£40. Actually virtually new- http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/jackets/mtp-goretex-jacket-1123393.html or http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/jackets/mtp-lightweight-goretex-jacket-1123392.html

However if you prefer, by all means pay £150 - £200 for a 'hunter' Branded jacket, to contribute to the PR/Marketing budget of some well-known Brands. I doubt you will shoot more deer, but it will certainly be more much expensive.

 

[JTO]

These are probably too cheap to be considered http://www.freewebs.com/weariteclothing/jackets.htm

 

[Alantoo]

These are probably too cheap to be considered http://www.freewebs.com/weariteclothing/jackets.htm

Wearite stuff is very good. I have some of their Milair leggings for beating...well I say beating, they are brilliant for strimming as well.

Nice company who actually make the stuff they sell...they charged me another £5 to make me a pair of bespoke extra long leggings, which meant I did not have to wear gaiters with ordinary height walking boots.

My brother in law speaks highly of their jackets as well.

Alan

 

[Alantoo]

Is this the Sioen Flexothane Jacket ?

The one I have is the Monoray which uses their Siopor fabric.

Alan

 

[TOMMO.B]

Army issue gortex. at forty pound a set you canny go wrong. beats me why you would pay £500 for a jacket to crawl through a bog and then be up to your pits in blood once you get a beast. some of the euro stuff has the bib and brace trousers for extra protection. but its what ever keeps you dry. tried and tested in scotland.
Good luck Tommy

 

[JTO]

Wearite stuff is very good.
Alan

I know, but not a lot of other people seem to know that.

 

[Rasputin]

I have one of these http://www.prologicfishing.com/product/max5-thermo-armour-pro-jacket/

I wear it almost daily in weather from typical of the UK right down to -20c and can honestly say for the money its tremendous value. My expensive Northface and Norrona gear is all well ad good but honestly not worth the money imo.

Ras