Thread: Waterproof Jacket Recommendation

For good quality and breathe-ability, I don't think much beats Gore-Tex.

Yes, they are expensive, but they are light, very waterproof, will last many many years (mine is 7 years and still going as good as ever) and breathe very well. The basic design of the fabric is that the holes created in the weave are too small for water molecules, but large enough for air, so it works well!

You should be able to get a good quality jacket starting from around $200. Try sucking air through from the inside of the jacket, if its particularly hard (or impossible in the case of substance coated...) it won't breathe well and you will turn into a sauna!

HTH, Seano

G'Day Steve. Mate, to clarify, are you after a 'storm jacket' (read medium weight) as such or more of a lightweight 'technical fabric' (gore-tex type) rain coat.
I guess it depends on your layering system, if you have one. 3 or 4 layers including shell.
Do you want a jacket to keep you dry AND warm -5 to 10, 0 to15, 5 to 20 degC?
Dave

Wait until Kathmandu have a sale. We got a $500 gore-tex jacket for under 1/2 price. Big improvement over a non-breathable 'plastic' type jacket.

Originally Posted by DiscoDavo

G'Day Steve. Mate, to clarify, are you after a 'storm jacket' (read medium weight) as such or more of a lightweight 'technical fabric' (gore-tex type) rain coat.
I guess it depends on your layering system, if you have one. 3 or 4 layers including shell.
Do you want a jacket to keep you dry AND warm -5 to 10, 0 to15, 5 to 20 degC?
Dave

Hi Dave. The gore-tex style rain coat I guess. Doesn't need to provide any warmth as I layer up as required and just need something to go over the top to keep dry. That way I can use it whatever the temperature.
Being smaller/lighter its also more likely to end up with me when its required rather than left at home or back at camp.

Steve

I agree with Seano87. Spend as much as you can.

I got mine at a closing-down sale $450 down to $250 and I thought, "Why would someone spend $250 on a rain coat?" Best camping equipment money I've ever spent. It really shines in our humidity.

The gore-tex ones are great, but follow the care instructions(which may be counter-intuitive). these can include spraying with a water-proofing agent then tumble drying or ironing.

W

Originally Posted by spudboy

Wait until Kathmandu have a sale. We got a $500 gore-tex jacket for under 1/2 price. Big improvement over a non-breathable 'plastic' type jacket.

Definitely hoping not to pay full price!
I forgot about Kathmandu - I think there is still one in Geelong so will check that out once I've got a clearer idea of what I need.

Sounds like the Gore-tex style is the way to go, but I know there are other fancy named fabrics around now so would be interested any any info on those too.
Perhaps they are/were gore-tex anyway before the relative marketing departments got to them (since gore-tex has been around at least since the 80's).

Steve

mate go into a sailing shop and see what they have i have a full kit of sailing gear which is orsome in the cold wether on land. i recomend henery loyd or helly hansen gear. there not that cheep but i think some of the best gear by far

Cheers

Sparks

Steve,

Following on from Sparks's idea, visit Whitworths Marine: Clothing/Apparel > Wet Weather Gear to help with the research. Whitworths have a good website showing prices and pictures of their gear. Whilst some are very expensive ($1000+ ) it's worth visiting them for a better price .