Is anybody able to advise what the best coat/jacket type is to buy for camping. A friend advised me to go for a softshell jacket but I'm not sure if this type would keep me warm in the colder months (September/October). Do you have to buy a jacket for each season? Can anybody advise me please.
I do loads of outdoor work in all weathers (from legging it around the countryside to standing around all day), and this is what works for me:
OK weather, but raining - Breathable jacket. I prefer the kind with no lining at all, and the most breathable fabric you can afford.
Showers / slightly chilly / general use - softshell.
Cold and raining, or cold in general - softshell and the waterproof.
Very cold and lots of hanging around - merino base layer, t-shirt, fleece / jumper, softshell and the waterproof.
In my book it's worth spending big money on a waterproof IF you know you aren't going to rip it to shreds, and are happy to wear it with stick on patches if you do. I don't like the waterproofs with insulation in them at all - often you'll be getting rained on whilst doing something, and in one of those you roast, and you've got no choice in the matter... If you've got less to spend, a lot of not quite waterproof "showerproof" jackets are for all intents and purposes waterproof and breathe well. You can always buy the very cheap pacamac type waterproofs incase you get stranded out in the rain.
Softshells seem to be much of a muchness, so I buy cheap ones. You can only regard them as very light showerproof really.
Layering is the key.I have used either lightweight anddwaterproof cycle jackets and hiking jackets , used with fleece jumpers , hiking shirts or good quality cotton .Bullky coats , just get heavier ,and any weakness where the wet penetrates ,means a lengthy time drying.
Layering is key, use wicking material as a base(but you tend to pong quickley...or I do) then a lightweight fleece most shops are selling them cheap(go outdoors and decathlon) a mid fleece and then to top it a waterproof(breathable) jacket, should be good for almost any weather.....versatility is better than one big coat.
I wear a pile and pertex(buffalo/montane/snugpack) smock or normally just a light fleece and dont often wear goretex(unless the heavens have opened!).....OH wear every layer she's brough with her and is still cold.
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I work outdoors all year round and always opt for decent breathable waterproofs for very wet weather, a showproof softshell for cool drizzley weather, decent thin layers - microfleece, polyester etc - strictly no cotton or other materials that stay damp. For work I generally buy Snickers or Strauss brand clothing - they do heaps of stuff and are pretty good value. For weekends I wear heaps of stuff from Helly Hansen, Bonfire and Dakine - all bought when on sale.
Outer waterproof shell with a detachable inner fleece.
Regetta, Peter Storm, Cotton Trader are 3 brands that do affordable ones.
You can spend more and get some really good ones that peeps take to extremes of the world.
Personally I found the ones by Regetta very adequate for my needs. It helps I work close to one of their outlet shops, and can pick them up at very reasonable price.
As mentioned by the others already, layering is key, so have lots of layers, vest, t-shirt, sweatshirt, fleece, waterproof etc...
DK
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I can comment here with some experiance, you can go for goretex your helly hansons or peter storm fella and all these but they cost a fortune times 4 or 5 if need to kit out a family.
Layering is the key to wick moisture away from the body. tesco fleece £3 if your still chilly buy a second one next size up to put ontop. as for waterproofs I work on a dairy farm and recommend Flexothane if you want a complete waterproof and it rains a bit in Wales though the winter (ok and the summer) I stay out side all day in them, ok they only come in dark green and you will look like your off to the cattle mart but you wont get wet. try a local farm supplier £20 mark. And if you do get covered in cow s**t it just pressure washes off.
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Topic: Camping Coats/Jackets
) then a lightweight fleece most shops are selling them cheap(go outdoors and decathlon) a mid fleece and then to top it a waterproof(breathable) jacket, should be good for almost any weather.....versatility is better than one big coat.
