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Waterproof Walking Coat

14 replies

CultOfWax · 06/09/2020 12:50

A bit of a boring one, but can I have your recommendations please - I need a good coat for walking in the lakes in a couple of weeks time. Warm and waterproof are a must!

If anyone's got any recommendations for trousers and walking boots too that'd be great.

Happy to spend out a bit for quality stuff that will last a good while.

OP posts:
danuta22 · 06/09/2020 12:59

I got Seasalt Plant Hunter last year, it's lovely, warm and waterproof. Not sure if it will be too long for your needs, but they do loads of other models too :)

SadiePurple · 06/09/2020 13:10

Can you wait until you get there? The LD has so many great outdoor shops, you'll be spoilt for choice.

NotMeNoNo · 06/09/2020 16:24

Suggest go to a branch of (in order of pref) Decathlon, Cotswold Outdoor, Blacks/Go Outdoors or Mountain Warehouse. You really need to try things on.

Walkers wear a fleece or thin puffa jacket with a waterproof over it when it rains or is windy. Neither should be too thick and heavy. If you'e worried about being cold get a long sleeved base layer top and carry a spare thin layer.

Trousers I have just bought Regatta Pentre trousers and I think they are amazing but Craghoppers also do a lot of good trousers. Make sure to get some with stretch. You could just wear some thick running leggings though. I hate waterproof over trousers so have some very cheap packaway ones for last resort.

Walking boots Scarpa, Salomon, Berghaus are decent. Get some Bridgedale socks too.

If you look for items tagged as "Dof E recommended" they are usually a good baseline for kit that does the job without being crazy expensive.

This could all add up - I would expect to pay over £70 each for a good waterproof jacket and boots (but you might get a sale bargain or could easily pay twice that). Except Decathlon because their stuff is excellent for its price. In fact if you buy everything from the "MH500" range in Decathlon you wont go far wrong.

NotMeNoNo · 06/09/2020 16:25

By the way I'm guessing you mean walking up to the top of some of the mountains rather than strolling round the side of a lake and some tea shops. Apologies if I've over specified!

gubbbbbddaaaa · 06/09/2020 16:40

Rab or north face

BikeRunSki · 06/09/2020 17:05

Craghoppers Kiwi Pro are my favourite walking trousers. I climb mountains for fun, and need walking trousers for work, I buy extra pair of these in preference to the uniform ones we get from work. They're usually available on Amazon half price in at least some colours.

For a waterproof hillwalking jacket, you can spend anything from about £100-£500. Waterproof jackets are always only as breathable was what you wear underneath though, so you will get condensation inside the most expensive Goretex jacket in the world if you wear a big woolly jumper underneath.

I wouldn't recommend warm and waterproof in a single jacket - you need layers; base layer (long sleeved thermal vest), fleece layer (possibly 2) and waterproof shell.

Alpikit and Decathlon are very good for the price, but Alpkit was sold out of a lot earlier this week. I've never had a Mountain Warehouse waterproof, but I have been impressed with the other stuff of theirs that I have had. Land's End are worth a look too.

Other "big names" are Rab, North Face, Marmot, Montane, Berghaus (their are many others, although I hated the Jack Wolfskin jacket I had) - the Rolls Royce brands tend to be the US mountaineering brands - Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Arcteryx. Rohan make some decent kit too.

Look out for breathable fabric (Goretex is a particular type of breathable waterproof fabric, but many manufacturers also use their own fabric) taped seams, and a label that gives the "hydrostatic head" value of at least 10,000mm. This means that the fabric will withstand a 10 m column of water without leaking, This is what defines waterproof (lower values are classed as water resistant).

You may want to try on a few jackets to find one that fits well. Jackets sold as mountaineering jackets tend to be very narrow fitting on the hips (so they don't get in the way of a harness) - which doesn't work for me!

BikeRunSki · 06/09/2020 17:09

Boots - try them on! DH used to be a boot fitter in a well know independent outdoor shop. Different boots are different shapes! He loves Salomon boots, but they have never been comfortable for me. Dedicate an hour or 2 to trying on boots and seeing what is comfortable for you. After many years and a wet afternoon in the Alps, I have learnt that I have a "Scarpa Foot" and what codes to look out for to mean its made on the last that suits me.

BikeRunSki · 06/09/2020 17:11

If you look for items tagged as "Dof E recommended" they are usually a good baseline for kit that does the job without being crazy expensive.

Really good advice

NotMeNoNo · 06/09/2020 17:14

By the way if you are in the Midlands, the Rab factory shop "Mountain Outfitters" has loads of good gear, they are off M1 Junction 28 in Alfreton. Most choice in size 12 or smaller. Opening hours on their web page.

BikeRunSki · 06/09/2020 17:20

This would be a decent jacket

Have a look at Magic Mountain - they are Mountain Equipment's factory shop, and have a good range of old stock/samples in a limited range of sizes at good prices.

Imissmoominmama · 06/09/2020 18:55

After getting soaked through to the skin in a Howies coat today, I’ve ordered a Páramo waterproof coat. I got it on eBay (it’s new) so I hope it’s legit. I’m quite excited about it (saddo).

BikeRunSki · 06/09/2020 21:26

@NotMeNoNo

By the way if you are in the Midlands, the Rab factory shop "Mountain Outfitters" has loads of good gear, they are off M1 Junction 28 in Alfreton. Most choice in size 12 or smaller. Opening hours on their web page.
I remember when the Rab factory and factory shop of Rab Carrington’s garage in Sheffield! Went there is get my sleeping bag zip fixed.... stayed for tea!
NotMeNoNo · 06/09/2020 21:35

They are still really friendly. I love places like that.

BikeRunSki · 06/09/2020 22:04

@NotMeNoNo

They are still really friendly. I love places like that.
I once spent so long drinking tea with the Alpkit folks, that I forgot to pick dd up from school. Unfortunately DH was with me!
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