Waterproof coats - expensive or cheap?

ripplyuk

I’ve no idea where to post this. If the board guides know of a better place, maybe they could move it. 

I need a new waterproof coat. I’ve had Musto, Barbour, Joules and a lot of cheaper brands. They all end up leaking eventually. I normally use nikwax to wash and re-proof them and I’ve never found this to do much good (rain still soaks through after). Obviously the more expensive brands last longer but they cost a lot of money. Is it false economy? Is it more cost effective to buy a cheap coat and replace it regularly? Any recommendations would be appreciated. 

Apintplease

All depends on what you are needing it for

For me a waterproof is only required for dog walking so Im not fussed on how I look so Im more then happy to buy a waterproof jacket and trousers from the hardware/farm shop. Or if Im flush from an outdoor shop

Mostly Im just getting in and out of a car and so don't spend too much at all on jackets/coats

ripplyuk

Apintplease said:

All depends on what you are needing it for

It’s for walking, riding and shooting. It needs to keep me dry if I’m out in rain all day, regularly. 

baggins11

I think in that case I would invest in a decent one.  I work outdoors in the winter so am out all day in all weathers.  I have used lots of top brands but I now buy only paramo as I find them a decent waterproof that is breathable.  In a day of constant heavy rain they occasionally fail eventually but generally last several hours so that's good enough for me.  The breathability is as important as the waterproofing for me.  I find cheaper brands are far less breathable fabric.

If you only are out for an hour or two then I think cheaper brands can do a good job.  I usually just buy Regatta or similar for my kids as they are usually only out for a long dog walk at the most.  

PipneyJane

ripplyuk said:

Apintplease said:

All depends on what you are needing it for

It’s for walking, riding and shooting. It needs to keep me dry if I’m out in rain all day, regularly. 

Hmmm.... I'd suggest a Drizabone but I don't know how frequently they need re-waxing.  Probably as often as a Barbour.

- Pip  

nosuperwoman

I agree with looking for something designed for farmers rather than the 'hunting n shooting ' set/ fashionistas . If there is an animal Feed place near you they may have  something suitable though it won't be pretty!

Linda32

It sounds as if you need quality rather than fashion. I would go down that route and pay as much as you are willing to pay.
Just as an example, I once had a nursery temporary job which involved 'some' outdoor work. I knew the job would last from February to September and not much longer. I paid around £25 for a 'mac' type jacket which went over a coat. It only lasted one season but didn't think it warranted more. I would pay more and did recently from Mountain Warehouse (I think) for just a rain coat which I expect to last for a good few years.

Apintplease

ripplyuk said:

Apintplease said:

All depends on what you are needing it for

It’s for walking, riding and shooting. It needs to keep me dry if I’m out in rain all day, regularly. 

Definitely go for farm wear rather then fancy shootwear. Wont be pretty but will last a lot longer for a lot less money

Our feed store has all prices

For me I need good wellies. I pay £50 a pop for them, steel toe capped, lined etc and they last about a year. Ive had every top name wellies you can mention, paying twice as much and they last 3 to 6 months if Im lucky. I actually trashed a pair of Hunters within 4 months

LaineyT

I have a Dublin riding jacket which is still going strong after several years, paired with waterproof trousers it keeps me dry in the saddle, agree that function over fashion is the way to go.
Footwear wise I use Muckboots, have had a succession of fancy wellies but these have been the best for keeping my feet warm & dry, plus they have coped with my 3/4 ton mare standing on them!

GreyQueen

Serious walkers who use their gear a lot, such as professional walking guides, favour Paramo, in my experience. It's good but expensive. A party of us were caught out of doors in a multi-hour downpour. We were wearing all the major brands between us, and everything but the Paramo leaked through eventually, as in soaking us to the skin. Paramo girl, jacket & trousers, was totally dry.

My own experience of lightweight waterproof jackets, which includes Rohan, Regatta, Berghaus and one or two others of the mid/ lower end waterproof ranges, is that they all leak at the shoulder in heavy rain after 2 years, regardless of make or price. I suspect the fact that I use backpacks with them doesn't help, due to friction from the straps possible wearing away the proofing on the shoulders.

I don't do outside work, so my use is relatively light. My own conclusion for my own life, is that I will only pay a modest amount, ideally on sale, for something which I will only have good use of for a couple of years, as spending more doesn't get me more. Am presently rocking a 2nd hand Berghaus rain shell, £10 from a chazzer. Had it a couple of years, it leaks in heavy rain, but I mostly get exposed to heavy rain when gardening, and will come home if it gets that bad. HTH.

greenbee

Scandinavian brands tend to be pretty tough. The kids had swedish waterproofs at forest school and they were fabulous. My use isn't as heavy, but I have an Ilse Jacobsen (Danish) thermal-lined waterproof that has been a godsend for travel in wet/snowy Swedish winters as I can also fit several layers underneath it. And it's smart enough for work.