Hiking - New Water Proof

[anonymous-user]

We do a lot of hiking in the Lakes and wales., I've had a lot of water proof jackets over the years and now need a new one.
All my previous jackets have been some-form of Gortex (or similar) but none have been amazing, then normally let water in on the chest and arms and I've never had much success reproofing the with the various wash-ins + the recommended ironing/tumble drying which is suppose to help restore the DWR.

I know no WP jacket will be perfect but I wondered what other people recommend.
I thinking of changing to either a Paramo jacket (I know they run a little hotter), but I dont know anyone who has one, or splashing out a fortune on a Mountain Equipment Changabang or Arc'terx Something-or-other.

Not *too* worried about cost, as long as its dry.

[craig1912]

Tried on a Paramo and found the “tailoring” awful. Just shapeless mess. I wasn’t looking for something the height of fashion and appreciate that people swear by them but I just couldn’t.

[anonymous-user]

Good feedback. Cut is important when your wear them for 8 hours+.
The nearest real stockists (not gooutdoors). Is in Whallry, about a 200 mile drive, however I do have family near. I'll take a look next time I'm near.

[gazza285]

I use a Helly Hansen Loke jacket, and it’s been great these last four years. There’s no lining, so it’s lightweight, I just wear enough layers under it to keep warm. It’s not very breathable, but I only wear it when it rains, so that’s not a problem.

I’m a fan of an item of clothing having only one job, so this is my waterproof layer.

[smifffymoto]

It depends what type of fit you want.I like Berghaus hillwalker,looser fit and the hood doesn’t drip down your neck when not fully zipped up.Alpine fit are a bit shorter and need to be fully zipped to ensure the hood drip water down your front.
I am tempted to try Rohan’s Hilltop jacket,has a very generous length to stop thighs getting wet.
Waterproofs have got silly expensive if you want to be ripped off,Millet,Fjallraven etc. for hillwalking you don’t really need to spend a fortune,unless you want too.

[popeyewhite]

IMO Keela are the best combination of lightness/waterproof. Also handles sweat very well, better than Paramo. You'll still get wet whatever jacket you wear if the coat has a hole at the top for your head and holes at the end of your arms for your hands though.

[Halb]

Doesn't old school tweed/wool keep the wet out?

[RobM77]

Sorry for the slight diversion, but do any of the waterproofing treatments one can buy actually work? I've just had my third stab at it with a Nikwax two part wash-in (£12 on Amazon) and it didn't seem to do much at all.