Rain jacket recommendations
Original post
I have been using something old and low-tech (well, carrying it - haven't needed to use it much) for years and it's time to splash out (as little as possible) on a new jacket.
Can anyone recommend a particular jacket, or at least what features I should look for?
41 comments
campbell junor who part owned macpac said one of the factories that was producing the event fabric wa producing poor quality fabric that delaminated easily..
that has been rectified since and there shouldnt be the delamination issue any more.
go into the shops and feel the difference in the different fabric weights, htey vary quite a bit, i've got a range of jackets, one is 180gms the heaviewst is 550gms but you can get them going to 800gms kathmandu stromfront jacket was 800gms, only ever buy from kathmandu at sales
I have had many many raincoats (different brands, different fabrics) over the years and they have all been fabulous when new, great for a while and then you slowly notice that they aren't really keeping you that dry any more (most often seepage around the shoulder area). No amount of washing with specialised products makes them any better for more than a trip or two.
I'm planning to try an oringi coat next. Have been warned to dry them thoroughly after use (including turning them inside out) or they have a tendency to develop a smell like cat pee.
If bush bashing is going to be involved I use an old PVC coat.
3 layer shells last better than 2.5 layer.... at least have 3 layer on the high wear areas on the shoulders and hips
If bush bashing is going to be involved I use an old PVC coat
You dont have to go back very many years to when pvc was the best available. It smelt better than its predecessor the oilskin. Standard fare in the early 70s was yellow knee length pvc parka. The lack of breathability didnt matter so much as everything worn under it was always wool.
I carry a blue warehouse pvc jacket in my 4wd which I used to tramp in Must be more than 10 years old now and would still keep[ out the jet from a water blaster but breathable it is not. If it gets too muddy or smelly I hose it inside and out or if its too bad I use a scrubbing brush on it. Dont try that on gortex
Currently eyeing up Marmot Precip due to the price (under $200), generally good reviews (apart from one on here) and pit zips.
I'm not sure about the length though...
Maybe I'll carry a cheap PVC jacket as well for when it gets really serious.
precip is a lightweight material....
too light for bushbashing
I'm not totally sure I'd be comfortable switching down to something not suitable for bush-bashing just because I don't plan to do that, but it probably depends on what you're after.
There have been a few times when we've adjusted plans, and it's been useful to go off the beaten track to avoid swollen rivers and other temporary hazards and stuff. I'm sure even light-weight fabrics would probably be passable in unusual situations if you were willing to tolerate some accelerated deterioration.
7 deleted posts from
bradley1
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| Forum | Gear talk |
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| Started by | Syncop8r |
| On | 15 December 2013 |
| Replies | 40 |
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