Where do you buy winter outdoor wear? Is Mountain Wearhouse good?

[UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme]

Is stuff from Mountain Wearhouse any good? Looking for properly waterproof and breathable, non sweaty winter jacket for longer walks, plus maybe hiking trousers and layers. Every coat I buy isn't properly waterproof or is sweaty so I end up soaked anyway!

No, Mountain Warehouse is ok for t-shirts and stuff, but not great quality for things which need to be durable or properly waterproof imo. I live in Cumbria, so I need heavy-duty outdoor wear and am surrounded by outdoor shops. I buy reasonably expensive walking boots and mid-range to expensive-ish waterproofs. I just bought a Berghaus one in the sale, which is the most waterproof one I've had.

I’ve got some stuff from MW and it’s been ok. However, the coat does seem a bit sweaty at times but not sure how it compares to other brands.

Ah ok thanks! Sweaty is what I want to avoid! I have several slightly inadequate coats, I want one I can wear on a rainy walk without having to shower when I get home!

Will look at Berghaus

I want one I can wear on a rainy walk without having to shower when I get home!

Well quite! I spent a day at the zoo with the dc and it absolutely hammered it down most if the time. I was completely dry underneath when I took my new coat off. Dh just bought a long waterproof from Rohan for proper rainy days in the mountains- great brand but very pricey!

If you don’t mind buying online I have found Sportpursuit.com really good for discounted activewear. It can sometimes take a couple of weeks for delivery but I bought a Gortex running jacket for £100 which had been reduced from £220 so worth the wait. They do Berghaus, Salomon, Rab And loads of others.

I've just looked at Berghaus and that's realistic - I've never had anything from them although I live in Germany! No high Street outdoors shops locally though - just shops for hunters and fishers randomly located in small villages which I'd never go into!

Some of the Rohan stuff is really very nice though! Wishlist/ maybe later if it's on sale prices though!

I have a mixture of Decathlon and Go Outdoors stuff.

I hear you. Mountain warehouse sandals this year were appalling quality.
I have a seasalt waterproof I rate highly.

Alpkit for most of my stuff.... also Patagonia for when I think I might win the lottery.

HelenaNightSoilCart thanks I'll look. Definitely buying online - there just don't seem to be outdoor shops around here except for people who's job or hardcore hobby is outdoors. Ordinary clothing shops sell ski wear in winter but obviously that's not quite what I'm looking for.

I have a berghaus that I use for dog walking and I'm always warm and dry and I've just realised I bought it 20 years ago. So great value for money. My hiking boots are the same age and still going strong

I have a mountain warehouse down jacket which has been fine. My proper waterproof stuff is Patagonia which is excellent but pricey

I buy DSs winter/waterproof coats from Trespass - not as expensive as Berghaus or Patagonia, and very warm/waterproof.

I buy fleeces for me and all the kids winter stuff in mountain warehouse

I can’t comment on the quality of their coats but my husband swears by Rohan I have a Rohan coat and it’s not “sweaty” at all

My sister lives in the lakes and has Paramo.

If you're in Germany look out for Jack Wolfskin, also recommend Decathlon for excellent quality at a great price (i.e. buy the top of the range of their own label).

Mountain Warehouse is cheap and cheerful rather than hardcore performance gear.
Great for the kids in particular.
I'd get jumpers/ t-shirts/ trousers there, but not quality waterproofs.

Go Outdoors, Decathlon, Berhaus, Jack Wolfskin are all good stores/ brands.

My last quality waterproof coat was from a shop in Aviemore, but having had DCs in the last decade, I can't justify that finanical league, nor the rucksack space to replace it with the same quality for a few more years.

North face. Worth every penny.

Not cheap but indestructible and waterproof.

Still looks brand new after 5 years.

I'm a dog walker so out in all weathers - I wear Rohan. I have an "Ascent" jacket - four years old and like new - I've only reproofed it once, plus their Dry Roamers - look like normal trousers but are totally waterproof.

In winter I just layer up underneath - merino is a great base layer - don't go for cotton or you'll sweat like anything

YY to Jack Wolfskin. I've had the same one for five years. It's a proper winter coat that was worth every penny. When I've been out with friends in terrible rain I've been the only one who didn't have the resin soak through.

The most waterproof coat I've ever owned is Cotton Traders Windermere. I've had the current one for years and years and it's still waterproof. It's got a thin lining so good in summer but I layer under it in winter, although I see the current one says its lining is 'wadded'. People remark on how smart it is, which is a bonus.

I've MW overtrousers which have remained waterproof for several years. And a pair of their walking shoes which are still going strong and waterproof after several years.

I bought a JW down jacket for £200 and it lasted a year. Down kept seeping from the coat, the cuff of the sleeves wore thin. Never again.

Then i bought a MW synthetic filling and its still going strong. Washes well. I also have waterproofs from them and millets.

Im in Snowdonia and wear them a lot.

Can I ask - is a North Face jacket worth the expense? They are so expensive!

123456abcd I didn't think Jack Wolfskin was German! American isn't it? I remember teen boys in the UK wearing that brand but haven't noticed it here. Maybe I'm being very unobservant though, I'm not really a brands person at all