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.