Fjallraven No. 8 or Swazi (for Bushcraft, Camping, Hiking & Hunting)

[phillips321]

I've also started using a single layer venture outer top for wildfowling. It's pretty good at blocking the wind and rain, and feels hard wearing enough. Only issue is it goes rigid when soaked which feels weird but you soon get used to it. Ventile once wet through is no longer breathable though.... so if sweating underneath the sweat will build up. I literally have different jackets for different situations:
Fjallraven G1000 ---- Hardwearing, breathable NOT waterproof
Ventile --- Waterproof, semi-hardwearing, NOT breathable when wet
Paramo Nikwax Analogy --- Waterproof, breathable NOT hardwearing
Gortex - Hate the stuff. too noisey!

 

[llwynog]

I don't know if Hilltrek still do it but my heavy smock is heavy weight Ventile outer with a Paramo Nikwax inner. So you get the best of both worlds. It's seriously warm though.

 

[DeerHunterUK]

I've also started using a single layer venture outer top for wildfowling. It's pretty good at blocking the wind and rain, and feels hard wearing enough. Only issue is it goes rigid when soaked which feels weird but you soon get used to it. Ventile once wet through is no longer breathable though.... so if sweating underneath the sweat will build up. I literally have different jackets for different situations:
Fjallraven G1000 ---- Hardwearing, breathable NOT waterproof
Ventile --- Waterproof, semi-hardwearing, NOT breathable when wet
Paramo Nikwax Analogy --- Waterproof, breathable NOT hardwearing
Gortex - Hate the stuff. too noisey!

Yeah this is what I was trying to avoid

 

[Mungo]

I’ve cancelled my order for the No. 8 as I just can’t justify the expensive price tag for a jacket that isn’t waterproof

Good call.

They’re a complete waste of money.

 

[DeerHunterUK]

Good call.

They’re a complete waste of money.

Thanks for the validation glad someone agrees

 

[Mungo]

I am not a fan of any of the non membrane based jackets for genuinely wet conditions.

If you want ACTUALLY waterproof…

If you want cheap (buy one every 2 years, treat as a consumable) get a Ridgeline monsoon.

If you want expensive (buy every 5-7 years), get a Norrona Kvinherrad.

 

[DeerHunterUK]

I am not a fan of any of the non membrane based jackets for genuinely wet conditions.

If you want ACTUALLY waterproof…

If you want cheap (buy one every 2 years, treat as a consumable) get a Ridgeline monsoon.

If you want expensive (buy every 5-7 years), get a Norrona Kvinherrad.

agree with the consumable and wow Norrona Kvinherrad looks awesome but £700..??!!

 

[Mungo]

agree with the consumable and wow Norrona Kvinherrad looks awesome but £700..??!!

Yeah. Extremely punchy.

But! I swallowed and bought one in early 2020.

It has been horribly abused in all sorts of conditions, including dense Sitka spruce. And it is still very waterproof.

It has some design flaws, that irritate me enormously. But I still keep coming back to it.

 

[WTMR]

Yeah. Extremely punchy.

But! I swallowed and bought one in early 2020.

It has been horribly abused in all sorts of conditions, including dense Sitka spruce. And it is still very waterproof.

It has some design flaws, that irritate me enormously. But I still keep coming back to it.

First time ive heard of someone using the Norrona hunting kit in the UK. I use some of their other goretex kit for walking/skiing and agree it’s incredible.

Plus, if you buy from their online outlet you get a 7 year warranty and it’s usually half price!

 

[Scuffy]

I’ve had a Kvinherrad for 4 years, it bulky but utterly dependable. It’s one of those items of clothing that when the weather is shite….. you find yourself with a smug smile.

 

[Siggy]

I’d have said keep the No. 8. I was listening to a US podcast the other day and they were discussing the impact of the bans on the forever chemicals used in goretex et al. They were discussing how they would have to go back to Filson jackets etc.

With a No. 8 you would be ahead of the curve.

If you still want to scratch your natural fibre itch ( no pun intended!). Can I recommend a swanndri Reidston jacket. I got one last autumn and have worn it everyday walking the dogs through out the winter. Admittedly I’m in the South East which has had a pretty dry mild winter but the wool regulates temperature superbly. At only £189.95 its great value for money and coped with everything except heavy rain

Swanndri Reidston Wool Anorak - Olive/Black

Swanndri is an iconic brand from New Zealand and has been making wool clothing for over 100 years so if you want a top quality piece of clothing that

www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk

 

[DeerHunterUK]

I’d have said keep the No. 8. I was listening to a US podcast the other day and they were discussing the impact of the bans on the forever chemicals used in goretex et al. They were discussing how they would have to go back to Filson jackets etc.

With a No. 8 you would be ahead of the curve.

If you still want to scratch your natural fibre itch ( no pun intended!). Can I recommend a swanndri Reidston jacket. I got one last autumn and have worn it everyday walking the dogs through out the winter. Admittedly I’m in the South East which has had a pretty dry mild winter but the wool regulates temperature superbly. At only £189.95 its great value for money and coped with everything except heavy rain

Swanndri Reidston Wool Anorak - Olive/Black

Swanndri is an iconic brand from New Zealand and has been making wool clothing for over 100 years so if you want a top quality piece of clothing that

www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk

I ended up buying the No.8 jacket and use it for bushcraft but I also own the Swanndri V2 Extreme woollen top and it’s awesome esp for every day wear. Although it’s 100% wool it does have a synthetic lining (poss nylon or polyester etc)…