Wet weather gear

[Didge]

I've been looking at getting some really good raincoats and like many others was led to believe that Gore-Tex was the bees knees until I read this file - see attached (the pictures didn't copy but you're not missing anything there). I have an old Drizabone that needs re oiling and is ok for working and 4wdriving sort of stuff but I wanted something that would stay clean. The attached files raises many questions about what to get and whether paying more results in staying drier.
cheers Gerald

[stallie]

What is your end use?

Do you want a lightweight jacket to wear whilst you get it of the car when it's raining to set up, then you will sit in the tent?

Or do you want something to wear whilst you hike for five hours up to the top of a hill in the rain and snow?

Or something that will keep you dry from the light shower that you might be in walking to the shops?

[Didge]

Hi Stallie, I've always wanted something that I could stand out in a downpour in for ages (the wife can't understand it) because I've had various raincoats (including one of those Nylon "Drizabones" that leaked through all the seams) and they all seem to leak after a downpour. I had a bit of dough to buy something decent and I've gone with a Gondwana jacket that is supposed to be waterproof rated to 10000mm (I'm assuming that's capable of withstanding a head pressure of 10m) and a similar breathabiity rating which is you read the file I attached earlier seems to be a nonsense rating in most instances. Anyway, it was on a 30% off sale from Ananconda (yeah, I know they're all overpriced at the start but not as bad as Kathmandu aka Keepmydough) but it had all the things I wanted so I'll see how it goes. As I said earlier, I still have the drizabone for the work situation.
cheers Gerald

[austastar]

Hi,
we bought a set of Paddy Pallin's Vista jackets and pants some 10 years ago. Have used them in absolutely foul weather for walking and other outdoor activities and am quite happy with them.
Yes there are some conditions when a heavy industrial vinyl type coat would have been better, and an umbrella may have helped as well, gumboots would have been better footwear.
Under some conditions you just can't stay dry all day, and a change of clothes (or two) will be needed.

cheers

[mattyg]

I've got a mountain designs gore tex raincoat. It's great but if I was buying again I would get one made of eVent fabric. It's heaps more breathable but equally waterproof. Macpac make a great range of them. I have other Macpac stuff and it's the bees neez.

Don't pay full price- wait till they have a sale ( which is pretty regularly)

[Didge]

Macpac stuff might be good but it isn't cheap, is it?!!

[mattyg]

Nah, unfortunately it isn't! The sales will take about 30% off. $600 jacket back to $400. You would pick up a good gore tex jacket for around $300. It's a long term investment though so get the best you can.

[p38arover]

I've got a Drizabone but I've hardly worn it. After I bought it, it never rained and now I've, umm, outgrown it. :(

[rocket scientist]

I bought a Paddy Palin Gortex about 8 years ago and I am glad I spent a bit more. it's done many hiking trips in the worst conditions. With a fleece underneath I am warm as toast.

[p38arover]

I've been looking at getting some really good raincoats and like many others was led to believe that Gore-Tex was the bees knees until I read this file - see attached (the pictures didn't copy but you're not missing anything there). I have an old Drizabone that needs re oiling and is ok for working and 4wdriving sort of stuff but I wanted something that would stay clean. The attached files raises many questions about what to get and whether paying more results in staying drier.
cheers Gerald

A lot of the linked document is applicable to motorcycling wet weather gear, too.

[THE BOOGER]

Gerald have you looked at motorcycle wet weather gear i often use my bike stuff for work, warm and dry

[Barra1]

Mont, an Australian company based in Canberra, makes good stuff - Hydronaute is their rainwear gear.;)

[Didge]

Hi Geoff, I did consider very briefly the bike gear and also had a good look at some sailing jackets but both are considerably bulkier than I wanted. I need something I can roll up tightly and put in my work rucksack. Unfortunately I have a budget and whilst paying $400 might get me what I'd truly like, I just can't justify it.
cheers Gerald

[pushrod]

HI GERALD,
i can recommend the "eVent Material " range from MACPAC...
light, breathable and absolutely waterproof... had mine for a year now and have done a weeks long bushwalk in tassie , in the rain for most of it... bone dry! best
ANDRE

[Didge]

Thanks for the advice Andre but I've just got hold of a Gondwana jacket that claims the following:
Material: Durable ripstop construction, micro porous laminate
Waterproof rating: 10,000 mm
Breathability rating: 8,000 mnp
Core venting: No
Pockets: 2
Seam sealed: DWR finish
Hood: Yes
Zip in compatibility: No
Weight: 714 g
Primary activity(s): Winter recreational activities
Warranty: 3 years
$140 down from $199 - hopefully it'll be as good as yours as for some reason I wanted something I could standing in the pouring rain and stay dry. gotta get the duds yet.

cheers Gerald

[numpty]

Mont, an Australian company based in Canberra, makes good stuff - Hydronaute is their rainwear gear.;)

I'd be surprised if their gear is "made" in Australia. Most of the big players gear is made in vietnam and China these days and that is not a slight on the quality. Paddy Pallin dont make anything anymore I believe!!

[Didge]

I was listening to the two Murrays on 2UE today and the claim was made that Audi's main factory is now based in China, so what hope would we have that raincoats, etc are being made outside of China?