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I am looking for a jacket for walking & bivvying but would like something with a hood and something that is properly waterproof and not breathable as would use it to keep heat in.
I thought this would be simple to find but not had any luck. Any sugestions?
Just get one of those "mack in a sack" or "boil in the bag" type ones from a local cheap shop like Whinfields.
if you get somethign not breathable and you do anythign but sit stock still you'll end up wet from perspiration condensing on the inside of the coat.
those mac in a bag ones aren't terribly waterproof, tbh.
I quite like my mack in a sack one for cycling use over winter. I dont sweat alot anyway so it keeps me fairly warm.
Yeah, I would say that going 'non-breathable' to keep the heat in is probably the worst choice.
This isn't criticising, but what is wrong with just putting a fleece under a breathable jacket? I can 100% assure you that you will be much, much, more comfortable in that than a non-breathable jacket which, as mentioned, will just cause you to get soaking wet from condensation and you will end up even colder (and potentially this is life threatening depending on the weather).
ok if you know of CHEEP breathable light and properly waterproof jackets then i would look at those too but seems unlikely to me.
Any waterproof shell, be it breathible or not, will keep the wind out. A thin bit of plastic isn't a terribly good insulator as of itself, apart from trapping one layer of air, and keeping the water from sluicing across your skin. You're better off with some decent baselayer and mid layering for warmth, with any kind of waterproof shell.
Transpiration through the shell of a breathible fabric does not transport significant amounts of heat. In fact, getting sopping wet inside of a boil-in-the-bag will lose you far more.
There is no such thing as 'waterproof', despite the common monkier for this kind of apparel. You need a face fabric with a high hydrostatic head, good abrasion resistance, well kept DWR treatment, well taped seams, good zip/storm flap/zip-gutter design (avoid those siliconised 'waterproof' zips that do away with the storm flap/zip-gutter too) and no badly placed zip cord eyelets etc.
These features tend to be found on expensive jackets sorry, look at proper mountaineering jackets in end-of-season sales, or even secondhand if good condition? I don't know of anythign cheap that has these features sorry.
Just my 2p.
Softshells are the best for keepin you dryish but toasty warm. Anything that makes a rustling noise when you move isn't going to be much cop IMHO
Oh and if you're going looking for jackets, pay attention to the major water ingress zones above and beyond all the fabrics/gimmickery - neck hole, sleeves and waist. You need draw cords, velcro etc to be able to close these up well in horrid weather. I like proper mountaineering jackets with a front zip that comes up to your nose and a good hood, so in foul weather pretty much only your nose, eyes and hands are sticking out.
How about one of these
[url= http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Fox-Clothing-Fox%20Clothing-Vapor-Waterproof-Jacket_40323.htm?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Product_Search&utm_campaign=Froogle01 ]Fox Vapor[/url]
Lightish cheapish doesn't look that breathable, I don't think it would be actually any good for what you want though. Echo the softshell idea or traditional shell with fleece mid layers
As everyone else says, get breathable and personally I'd get pit zips too as you get pretty hot pretty quick when you're walking, even in the rain.
If you're going to wear a rucksack make sure the jackets got high up pockets so you can use them if rucksack belt is done up.
I'd recommend a Marmot Precip at the cheaper end of things. I wouldn't get a Patagonia Rain Shadow as the hood is rubbish
Go to Decathlon and browse...
I've bought the same jacket 3 times now
[b]Mountain Equipment Orge.[/b]
It's £270 RRP, but at the end of the season you can often pick it up for about £170 if you keep your eyes peeled in the sales.
I use it for winter and summer hiking/climbing all over the world and it's awesome. In the UK, I only need to stick a microfleece (or if it's really cold, something like a Northface Redpoint) and I'm good to go. Seriously, one layer underneath and i'm plenty warm enough once the legs/arms get pumping!
Buying cheap jackets is a bit like buying a cheap full suspension bike, it's a bit of a false economy IMO. You'll enjoy your time outdoors so much more if you spend an extra £100. And it will last you ages if you take decent care of it.
the dare2be stuff has always worked well for me and they have a sale on at the mo. although the best deals are in funny colours
dont know what cheap is for you but hows this - http://www.dare2b.com/buy/forthright-stretch-shell-jacket-183172
there was loads more on there yesterday 😕
cheaper - http://www.dare2b.com/buy/amplitude-lightweight-jacket-183187