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Cheapish jacket for low-level walking in Perthshire
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Tim
Feb 1, 2012, 4:57:18 AM2/1/12
to
Hello all,
I need to spend some more time out of doors this year to stop working
all the time and lose some middle-age spread. I need a jacket for low-
level walking -- up a few hills, but no ridge-walking or anything like
that. And all in Perthshire, so mixed weather conditions. I have to
stop procrastinating and order one soon, or it will be another year
gone.
I was looking at the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket. There doesn't seem to
be any kiwi 3-in-1 sales about for my size, so I'd have to buy a
separate fleece. There's also the Craghoppers Altitude Jacket, but I
know less about soft-shells than I do about hard-shells. And finally
there's the Paramo Fuera Windproof Jacket (not the smock) -- I've
never heard of Paramo but people seem generally happy with them,
though I realise this is a very budget jacket of theirs.
Any advice would be appreciated on these or alternatives (but no North
Face -- I'm sick of seeing their logo everywhere, which I realise is a
petty reason to discount them!). You can see what kind of small
budget I have.
I'm 6'3" tall (according to my doctor, 6'2" according to my mother!),
so anything a little longer might be good.
Tim
I need to spend some more time out of doors this year to stop working
all the time and lose some middle-age spread. I need a jacket for low-
level walking -- up a few hills, but no ridge-walking or anything like
that. And all in Perthshire, so mixed weather conditions. I have to
stop procrastinating and order one soon, or it will be another year
gone.
I was looking at the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket. There doesn't seem to
be any kiwi 3-in-1 sales about for my size, so I'd have to buy a
separate fleece. There's also the Craghoppers Altitude Jacket, but I
know less about soft-shells than I do about hard-shells. And finally
there's the Paramo Fuera Windproof Jacket (not the smock) -- I've
never heard of Paramo but people seem generally happy with them,
though I realise this is a very budget jacket of theirs.
Any advice would be appreciated on these or alternatives (but no North
Face -- I'm sick of seeing their logo everywhere, which I realise is a
petty reason to discount them!). You can see what kind of small
budget I have.
I'm 6'3" tall (according to my doctor, 6'2" according to my mother!),
so anything a little longer might be good.
Tim
Message has been deleted
Gordon H
Feb 1, 2012, 6:14:34 AM2/1/12
to
In message <xn0httrr...@news.individual.net>, Paul - xxx
<notchec...@hotmail.com> writes
>Tog24 .. I have one of these ..
>
>http://www.estore.tog24.com/tomar-mens-gore-tex-3in1-18994.html
>
>.. last year but one's model so slightly different but it's worn
>extremely well, is light, wind and waterproof still, the fleece fits
>well to the zips and I love the jacket. I'll be getting another when
>it wears out!
>
>I'm only 5'4" but quite broad, so have to buy a large jacket for my
>shoulders, and the hip pockets (my only gripe with the jacket) are a
>tad on the low side to keep hands in .. if you have longer arms or a
>'normal' body shape they may be fine!
>
I'm 5' 7", and on any walking trousers I buy the patch pockets are
useless except as kneeling pads. :-(
--
Gordon H
Remove "invalid" to reply
<notchec...@hotmail.com> writes
>
>http://www.estore.tog24.com/tomar-mens-gore-tex-3in1-18994.html
>
>.. last year but one's model so slightly different but it's worn
>extremely well, is light, wind and waterproof still, the fleece fits
>well to the zips and I love the jacket. I'll be getting another when
>it wears out!
>
>I'm only 5'4" but quite broad, so have to buy a large jacket for my
>shoulders, and the hip pockets (my only gripe with the jacket) are a
>tad on the low side to keep hands in .. if you have longer arms or a
>'normal' body shape they may be fine!
>
I'm 5' 7", and on any walking trousers I buy the patch pockets are
useless except as kneeling pads. :-(
--
Gordon H
Remove "invalid" to reply
Peter Clinch
Feb 1, 2012, 7:01:52 AM2/1/12
to
On 01/02/12 09:57, Tim wrote:
> I was looking at the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket. There doesn't seem to
> be any kiwi 3-in-1 sales about for my size, so I'd have to buy a
> separate fleece.
3 in 1 is fine for round town etc., where you're either out in the cold
> I was looking at the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket. There doesn't seem to
> be any kiwi 3-in-1 sales about for my size, so I'd have to buy a
> separate fleece.
or in the warm and you want to put everything on or take it off in one
go. Wandering up a hill you're more likley to want one or the other or
both and /not/ having them zipped together is better: it just adds faff
for no real gain, and also increases the tendency for the fleece to
gradually ride up under a pack, rather than just have the outer jacket
slide over it. So personally I'd avoid them for hillwalking.
> There's also the Craghoppers Altitude Jacket, but I
> know less about soft-shells than I do about hard-shells.
between a hard shell (completely wind and waterproof) and no shell and
the different entries in "soft shell" aim to cover that ground. They
are a compromise that will keep out more weather than no shell but be
rather more comfortable than a hard shell *if* conditions aren't too
much for them. You'll still want a hard shell if you're going out
somewhere where lots of wet and cold are distinctly possible and you'll
be a long way from shelter.
> there's the Paramo Fuera Windproof Jacket (not the smock) -- I've
> never heard of Paramo but people seem generally happy with them,
> though I realise this is a very budget jacket of theirs.
The Fuera is /not/ one of these waterproofs. As with other soft-shell
stuff it'll keep off driech pretty well but it isn't going to keep out
sustained or heavy rain.
> Any advice would be appreciated on these or alternatives (but no North
> Face -- I'm sick of seeing their logo everywhere, which I realise is a
> petty reason to discount them!). You can see what kind of small
> budget I have.
are plenty of sad gear junkies out there (i.e., people like me) fact is
you can enjoy yourself without cutting edge outdoor clothing. I'd have
a wander in to Perth and see what's in the various Bargain Bins and get
something that fits comfortably. Since you're on a budget I'd
concentrate on a waterproof before worrying about soft shell: that's
something to add at a later date.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
Tim
Feb 1, 2012, 8:09:40 AM2/1/12
to
On Feb 1, 10:22 am, "Paul - xxx" <notcheckede...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Paul - xxx
> Mark cavendish Danny Hart
> World Champions 2011 .. and British ... ;)
Hi Paul,
Sorry, I should have been clearer with my budget. I can buy the
Craghopper Kiwi or Altitude for ~£45, or the Paramo Fuera for ~£65.
So that's the approximate figure I can afford -- say £45-75.
Unfortunately £150 is just too much as I'm the victim of my own lack
of success!
Tim
> Tog24 .. I have one of these ..
>
> http://www.estore.tog24.com/tomar-mens-gore-tex-3in1-18994.html
>
> .. last year but one's model so slightly different but it's worn
> extremely well, is light, wind and waterproof still, the fleece fits
> well to the zips and I love the jacket. I'll be getting another when
> it wears out!
>
> I'm only 5'4" but quite broad, so have to buy a large jacket for my
> shoulders, and the hip pockets (my only gripe with the jacket) are a
> tad on the low side to keep hands in .. if you have longer arms or a
> 'normal' body shape they may be fine!
>
> --
>
> http://www.estore.tog24.com/tomar-mens-gore-tex-3in1-18994.html
>
> .. last year but one's model so slightly different but it's worn
> extremely well, is light, wind and waterproof still, the fleece fits
> well to the zips and I love the jacket. I'll be getting another when
> it wears out!
>
> I'm only 5'4" but quite broad, so have to buy a large jacket for my
> shoulders, and the hip pockets (my only gripe with the jacket) are a
> tad on the low side to keep hands in .. if you have longer arms or a
> 'normal' body shape they may be fine!
>
> Paul - xxx
> Mark cavendish Danny Hart
> World Champions 2011 .. and British ... ;)
Hi Paul,
Sorry, I should have been clearer with my budget. I can buy the
Craghopper Kiwi or Altitude for ~£45, or the Paramo Fuera for ~£65.
So that's the approximate figure I can afford -- say £45-75.
Unfortunately £150 is just too much as I'm the victim of my own lack
of success!
Tim
Tim
Feb 1, 2012, 9:05:50 AM2/1/12
to
Hi Pete,
Okay, I did think that might be the case for 3-in-1s, so it's good to
get confirmation. And again with the Paramo -- it probably costs more
because of the name, a name which was built on more expensive
products. Well it sounds like the Kiwi is the one to go for. I know
it's a popular lower end product, so I suppose I can't go too far
wrong. But then ... I am still tempted by the idea of a soft shell as
I shan't be walking in extreme conditions (I don't mind getting a
little wet), and it looks more suitable for spring/summer walking. Oh
dear, decisions decisions. :-/
I did consider looking in Perth the next time I'm there and buying
something cheap and cheerful (maybe from TKMaxx), but that was my plan
about this time last year and "next time I'm in Perth" was about
October! I know it's the right thing to do, to look in a shop, but
being realistic it's not going to happen.
Tim
Mike Clark
Feb 1, 2012, 9:22:31 AM2/1/12
to
In message <ff3d4047-d765-4dbc...@k28g2000yqn.googlegroups.com>
Tim <timoth...@gmail.com> wrote:
[snip]
What you're comparing is chalk and cheese. The Craghopper Kiwi is
goretex waterproof with a zipped in liner, whilst the Paramo Fuera is a
windproof softshell that would only keep you dry in light showers for a
short duration. I think Pete Clinch has given you good advice in that
what you want for your proposed uses is a bargain waterproof jacket. You
can then wear whatever you want in the way of insulating layers
underneath that jacket, e.g. just standard woolen or fleece jerseys.
Mike
--
o/ \\ // |\ ,_ o Mike Clark
<\__,\\ // __o | \ / /\, "A mountain climbing, cycling, skiing,
"> || _`\<,_ |__\ \> | caving, antibody engineer and
` || (_)/ (_) | \corn computer user" http://www.antibody.me.uk/
Tim <timoth...@gmail.com> wrote:
[snip]
> Hi Paul,
>
> Sorry, I should have been clearer with my budget. I can buy the
> Craghopper Kiwi or Altitude for ~£45, or the Paramo Fuera for ~£65.
> So that's the approximate figure I can afford -- say £45-75.
> Unfortunately £150 is just too much as I'm the victim of my own lack
> of success!
>
> Tim
Tim
>
> Sorry, I should have been clearer with my budget. I can buy the
> Craghopper Kiwi or Altitude for ~£45, or the Paramo Fuera for ~£65.
> So that's the approximate figure I can afford -- say £45-75.
> Unfortunately £150 is just too much as I'm the victim of my own lack
> of success!
>
> Tim
What you're comparing is chalk and cheese. The Craghopper Kiwi is
goretex waterproof with a zipped in liner, whilst the Paramo Fuera is a
windproof softshell that would only keep you dry in light showers for a
short duration. I think Pete Clinch has given you good advice in that
what you want for your proposed uses is a bargain waterproof jacket. You
can then wear whatever you want in the way of insulating layers
underneath that jacket, e.g. just standard woolen or fleece jerseys.
Mike
--
o/ \\ // |\ ,_ o Mike Clark
<\__,\\ // __o | \ / /\, "A mountain climbing, cycling, skiing,
"> || _`\<,_ |__\ \> | caving, antibody engineer and
` || (_)/ (_) | \corn computer user" http://www.antibody.me.uk/
PeterC
Feb 1, 2012, 12:27:18 PM2/1/12
to
On Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:01:52 +0000, Peter Clinch wrote:
>> there's the Paramo Fuera Windproof Jacket (not the smock) -- I've
>> never heard of Paramo but people seem generally happy with them,
>> though I realise this is a very budget jacket of theirs.
>
> Paramo are most often associated with their "Analogy" waterproof system.
> The Fuera is /not/ one of these waterproofs. As with other soft-shell
> stuff it'll keep off driech pretty well but it isn't going to keep out
> sustained or heavy rain.
I have the Fuera jacket and yes, it is showerproof and windproof; it's
>> there's the Paramo Fuera Windproof Jacket (not the smock) -- I've
>> never heard of Paramo but people seem generally happy with them,
>> though I realise this is a very budget jacket of theirs.
>
> Paramo are most often associated with their "Analogy" waterproof system.
> The Fuera is /not/ one of these waterproofs. As with other soft-shell
> stuff it'll keep off driech pretty well but it isn't going to keep out
> sustained or heavy rain.
currently £75 MRP.
To be waterproof it needs the Taiga fleece under it; the fleece is also
showerproof - and currently £140!.
"Water-repellent and completely windproof, this extremely versatile garment
can be worn with any Páramo Reversible shirt for wind and water resistance
in changable conditions. Alternatively it can be combined with the Taiga
Fleece for total Directional Waterproof protection."
Just over 2 years ago I bought the 2, on offer, for £130 and I'm doubly
pleased with them.
I'm 6' 4" and the L size is long enough in the sleeves and the back reaches
to the bottom of my, er, bottom.
There are retailers that do discounts - in fact most offer 10% - and some
can be cheaper.
http://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/shop/section.php?xSec=2
is very helpful. I need to try on or measure everything as I'm tall and slim
and all of the garments have fitted so far (daren't by trousers or footwear
this way though).
http://www.foothillshiking.co.uk/
sometimes has good deals.
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway
PeterC
Feb 1, 2012, 12:32:00 PM2/1/12
to
On Wed, 1 Feb 2012 06:05:50 -0800 (PST), Tim wrote:
> Okay, I did think that might be the case for 3-in-1s, so it's good to
> get confirmation. And again with the Paramo -- it probably costs more
> because of the name, a name which was built on more expensive
> products. Well it sounds like the Kiwi is the one to go for. I know
> it's a popular lower end product, so I suppose I can't go too far
> wrong. But then ... I am still tempted by the idea of a soft shell as
> I shan't be walking in extreme conditions (I don't mind getting a
> little wet), and it looks more suitable for spring/summer walking. Oh
> dear, decisions decisions. :-/
Have you looked at Regatta? Some of the jackets look quite long.
> Okay, I did think that might be the case for 3-in-1s, so it's good to
> get confirmation. And again with the Paramo -- it probably costs more
> because of the name, a name which was built on more expensive
> products. Well it sounds like the Kiwi is the one to go for. I know
> it's a popular lower end product, so I suppose I can't go too far
> wrong. But then ... I am still tempted by the idea of a soft shell as
> I shan't be walking in extreme conditions (I don't mind getting a
> little wet), and it looks more suitable for spring/summer walking. Oh
> dear, decisions decisions. :-/
http://www.regatta.com/product-search.asp?sbp=LowToHigh
Peter Clinch
Feb 1, 2012, 12:35:50 PM2/1/12
to
On 01/02/2012 14:05, Tim wrote:
> Okay, I did think that might be the case for 3-in-1s, so it's good to
> get confirmation. And again with the Paramo -- it probably costs more
> because of the name, a name which was built on more expensive
> products.
You get what you pay for with Paramo IMHO, but the waterproofs are
> Okay, I did think that might be the case for 3-in-1s, so it's good to
> get confirmation. And again with the Paramo -- it probably costs more
> because of the name, a name which was built on more expensive
> products.
costly because they use a unique (and I imagine fairly awkward to make)
liner. The windshells like the Fuera cost a lot less as they don't have
the liner, but that means in turn they're not waterproof. They /are/
good at what they're meant for though.
> Well it sounds like the Kiwi is the one to go for. I know
> it's a popular lower end product, so I suppose I can't go too far
> wrong. But then ... I am still tempted by the idea of a soft shell as
> I shan't be walking in extreme conditions (I don't mind getting a
> little wet), and it looks more suitable for spring/summer walking. Oh
> dear, decisions decisions. :-/
isn't simply fashion driven and will keep the wind off. In other words,
you probably have one. You can get cutting edge ones from
mountaineering companies and they'll be lighter, pack smaller, keep out
clag a little better etc. but they'll also be a lot more expensive. If
it's not too 'orrible any outdoor coat will do: you specify low level so
there's no need for anything technical if the budget won't stretch.
Also, for low level on less windy days don't rule out umbrellas to keep
you dry. Not very fashionable in outdoor gear but if it's not windy a
golfing brolly will keep you a lot drier than a state of the art Goretex
coat with a £500 price tag (and it's really funny seeing wearers of such
find this out! ;-))
> I did consider looking in Perth the next time I'm there and buying
> something cheap and cheerful (maybe from TKMaxx)
the Dundee branch.
> but that was my plan
> about this time last year and "next time I'm in Perth" was about
> October! I know it's the right thing to do, to look in a shop, but
> being realistic it's not going to happen.
Hill or St. Mags woods. Since you're off for a walk you'll need a coat,
so get the coat in town and then go for your walk. Two birds with one
stone!
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
Gordon H
Feb 1, 2012, 2:28:04 PM2/1/12
to
In message <9otbfo...@mid.individual.net>, Peter Clinch
<p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk> writes
for £100 at age 69, and had qualms about the Berghaus Peak coat for £250
at age 71, but that works out at 11 quid a year for the pants and 35
quid a year for the coat. Not bad if you use the coat every day for
all purposes, and sometimes the pants as well for shopping in winter or
heavy rain. At 78 I'm not sure whether I'll be willing to write
off repeat purchases. Might be better to leave an extra £350 for the
kids to spend on themselves. (Not) ;-)
<p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk> writes
>
>Think of a soft shell coat as pretty much /any/ non-waterproof coat
>that isn't simply fashion driven and will keep the wind off. In other
>words, you probably have one. You can get cutting edge ones from
>mountaineering companies and they'll be lighter, pack smaller, keep out
>clag a little better etc. but they'll also be a lot more expensive. If
>it's not too 'orrible any outdoor coat will do: you specify low level
>so there's no need for anything technical if the budget won't stretch.
>Also, for low level on less windy days don't rule out umbrellas to keep
>you dry. Not very fashionable in outdoor gear but if it's not windy a
>golfing brolly will keep you a lot drier than a state of the art
>Goretex coat with a £500 price tag (and it's really funny seeing
>wearers of such find this out! ;-))
>
I thought it was extravagant of me to buy the Paramo Cascada trousers
>Think of a soft shell coat as pretty much /any/ non-waterproof coat
>that isn't simply fashion driven and will keep the wind off. In other
>words, you probably have one. You can get cutting edge ones from
>mountaineering companies and they'll be lighter, pack smaller, keep out
>clag a little better etc. but they'll also be a lot more expensive. If
>it's not too 'orrible any outdoor coat will do: you specify low level
>so there's no need for anything technical if the budget won't stretch.
>Also, for low level on less windy days don't rule out umbrellas to keep
>you dry. Not very fashionable in outdoor gear but if it's not windy a
>golfing brolly will keep you a lot drier than a state of the art
>Goretex coat with a £500 price tag (and it's really funny seeing
>wearers of such find this out! ;-))
>
for £100 at age 69, and had qualms about the Berghaus Peak coat for £250
at age 71, but that works out at 11 quid a year for the pants and 35
quid a year for the coat. Not bad if you use the coat every day for
all purposes, and sometimes the pants as well for shopping in winter or
heavy rain. At 78 I'm not sure whether I'll be willing to write
off repeat purchases. Might be better to leave an extra £350 for the
kids to spend on themselves. (Not) ;-)
Tim
Feb 2, 2012, 12:49:07 AM2/2/12
to
Thanks everyone. I took it all in, slept on it, and decided not to go
for a soft-shell. I'd struggle to buy the Fuera, never mind the
Taiga! I know I should really go to Perth or Dundee (both are as
faraway as each other), but I also know me well enough to know it's
just not going to happen. Thanks PeterC for suggesting Regatta. I
did take a look but in the end I went with the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket
and a separate Corey II fleece -- both from Trekwear for £60 total.
There's a lot of people saying they're happy with the Kiwi (on various
discussion forums), and I'm not paying for an expensive brand, so my
gut tells me it's the right thing (but then my gut also tells me to
eat lots of unhealthy food!).
I appreciate advising on a low-end jacket isn't very exciting, so
thanks again for all the responses.
Tim
for a soft-shell. I'd struggle to buy the Fuera, never mind the
Taiga! I know I should really go to Perth or Dundee (both are as
faraway as each other), but I also know me well enough to know it's
just not going to happen. Thanks PeterC for suggesting Regatta. I
did take a look but in the end I went with the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket
and a separate Corey II fleece -- both from Trekwear for £60 total.
There's a lot of people saying they're happy with the Kiwi (on various
discussion forums), and I'm not paying for an expensive brand, so my
gut tells me it's the right thing (but then my gut also tells me to
eat lots of unhealthy food!).
I appreciate advising on a low-end jacket isn't very exciting, so
thanks again for all the responses.
Tim
PeterC
Feb 2, 2012, 3:09:23 AM2/2/12
to
On Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:49:07 -0800 (PST), Tim wrote:
> Thanks everyone. I took it all in, slept on it, and decided not to go
> for a soft-shell. I'd struggle to buy the Fuera, never mind the
> Taiga! I know I should really go to Perth or Dundee (both are as
> faraway as each other), but I also know me well enough to know it's
> just not going to happen. Thanks PeterC for suggesting Regatta. I
> did take a look but in the end I went with the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket
> and a separate Corey II fleece -- both from Trekwear for Ł60 total.
> Thanks everyone. I took it all in, slept on it, and decided not to go
> for a soft-shell. I'd struggle to buy the Fuera, never mind the
> Taiga! I know I should really go to Perth or Dundee (both are as
> faraway as each other), but I also know me well enough to know it's
> just not going to happen. Thanks PeterC for suggesting Regatta. I
> did take a look but in the end I went with the Craghoppers Kiwi Jacket
> There's a lot of people saying they're happy with the Kiwi (on various
> discussion forums), and I'm not paying for an expensive brand, so my
> gut tells me it's the right thing (but then my gut also tells me to
> eat lots of unhealthy food!).
>
> I appreciate advising on a low-end jacket isn't very exciting, so
> thanks again for all the responses.
>
> Tim
For general shopping (by bus in winter and involves up to 3 miles walking) I
> discussion forums), and I'm not paying for an expensive brand, so my
> gut tells me it's the right thing (but then my gut also tells me to
> eat lots of unhealthy food!).
>
> I appreciate advising on a low-end jacket isn't very exciting, so
> thanks again for all the responses.
>
> Tim
didn't want to use the expensive stuff. Managed to get an adequate Winster
coat from TKMaxx for, IIRC, about Ł18! Doesn't have all the pockets and
drawcords of the Paramos but keeps out rain and wind (not /really/ tested),
is comfortable, quite smart and not noisy.
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