Waterproof coats - expensive or cheap?

Darkslider

In my experience once you've put it through the wash anything will leak regardless of how expensive it was or how careful you were. Even using Nikwax or similar most goretex coatings are never the same after.

GreyQueen

  I've never washed a waterproof and they still leak on me, typically through the shoulders. I sometimes cruise TK Maxximus for bargains, although their offerings are variable and the discounting on these kinds of jackets seems to be pitiful compared to bargains bought in the £35 range from them in previous years. I guess I'm recalling when the new price was a lot less than it is now.... sign of getting older, lol.

littlemoney

Waterproof clothing such as goretex, paramo etc should not be washed in detergent as it removes the DWR (durable water-repellent) finish. Use only in pure soap. If washed in detergent they need a second rinse cycle prior to reprooofing.

baggins11

I have reproofed my paramo gear without a problem. As Littlemoney said it is important you do it to the instructions. I don't use detergent and even give the machine a run with no detergent first to clear it through. 

I have also heard people say they are more likely to fail if the jacket gets too dirty as it damages the finish. Although mine constantly gets filthy and it does OK with a reproof once or twice a year.

littlemoney

If the surface of the jacket is wetting out, i.e. the raindrops aren't beading on the surface then a non detergent wash in a clean machine can help. Dirt can also block the pores of a breathable waterproof which can make you feel damp inside and you think the jacket is leaking when it is perspiration that can't escape. Standing under your shower wearing the jacket is a good way to check if it leaks.

Slinky

Many years ago I bought a cheap waxed jacket. Big mistake, didn't dare wear it in the car as it always felt greasy and I'm sure would have wrecked my fabric seats.  It got nicked one night when I'd taken it off in a pub.  Not much fun walking home in a windswept coastal location without it, but I hope whoever nicked it ruined something they valued with it.

wondercollie

We have a Barbour that was bought at the end of the 1970s and worn by my Dad through the wet winters of Vancouver.  He waxed in a regular basis.  It's now being worn by his grandson (there was a tussle over who it would fit).  Just the basic one with a poachers pocket and lots of pockets.  I bought a similar one two years back and it's fine, I wear it and one of my sons wears it when he goes hunting (with a bright orange touque).  I bought mine in the men's department as the fit was more comfortable and it was a bit cheaper than a ladies version  I forgot to buy the hood and wear it with a headscarf, much to the husband's amusement.

dingdongsaving

Currently wearing this coat on cold/wet days and loving it. Water and wind proof, comfortable and no annoying noise or smell. Recently out for 2 or 3 hours in absolutely pouring rain on 2 separate days and not a drop came through! Very impressed and have had barbour and other far more expensive coats in the past.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lighthouse-Womens-Outback-Duffle-Manufacturer/dp/B01MQ4CM8O/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=lighthouse+womens+raincoat&qid=1602358707&sr=8-3

MrsStepford

Bought secondhand Barbours from a charity shop and sent them back for reproofing. Wouldn't recommend them for riding though. Something like a Drizabone but cheaper ?? Hunter wellies are rubbish now. More for Glastonbury than anything else. I've got Le Chameau which I hope will last me years. Husband has Dunlop, which are tough. Have a look at somewhere like Mole Valley Farmers or Robinsons Equestrian. 

Miró

wondercollie said:

We have a Barbour that was bought at the end of the 1970s and worn by my Dad through the wet winters of Vancouver.  He waxed in a regular basis.  It's now being worn by his grandson (there was a tussle over who it would fit).  Just the basic one with a poachers pocket and lots of pockets.  I bought a similar one two years back and it's fine, I wear it and one of my sons wears it when he goes hunting (with a bright orange touque).  I bought mine in the men's department as the fit was more comfortable and it was a bit cheaper than a ladies version  I forgot to buy the hood and wear it with a headscarf, much to the husband's amusement.

I have a Barbour Beaufort, (mens), which I bought in a charity shop for £20 about 25 years ago.  It was brand new and came with the Barbour Wax reproofing stuff and the (Fattorini Barbour pin.  I reproof it myself every year but now I use Nikwax Wax Cotton Proof which you just spray on and rub in.  Very easy to do and leaves a non-greasy finish and the slight vinegary smell soon disappears leaving the jacket looking like new.  Mine didn't have a hood but a few weeks ago I found one on EBay for £20....even has the same check lining as the jacket!