Good evening folks! I am looking for a decent waterpoof jacket but getting kinda stumped at the options.
While I would mainly use it for just taking walks, I do want something a little better that I could possibly use on hikes and such as well (might as well get a better one right away in case I ever decide to do something like that).
Now, I’ve found Jack Wolfskin have some nice looking ones (in particular the Elsberg 2,5l), but opinions on the brand seem to differ a lot.
So I wanted to ask if anyone can recommend a good brand I can get in Europe that fits my budget and delivers decent quality. Thanks everyone in advance!
Not direct advice. But I’ve switched from “technical” waterproof fabrics that use DWR chemicals, to waxed fabrics. I’ve found that after a year of use, the technical fabrics lose their ability to repel water, and I can’t get them back no matter what I do. Waxed fabrics are heavier and don’t breathe as well, but you can reapply wax to get them to repel water again.
I strongly agree. It’s been trendy to wear technical jackets for everyday clothing, and I can certainly understand the alure of just having 1 jacket to do everything, but we are all better off saving the DWR+membrane jackets for their designated purpose.
Just walking about, you don’t need much breathability, so waxed clothing works just fine.
I’ve looked them up a bit and I love the idea that they can also just be rewaxed! However, I gotta admit I think right now they are a bit too expensive for me. Most of them easily cost two or three times as much as the technical jackets I’ve been looking at. I will do some more research tho, and definitely keep that kind of clothing in mind just because I think it’s a really cool way to make them weatherproof
I think the problem is that the brands that make waxed clothing are often more on the luxury side of things (like fjallraven). There’s nothing about waxed fabric that should make it inherently expensive. You could do it yourself, the only downside is that you wouldn’t know for sure what the fabric looks like waxed until you do it.
There’s nothing stopping you from buying a 10€ bar of wax from fjallraven and a 50€ canvas jacket. There’s even more lightweight fabrics that can be waxed, you’d just want to do some homework on how well the particular fabric works with wax.
Just do a bit of the inside of a cuff or the underside of a hem.
Back in the day I used to spray my coat with automotive silicone. Doesn’t look great but your not getting wet.
Oh I didn’t think it was that easy to do. Thank you for all the info, I’m going to research that a bit more!
You can buy a jacket that is (mostly) made out of cotton, and then wax it yourself. It’ll probably take you a few hours to do, but it can be done inexpensive. AliExpress has some cheap waxed jackets too.
Someone has mentioned this as well! I’ll definitely do some more research on how to do that kinda stuff because I really like that concept!
Not to mention that those technical fabrics are full of PFAS.
Some companies have switched to Fluorine-free waterproofing chemicals (e.g. Deuter for backpacks). Iirc, there’s even a Fluorine-free version of Goretex nowadays. I haven’t really looked into whether these materials are this much better though.
I didn’t even know fabrics like that exist, gonna look it up right away, thank you!
I’ve been eying waxed jackets for a while, do you have any brand recommendations?
Barbour are the best I’ve had. Pricey though
I bought this about 6 months ago and it’s been great. Every couple of weeks I find a new pocket. It’s waterproof, windproof, versatile, sturdy, hard wearing. Quite heavy, but so far I really like it.
Now, that’s a jacket.
Edit: I’m impressed at the price for what looks to be great quality.
That looks great too, thank you for sharing!
Go to a hardware store that sells work clothes, or ask someone who works outside.
I find rain shells for hiking, or ones made out of Gore-Tex to be effective. These fabrics need to be clean to work at their best. After a bit, you might have to wash them with a compound like Tech wash. Really as long as the Jacket is rated to be waterproof it should be good. Fit is most important. And depending on what style of jacket you are looking for depends on what would be considered good.
Goretex is a waste of money, you just need a cheap pertex jacket or frogg toggs. Layer with wool underneath.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAmXi8-Zcv8
I’m confused why you’re downvoting proper information? Nobody needs a $300 rain jacket. There’s lots of info online about why goretex is kind of a scam.
Look at the material Goretex brand is switching to, now that lawsuits are being brought against them. They knew their process was incredibly toxic and are now catching up to their competitors.
They’ve done a great job getting people to trust the Goretex tag.
Yeah I get triggered every time someone recommends goretex, no experienced outdoors people use it
Trash bag worked great for marching band!
REI sold a cheap shell, that’s waterproof. It’s very thin and compact when folded, but with no insulation at all. You’d wear something nicer underneath, like a cozy sweater, with the waterproof jacket on top. Being waterproof, it doesn’t breathe well.
I bought one to take on hikes when it was raining, then I could take it off and stuff it in my backpack once it stopped raining.
You’ll get top-end Regatta stuff for that kinda money
Price as come down on futurelite and I’m a fan of how breathable and light weight it is compared to goretex. These features might not be that important for walking in the rain, but where it really shines is packability / weight for travel or hiking.
Will definitely check it out, thank you!
I have a Columbia Watertight. It’s nice.
Do sleeveless ones count or are you looking only for classic? I’m wearing sleeveless partially for that reason, they’re cheaper than the upper limit even if in other colours, even my pink. At Kohl’s they were like fifty.
Yes I’m looking for a regular one with sleeves, but great tip anyway if no sleeves don’t matter for the certain use case, thank you!
The Alpha Industries MA-1 jacket is the best jacket I’ve bought. It’s very waterproof but kind of heavy. It’s at the higher end of your budget but Alpha is worth checking out.
Will check them out, thanks!!
