That Old Question - What Jacket

[Chew]

Looking for a new waterproof jacket. Any recomentations?

Something which is going to keep me dry if it rains for a week, but not boil in the bag
Something which will put up with a fair amount of abuse, wearing a pack, bike a hike
Reasonable pack size incase of a week of glorious sunshine
Hood and cycle cut a bonus, as well as usable for non bike duties

Willing to part with a few quid to get something which will last a long time.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Same old answer - RAB Demand smock: http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ ... ullon.html


Or a Montane Minimus?: http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/MON1 ... of-jacket/

EDIT: These get very good reviews: http://www.fieldandtrek.com/karrimor-el ... ens-442050 ... just ignore the name on it. They also do a non eVent Helium jacket for around £50 which looks quite good.

[matt_outandabout]

The minimus is excellent, but is uber lightweight. I had one for a few weeks, it breathes surprisingly well, but I still got sweaty on the bike.
I am becoming a fan of jackets with more venting again - I keep going back to my ones with pit zips (paramo staff uniform jacket, or my ancient Patagonia). I am thinking of Patagonia Piolet as replacement jacket in a few weeks:
http://www.themountainfactor.com/shop/p ... &xSec=5233

[Jack]

I use the Berghaus Mount Asgard Smock (the original one) and it's been everything you need from a jacket. It plenty dry enough (it kept me dry last weekend) and the Gore-Tex is reasonably breathable. It's worn really well, no signs of scuffing on shoulders or back where the rucksack straps have been in about 14 months. Weighs 290g in size large, packs down small and the hood fits nicely over a helmet. Quite a slim fit to it though, I think Berghaus call it 'athletic'. Not as cheap as some of the above though.

[Blackhound]

After WRT last year Numplumz Jack said he was dry in his Finisterre Anabatic at the end of the day. A few weeks later when the deluge started they had a sale on waterproofs so I bought one.

It has been fine whenever I wear it. £190 but unless you are in a rush sign up to there newsletter for occasional offers.

http://www.finisterreuk.com/shop/mens/c ... black.html

[Dan_K]

I've got a Berghaus Temperance II jacket. Bit more of a mountaineering jacket so could be a bit more than what you need and it's approx 450g too so not the lightest. It's a fantastic jacket though. Especially the Raptor hood. Got mine from Sportpursuit for around £120 which is a bargain considering the £240 RRP.
Haven't used it on the bike as I prefer to just wear a showerprooof jacket (Montane Singletrack). Have used it loads for walking though and it's always kept me bone dry. Walked for 4 hours in the peaks in solid, heavy rain and not a drop got through. 3 layer Gore Tex works!

Currently on sale at Cotswold Outdoor for £160:

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/berghaus ... tAodLXgABw