Waterproof coat recommendations

[Teenageneerdowell]

What brands really work - as in are waterproof and last? Paramo has been recommended to me and I have been looking into them. They are expensive though so pondering whether to go for something cheaper, but maybe I will regret this?

For context, am in Scotland and I am hoping to do start hillwalking.

Ilse Jacobsen make great rain coats.

Are you looking for just an outer shell layer, or warmth too? I'm very happy with my Didriksons Frida parka, I prefer a longer warm coat to layering. Generally the Scandinavian brands are good.

No experience wearing Paramo because it's beyond my budget, but I did some work with them years ago and I think they rarely have good sales discounts? So don't wait for the sale!

I love Paramo
They are well worth the money abd last years! Such a good investment.
My other waterproof is a Rab jacket but I tend to wear that with a soft shell when ive got poured on in the mountains and hills.

Well if you’re going hillwalking in Scotland you want something good. But “waterproof” isn’t the same as good. A plastic bag is waterproof, but you’ll still get wet, because it’s not breathable so sweat and condensation lingers and you get wet from the inside.

Fabric is more important than jacket brand. Most of the Gore Tex fabrics are pretty good. I’ve also had good experiences with some of the soft shell fabrics Rab uses.

Maintaining your jacket is also important - keep it clean and wash it with the Nik Wax (or similar) re-proofing liquid.

Take it off when not raining. Don’t be that person wearing a waterproof walking uphill in bright sunshine and boiling to death, before freezing when you reach the cold windy summit with your t shirt drenched in sweat.

Mine is Mountain Warehouse and is brilliant. 👍

I guess I am thinking about something with an outer shell that I can layer up for warmth. Something that can be used in different seasons but waterproof is v important. I have had jackets before that claim to be waterproof but just aren't.

Thanks for ideas everyone!

Another vote for didriksons. Definitely waterproof, the hood doesn’t fall down and they fit nicely. Got mine on Vinted and was an absolute bargain!

I like Didriksons because I have one from years ago that I still wear - i feel it's a bit bulky though for hill walking and it’s lost its waterproofness. Can you re- waterproof Didriksons (if I purchase a new one, I want it to last)

Yeah you can reproof, check the Didriksons website, it has care instructions. Nikwax just goes in the washing machine. It's the DWR coating that needs a refresh if the water is no longer beading on the fabric. A wash and either iron or dryer can reactivate it a few times, but then you have to use the wash-in.

You need to occasionally reproof all waterproof jackets as far as I know. It's a bit of a faff (wash, rinse, wash with DWR, heat) but worth it to me.
https://support.didriksons.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360038720832-When-do-I-need-to-reimpregnate-my-Didriksons-jacket

I was coming here to say the opposite… expensive (I thought) and a few years of wear and it now leaks 😫

Also have mountain warehouse and completely waterproof

Protected species is great!

For hillwalking in Scotland you will want a proper outdoors waterproof. In my experience you get what you pay for - you're looking at £150++ so check out the outlet stores and sales
An outdoor waterproof rather than a high street one will have an adjustable wired hood (needed if it's windy), good breathability and ventilation. Gore-tex is reliably good, but other premium branded fabrics are probably similar.
I live in West Wales so see a lot of rain, and have owned a lot of waterproofs. Cheaper brands like mountain warehouse or trespass will be waterproof when new, but don't usually last, and are much less breathable /more sweaty. If you think you'll be out for more than a few hours at a time, I'd upgrade.
I've just ordered a paramo jacket and trousers, because I like the sustainable ethos. I have heard that they are quite heavy and warm though, so better for when you will be wearing it all day rather than carrying just in case. Paramo have an outlet shop on eBay.
I'm planning to buy a lightweight waterproof from Alpkit for summer, and I really want a protected species jacket for everyday. (Did I mention that it rains a lot here?)

another vote for protected species!

Just an update.
I have tried out my paramo jacket in awful weather, and I'm impressed! 3 hours out in a storm with horizontal rain, and I had a little bit of damp where the rain from my face had run down my chin/ neck (would've been solved with a buff). Otherwise bone dry. I was worried about it getting cold/heavy when wet, but that didn't happen at all.
It is bulky though when not being worn, so I'll reserve it for when I think I'll be wearing it for the whole time I'm out.

I also got a protected species parka in the sale for £99. It is lovely. Really comfy and smart. I've only worn it once for a full day of drizzle, so not really tested, but it felt good.

Paramo is great in foul weather but heavy and hot otherwise. I also have 2 Keela jackets, a Munro that I use in horrific Scottish weather and a small light job summer and travelling. Keela are made in Glenrothes so the weather is understood and purchase helps the Scottish economy.

Also have a couple of old Berghaus waterproofs, but the Goretex has delaminated and they let the weather in.

2-way zips are getting uncommon in all but the most expensive brands but are so good for temperature control, access to pockets etc..

I have a Paramo . Had it a few years and it’s the only jacket to keep me dry in actual torrential rain.

Got it on discount via their EBay store - not sure if that still exists or not. It is not a stylish or fashionable design or colour though - it’s proper outdoorsy hiking wear.

I actually ended up getting a Montane jacket - and I love it. Very light but also warm and waterproof.