[Closed] Walking Waterproof Jacket

Check out decathlons options, you still stuck with a hood for the most part, but they concentrate on waterproofness and use pit-zips to regulate temperature. That said, there sailing and running jackets without hoods, so don't just look at their walking section (m8 just bought some goalie glove for mtb-ing). I've always found decathlon kit to be well made and hard wearing.. I have a softshell that 10 years old and won't die.

look like I need to pop down again, as this looks ace
Rockrider ST900 Waterproof MTB Jacket

Loads of half price GoreTex jackets on Sports Pursuits...

https://www.sportpursuit.com/clothing/jackets-tops-jerseys?upper_body_type=Jackets&clothing_features=Waterproof&sp_nav=104_Clothing_Jackets_WaterproofJackets

+1 Sport Pursuit

Waaaay too many to highlight just one, but a simple Gore Tex should suffice and come in well under budget.

Maybe go to TK Maxx if you prefer to try stuff on, but there is a lot of tat in there these days.

I'm still wearing the Mountain Equipment GoreTex jacket one I got in the '90s, with the occasional reproof. It's come back in style now.

If you're looking at Alpkit, I'd suggest the Balance rather than the Argonaut if you want something durable - 2.5-layer fabrics tend not to be as tough.

Or Patagonia has just redone its Torrent Shell jacket in 3-layer fabric for £150. Feels like a nice balance between weight and durability, a little less fitted than the Alpkit jacket, but good, functional shell from a decent brand.

Or as above, Sport Pursuit has lots of options. Gore-Tex stuff is quite tightly controlled by Gore, so fabric and design tend to work.

There's the odd jacket out there with a zip-off hood fwiw, but it's rare.

ideally without a hood but that seems tricky

Pretty much all cycling GTX jackets are hoodless.

I got a Berghaus Ridgemaster GoreTex a couple of weeks back for £80. Bargain

How come you want a waterproof coat without a hood? When it starts persisting it down water will just come in the top

That's not my experience FunkyDunc - I almost never wear the hood up so its just a faff and annoying. Where did you get that from, sounds a bargain?

I'll check out SP, but a couple of TK Maxx 'bargains' have had me a bit wary .. if it's marked up as Goretex it should be fine I know but ... decathlon a good call actually had forgotten about them, their bike kit is my go to for reasonable price/performance. That Patagonia one, I will look at and thanks for the advice on 2.5 vs 3 thats worth knowing.

Best walking jackets for me are ones that pack up small and can sit in my rucksack most of the time. So i'd always recommend something like a Berghaus Paclite. Had one for 12 years before i broke the zip so now on my second one. Phenomenal jacket.

The problem with true waterproof jackets is the cost and the waterproofing needs to be kept up with wash-in treatments. I’m working out of doors all day, and the weather this winter has been challenging to say the least! We’re issued with hi-viz ‘waterproof’ jackets, but they’re bulky and sweaty, so what I’ve got is a Buffalo Special 6 jacket which I wear with a Helly Lifa shirt underneath, which works perfectly if it’s drizzling, but if it comes on harder I’ve got a cheap Peter Storm hooded jacket from Millets which cost £16, and packs into a little bag. Works perfectly, it’s light and keeps the rain off, while the Special 6 stops me turning into a boil-in-the-bag human. I paid £145 for my Buffalo from a camping/outdoor shop in Chippenham, so £161 total with the cheap waterproof. After eight hours out in heavy rain my Buffalo is still dry, the cheap waterproof dries out overnight ready for the next morning.
Been working well doing this everyday for five months so far.

. That Patagonia one, I will look at and thanks for the advice on 2.5 vs 3 thats worth knowing.

No worries. The way it works is that 2.5 layer fabrics have an inner layer which is basically just a partial print between you and the waterproof coating or membrane. Three-layer fabrics are a sandwich with the membrane protected by an additional full fabric layer or backer. Slightly heavier usually, but more robust.

I have a windproof smock from these guys which is great as I can carry stuff close to hand.
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-windproof-smock/34637

if it rains really heavily or it looks like its in for the day then I wear a £30 snugpack poncho over the top of it all which covers my rucksack as well.

https://www.outdoorgb.com/p/snugpak_poncho/

I know you said breathability is 2nd to waterproof but when I'm stomping even my high end 2.5 layer jacket gets clammy/wet internally with sweat hence why I prefer polycotton smocks.

A columbia outdry of some description. A game changer really. A bit of an odd looking material but works really well. No dwr coating to get overwhelmed.

I got a Berghaus Ridgemaster GoreTex a couple of weeks back for £80. Bargain

£90 on Sports Pursuit. Think I'll just get used to the hood for that!

For a jacket, you really need to decide what your priorities are. Breathability second over waterproofness - okay, But if you go too cheap it won't be breathable at all. If you've owned Gore tex before (from a reliable brand), you'' know it's waterproof AND breathable.
It needs to be washed with nik wax once every few months or once a year depending on how much you use it, but most items of clothing need to be washed anyway so I don't see this as an issue. I would avoid buying packable or paclite jackets personally, as they are never going to be as good quality or as durable as a good quality two or three layer GTX jacket. But you have to think if this is a priority for you. Decathlon - be wary of, in my experience (buy cheap buy twice).

Lots of different cuts and shapes to jackets, I really like my Mountain Equipment Gore Tex jacket, don't remember the model name, its a shell jacket but its still being made. But had it over three years already and still looks new to the day I got it after lots of use and long hikes.