Waterproofs

michelleans

Hi all,

It is the season to be rainy and in that spirit I am on the hunt for some really good quality waterproofs.

I have done a search on here and online and still am unsure what exactly I need and how much to spend (what is good value) on them.

Basically, I would like a good quality pair of waterproof overtrousers and a good quality lightweight and breathable waterproof jacket.

I'd be using them for up to 6-8 hour long walks in the typical Irish lashing rain, cycling for up to 1-2 hours in again heavy rain, and to a minor extent up to an hour jogging in the rain (don't really mind getting wet here). However, the long walks I'd like to be fully dry underneath and for the cycles I plan on cycling to work and need to be fully dry for those too.

So, can anyone recommend some brands or websites to purchase such waterproofs? I have checked the usual great outdoors has some great gear but I'm wondering what is too cheap for my necessity above or what is overkill.

I'm open to see what kind of price range the above invovles, obviously trying to keep it as low as possible but I'm willing to spend money for the right gear and invest in it once.

The main issue seems to be that there are no reviews of the products and how good they are in relation to waterproofing! I am reluctant to buy something expensive unless I'm sure it is worth it.

Any suggestions welcome, thank you.

Donny5

For hiking and running, including a fair amount in the mountains, I have a Keela Stashaway jacket and Rainlife 5000 overstrousers, although I never wear the trousers running. They've never let wind or rain in and they're very light. They're probably not as breathable as the really expensive stuff (I paid €60 for both delivered from the UK), but the lower cost means I'm not worried about damaging them.

As for cycling, I only wear the jacket for wind protection and get wet legs. I'd sweat too much cycling to work wearing clothes under waterproofs, so I change on arrival.

keenan110

When it comes to rain gear i always think it's important to invest a bit of money into it, especially with all the rain we get here!
I use this Berghaus jacket and find it brilliant. I use it for all my hillwalking and i've never got wet with it! I wear it all the time on the bike for commuting and it's great, but as the above post says, I'd never wear it for long cycles, it will just become very uncomfortable and sweaty.
I advise getting a jacket and trousers with Gore-Tex.
I also have the Paclite waterproof trousers and these are brilliant, they are really light which makes them brilliant for the bike. They fold up really small and will easily fit in a jacket pocket which is really handy.

You could check out these online shops, although for the likes of a jacket i'd trying it on in a shop and making sure it's the correct fit.

http://www.jackson-sports.com/

http://www.towerridge.co.uk/

http://www.tiso.com/

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/

http://www.spikeoutdoors.co.uk/

extremebogman

Just this week i picked up a pair of ex-army, camouflage FULL GORE-TEX trousers for €20. Haven't tried the yet but i reckon its a bargain

Picked them up in Capel Camping on Capel St., they had a number in stock, all in good condition