Waterproof me all year round from head to toe!

cormie

Hey folks,
I might be a little optimistic here, but I'm looking for recommendations on, if possible, one decent set of all weather gear that will do me all year round, I think I'd just need the following:

Jacket
-Torrential rain proof (won't have places water will seep and run into and soaking whatever I'm wearing underneat)
-Hooded (either a nice decent not too bulky permanent hood or one that can be folded into the collar)
-Breathable (so even if I wear it cycling, I won't be feeling all sticky the way some cheap stuff can have you feeling).

Trousers
-Torrential rain proof (maybe no slits for access to pockets as water will just seep in here, if I need access, I can just stick me hand down my waist)
-Breathable (again I don't want that sticky leg feeling)
-Own waterproof pockets if possible

Boots/Wellies
-Torrential rain, puddle and paddle proof (I'd love the complete seal affect you get with a regular oul pair of rubber wellies)
-Versatile (suitable and hard wearing enough for all activities including hiking and even a bit of light jogging if I need to pick up the pace, steel toe with be nice too but not necessary)
-Breathable and comfortable (would like a good fit and not a loose and baggy ankle like you can get with some wellies).

In all 3 I mention torrential rain proof and breathable. I'd like whatever I get to be suitable all year round so if a heavy shower passes in the middle of summer I'll be protected but then once the sun comes out, I won't feel way over dressed.

I'm a bit of a minimalist and would rather buy higher quality gear to do me well for a variety of applications rather than buying different items for the different seasons and temperatures. If it's cold outside, I'd rather just stack up on under layers than have a specific jacket for that time of year for example so if I could use the same jacket on a showery summers day as a heavy dark and cold winters day it would be great. Same with the trousers and boots

Any suggestions or advice would be brilliant

Enduro

cormie wrote: »

Hey folks,
I might be a little optimistic here, but I'm looking for recommendations on, if possible, one decent set of all weather gear that will do me all year round, I think I'd just need the following:

Jacket
-Torrential rain proof (won't have places water will seep and run into and soaking whatever I'm wearing underneat)
-Hooded (either a nice decent not too bulky permanent hood or one that can be folded into the collar)
-Breathable (so even if I wear it cycling, I won't be feeling all sticky the way some cheap stuff can have you feeling).

Trousers
-Torrential rain proof (maybe no slits for access to pockets as water will just seep in here, if I need access, I can just stick me hand down my waist)
-Breathable (again I don't want that sticky leg feeling)
-Own waterproof pockets if possible

Boots/Wellies
-Torrential rain, puddle and paddle proof (I'd love the complete seal affect you get with a regular oul pair of rubber wellies)
-Versatile (suitable and hard wearing enough for all activities including hiking and even a bit of light jogging if I need to pick up the pace, steel toe with be nice too but not necessary)
-Breathable and comfortable (would like a good fit and not a loose and baggy ankle like you can get with some wellies).

In all 3 I mention torrential rain proof and breathable. I'd like whatever I get to be suitable all year round so if a heavy shower passes in the middle of summer I'll be protected but then once the sun comes out, I won't feel way over dressed.

I'm a bit of a minimalist and would rather buy higher quality gear to do me well for a variety of applications rather than buying different items for the different seasons and temperatures. If it's cold outside, I'd rather just stack up on under layers than have a specific jacket for that time of year for example so if I could use the same jacket on a showery summers day as a heavy dark and cold winters day it would be great. Same with the trousers and boots

Any suggestions or advice would be brilliant

I'm sponsored by Columbia. I get a lot of gear from them. I've been trying out their new Outdry Extreme waterproof jackets and leggings. From my experience these would both meet your needs perfectly. I use the jackets for general use, running in the wet, racing in the wet and cycling in the wet (Where I also use the leggings), year round (I've had my first one since last summer). Google away to find out more!

Shoes / boots ... you're in a trickier area there. I use Shimano MT90 Winter boots for multi-function use (Cycling, walking, very short distance running if I need to). As a runner I tend to err on the side of waterproof trailrunners as the best do-it-all compromise (In my case, Columbia Outdry Conspiracy trail shoes). When I was a hillwalker I would probably have plumped for some high quality goretex Meindle boots.

cormie

Thanks a lot for the suggestions. The outdry jacket does look like the kind of thing I was after for upper body. I know I said I'd prefer higher quality gear, but €349 for a jacket is a LOT more than I was expecting (bearing in mind I've no experience of this kind of gear and what it costs).

The outdry trousers look good too, but again, €129 :eek: Would have been great if they could be zipped in half to become shorts too but it doesn't appear they can be.

With the shoes/boots, I'm not really looking for something with laces below the shins as if I stood into a deep puddle or a shallow river, the water would surely flow in? Unless they are completely sealed inside? So I'd be looking for something that can be submerged in water and still be dry but I know it could be asking a lot to have that and at the same time a boot that's good for hiking too. Had a scan on amazon and these look a good bit better than your regular rubber wellies: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000WG663W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3DCV180U4G4KP

I wonder is the neoprene going to let water through though?

Enduro

cormie wrote: »

Thanks a lot for the suggestions. The outdry jacket does look like the kind of thing I was after for upper body. I know I said I'd prefer higher quality gear, but €349 for a jacket is a LOT more than I was expecting (bearing in mind I've no experience of this kind of gear and what it costs).

That's the top end one. There is cheaper no frills version for about 150 I think. Waterproofing and durability is just as good. Cut and wicking less so!

cormie wrote: »

The outdry trousers look good too, but again, €129 :eek: Would have been great if they could be zipped in half to become shorts too but it doesn't appear they can be.

I doubt that what you're looking for there would exist. Have never heard of any shell leggings that are anything other than full length. Cost-wise, you'll definitely need to spend over 100 for anything properly waterproof and breathable. Durability is a big factor with these, especially if used for cycling too. Goretex type leggings tend to be expensive and delicate. Not a good combination.

Can't help you with those boots... wellies are beyond my area of experience

cormie

Thanks again for the help. I don't know anything about this World of brands or anything like that. Is Columbia one of the better brands out there? What other brands would be similar? Would Columbia have a kind of Apple zest to it, that it's high price with great brand recognition and popularity, but there's much cheaper alternatives that are just as good, if not better?

sconhome

I'm not sponsored by Columbia and would still aspire to the gear based on the absolute beating that Enduro has put his stuff through and it is still standing up to the elements.

I do have the cheaper version of the jacket and to be honest it's grand, a little sweaty in warm rain but does the job. If you want proper protection you unfortunately have to spend that sort of money.

I do have a pair of the Columbia trekking pants which zip off. Not waterproof but do dry exceptionally fast and give the flexibilty of use for pants shorts.

Joe1919

cormie wrote: »

Boots/Wellies
-Torrential rain, puddle and paddle proof (I'd love the complete seal affect you get with a regular oul pair of rubber wellies)
-Versatile (suitable and hard wearing enough for all activities including hiking and even a bit of light jogging if I need to pick up the pace, steel toe with be nice too but not necessary)
-Breathable and comfortable (would like a good fit and not a loose and baggy ankle like you can get with some wellies).

I bought a pair of Dunlop Purofort wellies lately (about 60 euro) and I find them much better than my previous boots. i.e They are comfortable and lighter (approx 700 gram each) and shock absorbent and slip resistant sole. I bought in rural hardware shop and tried on for size, and I went for a size smaller than I normally take to get good fit. They were recommended to me by one of the walk leaders in the group I regularly walk in, as many of our walks are in 'soft' upland areas. I still use leather boots and gaiters for dryer walks.
http://www.dunlopboots.com/en/product/purofort-professional/d460933

PS I do not recommend steel toe in wellie for hiking

cormie

Thanks again for the replies. Sconhome, how warm was it when you got sweaty in the warm rain? Enduro mentions he uses the jacket for cycling, this is what I was after, something that feels like a regular cotton top, not like you've wrapped yourself in cling film and become a polly tunnel

I was thinking if it's 350 and it lasts me 10 years, that's only 35 a year and if it saves me getting sick at least once a year then that's worth it but my worry would be if I go off the beaten track and trekking through thorny bushes and low branches that I might end up tearing it and it will lose its purpose altogether?

Joe, thanks for the suggestion. I ended up doing a hike over the weekend in my work shoes which are steel toe and sole and by the end of it, my toes were at me from the walk down with my toes rubbing against the steel caps, not really bad but would rather not have the same again.

Enduro

cormie wrote: »

Thanks again for the help. I don't know anything about this World of brands or anything like that. Is Columbia one of the better brands out there? What other brands would be similar? Would Columbia have a kind of Apple zest to it, that it's high price with great brand recognition and popularity, but there's much cheaper alternatives that are just as good, if not better?

Columbia would traditionally have a mid-market reputation. But TBH reputation/brand generally doesn't mean too much. North Face, for example, would have started out as a high end specialist brand, but these days is much more a ubiquitous mass market brand, trading on its original reputation.

There are tons and tons of good brands.

Enduro

cormie wrote: »

Thanks again for the replies. Sconhome, how warm was it when you got sweaty in the warm rain? Enduro mentions he uses the jacket for cycling, this is what I was after, something that feels like a regular cotton top, not like you've wrapped yourself in cling film and become a polly tunnel

I was thinking if it's 350 and it lasts me 10 years, that's only 35 a year and if it saves me getting sick at least once a year then that's worth it but my worry would be if I go off the beaten track and trekking through thorny bushes and low branches that I might end up tearing it and it will lose its purpose altogether?.

If you're well into cycling then you'll know the expression "Strong, Light, Cheap : pcik any 2". It's similar here. If you want top quality it will generally cost you top price.

You need to determine what is really important to you. Absolute waterproofness, breathability, weight, durability, cost. You're not going to get something that is good at everything so you need to prioritise appropriately.

Cycling-specific jackets in general are light and breathable. Their waterproofness is generally crap though (forget about day 1... nearly everything works well on day one. Most jackets degrade over time though. With a cycling jacket that might be 5 minutes in a heavy shower!). For Irish crap weather I've always prefferred to be a mountaineer on a bike, gear wise.

Again, bearing in mind I am sponsored by Columbia... But having been wearing one or two of the outdry extreme jackets for about a year now, and having raced them in races like the Tor De Geants, The Spine Race, The Northern Traverse etc, Their durability is way way beyond the standard 3-layer laminate style jackets (Goretex etc). The outer material itself is less prone to ripping on shrubbery (I've yet to rip one), and the fact that there is no DWR required means that the waterproofing doesn't wear off as a matter of course. Google up some independant reviews. If you get the chance go into some shops and try out some of the gear for fit etc.

hmmm

Personally I think you're maybe looking for too much from one set of gear.

I have two raincoats - one fairly heavyduty Goretex thing that I take if it is Winter, or if it is Summer and I'm expecting it to pour rain for the day.
I have a second Pertex somethingorother that is very light and will keep the rain out for a few hours as my Summer/"throw in the bag just in case" coat. I'm willing to risk being a bit cold/a small bit wet in this.

I have a single pair of overtrousers - they do tend to get ripped hiking.

Boots similar to the raincoats - one heavy duty pair of Meindls for Winter & any day with terrible weather, and a lighter fabric pair for days where showers or no rain is forecast. The fabric boots will leave water in after a few hours rain, the leather boots have never leaked on me.

I agree about buying high quality gear - best to keep an eye on something & wait for a sale than to buy poor quality gear.

cormie

Thanks a lot, I can't believe you're making me consider spending €350 on a jacket :eek: Again I'm looking at it as a long term investment and something I can always rely on.

It's not that I'm well into cycling, I just want something that won't have me in sweats if I'm doing something even slightly strenuous.

Again I've only started hearing about all these brands since starting this thread really, but from a bit of Googling, I had the impression Goretex was a great feature to have on gear, is it not all that it's cracked up to be, or is it that the Columbia technology on the outdry is just a lot better but as far as what's out there goes, Goretex is still a very good choice, but just Columbia is in a league of its own with the outdry tech?

Alun

A good article here ...

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

This predates the Outdry Extreme fabric Enduro mentions above though, which is certainly an interesting idea.

Another option are fabrics like Paramo's Analogy, or Pertex as used by companies like Rab. I'm a big Paramo fan, although it (as anything) has disadvantages. It's not very strong and can tear easily, but on the other hand is very easy to repair, and also needs quite a bit of maintenance. It is very comfortable though and doesn't feel like you're wearing a rustling 'crisp packet', especially the hood.

hmmm

If I'd 350 quid to spend on a jacket, I'd be waiting a year or two to see whether the durability of the new Columbia stuff lives up to its claims.

Cormie,

I think you've set your expectations very high. IMHO, 'torrential rain proof' and 'breathable' don't exist and you're going to be disappointed with whatever you buy. The manufacturers definitions of 'waterproof' and 'breathable' are based on industry standards not buyer expectations.

There is a relationship between price and quality but unless you can find someone (an actual hill walker or mountain runner) who has tested 'all' the gear then you're going to get a plethora of recommendations. Someone once told me on the hills that they "couldn't afford the cheaper gear" (buying cheap stuff again and again...) and it was great advice.

I have two jackets for the mountains and rotate them depending on the forecast. They are different weights and have different DWR. I know their limitations at this stage (same with the over-trousers and gaiters) so I'm never disappointed.

Alun

hmmm wrote: »

If I'd 350 quid to spend on a jacket, I'd be waiting a year or two to see whether the durability of the new Columbia stuff lives up to its claims.

I agree. It certainly sounds very interesting, but having the essential part of the fabric, the membrane, on the outside, means it's the weakest link and if it gets damaged it's waterproof qualities are compromised.

In a traditional 3 layer fabric, the membrane is protected to a degree, the big problem with them is when people don't maintain the DWR on the outer layer properly if at all, it wets out and thus prevents water vapour from the body escaping making people think it's leaking, rather than what is actually happening which is getting wet from the inside.

sconhome

Might be worth looking at something like this OP? http://www.arktisoutdoor.co.uk/index.php/product/a310-c312-rainshield-package-olive-green/

A lightweight layer that is breathable and waterproof. May not be the answer to all conditions but light enough to stow for downpours.

cormie

Still haven't got myself a jacket, but I just saw this: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/221745689/high-performance-outerwear-at-a-revolutionary-pric/?ref=backercamp&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=41.backer.camp

A bit of a gamble to buy clothing that's not even out yet with no reviews I guess though

Tigerandahalf

If you are looking for a lightweight fully rainproof jacket, breathable and will dry quickly try the North Face Sangro jacket. Hood goes into the collar.

I have it with a few years and use it for out and about and walks.

You don't really need a big thick jacket in our climate unless you are going to be up in the mountains in winter. You will just sweat in it.

For trousers I have Berghaus AQ2 trousers (10,000mm waterproof - this is the rating to look for in waterproofness). They are excellent with a slit up the side (zip and buttons) to aid breathability.

Both of the above can be got for in and around €100, maybe cheaper for the trousers.

Boots are trickier. I have wide feet and wear the heel on the outside so boots/shoes never last too long for me. Try different brands and see what works for you.

Losty Dublin

For most days in Ireland a light wind+waterproof jacket should suffice the casual short distance/dog walker/side of the sports pitch type for an hour sort of use.

cormie

I'd be looking for something very breathable at the same time though, which would do for cycling, light jogging and long walks/hikes.

Tigerandahalf

cormie wrote: »

I'd be looking for something very breathable at the same time though, which would do for cycling, light jogging and long walks/hikes.

Cycling and hiking gear don't really mix.
Get a puncture/chain issue and oil will get on your gear.
The trousers will likely catch in the pedals or wear from rubbing unless you have cycle straps to tie the legs in.

Hiking gear tends to be baggier and will be like a sail in the wind.

Most cycling jackets tend to be tighter, have reflective strips and are longer at the back to cover that area as you lean over on the bike.

Altura does decent bike jackets for around €70.

Orion

cormie wrote: »

Hey folks,
I might be a little optimistic here, but I'm looking for recommendations on, if possible, one decent set of all weather gear that will do me all year round, I think I'd just need the following:

Jacket
-Torrential rain proof (won't have places water will seep and run into and soaking whatever I'm wearing underneat)
-Hooded (either a nice decent not too bulky permanent hood or one that can be folded into the collar)
-Breathable (so even if I wear it cycling, I won't be feeling all sticky the way some cheap stuff can have you feeling).

I have this - http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/paramo-velez-adventure-light-mens-waterproof-jacket-p102957

Love it. Been out in all conditions in it. Light, warm, waterproof and breathable.

cormie

Thanks again folks. I think the outdry from columbia seemed like a good all rounder? I might still go for it, seems to have great feedback from Enduro (even though he's sponsored by them )

But I wouldn't like to get something I'd have to maintain, just wear it now and then when the weather demands it and it to last me years and years or as long as I don't rip it for squeezing through thorny bushes or ripping my crotch area on trousers trying to climb over something, or put my leg over the saddle of my bike

Alun

Orion wrote: »

I have this - http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/paramo-velez-adventure-light-mens-waterproof-jacket-p102957

Love it. Been out in all conditions in it. Light, warm, waterproof and breathable.

+1 for Paramo gear from me as well, but here's the rub, Paramo, and Nikwax who designed the Analogy system, themselves say that their gear isn't actually waterproof and it isn't, it'd fail any standard test for waterproofness dramatically. However, and this is the hard thing to get your head around, it will keep you drier than most membrane based waterproofs in real world situations if looked after properly.

Here's a long article by Andy Kirkpatrick which hopefully will be illuminating ...

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

And a Youtube video from Paramo explaining how it works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTKV_4smGS8

It's not without it's issues though, firstly that it's fairly fragile and will tear and rip easily if caught on brambles etc. However, since there's no membrane involved, you simply sew up the hole and you're done, no taping of the seams needed.

the_syco

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Boots are trickier. I have wide feet and wear the heel on the outside so boots/shoes never last too long for me. Try different brands and see what works for you.

Have a try of the zipless Viper Magnum boots. Have been using the Magnum brand for the last decade or so, and find them good. The Viper style ain't bad, but never ever buy the ones with zips, as they're not waterproof.

If you have the cash, the Magnum Elites are very nice, but can be a €100 more than the Magnum Vipers. Find Millets on Mary St to be good for the pricing.

Usually get 9 months of constant wear from the Vipers, and are usually totally waterproof for the first 6 months, before wear and tear sometimes allows in some water at random location. The Elites often stay waterproof much longer, to the point that the sole is worn smooth, and used for garden work, but still waterproof.

The Magnum Viper and Elites use gore-tex, so breathable.

Orion

Alun wrote: »

Here's a long article by Andy Kirkpatrick which hopefully will be illuminating ...

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

It's not without it's issues though, firstly that it's fairly fragile and will tear and rip easily if caught on brambles etc. However, since there's no membrane involved, you simply sew up the hole and you're done, no taping of the seams needed.

That's an excellent article. I was aware that you could just sew up tears and it's good as new but now I know why. Before now I just knew it worked.

I've found the paramo smock exceptionally warm too. Been out on night-hikes in Feb in strong winds with just a base layer on underneath it (I started with a mid layer fleece too and had to remove it).

Major advantage is its size though - you can scrunch it up to nothing and stick it in the roof pocket of your bag easily.

Alun

Yes it's a very good article, and should be compulsory reading for anyone asking for an outdoor jacket that is "100% waterproof".

I have a slightly heavier Paramo Alta II jacket, and Cascada II trousers. Apart from a pair of underpants, socks and a single base layer, I rarely wear anything else even in the depths of winter. I have a Paramo overlayering gilet which I slip over the top when i'm stopped for any length of time, but it comes back off when I move off.

Orion

£130 - That's not a bad price for decent trousers. I hate wearing overtrousers - end up wetter from sweat than from the rain. Generally just wear light trousers that will dry quickly. How durable are they? The smock - as you say - is fragile. But for trousers I'd like them to be a lot more durable.

Alun

Orion wrote: »

£130 - That's not a bad price for decent trousers. I hate wearing overtrousers - end up wetter from sweat than from the rain. Generally just wear light trousers that will dry quickly. How durable are they? The smock - as you say - is fragile. But for trousers I'd like them to be a lot more durable.

Not as durable as I'd like to be honest, especially on the seat, where I've got a few small holes from sitting on some rough heather and stuff. They do others, including the Velez, which is lighter, and a heavier and supposedly more durable Enduro but I don't know what they're like in that regard.

Orion

The Velez is the same price as the Cascada - I'll look into the differences. The Enduro is bloody expensive - £250!