Walking/Hiking/Trekking

[Greedyfly]

I want to buy a jacket for my other half as a gift - he has recnetly taken up walking and has climbed a couple of mountains etc... But the jacket he is waering isnt very good. It needs to be waterproof, preferably windproof and in general the best I can afford. I have googled and had a look at a few but not sure what I need to get. Do I need a 3 in 1 jacket (which I must say are the more expensive) or would a decent waterproof do? I see the advantage with the 3 in 1's is that they have removable fleeces which is originally what I was looking for. I have about �100 maybe a little more to spend on said jacket so any suggestions etc.. are greatly received, also if there is a specific jacket maybe some reviews too. Thanks guys.

[annie0000]

i would forget a 3 in 1 these are not really for serious walking - I would get the best jacket (just the shell) that you can afford, but just the jacket - unless you are looking for a technical fleece (i.e. windproof and shower resistent - fleeces for wearing under jackets are all pretty much the same - they are there to provide a warm layer. A woolen jumper (e.g golf jersey etc) works just the same. It really depends on what time of year and what type of hills he is going up. All waterproofs will be windproof as well, so if it is cold, he can always put his jacket on. Good makes to look at are The North Face, Berghaus, Scarpa etc. I would look on mandmdirect.com as they often have good jackets at a reduced price. Can't get on the website just now for some reason, but will try later and put on a link for you.

[Reverandfunk]

Best jacket u can get is goretex, I wont bore you with the technical details lol try this link

www.worldofsurplus.com/ishop/1061/shopscr31.html

[Greedyfly]

http://www.littlewoodsdirect.com/rf/lxd/naviga tion/product.do?Ns=prod_in_stock%7c1%7c%7cprod _new_in%7c1%7c%7cprod_min_base_price%7c0%7c%7c scu_id%7c1&Nao=15&groupId=408442507&Nu=this_pr oduct&SNtk=&Np=1&SN=152+4294967082+85+42949670 81&Ntt=408442507&D=408442507&Ntk=group_search& Dx=mode%2bmatchall&thisprod=408442507&N=152+42 94967082+85+4294967081&Nty=1&Mis_item_id=15&Mi s_item_loc_id=1&product=408442507

What about the above? Something like that?

[annie0000]

Again, it depends on what he wants to do, but I would steer clear of any of these combo 3 in 1 type jackets - they are more for people who want to look the part but are not necessarily the best deal for real walking. As reverd says, goretex is the stuff for ultimate waterproof and breathability - You can pick up a fleece for next to nothing - see the mandmdirect site. Unfortunately, they don't have much in the way of jackets just now, it comes and goes, but I think that you should be looking at something like this:

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Berghaus-Xcr- Retract-Jacket---Aw06.html

or this
http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Columbia-Stea lth-Peak-Paclite-Shell-Jacket---Clearance.html

Obviously you get what you pay for, but I would try to stick with Goretex if you can get it on your budget. There are cheaper alternatives (sympatex etc) but they are not as good. Trespass is an ok make but a bit more budget than the others, I have a trespass jacket , but I would really just use it for general wear rather than mountain wear. I tend to stick with North face as the sizing suits me better, it is expensive, but the jacket I have has lasted me 5 years so far, so actually it doesn't work out that bad.

[Reverandfunk]

Personally I would just go with goretex, it is everyting proof and you should be able to pick one up for �50.00 or less

[countrykid]

I agree with not going for a combi jacket, and Goretex is certainly one to consider, but search out Paramo Directional Clothing first if you can. www.paramo.co.uk. There gear is brilliant, their ethics commendable, and their after sales ervice second to none. Why do you need an after sales service you might ask. Their gear has a lifetime guarantee, and when I had a problem (not a major one) it was sorted without any fuss, and fast too. Unlike Goretex, which tends to be a bit on the stiff side, Paramo jackets are more supple. A word of caution, their gear isn't cheap, but then quality has a price, and don't forget, with a lifetime guarantee, it is cheaper in the long run. I have walked with a lot of leaders, and inm group holidays, and can promise you all report favourably. You won't find Paramo in Millets, or Blacks (same owner) and retail stores tend to be more in walking areas, especially Lake District, but check out the website and see what you think. Good luck.

[Greedyfly]

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/webpoint/webpoint.html?FUSEACTION=main&P36=5Z2TFD

This one Any good?

[annie0000]

Hi greedyfly - the link is not working, I have had a look at the website, but I am not sure which jacket you were thinking of.

[annie0000]

Not sure if your budget is still teh same, what about something like this:

http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/products/berghaus- mens-force-jacket_2382.html#