Good waterproof walking suit

[anonymous-user]

I'm really enjoying early morning walking lately and want to continue enjoying even when it's pissing down.

I'm looking for recommendations on a good, fairly lightweight but good quality walking suit with waterproof qualities.

Ideally something breathable

Don't mind paying good money but don't really get starry-eyed over paying large premiums for cool brands

Just good quality stuff

Any help appreciated

[Roger Irrelevant]

Mountain Warehouse stuff does a good job at a reasonable price, get a 3-in-1 jacket and some waterproof breathable kecks from there and you won't go wrong. One thing I would recommend - from years of running/walking in northern England/Scotland (so often in rain) - is to get some good base layers. No matter how breathable something claims to be, if you're doing a decent bit of exercise then you will get sweaty. In 'normal' clothes it feels horrible; in proper base layers you barely notice. Obviously if you're just ambling a mile each time then this might be overkill, but decent base layers needn't cost the earth (Decathlon stuff is good).

[Harpoon]

Have a look at Alpkit - good quality stuff, well designed and good backup.

Their Fortitude jacket is cut for walking, so a little longer than a climbing jacket.

https://alpkit.com/products/fortitude-mens?variant...

Choice of different waterproof trousers as well and all on offer at the moment eg

https://alpkit.com/products/nautilus-mens?variant=...

[Bill]

Bear in mind that breathable kit isn't breathable when it's actually raining so I wouldn't worry too much about fancy waterproof trousers.

[croyde]

I'll vouch for Alpkit. Have one of their waterproof jackets. Plus a pair of Berghaus zip and popper trousers.

Both bundle up small.

My latest find is a simple poncho from Decathlon, £15. Throw it on and it covers your backpack too.

I even wear it on my Vespa. Like to think I look like Batman but I probably look more like a nun.

Too old to care though

[xx99xx]

If you want good quality sometimes you have to go with a popular brand. Which shouldn't matter if you say you're happy to pay good money. Don't forget umbrella and Gore-Tex shoes on your shopping list.

People often overlook umbrella but it's the equivalent of the most breathable waterproof jacket in the world.

Do your research on what type of fabric you want and go from there: https://www.ellis-brigham.com/waterproof-fabrics-b... You can't go wrong with Gore-Tex but other fabrics are just as good, if they are constructed properly.

[TGCOTF-dewey]

I'd second a poncho. I've got many expensive jackets from my climbing and mountain rescue days.

But for simple not particularly strenuous walking, a poncho is brilliant.

ETA... An alternate to brightly coloured plastic is a waxed stockman coat if you live in the countryside.

[Evanivitch]

Poncho and sealskinz socks.

[TGCOTF-dewey]

Evanivitch said:

Poncho and sealskinz socks.

It's a risky look, but if you can carry it off without ending up on a register, it could work.

[Rollin]

I have had a Columbia waterproof jacket similar to this for about 5 years. It's had a lot of use and is still in good nick and completely waterproof.

https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/p/mens-ampli-...

[Evanivitch]

TGCOTF-dewey said:

Evanivitch said:

Poncho and sealskinz socks.

It's a risky look, but if you can carry it off without ending up on a register, it could work.

Seemed there was a focus on lightweight and breathability. What better option

[TikTak]

Wellies/big boots, thick socks, jeans, tshirt and a brolly work well for walking the dog.

Have debated buying something as mentioned by the OP so will keep an eye out here too.

[Faust66]

It’s all too easy to engage ‘gear geek mode’ when talking about outdoor kit, so I’ll try to avoid this…

It all depends on what you are using your waterproofs for (apart from not getting wet, naturally). If you’re just ambling around the local park with your dog, then a basic waterproof jacket will do you fine. Craghopper are a great brand for this. You can get a decent jacket for under well £100 which will be perfect for your needs.

I really like Berghaus goretex paclite trousers – normally on sale for well under a ton (my last pair cost me £79), and they’re great. They pack up really small (hence 'paclite') so you can carry them in a pocket if you're unsure of the weather.

If you’re planning on longer walks in worse weather then you can spend a LOT more money on specialist kit.

If you wear glasses (like me) look for a jacket with a wired hood or peaked hood.


Alpkit: love the brand, but be warned that a lot of their clothes are aimed at ‘racing snake’ athlete types and have quite a slim cut. They are great value for money though when compared to some of the flashier brands.

[Evanivitch]

Faust66 said:

It all depends on what you are using your waterproofs for (apart from not getting wet, naturally). If you’re just ambling around the local park with your dog, then a basic waterproof jacket will do you fine. Craghopper are a great brand for this. You can get a decent jacket for under well £100 which will be perfect for your needs.

I won't buy craghopper ever again (and I didn't even pay for half the stuff I have). Failed zips and pockets with holes straight through them after only light use.

[Blib]

Your local golf course shop will have a fine collection.

[gotoPzero]

Carinthia.

https://www.carinthia.eu/en/survival-rainsuit-jack...

The matching trousers are similar cost. So about £800 ish total.

It sounds expensive but if you compare to arcteryx etc its about half the cost.

I have been wearing their kit for years and its very good.

[MonkeyBusiness]

I can vouch for the Alpkit Fortitude mentioned above. Its my current goto.

Decathlon stuff is excellent.
I also have a Rab Phantom pullover lightweight jacket (a cagoule for those of my age). Expensive yes, does it work, definitely.
https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/phantom-waterp...

I have never had a jacket that was truly breathable. Maybe its because I don't walk at 2mph.

[MonkeyBusiness]

This is a good thread for all things outdoorsy - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[anonymous-user]

Wow

Just logged in and found all the really helpful links and opinions!

I really appreciate it all and I'll have a good look through.

Took this pic this morning with said beloved dog 'Manny' - thankfully not raining!

[Shaw Tarse]

lord trumpton said:

Wow

Just logged in and found all the really helpful links and opinions!

I really appreciate it all and I'll have a good look through.

Took this pic this morning with said beloved dog 'Manny' - thankfully not raining!

You really should post here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...