NanashiNoProfile wrote:Hello,
I've managed to get by on what are essentially poor coats for a few years now. A while back, this didn't matter so much as I spent less time on the hills and made attempts to go in better weather. Generally, I haven't spent over £100 on a coat but my increased time outdoors means that I'm going to have get something a little better. I've read reviews for a lot of coats but I feel like I come with a particular set of problems that perhaps others could help with:
I get very warm, very quickly.
I've kind of become used to arriving back at my car a complete sweaty mess now, but if I could go some way to avoiding this, that would be nice. Backpack systems designed to cool backs to do not work for me, my back and chest just pour sweat (it's probably a condition) so I generally only bring the coat out when absolutely necessary. I go out walking with a friend or two who remain utterly dry throughout and I just don't know how it's done. I don't think it's possible for me. So, with that in mind, does anybody have any advice on a coat that is better on the breathable end? Vents have helped a little in the past, but still my arms become wetter on the inside of the coat than the outside. I'm hoping I'll be able to afford something good around Christmas (I'm not very wealthy but will make a change here), so have plenty of time to pore over responses.
Thanks!
I get hot too when I'm on the hills. While I'm sure that Goretex is breathable for some people, for me, I just overpower it and I sweat buckets. My conditions is called "unfit and overweight" but I'm sure that not the same condition you have.
The buffalo tops are way too warm for me as is Paramo's offering really.
I tend to go with a wicking base layer and either a lightweight windproof or a lightweight waterproof.
With a wicking layer and a windproof my sweat wicks away to the outside and I tend to stay dry, the windproof stops me getting chilled from the wind. Even in light rain showers I'll stick with this as it dries out quite quickly.
If its cold I'll use the patagonia nano air, which is warm but super breathable, but cuts out the wind, so you can move quickly in it while it sheds the heat and the sweat (except on my back where the backpack stops it breathing).
I have tried many different waterproof layers, but the best breathable waterproofs for me are Neoshell (which is basically a windproof material but dialled right up to waterproof) and eVent (although these are harder to get hold of now).
The only downside to some neoshell jackets is that they come with a wicking inner surface, which helps transport the water vapour outside the jacket, but this can act as an insulation layer and can add to the sweat being produced, so I'd shop around to find a lightweight one if you can.
Other than that I've tried marmot's nano membrain and that seems to breath ok, and is lightweight.
The biggest thing about finding the right jacket is also the fit. Most jackets do a job, but some are shorter than others and get your nads wet, or have pockets in the wrong area because they made for climbing harnesses, or their arms are too long (Paramo?), or they are too boxy or too athletic.
I still have some goretex jackets that I use, and I do sweat a lot in them, but they have a good fit for me.
Not sure if that has helped any, but to summarise; neoshell and a windproof.
