Good water resistant clothing for hiking

[Skyelassie]

Hi everyone, I am just back from Glencoe and it was torrential rain. I have older waterproofs but I am just wondering if there was any good water resistant jackets and trousers that you could recommend? Also that will keep me warm out there.

I actually tried to do the lost valley but at the steep climb up the wet rocks I was slipping. I have Salomon Quest 4Ds. Is that normal?


Thanks all.

[nick70]

Hi Skyelassie

Apologies, I can't really comment on your question about water resistant clothing. However I note your comments about your boots.

I recently wore my Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Mens boots a couple of weeks ago (first time wearing them) up Ben Narnain and whilst the ascent was perfectly ok the descent was just terrible. With all the boulders I must have slipped and fell on my a**e at least 15-20 times. I'm sorry to hear of someone else having these issues. I don't think I will be buying Salomon boots any time again soon.

[Holly]

I have gone through a couple of pairs of Salomon in my time and put many many miles on them. In really poor weather and torrential rain then I would think any boot will be slippy and especially if there is lichen on the rock. Salomon use a contagrip sole instead of Vibram but I don't think there is any difference in the conditions you speak of. I also have a pair of winter boots with vibram soles and I believe they would fare the same. So what I am trying to say is that I would not worry about your boots.

In regard to water resistant clothing. I am thinking what you are looking for is waterproof? breathable? light and windproof? Lots out there to choose from and very much dependent on how strenuous the activity, the time of year, how packable size wise and weight wise? Oh, and cost as well. I am a paramo jacket fan but tbh, everyone has their own preference and many excellent goretex options out there too. I personally wear trousers that are water repellant but not waterproof and carry waterproof trousers dependent on the season. I am more inclined to wear thermals under my trousers
Anyway there are loads of options out there and lots to choose from.

[Sack the Juggler]

Hi everyone, I am just back from Glencoe and it was torrential rain. I have older waterproofs but I am just wondering if there was any good water resistant jackets and trousers that you could recommend? Also that will keep me warm out there.

Thanks all.

with regard the water resistant wear that will also keep you warm, this sounds almost like an advert for Paramo clothing.

Paramo "directional" clothing transports water to the outside layer to keep you dry on the inside. Personally I've never really gotten on with it mainly because its a relatively thick / heavy layer (compared to other options) and I get too warm when I'm climbing those hills, but a surprising (to me) number of users like it because it keeps them warm.

Some people swear by it, other swear at it, its kind of a marmite taste. Also the cut can be a bit hit and miss.

I have some paramo bits and pieces and in general they do the job I bought them for, but I don't have any of their rainwear as its too hot for me.

[TheFox]

Hi everyone, I am just back from Glencoe and it was torrential rain. I have older waterproofs but I am just wondering if there was any good water resistant jackets and trousers that you could recommend? Also that will keep me warm out there.

What you should be looking for for this weather is waterproof, not just water resistant. And waterproof clothing that keeps you warm at the same time (beyond keeping out the wind and rain, which obviously contributes to being warm) is not really a good idea - anything that keeps you warm in cold weather will be too warm and lead to overheating in warmer weather, meaning you won't be able to wear your waterproofs without drowning in your own sweat.

The way most people dress for the outdoors is in layers - something like a baselayer (synthetic or merino), fleece, insulation jacket (synthetic or down), waterproof jacket. In warm, wet weather you wear your baselayer and waterproof, in colder weather you add the fleece in between, in really cold weather you add the insulation jacket. There are many variations to this system, but this way you can make use of your waterproof clothing at any temperature.

As for trousers, softshell ones are water resistant and will keep you dry for a bit in mild rain. In longer and/or stronger rain you will need waterproof overtrousers.

[Skyelassie]

Hi Skyelassie

Apologies, I can't really comment on your question about water resistant clothing. However I note your comments about your boots.

I recently wore my Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Mens boots a couple of weeks ago (first time wearing them) up Ben Narnain and whilst the ascent was perfectly ok the descent was just terrible. With all the boulders I must have slipped and fell on my a**e at least 15-20 times. I'm sorry to hear of someone else having these issues. I don't think I will be buying Salomon boots any time again soon.

Hi Nick. I have Inov-8 running shoes and they have never let me down with wet rock/muddy terrain. Maybe I should get a pair of roclites?

In regard to water resistant clothing. I am thinking what you are looking for is waterproof? breathable? light and windproof? Lots out there to choose from and very much dependent on how strenuous the activity, the time of year, how packable size wise and weight wise? Oh, and cost as well. I am a paramo jacket fan but tbh, everyone has their own preference and many excellent goretex options out there too. I personally wear trousers that are water repellant but not waterproof and carry waterproof trousers dependent on the season. I am more inclined to wear thermals under my trousers
Anyway there are loads of options out there and lots to choose from.

Hi Holly, I had thought about going down the layering route, for example yesterday I wore my merino base layer and an older fleece lined regatta "waterproof" jacket. I was absolutely sweating buckets just doing the Lost Valley in Glencoe. I find my older jacket to be rather bulky, noisy and just not so comfortable.

with regard the water resistant wear that will also keep you warm, this sounds almost like an advert for Paramo clothing.

Paramo "directional" clothing transports water to the outside layer to keep you dry on the inside. Personally I've never really gotten on with it mainly because its a relatively thick / heavy layer (compared to other options) and I get too warm when I'm climbing those hills, but a surprising (to me) number of users like it because it keeps them warm.

Some people swear by it, other swear at it, its kind of a marmite taste. Also the cut can be a bit hit and miss.

I have some paramo bits and pieces and in general they do the job I bought them for, but I don't have any of their rainwear as its too hot for me.

Hi Sack the Juggler, I have been looking into Páramo clothing, especially their jackets. I have also been looking into Buffalo. Have you heard of these American companies called KUIU and First Lite? They specialise in mostly hunting clothing but its for mountain use....seem interesting too?.

As for trousers I had looked into KUIU, First Lite. Fjällräven and Nor

https://www.kuiu.com/global/hunting-pants/sierra-pant/13005.html?dwvar_13005_color=Shale&cgid=bottoms-pants#start=3

https://www.firstlite.com/seak-stormlight-pant.html They state that this trouser is for extreme weather and will keep me dry? Or overkill?

https://www.fjallraven.co.uk/shop/fjallraven-keb-trousers-regular-m-F82830R-tarmac/?sku=7323450008949

Norrøna https://www.norrona.com/en-GB/products/svalbard/svalbard-heavy-duty-pants-w/?color=8850&

When I walk I get get quite warm, and sweat...really gross that is why I love merino.


With regards to waterproof jackets I was looking at

Buffalo ladies fell jacket (I could wear my merino base layer underneath). Should be warm but not sweating buckets?

Páramo well not sure which would suit me best.

KUIU Guide jacket https://www.kuiu.com/global/hunting-soft-shell-jackets/guide-dcs-jacket/50011.html?cgid=jacket-softshell&dwvar_50011_color=ViasCamo#start=1

First Lite https://www.firstlite.com/women-s-cascade-stormlight-rainwear-outerwear-tops.html

I don't understand for example Firs Lite says their jacket is 20k waterproof, but the other jackets for example KUIU etc do not state these numbers? I just don't understand what is best?

Ideally something that is going to work well for walking the West Highland Way, that is our next on the list...

[Skyelassie]

P.S how is Patagonia´s rainwear? I was looking at their Torrentshell jacket.

[Sack the Juggler]

P.S how is Patagonia´s rainwear? I was looking at their Torrentshell jacket.

ah, Patagonia, now your talking! I've probably got too much of their clothing as well

I like Patagonia, mainly because it fits me, almost like it was tailor made, I feel that I'm a Patagonia shape (and that shape is Large - which is a US Large, so more like a UK XL).

I like all their gear, although they are expensive, and while it is good, the torrentshell is probably their entry level jacket, a 2 layer own brand waterproof system. Nice jacket but they have nicer.

Actually one of my favourite jackets is currently their nano air jacket, its like an insulating layer that has super breathable and thin fabric inside and out, so it breathes really well. Its my go to cold weather jacket as you can work hard without overheating but when you stop you stay warm - its definitely made by wizards or some kind of magic.

Of those others that you mentioned, if you sweat then a buffalo shirt will be too hot for you, even a thin one like the fell jacket. Might be ok for winter walking but its a bugger if your climbing hard and overheating (regardless of the venting options), and then when you stop if its really wet you will get cold.

Those firstlite do look like overkill, and I think that the kuiu are water resistant only, which means that they will wet out when its "really" raining (most days in Scotland).

You should follow TheFox's advice above. I get too hot in waterproofs so keep them in my bag until I know I definitely need them, then throw them on. As they spend most of their time in my backpack I go as light as possible with a paclite jacket and paclite overtrousers.

Most of the time I just wear windproofs, they might get wet in a shower, but my body heat will dry them out quick enough. Merino baselayer plus a windproof is a great combination and breathes really well.

As I say, if it starts tipping it down, I'll swap the windproof jacket for a lightweight waterproof, and will even put overtousers on, but I then need to slow down a bit otherwise I'll combust from the heat.

[davekeiller]

On the boots front, it's hard to be sure without having been there. However, in certain conditions some rocks can take on an almost greasy slipperiness and in those conditions it probably won't matter much which boots you wear, you'll find it slippery underfoot.

As to waterproof clothing, you need to think about your budget and the intended use of the kit. The type of jacket you want for ice climbing in February wouldn't be so practical for lightweight backpacking in July and vice versa.
Most brands have quite a range of waterproof and breathable clothing at an equally wide range of prices. Gore-Tex and EVent are the best known brands of breathable waterproof membrane, and tend to be the default option for most people. Having said that, several brands also have their own membrane or system (Rab, Berghaus, Mountain Equipment etc.) and some of those are also pretty good. Paramo is also generally well regarded, although some people find it too warm especially in summer. Buffalo kit is good, but it's designed to be used in the cold and if the temperature is above freezing you might find it too warm.
Personally I wouldn't go down the hunting gear route for 2 reasons:
1. Hunting often involves being stationary for periods of time. If the kit is designed to keep you warm enough for standing still, it will be too warm when walking.
2. It generally comes in camouflage colours. This is great if you don't want to be seen, but not so great if you need rescued.

[Skyelassie]

Hi, thanks for the info guys. TheFox is definitely right about layering.

I checked out Mountain Equipment too, they look like that have good stuff too. I think when it is very cold like in February, Buffalo might be an option because of the wind. I was up on the hills in March and I was freezing purely because the wind was ice cold, that was when it was heavy snow.

I may use the merino base layer bottoms, so I was thinking of incorporating them with a mid layer like these

https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/hagloefs-womens-roc-fusion-pant-softshell-trousers/?cnid=3518a54b74983cb267aa80a558dff

or

https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/norroena-womens-svalbard-heavy-duty-pants-trekking-pants/

https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/tour-womens-pant


What is your take on these?
https://www.fjallraven.co.uk/shop/fjallraven-keb-trousers-w-regular-F89235-black/?sku=7392158995646


About my boots, well the rock was very smooth, almost polished like but no apparent film on it. I slipped so many times I had regretted bringing my Inov´s.

I had actually thought about investing in a pair of roclites or x-talons, because they're very grippy.

[Alteknacker]

This is a perennial subject, so you might want to take a look at some earlier threads - eg

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=84286

You indicate that you run hot and sweat - that's me too - and in this case I don't think there is really a solution (essentially because of the physics of vapour transfer). Basically, if you are sweaty, and the outside of your "waterproof" is wet because it's raining, your "waterproof" ain't gonnah breathe.

The very best review on this subject that I've read is by the (in)famous mountaineer Andy Kirkpatrick...

https://andy-kirkpatrick.com/articles/view/the_truth_about_breathable_waterproofs.

[davekeiller]

Those are 4 very different pairs of trousers.
The Fjallraven and Norrona are heavy duty trekking trousers (probably very good, but also very expensive and you can get something fit for purpose for 1/3 the price)
The Haglofs are softshell trousers, probably reasonably well suited to Scottish weather.
The Mountain Equipment are ski trousers.

They're all good in their own way, but are designed for different uses. What sort of walking are you going to be doing?
I'm guessing you're aiming to be doing summer hills with maybe some lower level walks in the winter. If that's the case, then you don't need expensive trousers - something similar in spec to the Craghoppers Kiwi would be fine, with a pair of Goretex or eVent (or similar) overtrousers to keep the rain off on wet days.
As for a jacket, look for a Goretex jacket for about £100-£200. Try it on, and get one that fits with room underneath for a couple of warm layers.

[Skyelassie]

Hi, We are looking to do munros before the snow hits (boots aren't suitable for crampons) So generally we are looking to do walking/hiking around the Loch Lomond area mostly as we aren't too far from there. Looking to do the WHW too and other routes eventually.

Main worry is being drenched in rain really.


Cheers

[Sack the Juggler]

Hi, We are looking to do munros before the snow hits (boots aren't suitable for crampons) So generally we are looking to do walking/hiking around the Loch Lomond area mostly as we aren't too far from there. Looking to do the WHW too and other routes eventually.

Main worry is being drenched in rain really.


Cheers

berghaus are doing good paclite overtrousers with high side zips (so easy on and off) at a fairly good price, and on sale at the moment.

[Skyelassie]

I just found a Montane Spine Gore-Tex jacket on sport shoes 50% off