Which waterproof?...

[monkeybusiness]

Sorry all, it’s been done to death over the years but...

I need to buy the lads some new waterproof jackets/smocks for climbing in. 
Who recommends what? Has anything new come to market that is better than all before it? 
All advise gratefully received! 

[Mark Bolam]

Always worth discussing mate, because new stuff does come along.

 

Some standard answers as well.

 

’Ex-army goretex is great’.

In my opinion it’s not.

 

’Skin is waterproof, I just wear a t-shirt’

Always first in the truck when it starts sleeting.

 

I think we have established by now that nothing is truly waterproof and breathable. Vapour from sweat can’t get out from the inside if water is bouncing off the outside. Simple physics.

You can’t help sweating if you’re climbing.

I prefer warm wet from sweat than cold rain, like.

 

My Paramo is excellent, but I’m not ruining it on tree work!

 

Goretex always seems to start well but I think tree work rubs the outer over time and it ends up leaking, no matter how much Nikwax you through at it.

 

Cut & Climbs seem well thought of, but I don’t like the fact they haven’t got a hood.

 

Basically what you’re after is the best compromise.

 

Please nobody mention Arbotec, we’re not at college anymore.

[Rich Rule]

Swazi Karona Anorak for me.   Bought from the NZ website just before I move to Norway, it arrived in 6 days.  Hivis and has a skirt to keep the butt dry.  Surprisingly the skirt doesn’t get in the way of a climbing harness.

 

High-Visibility

WWW.SWAZI.CO.NZ

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Productivity stays high when your warm, dry and safe. When getting the job done is a given, and health...

 

I went XL so I have space for a fleece and whotnot as it gets pretty harsh sometimes here.

 

 

[monkeybusiness]

I’ve had this list of options from Sorbus (who are always incredibly helpful) - if anyone has any positive/negative thoughts on anything below I’d love to hear them!
 

Arbortec Breathedry Smock- very popular, lightweight, comfortable to wear, aimed at climbers – needs treating with NikWax now and again, https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/clothing/wet-weather/Arbortec-Breathedry-Waterproof-Smock

 

Stein X25 Exo jacket Fairly new- Designed for the network rail contract, better than the last Stein jacket, added comfort features: https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/evo-x25

 

Harkie Innovation II smock, fairly robust fabric, little heavier than others, not a bad shout if you are prone to ripping your jackets: https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/Harkie-Innovation-2-Smock-HVO?search=innovation

 

Lyngsoe Hi Viz Jacket – Strong fabric, waterproof, probably not ideal for climbing as a little bulky, well priced:https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/clothing/wet-weather/lyngsoe-jacket-breathable-hivis

 

SIP Keiu jacket – Comfy, breathable, not too heavy – but jacket is a zip style, and the hood is it a bit weird when rolled in and tucked out the way: https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/clothing/wet-weather/WATERPROOF-RAIN-BREATHABLE-JACKET-ORANGE

SIOEN Mildura rain jacket – not in our current stock but we can order it in pretty quickly and has great word of mouth feedback for de veg crews on NWR contracts, looking at around £130ex:https://sioen-ppc.com/en/products/mildura

 

Pfanner nanosheild rain jacket, pretty much goretex but they use Sympatex– brilliant quality, not overly heavy, but need to take out a mortgage though! The hi viz orange one is £165ex vat each.

[monkeybusiness]

13 minutes ago, Rich Rule said:

Swazi Karona Anorak for me.   Bought from the NZ website just before I move to Norway, it arrived in 6 days.  Hivis and has a skirt to keep the butt dry.  Surprisingly the skirt doesn’t get in the way of a climbing harness.

 

High-Visibility

WWW.SWAZI.CO.NZ

---

Productivity stays high when your warm, dry and safe. When getting the job done is a given, and health...

 

I went XL so I have space for a fleece and whotnot as it gets pretty harsh sometimes here.

 

 

Swazi look amazing! Are they very warm though? 

[Rich Rule]

Single layer.  I only really wear it when it is winter and I have a fleece on so want it warm.

 

It doesn’t have vents so you do get a bit hot I guess, but I would rather be wet and warm than shivering and wet.

[Mark Bolam]

Forgot about the Swazi Rich.

Von has one now as well and really rates it.

 

The Kiwis know about rain!

[Stere]

Oilskin Wax High Vis Vest - The Loggers Shop

LOGGER.CO.NZ

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A high vis oilskin wax vest, made with the same design as all the Styx Mill Oilskin wax vests but with flouro and reflective...

 

Bought a barbour type  waxed vest  after seeing thoose^ oilskin ones  they sell  NZ as though it would keep body dry   but be cool-ish to work in.

 

Walker & Hawkes Men’s Country Brown Wax Waistcoat / Gilet

EQUESTRIANCO.COM

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The three essential things which a country wax waistcoat needs to be: Durable Timeless Practical This brown wax...

 

Ok apart from sawdust stuck to its waterproof but not breathable. ?