by davy_ludo » Sun Jul 25, 2021 10:50 am
Waterproofs are a minefield. I've used a few different jackets over the years - with varying degrees of success. Started with a regatta jacket, that kept me dry unless there was more than 45 minutes of sustained rain, then I ended up soaking. Replaced it with a trespass, same thing happened.
Moved onto a goretex jacket by sprayway, which I got from gooutdoors for just over £100 (cheaper performance, not pro version of goretex). This jacket has lasted me 10 years and really got me through some HORRENDOUS weather - only reason I replaced it this year..."someone" washed it with fabric softener and it's killed the breathability of it, I also slipped on rock and burst a big hole in the arm.
I spent a lot of time looking at jackets this year, read a lot of reviews on different jackets and waterproof technologies. Decided that I'd stick with goretex, purely just from good past experience (standard goretex, not pro again because pro is really expensive). Shopped around and got a Rab Kangri for £168 (trekitt website, but got Cotswold to price match). I was aiming for £150 but this jacket ticked all the boxes. I took it out for a test walk a few weeks ago - 2 hours of heavy rain and I was bone dry (other than my own sweat, but within a few minutes of stopping, the jacket had breathed out the excess moisture and I felt really comfortable). I have total confidence this jacket will keep me dry and feeling safe in the hills for years to come.
I'm still tempted with a lightweight pertex or paclite for a summer emergency jacket. The kangri really feels like a bomb proof option for when I know the whole day is going to be terrible weather. Pertex feels softer and there was just something that mentally made me think I'd feel "safer" (more cocooned) in a heavier goretex. It's not always just the rain, when you're getting hammered by heavy wind, it's nice to have something robust shielding you.
My advice would be go and try a few on - I personally didn't like the cut of a few I tried, or pocket locations, or hood. Also the feel of the inside against your skin - some felt rubbery and like they'd be sticky when wet.
As for trousers - on my second pair of Berghaus deluge. Not light or super breathable, but rugged and reliable.