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.

The issue is that older jackets used an un-environmentally friendly coating (PFCs), but they really worked. rightly they removed PFC’s as they were contaminating the environment but we are definitely left with jackets that don’t work so well. The answer is as above to look for the highest waterproof rating and make sure you use Nick wax regularly. It also depends on the use of the jacket, for example, my Didrikson coat is amazing, but it is too warm for proper hiking. I am yet to remain dry on a wet hillwalking day!

Try and find out the material they're made from and follow the care instructions. My Trespass jacket has specific wash instructions that rejuvenates the fabrics waterproof abilities without chemicals.
The jacket is over 10years old and still performs well.

You can re wash them in niqwax products to re proof them like ski wear .

Also I have the north face anorak and it's completely waterproof .
It's only thin so needs layers of cold but I the the actual technical brands do work .

Trespass is entry level outdoor wear so I guess not as effective .

Placemarking, had no idea sea salt were actually water proof

Paramo are so good they come with a lifetime warranty. All the serious walkers I know wear them.
Didrikson and fjern seem very good too though agree with another poster that my didrikson is way too warm to wear for exercise - perfect for commuting though.
The sport pursuit website is good for cheaper premium brands

EBay has a lot of seconds and reconditioned Paramos I see.
they do look bloody good.

Steeling myself for the storm Cieran dog walk

I have Didrikson, which was great in rain/snow storms in Iceland. Have you tried a ski clothing brand? Technical fabrics, waterproof yet breathable, lightweight etc
Patagonia, Columbia ,Dare2B
br:dare-2b (sale on)
best-ski-clothing-brands-4125115

@Yocal , If you can afford the eyewatering prices, try Canada Goose. You will never need another coat in your lifetime!

What's mumsnet for against Seasalt??

OP - I have a Janelle Seasalt coat and it's fully waterproof and toasty warm without being sweaty (I commute into London on the tube and can wear it without getting too warm when crushed like a sardine 😆)

I bought a craghopper waterproof coat a couple of years ago and that has never leaked

It depends how waterproof you want the coat to be. Waterproofs are one of those pieces of kit that you get what you pay for in terms of fabric construction, waterproofing, pocket construction, seams etc.
Most will have a point where they fail. If you're wanting something to be waterproof for a morning at the park with DC then you'll probably find that lots of them will pass the fully waterproof test. If you're likely to want to be hiking in it in bad weather then the coat needs to be able to handle more to pass the fully waterproof test.

I've never had much luck with Trespass/Regatta/Craghoppers but found my mid range North Face and Berghaus ones were good if I kept on top of waterproofing. My next one will be Paramo if I can find one I like at outlet.

Also think about what else you're getting. A £200 waterproof that is padded or has lots of fleece insulation lining is likely to not be as good as a £200 waterproof that is just a waterproof shell that you put over your own mid layers.

I've got a very waterproof men's coat from mountain warehouse - was only about £60 I think. It's super ugly though.

Rains jacket are waterproof completely- including a waterproof puffer which is the only one I’ve managed to find that’s completely waterproof.

My Seasalt coat is on its 5th winter and still entirely waterproof. It's true the lighter weight ourdoor jackets don't last forever.

My Didriksons coat has never leaked, looks nice and is comfortable. I’m looking for a new one as mine sadly doesn’t fit anymore after pregnancy.

I'd go for the Icelandic brands.

66° North is an Icelandic brand. It is probably way above budget but won't let you down.

Icewear also.

If the Icelandic brands are too expensive then I like this one Finisterre rainbird not Icelandic but well within budget.

@highlandcoos I was just thinking I wonder if the reason Canada Goose is so expensive because they hit that mark.

This thread set me off again on the lifelong search for the best coat.

Just found one thats smart, waterproof and breathable. Maybe with a lightweight longline down gillet and this could be a good call. I may need some good boot as well.
https://www.protected-species.com/product/waterproof-trench/

I can see why people invest in a good coat to last at least a decade.

My Regatta jackets have always leaked at the seams after a few months. Had a Jack Woolfskin one for dog walking that was still totally waterproof after years of daily use.

I ordered a Protected Species coat for when I need to look a bit smarter and it was beautiful but didn’t fit properly so now have a Rains one which is great.

Came to say exactly this! Waterproof is easy (a bin bag is waterproof) but waterproof snd breathable is tricky. If you are not exercising in it you could compromise on the breathability angle and get something really reliably waterproof.

Regatta is not known for being a durable brand. I have one from Finisterre and one from 66° North. They weren't cheap but do what they say on the tin. It's false economy to keep buying cheaper jackets that leak.

I've got Rab and Montane waterproof jackets. They're both brilliant, and breathable. If you want something that is waterproof and breathable, you're best going with one of the proper technical brands.

There is a European standard for waterproofing. EN343. It had several levels depending on what 'static head' of water it can withstand.

https://www.wiseworksafe.com/blog/view/understanding-en343-waterproof-breathable-protective-clothing

You may not get a fashion jacket that meets the standard, but you should get a sailing or sports jacket. I'd recommend Musto and they have outlet centres dotted around. Got a fantastic deal in the one at Gunwharf Quays.

I have a seeland coat for shooting that is 100% waterproof in driving rain for hours, and a percussion shooting coat that is the same. Buy clothes that are designed for hours outside in the worst weather, not for a quick walk in a shower.

Paramo

If you want to stay dry long term Paramo is the way. Their kit is worn by mountain rescue teams.

You do need to follow the washing instructions but they last brilliantly. Mine is 12 years old and has heavy wear but is still as waterproof as the day I bought it.

Regatta is ok but it isn't high end technical gear. The insulated jackets, fleeces and soft shells are great for the price but waterproof gear is very much a question of you get what you pay for.

The other thing with waterproof gear is that you need to understand what waterproofing technology is used, how best to care for it and what can compromise the waterproofing. You must follow the care instructions to the letter. For example, goretex is better if you can tumble dry it, most waterproofs are destroyed by standard detergent, some waterproofs like Paramo benefit from washing others are damaged by washing.

I have got hot, but never wet in my Didrikson!