the best water proof arborist jacket to date

[L33 DA17ON]

On 28/10/2019 at 18:18, Mark Bolam said:

I’ve ‘researched’ this subject extensively (i.e. wasted loads of money) over the years.

 

I’ve never found a one-stop solution.

 

I think you need a bulletproof waterproof for more static jobs, which Mike is getting at for his Logbullet, with a decent big hood.

 

You need a second waterproof shell for climbing and hard work, but you will get sweaty.

Anything is going to be a best compromise.

Good base layers are almost as important, and become more so when it gets cold.

 

All the ex-forces Goretex I have bought has leaked, but I might have just been unlucky.

A few name-brand Goretex’s started well, but all leaked eventually despite correct care and reproofing.

 

The Pfanner is a great work jacket, but lets a lot of wet in for something that is rated 40000mm waterproof and cost the best part of £300.

 

My Paramo seems awesome, but I’m buggered if I’m using it for tree work!

 

A spare set of dry clothes and early finishes on really vile days are kind of where I’ve ended up.

Pretty much sums it up. I've just bought a RAF gore-tex jacket to try out.£25 cant complain. I do like my buffalo smock but it's the early style with the thinner outer shell don't think it would hold up to woodland work think the newer styles are more RIP stop now. Clean dry clothes and socks make a world of difference. 

[WesD]

On 28/10/2019 at 05:46, jmac said:

Anyone tried the arbortec waterproof smock? 

Shit!

[WesD]

1 minute ago, L33 DA17ON said:

Pretty much sums it up. I've just bought a RAF gore-tex jacket to try out.£25 cant complain. I do like my buffalo smock but it's the early style with the thinner outer shell don't think it would hold up to woodland work think the newer styles are more RIP stop now. Clean dry clothes and socks make a world of difference. 

I love a buffalo however I prefer being a tad cool and doing any form of tree work it would be off in minutes!

[L33 DA17ON]

On 30/10/2019 at 20:52, WesD said:

I love a buffalo however I prefer being a tad cool and doing any form of tree work it would be off in minutes!

I only ever wear my buffalo when out spreading grit and out with the snow plow. When the beast from the east arrived I had it on it was perfect for that, but I like to wear a skins compression long sleeved top under it. No point in spending £££ on waterproofs they'll all end up failing. 

[Dan Maynard]

I bought a breathable jacket in Go Outdoors and lots of base layers, one reason is I reckon the expensive jackets have about the same silky resistance as the cheap ones and once they are cut the waterproofing will be the same.

Base layers mean I'm always warm and damp when it rains, bit like hot and wet in the jungle but more subdued and British.

[peds]

Is the Stihl Duroflex worth getting for general wear on your average shitty weather days, with a nice heavy cape or something else to wear on the worst days? Or is it 70 euro wasted?

edit

How about sizing, too... am I going to be lost in an M, should I just accept that I'm an S for arb gear?

Edited November 2, 2019 by peds
adding more words, yo

[jarborist]

What mark bolam said,

+ bought a cut and climb a few years back based on other recommendations here - no good at all, especially for £150.00

[markieg31]

I dropped the idea of waterproof outers altogether, I have tried all kinds of breathable/gortex outers, they all work fine if you aren’t moving that much, when your working on piece rate in Forestry they all fail, you end up so hot and wet with sweat from the inside, you take it off.
I moved over to the Buffalo System, used by SAS/Special Forces all over the world.
I have several jackets for different uses, the Special 6 is the one I work in most. They are not waterproof but don’t alter their warmth when soaked, and wind proof to 50 mph, the pretext outer dries off in no time, and vented to aid cooling.
You wear them tight fitting with nothing underneath, being soaking wet but warm takes a bit of getting used to.

Used to wear on years ago. Was an old jacket hence started using it for work. The outer material didnt last long at all.

[Joe Newton]

The cheapo Dickie Flexothane type jackets look decent for the price if you're gonna be standing about in the pissing rain, but no good for grafting in. 

 

If you really have to climb or graft in the wet weather I like to have 2 or 3 sets of base layers and micro fleece tops. You'll stay warm (but wet) until you stop, then change for the way home. 

 

Nothing is going to stop prussik gravy running down your arm. 

[maybelateron]

7 hours ago, Joe Newton said:

Nothing is going to stop prussik gravy running down your arm. 

That about sums up the reality of climbing in bad rain.

I can never justify an expensive jacket for wet climbing - nothing seems to retain its waterproof quality after a few days of friction contact with timber, be it when climbing or just carrying it on the ground.