Waterproof pullover/smock

[Peter Atkinson]

Hi there

I’m sure that this has been discussed soooo many times before, so forgive me asking: I’m looking for a waterproof pullover/smock to use on a 2 week hike across Scotland. I’d ideally like something with pit zips and that can withstand long spells of strong winds and heavy rain and in the UK can only find 2 contenders:

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/alpamayo-waterproof-smock

and

http://www.fjallraven.co.uk/keb-eco-shell-anorak?nosto=Nost-Product

The Fjallraven is expensive and pretty untested as far as I can make out – I can’t find many reviews where it has been used in log spells of driving rain.

A third option is this, albeit heavier:

http://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/explore-range/product/?pk=F7AB6778-6F62-445E-AEDB-6F36975ED08B

I need something that is well made and probably a bit heavier than I’d like as it’ll get a hammering and will be worn with a heavyish pack.

Are there options I’ve missed, maybe from further afield like the USA/NZ etc

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Pete

 

[Andre Buhot]

http://www.macpac.com.au/nz-alpine-team/hightail/hightail-anorak-mens.html

Haven’t seen one in person and I’m not too sure about shield+

[Brad Rogers]

May I ask why a pullover/smock?  I would normally say to save weight, but none of the pullovers you listed are exceptionally light and both use proprietary membranes (which some may be good, but many are sub-standard).   For the weather you are looking at, I would want an eVent, Gore Tex, or Neo-Shell jacket regardless of whether it had a full zip or not.

[Peter Atkinson]

Good question Brad… usually when it is in Scotland and raining like a beast, no matter what the waterproof, I’ve always got wet down the zipline; a smock just reduces that area of potential rain penetration.

You are right, my options aren’t that light, and I’d happily go lighter with a waterproof that worked in bad rain driven by strong winds.

I’ve since found this in neo-shell:

http://www.jottnar.com/uk/mens/hardshell-jackets/hymir/

No pit zips, but lighter.

[spelt with a t]

OMM has some smocks you should look at. https://www.theomm.com/products/clothing/ The Cypher is no longer in production, apparently, but it was a full Event pullover around 10 oz.

I don’t think Rab’s current production lineup has any pullover shells, but NOS of models like the Spark can be found on ebay.

Likewise, you might find some Haglofs NOS around, like the Endo or Gram Comp pullovers.

[Alex H]

There is the Sierra Designs Cagoule, no pit zips but an interesting built in under arm vents, it is really a smock more than and old school cagoule.  I have just started using the UL Trench Jacket and it seems great so far other than a bit tight fitting through the shoulders for me.

[Eric Blanche]

Inov8 also has a number of offerings. None with pitzips though.

http://www.inov-8.com/men/apparel/waterproof-outer-layer.html?cat=50%2C53

[James holden]

I’d ideally like something with pit zips and that can withstand long spells of strong winds and heavy rain and in the UK

goretex … preferably pro …

accept no substitutes … just make sure you have pit zips

theres plenty of event failures on ukclimbing and some on BPL (westcomb, montane) in terms of proofness and durability

neoshell also has issues

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=567495

more important than the particular shell is the skill and gear (synthetic and fleece) of being able to survive being damp all the time … as you WILL get wet no matter what under constant rain
;)

[Brad Rogers]

“Good question Brad… usually when it is in Scotland and raining like a beast, no matter what the waterproof, I’ve always got wet down the zipline; a smock just reduces that area of potential rain penetration.”

 

I can understand that, I was just assuming that the request was to save weight.   I haven’t had any problems with my Haglofs Ozo but can see where it could be.

For what it’s worth I have found the YKK Vilson Aquatech WP zippers more waterproof than the YKK Coil based Aguatech zipper you find most of the time.

Of course finding a pullover with pit zips is a challenge into itself much less finding one with a Vilson zipper.

I will be interested to see what you decide on

[Peter Atkinson]

Thank you all for your help and input…  I’ve decided to go for the PHD, it’s a bit heavier but I’ve always been let down by ‘waterproof’ zips in Scotland, and the PHD ones are immense.  It’s a bit heavier than I’d like, but has the few features I want – ace zips, smock, a decent pocket, durable, and pit zips.  I also, sad to say, like smaller independent companies.

I have to say I thought that the Sierra Design suggestion was interesting, nice to see a different approach, It was tempting…

Anyway, thank you all for your input.

Pete

[Brad Rogers]

Please report back when you have a chance to test it out some and get some miles under it.  A jacket like that may be useful for Alaska.

[John G]

In driving rain, I’ve had good results with full zip jackets that have a storm flap on each side of the zipper that overlap and snap shut. If the overlap is 1.5″ or more, and the snaps are 5″ or less apart, no rain will make in through the zipper.  It will come in through the face and neck area though…. A scarf helps keep it from running down your body fairly well- but it’s usually too warm to wear one.

In the same type of driving rain, I don’t find pit sips to work very well. If I open them wide, rain comes in. If I only leave a 4-6″ gap, then my arms block the opening unless my arms are held up or away from my sides. Maybe using trekking poles would help this – but then rain pours in through the wrist holes.  But maybe rain mitts with long gauntlet style cuffs would fix that :)

A raincoat that has a loose billowy fit and an open hem has pretty good ventilation in windy rain. Just make sure it’s long, since the flapping in the breeze lifts the hem 6″ or so

 

[Lars Laird Iversen]

I also thought about OMMs offerings. But they are maybe more into the high-activity styles, rather than the bomber weatherproofing. Just my impression from looking at the stats, though…

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