High Quality and Reasonably Priced Rain Jacket

SnowDragon on 14/06/2024 - 10:35

Heading to the UK in October/November and am looking for a rain jacket.
Gone a bit too far down the rabbit hole and breathability/waterproof ratings will be haunting my dreams for a bit.

From what I've gleaned, Kathmandu is k-mart tier quality. Decathlon is cheap but ok. Driza-Bone is a lifelong purchase, but pricey.

Budget is around $100-150 - if this means I only get a "medium quality" jacket, that's fine - back for buck.

What jacket are you using, what did you pay and would you recommend it?

Fashion & Apparel Raincoat

Comments

  • pharkurnell on 14/06/2024 - 10:43

    Bought one of these bout 18mths ago, happy with it… Detachable hood was a must for me, not a fan of them hanging round my neck when not in use

    https://rainbirdclothing.com.au/products/deneb-jacket-47321?…

  • Presence on 14/06/2024 - 11:02
    +1

    I have a Kathmandu NGX 2.5 raincoat, I think the current model is "Andulo".
    It packs up really small and is very light.
    For 5 years i've worn it nearly daily riding a bicycle to work (and i ride in ALL weather in Melbourne).
    Still in really amazing condition, and still waterproof. Even in extremely heavy rainfaill it holds up.
    Would defs buy again, assuming current model is the same.

    Goretex isnt a scam, but its advertising is misleading - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPUUA9AOe5A

  • JohnWick1980 on 14/06/2024 - 11:02
    +2

    https://www.patagonia.com.au/products/mens-torrentshell-3l-r…

    These go on sale every now and then for ~$175. Good quality - i use for outdoor hiking and walking in winter. Pretty solid!

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/06/2024 - 11:27

      Was gonna say pantagonia but it was out of op budget. Mate has 1 , it looks decently nice. I’d have that on my list if I ever needed one.

    • parsimonious one on 14/06/2024 - 14:26

      Came here to suggest torrentshell too.

      Gets great reviews online

  • sumyungguy on 14/06/2024 - 11:17

    For Oct/Nov UK climate I'd go for a hardshell

  • bic on 14/06/2024 - 11:19

    Don't have too much opinion on the matter, but I would definitely stay away from Kathmandu. Their quality on their clothing is absolute rubbish

  • owli on 14/06/2024 - 11:48
    -1

    If you are going UK, go Barbour wax cotton, the gorpcore stuff is lame.

  • h0mbre on 14/06/2024 - 12:10
    +1

    I'm still using my Soartd Global Storm from the deal below:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/640791

    I was so impressed with this jacket I contacted the guy and bought all his remaining stock (for work purposes and to have a few spares).

    I never realised or understood how much of a gamechanger a good rain jacket is.

    My wife has a Patagonia Granite Crest that we picked up in the states for $190 AUD but the RRP in Australia is very steep however it is an awesome jacket and probably worth it.

    Keep in mind that there are rain jackets that are a bit stiffer and bulkier and then there are the ones that are highly flexible.

    I find these flexible ones much more comfortable and can actually be worn in all conditions not just during rain. With the other stiffer styles, I find myself taking them off as soon as I'm out of the rain because they're uncomfortable.

  • rumblytangara on 14/06/2024 - 13:10
    +1

    You really need to say what you're using the jacket for, otherwise you're going to get answers from all over the olace.

    Are you walking around playing tourist, are you hiking the Isle of Skye?

    A tourist jacket doesn't need to be breathable, and preferably it's longer cut. A jacket for serious outdoor activities will benefit from things like out zips and drawstring hoods.

    Driza-bone waxed cotton is kind of the opposite of what you're going to find in Kathmandu or Decathlon.

    So, what's the use case?

    • SnowDragon on 14/06/2024 - 13:14

      Generally playing tourist but may end up doing some short (<2h) walks.

      Just want a jacket which lets me leave the car/accommodation and not worry about the weather.

      But I do also live in tassie and do bush walks regularly, so id like something that ticks a few boxes

      • rumblytangara on 14/06/2024 - 13:17
        +1

        Then you can get anything that keeps the rain off. I would not worry about waterproof/breathability ratings- I've spoken to a guy that used to work in one of the UK research labs that measured this stuff whi was of the opinion that design trumps any rated specs.

        Waxed cotton is great, but it's heavy AF to carry around compared to synthetics.

        If you bushwalk already then anything you're using in Tasmania will be fine for urban UK or short countryside walks.

        Personally, my 'serious' outdoor rain jacket is only available in the UK anyway. Paramo. It beats the crap out of other synthetics for longevity and comfort. It's above $150 AUD though.

  • apple2016 on 14/06/2024 - 14:31
    -1

    inbetween Driza-Bone and katmandu, you might fine northface and icebreaker. I find them quite good

  • neoleo on 14/06/2024 - 15:18

    Check Uniqlo brand online or in-store.

    I still use mine until now, already several years from Ozbargain info too ;-)

    Maybe check between $50 to <$100

    https://www.uniqlo.com/au/en/men/outerwear/all-outerwear?pat…

  • Mechz on 14/06/2024 - 15:28

    What size range? Can occasionally get an unbelievable deal in Amazon warehouse for under $50.

  • Transient on 14/06/2024 - 18:28
    +2

    I have:

    • One from Zara which I wear to the office. Was on sale for about $100. Quite long so keeps my trousers pretty dry but not too long so as to trip over while walking up stairs. Does not smell of rubber unlike the FC parka that was sold at DJs.

    • A casual jacket from Thomas Cook. Bought for $50 on Ebay. One of my best bargains. Plenty of pockets and not too hot or cold. Rated 20,000mm, breathable 3000MVP.

    • A light, packable rain jacket from Kmart for when I travel. I was a bit worried since it is polyester but the weave is tight so rain pretty much beads off. Tends to trap body heat but the zip front and the back vents fixes this problem. Works fine with a pocket umbrella when raining in Singapore. A bargain for $20.

  • omguleh on 15/06/2024 - 10:08

    Macpac is decent, it’s what we buy for our kids.

  • kiitos on 15/06/2024 - 17:36

    Does waterproofing "wear out" for parkas and rain jackets?

    I have a Columbia jacket that's at least 10 years old. I thought it was waterproof but on the latest holiday out definitely got sodden quite quickly.

    • rumblytangara on 15/06/2024 - 18:31
      +2

      There's a chemical treatment on the outer fabric that repels water. This wears out over time with use. It gets totally wrecked if you put it in a washing machine with fabric conditioner (and possibly some normal detergents that have extra crap like fragrances).

      There are products that will reapply a coating. Something like this: https://nikwax.com.au/product/tx-direct-wash-in/

  • WT on 15/06/2024 - 21:12

    rivers have a soft shell with fleece for $35, but last week it was $20

    portwest rain pants and jackets seem to have good reviews and are around $20 ea

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