Hiking jacket for life?

[TomsPrisonConsultant]

My walking jacket (berghaus) must be about 15 years old so it's lasted well I guess but frustratingly even when I re-waterproof it with the nikwax wash-in stuff, it doesn't seem very waterproof any more. Is this just what happens eventually?! Is there something else I can do to make it properly waterproof again?
If not, is there a different type/brand of coat i can buy that will stay waterproof? I'm hopeful of having a few decades of hiking in me still and would like to avoid repeatedly replacing a coat if that's possible?!

As previous posters have said: Didricksons. Can't fault them.

Having said that, I have a couple of old Regatta jackets that I use for gardening etc. They do very well, also.

Have a look at Paramo. My Dad is evangelical about them, and I do love mine.

I think they work more on water repellent, breathable fabrics, rather than a waterproof layer (like gortex, which works well for a while but can tear or degrade over time). You have to wash and reproof with the right nickwax stuff, but then they seem to last forever.

They seem to have great ethics and customer service too.

www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/ourethics/gear.php

Brilliant thank you both
Paramo looks great - pricey but if it lasts I'm happy!

Alpkit is great, and I love that they repair and even rework their kit in house

Tbh, waterproofing fades and 15yrs is about the limit. Having said that, waterproofing has improved massively over the last 15 years.

Any of the good brands mentioned (including berghaus) would be fine. Unless you are prepared to do lots of research into individual own brand waterproofing techniques, I'd stuck with something with goretex. Lots of the good brands do cheaper lines with their own waterproofing, but I'd avoid those if you want longevity

I've had a few and I do think the material starts to deteriorate after about 10-15 years of use.

I also recommend paramo. They can be waterproofed with nikwax over and over again.
Eventually they do degrade, if you, like my partner, use it for e.g building walls , but I've had mine since 2008 (I think) and it's still good. I use it for hiking, skiing and cycling.

It's soft, silent material. None of that tarpaulin feel that some water proofs come with, and no trapped in plastic bag feeling either

I have a paramo for proper walking and a didrikson for commuting. The didrikson is amazingly warm for standing on windy platforms. I replaced after about 4 years though mainly for aesthetic reasons. I've had the paramo for about 15 years and it looks the same except for some marks on the cuffs. They have a lifetime guarantee for manufacturing faults too.

15 years is very good going.

Professional hiker here. I’d also highly recommend Paramo for wet weather/winter hiking. It’s a bit warm for summer use and bulky for packing into a rucksack so I have a variety of lightweight jackets as well, mostly Montane.

Definitely Paramo, they are lifetime guaranteed.

Mine is over ten years old, has had really hard daily wear and still as waterproof as the day I bought it.

They have a trade in scheme too if you ever want to upgrade, and you can buy second hand refurbished jackets from them as a result.

They used to have a reputation for being a bit bulky and ugly but they have improved loads recently. I wouldn't buy anything else, absolutely worth every penny.

@Loiste

I also recommend paramo. They can be waterproofed with nikwax over and over again. Eventually they do degrade, if you, like my partner, use it for e.g building walls , but I've had mine since 2008 (I think) and it's still good. I use it for hiking, skiing and cycling.

It's soft, silent material. None of that tarpaulin feel that some water proofs come with, and no trapped in plastic bag feeling either

If he sends it back they can repair and refurbish it (including patching worn or frayed areas). If it is beyond hope he can trade it in against a new one and they will reuse/recycle it.

I’m still using a Helly Hanson 8oz neoprene zipped jacket I bought in 1977.

I doubt they are made anymore.

My DH works outdoors in rainy Scotland and has just got a Keela jacket to try from a sales rep. He loves it so far. I think the are at the higher end price wise but are UK made and they do repairs.

Do you want the jacket for hiking / walking - or a hiking jacket to use in your everyday life? Can be both of course, but if you want it for hiking you need to take lots of extra factors into account.

I have RAB for my summer weight waterproof and a Montane more heavy duty, longer one for winter. Bigger for fitting more layers underneath.

I look for a fully adjustable hood (wired peak, toggle to tighten round your head etc), a ventilation zip under the arms for getting hot hillwalking, the right length for you, the right pockets for you.

Good luck!

With Nikwax waterproofing you always have to make sure you clean the jacket first with their Tech Wash as the proofing doesn't go on properly if they are dirty or even if the residue from normal detergent is on the fibres. When I use it in this way it works every time! Oh and make sure you clean out the detergent drawer really well!

Paramo is also a brilliant brand, I can second that, I've got a Paramo coat and its so good - after a walk in the rain I stay dry then just give it a quick shake when I get home and the water comes right off :)