Lightweight waterproof jacket

[Millerich]

My Berghaus Goretex waterproof for walking is on its last legs. I’m of a mind to look for a stalking friendly replacement rather than a walking type. Can anyone recommend a truly lightweight waterproof BREATHABLE jacket of this type? I’ve got Ridgeline and Laksen jackets for cooler weather. I want something I can wear in the rain when the temperature is 15+ degrees C.

 

[Luke571]

I have a kuiu guide dcs jacket which is lightweight, waterproof and somewhat breathable. Plenty of zips for extra ventilation if needed too.

Fairly pricey although keep an eye out for sales and the price on site is inclusive of tax.

Luke.

 

[Millerich]

I have a kuiu guide dcs jacket which is lightweight, waterproof and somewhat breathable. Plenty of zips for extra ventilation if needed too.

Fairly pricey although keep an eye out for sales and the price on site is inclusive of tax.

Luke.

Is Kuiu stuff online order only? I’d ideally like something I can pick up and try on first.

 

[Luke571]

They sometimes pop up at trade shows unsure which ones though.

 

[Millerich]

You say somewhat breathable. It’s breathability I’m most keen on. There’s plenty of waterproof stuff out there, that leaves you sweating so much you’re soaked. Ridgeline being a classic example.

 

[Greenmist]

Paramo

 

[Grant.N]

I have a Kuiu Yukon rain jacket. Fairly light and wind / water proof.
Go with the sizing instructions online and you won’t go far wrong.

 

[Dawnrazor]

I've had a Kuiu Yukon for a few years now and really like it, very good breathability and lightweight.
I like to try a Firstlite jacket but have never seen one in the flesh.

 

[Koenig]

Perhaps consider an ex-army Smock. If they are treated with Fabsil or something similar they are highly water ‘resistant’ and very breathable. I use a Para Smock, my mate an old gabardine windproof smock. Both keep rain out for the time spent on the average stalk.

 

[Millerich]

Perhaps consider an ex-army Smock. If they are treated with Fabsil or something similar they are highly water ‘resistant’ and very breathable. I use a Para Smock, my mate an old gabardine windproof smock. Both keep rain out for the time spent on the average stalk.

I’m a bit unsure about milsurp stuff as the impression I get is goretex gets less effective with age and some stuff seems quite old, even if never issued. I’m prepared to be corrected if people’s experience is contrary to this.

 

[Koenig]

I was actually meaning the cotton combat type jackets as oppose to MoD issued gore tex - which I should add is also very good and very cheap on eBay. I’ve got a 20 year old plus DPM gore tex which is still not letting any water in. I only wear it in the heaviest summer downpours though because it’s quite noisy. My old Para Smock is better 95% of the time. If worn with nothing else remotely military you don’t look like a tool/terrorist.

 

[sauer]

I’ve recently bought a full zip hooded paramo jacket

It’s unquilted / padded so would need layer system under neath

It’s windproof ..... I’ve treated with diver Dave repel waterproofer

It literally squash’s up into a ball I can hold in my fist !

I will get hold of a small stuff sack for it & can live in a pocket of a roe sack or bum bag

I bought from Hilltrek Aboyne

Around £65 in a sale if I remember

Paul

 

[LostJock]

+1 for an old ex-mil windproof smock.
The current issue MVP jacket is very good, pit zips et al.

Another option is a showerproof (not taped seams) jacket like this? Arktis make well-though-of kit, and while this isn’t monsoon or Alaska proof it may be useful. In truth I’ve been meaning to get one for ages.

 

[Millerich]

Rather than the lightweight stowaway things I’m after something I can walk around in for an hour or more in the rain that won’t leak and won’t collect so much sweat inside that it may as well have leaked. Thanks for all the replies so far. Keep them coming.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

Berghaus do some really good green jackets!

 

[Pip59]

Harkila Orton jacket is worth considering. Fits your criteria pretty well. Can't fault mine and they're not silly expensive.

 

[Millerich]

Well I’ve gone down the walking jacket in a suitable colour route. North Face Dryzzle in green. I’ll see how it performs. Thanks all for the input.

 

[bradleyhardacre]

yeah Harkila gets my vote...

 

[caorach]

Rather than the lightweight stowaway things I’m after something I can walk around in for an hour or more in the rain that won’t leak and won’t collect so much sweat inside that it may as well have leaked. Thanks for all the replies so far. Keep them coming.

As has already been pointed out what you need is a surplus windproof smock - you can get them in a range of colours and cammo patterns and they are basically heavy duty poly-cotton which means they are very breathable and, if treated correctly, sufficiently waterproof for most stalking days out. Completely waterproof jackets are only suitable on a very limited number of days as you generally end up damp and uncomfortable in them, when you need them then you do need them but the windproof smock does a better job on most days out.

 

[308tikka]

PARAMO good for walking but feels 'swishy'. The paclite goretex jackets are also v good - though I use an MTP one for stalking in warm rainy days. As above, nothing beats a gaberdine windproof smock.