Waterproof (not just showerproof!) jacket recs needed!

Rach E

I have a high vis Altura Nevis jacket (3 years old now so not that high vis anymore). It's billed as waterproof. However, in the monsoonesque storms that Londinium has been suffering from over recent years, I'm finding it's more showerproof than waterproof and I'm arriving at work soaked.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a properly waterproof jacket? Preferably not too expensive, but I know this maybe a big ask.

Thank you

victor ludorum

For the price tag, I don't think there's anything wrong with the Altura Nevis. Yours just sounds a bit past its prime. Have you considered treating your jacket with a technical wash and waterproofing respray for technical fabrics (both available from good outdoor stores)? It could well revitalise it. Alternatively, if you buy a new one, treat it that way perdiodically, and it should have a much longer lifespan than your current one.

I have a Gore Cross Jacket at about £80-90 which I wear for full on monsoons and the depths of winter. If you want irreproachable water-proofness I would strongly recommend it or something very like it.

However, in everything there is a trade-off. If you are putting any effort in to your commute at all, you will quickly find that the most waterproof coats quickly leave you drenched on the inside through a mixture of perspiration and condensation. Despite the hype, even gore-tex can't breath it off that quickly, especially if its already wet on the outside through rain. This means that, when you get off the bike, you will be soaked under the jacket (and possibly smelly to boot). However, while you have the jacket on, you will be more or less totally wind-proof, and hence still quite warm.

downfader

Before you tech wash it you might try what many of the hill climbers are doing.

Stick the jacket in your washing machine, but instead of powder put a powders-worth of concentrated conditioner in the powder drawer. I'm told it has the same effect as a tech wash only cheaper. My mother tried it out on her walking coat and reckons it works.

toshmund

Also iron it on a very cool setting, closes the fibres or something daft. Not that hot that you will possibly blister the fabric. Have a Berghaus Mera Peak (walking/climbing jacket), which is still going strong after proofing/ironing, after 14/15 years.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/pr ... roductid=4

lost_in_thought

I use the good old altura night-vision, I get a new one every xmas... they're not pricey and they do the job. But the waterproofing and the yellow-ness does wear out with time.

alfablue

The tech wash only revitalises the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, it will not restore waterproofing. These jackets are waterproof by virtue of a waterproof ptfe laminate, the DWR merely makes the surface repel water so it beads up. Without this the jacket should still be waterproof but would not be breathable as the fabric is "wetted out". However, a non-breathing jacket will make you wet inside due to sweat, and may well make you believe it is leaking. Eventually the fabric can "de-laminate" and then they will let water in. Gore-Tex and I theink eVent have a lifetime guarantee and will replace jackets made in their fabrics if they leak at any time post-purchase.

As far as I understand it fabric conditioners will wreck a DWR. Tumble drying or ironing can revitalise the DWR at least on Gore-Tex fabric, and is recommended for some others. Washing should be done in pure soap (no detergents) or Tech Wash.

If you want to buy a jacket that will last for years (or more likely, last a few seasons but then you get a free replacement) get one made of Gore-Tex or eVent (I have had about 4 Gore-Tex jackets over 10 years, but have only paid for one - they really do stand by their guarantee). However, don't expect any waterproof, however good, to keep you dry if you work up a significant sweat on the bike.

Clever Pun

I use a gore paclite coat, it's damn dry but you do sweat a bit

Surf-Matt

I find the Nevis very good at repelling rain.

Re Tech wash - best thing to do is a light wash in non bio washing powder - this gets rid of the bulk of the dirt. Then Tech wash it - this prepares it for waterproofing. Finally wash it with the tx.direct - http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/pr ... tivityid=1 - stuff and hey presto - it's sorted.

You can even make jeans waterproof!

Nikwax make a superb material called Analagy - got two coats made of it and nothing comes close for breathability and waterproofness. Unfortunately they are a bit heavy for cycling (and cost a bit too much to be trashed)!

woodgob

I use a North Face Diad - the fabric is HyVentDT. It's super-light and packable to mug-size so awesome to have in the bag for being caught in rain on the South Downs or short wet commutes. It has one draw back though...it's very short and the drop tail is not nearly long enough for cycling (but then in heavy rain I wear waterproof overtrousers do it doesn't really matter I guess). It's not a cycle specific jacket and also has a hood which fts over my Spesh S1 lid in torrential downpours.

ChrisLS

http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/garments/ ... ELEZUNISEX

...pricey...but works...may be best for more cold weather riding

Greg T

Don't try and keep the water out - you won't win.

Why not get a fully waterproof canoe bag and put your work top in there - cycle in a t shirt under your water proof and do a quick change?


http://www.yorkshirecanoe.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=284

Surf-Matt

ChrisLS wrote:

http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/garments/detail/index.php?pgc=NIKWAXANALOGYSMOCKVELEZUNISEX

...pricey...but works...may be best for more cold weather riding

I have this one in Nikwax Analogy - it's SUPERB!! But a bit much for all but the coldest rides.
Wife has one too.

http://finisterreuk.com/technicalsurfap ... 0-c26.html

Redmog

Found this on the Register 100% Waterproof

Looks to be just the stuff - I bet it won't be cheap!

Andy

andrewc3142

Gore Xenon Race is good. Not cheap, but nothing waterproof and breathable will be.