I have several Nomad jackets, plus breeks. I use a Quadrider for stalking and have never been wet in it, despite the best efforts of Argyll and Cumbria! My old Ranger jacket is close to thirty years old, and it's pretty shabby, but still waterproof.
While I'd agree with earlier comments that the fleece models get heavy when they're wet, and the after sales is crap, I still prefer mine when things get cold and wet.
What I've learned about them over the years is this;
...if you catch them on barb, or punch a hole in them somehow....a piece of Stormseal tape on the back, or a dab of Aquaseal wader repair glue. Fixed.
...don't let the Fearless Leader wash them in a hot wash. That will definitely make the taping come away. A 25-30C wash, they'll be fine. If I've got blood over the jacket from a gralloch, a quick hose down gets it off just fine.
....the 'membrane' (not actually the correct term, but you know what I mean) works on heat. If you're warm under the jacket, the rain doesn't come through it, and it wicks any moisture away from your body as well, but......if you get back in the truck (with the material wet from rain..) and you switch on the seat heater, then the membrane 'flips' and the water comes through from the outside!
Everybody will have a different opinion, and different experiences with outdoor clothing. For me, I've had Musto - three seasons and it was toast. I've had Barbours (old and new) - never again. My Nomads have lasted longer than anything else, bar none, so I won't be changing any time soon.
