Does a completely Waterproof jacket actually exist out there?

[ladeluge]

I have two already but none of them actually "WORK". They are Regatta and Trespass. Each of them was fantastic for a little while and then bam - became porous. I understand that washing them can take the waterproof coating off, so I haven't washed either of them in two winters so the rain must be washing the coating off lol 😄 I do spot clean them at the collar, cuffs and pockets though.

Anyway, I suppose there are some very good reliable waterproof jackets out there, but where are they to be found, any recommendations? I'm guessing that the waterproof coating wears off eventually though so it might be worth it trying a recoating spray.

Budget up to £200 if that is a reasonable amount. Thanks.

I've got a Didriksons waterproof that really is waterproof - and you don't get horribly sweaty wearing it. Think it was about £130 but worth it. I wear a fleece under it when it gets colder. And I know they're frowned at on here but Seasalt coats are brilliant - I've got the planthunter one which is knee length and worn most days dog walking.

Your other friend is Nikwax Tech Wash - you add it to the wash and it helps re-proof them. Never use normal washing detergent.

My husband has had a couple of very lightweight Rab jackets that he cycles in every day, and rates them.
We re-coated the first one a few times with the two step Nikwax stuff, but eventually (after several years) ceased to be as waterproof, though I use it now for my occasional bike rides as it’s still fairly waterproof.

Seasalt are very waterproof. And the hoods are big enough to actually cover your head, and the arms are long enough so your wrists don’t get wet.

I agree re washing with nikwax tech wash.. They also do a rewaterproofer. Magical.

Thanks - about the nikwax - would I just wash the jacket using that and NO detergent? What temp do you think? I have a product I got in Regatta shop last year, it is a reproofer probably similar to nikwax but probably not as good, I lost the details and the print is too small on the bottle!

I'll have a look at the recommended jacket brands mentioned.

Put it in the machine (on its own or with another waterproof coat) with 100-200ml of NikWax TechWash (green lid). Wash at 30° for an hour or so, spin at high speed.

No need to dry it, just get it out and check for any more mud and wash again/spot wash with water and TechWash until clean.

Back in machine for another hour with the same amount of NikWax TXDirect (purple lid), again for an hour-ish at 30°, but with a slower spin (1000 ish?) so you don't spin all the waterproofing stuff out. Tumble dry if padded/down, or hang to dry if not.

It really works.

The instructions are on the bottles, but as above. You use it instead of detergent, and then use the second bottle to re waterproof it.

The man in the coat shop said that letting a jacket get too dirty compromised the waterproofing. He said we should have treated the jacket with the nikwax a lot sooner than we did.

Yes - head to a fishing vessel supply shop! I have a fisherman's yellow jacket and it's completely waterproof, but it's not breathable material. All depends on need

The only fully waterproof coat I’ve had is Paramo.
They have an eBay outlet .

Check the waterproof rating (hydrostatic head) - 15,000/ 20,000 is really waterproof. Think Rab/ Berghaus etc. Try GoOutdoors or similar.

I have a Didriksons coat which I bought from Amazon when I was having a coat emergency and didn't have time to shop. It's fully waterproof so far - two years on - and have turned out to be one of the best coats I've ever had. So many pockets in all the useful places too. It feels light to wear and I use a fleece underneath for the very cold times.

I bought one from Decathlon about 12 years ago that's still completely waterproof and has never needed reproofing. I just wash it using Waitrose own brand outdoor clothing wash. It's been my default school run/dog walking coat since I got it and it's still like new. It was from the Quechua range.

Stutterheim, like a big rubber fisherman's coat mentioned by PP above. No reproofing, completely waterproof, but not flexible or breathable.

Didrikson fan here too. I have two, a thinner waterproof and a warm winter coat. Both are completely waterproof, the oldest has lasted 5 years and still going. They know how to make functional coats.

Uniqlo coats are properly waterproof. Decathlon ones too.

Some great suggestions on here. Best one I ever had came from Ireland but I can't recall the brand. We just have fairly standard Trespass and Regatta ones now as our weights have fluctuated quite a bit though I do re-waterproof them every year, in fact it's just about time for that autumn ritual. We just use the Nikwax wash in stuff, it was an outdoor shop in the Lakes who originally suggested it some years ago now. Happy autumn!

Another Didrikson fan here, totally waterproof, great hood and the parka I think is stylist. Very warm too.

Take a picture of the label and zoom in.

I got a. North Face from the outlet for under £80 and it is brilliant. It's one of there more expensive ones so the fabric is lovely- soft and stretch and waterproof.

They guarantee it's waterproof and the zips for two years.

I also have a seasalt which is fine but a bit too hot as it lined.

You can also try washing with no detergent and no reproofer to start with - it can be caused by oils etc on the outside of the coat I think.

I.e.

https://www.regatta.com/blog/how-to-reproof-waterproof-clothing/

My decathlon ones are pretty good. I reproof then at least once a year though, or if they get very muddy. Look for slightly stiffer fabric rather than the very thin silky binbag type light weight ones.

Alternately, I'm amazed at how waterproof my barbour jacket is, and it's breathable. They need rewaxing too though

Watching this with interest. I don't think my dream of an ankle stroking lightweight down waterproof coat exists.

I'm beginning to think you need two coats!

I have one from Rains that is very good. I also just got one of the Rainkiss ponchos for the school run which is pretty good.

My Revolution Race jacket is completely waterproof and doesn't make me sweat either. Plus I've had it for five years and it looks as good now as it did when I bought it.

https://www.revolutionrace.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM0f8EpCYxBoZNIGAMfeBhHV-IaPJW6aPOT9eJWSQs9DhxVCbnnPihoCq7QQAvDBwE