Waterproof jacket recommendations? Budget/decent if possible

[Scottieoutdoors]

With all this awful weather, I'm thinking it's about time I buy an actual waterproof jacket instead of relying on the pack-a-mac non waterproof waterproof that I've had for years..
I know there are plenty options around - Go outdoors for example has many, but I can be a clumsy oaf and tore my down jacket on it's first trip!! so just wondering if there are any recommendations.. I might check out surplus stuff shortly, but ideally not after camo.

 

[Nice65]

There are quite a few army Goretex jackets out there in olive drab. M65 might be a good bet.

Goretex M65 Jacket Gore Tex

Goretex Gore Tex M65 Combat Jacket In Stock and Ready to post

www.surplusandoutdoors.com

 

[Wander]

Or, from the same supplier, but much cheaper - a Royal Navy goretex jacket:

RN MVP Gore-tex jacket

Waterproof Goretex type Wet Weather Jacket RN MVP Royal Naval wet weather jacket ready to post now

www.surplusandoutdoors.com

 

[Ozmundo]

There is a fair bit of Austrian goretex and fleeces floating around now. Not bad prices and plain OD as they relatively recently switched to camo.

 

[Robson Valley]

I went to a ship's chandler on the coast and looked over the selection of "off-shore boat-coats." Was not cheap even some 25 years ago. 5X large so I can dress warmly underneath. Wrist seals that really did prove their worth on several occasions. I've still got it. The wrist seals are unreliable after all this time but the coat itself doesn't leak a drop.

Don't pass up a look at the coats worn by the commercial fishing mob.

 

[Scottieoutdoors]

I went to a ship's chandler on the coast and looked over the selection of "off-shore boat-coats." Was not cheap even some 25 years ago. 5X large so I can dress warmly underneath. Wrist seals that really did prove their worth on several occasions. I've still got it. The wrist seals are unreliable after all this time but the coat itself doesn't leak a drop.

Don't pass up a look at the coats worn by the commercial fishing mob.

Can't disagree with the last sentence. The RNLI yellows were the best waterproofs I've ever worn - bar the drysuit...

 

[FerlasDave]

Have you tried eBay? I picked up an old battered goretex jacket from there last year, sent it to alpkit who re taped the seams and gave it a good wash with soap flakes and Nik wax and now I have a £500 jacket that only cost me £55.

 

[Aristotle]

There is a fair bit of Austrian goretex and fleeces floating around now. Not bad prices and plain OD as they relatively recently switched to camo.

I bought a used (distressed?) Austrian Army Alpine Goretex jacket in olive green. It is excellent. The hood is particularly good.

 

[Great egret]

If you need absolutely 100% waterproof i'd stay away from membrane jacket like goretex.

 

[Broch]

I'm going to bring out another broken record of mine - apologies

It all depends on what you do 'outdoors'. I rarely wear my 'backpacking/camping in the hills' jacket these days because most of my time is making my way through woodland, scrub, thorn, gorse, holly .... my lightweight membrane jacket wouldn't stand a chance.

For general country wear, rough camping, sitting around a camp fire, weekend walking in the hills, I favour the gear designed and supplied for field sports; there's a huge range from very good value to outrageously expensive, so plenty to choose from.

Have a browse through here, and while you're there look at some of the trousers - I'm using hunting trousers with a bramble proof and water resistant front layer; ideal for thorny woodland :

Mens Country Jackets | New Forest Clothing

Large range of men's wax jackets, hunting jackets and shooting jackets ideal for outdoor pursuits, country sports or just looking the part! View our range online.

www.newforestclothing.co.uk

 

[Erbswurst]

The German army Flecktarn Goretex suits are good, robust, relatively light, usually sold in good conditions and are relatively cheap. Flecktarn though, what's the German forest camouflage pattern.