Waterproof Coat

[Willo]

This isn't necessarily photographic equipment but I hope this stays on this board as it has a photography theme.

If the last few wet weekends have taught me anything it is that my old waterproof coat is no longer waterproof. So I need a new one. Can any of you recommend a good one for photography?

I would prefer one that isn't too noisy and fairly drab with bellows pockets on the front to pop my smaller lenses in and maybe a poachers pocket or similar into which I could pop my camera (it isn't too big). My budget is a tad limiting in the region of £70 so Barbours etc are out. It can just be an outer shell. I have looked in the local outdoor wear shops and there is nothing that fits the bill, even if I look way out of my budget.

I am open to suggestions so if you think I am being too picky let me know what will be most suitable, I might have to sacriface some of my lense fund to get something that will do the job.

Will

[johnf3f]

I tend to stay at home when it rains (and it rains a lot in Wales), however if you can find a Barbour Ventile coat then get one. This is a cotton garment in which the weave tightens up when wet - no wax and little noise. I have had mine about a decade and it simply does not leak!
There is always a catch - in this case two! Firstly they are now out of production, so you will have to look second hand - don't worry wash it with natural soap and it's as clean as new. Secondly they were rather expensive so be prepared to pay.
This is simply the best waterproof coat I have tried - hoping to find another!

[JeffH]

If you're going to go out taking photographs in all weathers you need a really good, warm and weatherproof coat or the experience is simply unpleasant.
I'd save a little more or dip into the lens fund and go for what is probably the best on the market - the Paramo Halcon - check it out on Google.
It's quite a bit more than your intended budget - at about £220 - but will last for years and meets all your needs except for the poacher's pocket, though it does have two large side bellows pockets and several smaller pockets (nine overall).
Compared to say a waxed Barbour (and I know the Ventile isn't), it's much lighter and temperature control is also very good with upper arm vents. I've found waxed Barbours to be quite heavy and sometimes just too warm for walking in.
Incidentally, two of the UK's leading outdoor photographers were involved in its design. I've had mine for a few months now (my 2nd Paramo jacket) and I'm really looking forward to the
winter
Hope that helps

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[MeadsMan]

Have a look at local decent Fishing / tackle shop,or online at the auction site.I got a half decent waterproof jacket,it`s breathable light weight and in a good cammo pattern.Tackle shops seem to do a good range of clothing these days,suited for outdoor use,it would be worth looking at Army surplus too.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by johnf3f

I tend to stay at home when it rains (and it rains a lot in Wales), however if you can find a Barbour Ventile coat then get one. This is a cotton garment in which the weave tightens up when wet - no wax and little noise. I have had mine about a decade and it simply does not leak!
There is always a catch - in this case two! Firstly they are now out of production, so you will have to look second hand - don't worry wash it with natural soap and it's as clean as new. Secondly they were rather expensive so be prepared to pay.
This is simply the best waterproof coat I have tried - hoping to find another!

I use a Ventile double thickness coat, it is wind proof, and has a Polar fleece which zips in and be also used as a seperate garment. The coat breathes and is rustle free, big pockets which will take my D80 with an 18-70 lense. it keeps water out and teamed with ventile trousers is very good. As once recommended by Bill Oddie
I would however take a close look at the hunting shooting websites for the printed woodland camo,s

[snackdahl]

Using 2 at the minute, a Helly Hanson from M&M Direct online for £34 (RRP £130!) and an army surplus Gortex camoflague jacket (brand new and unused on ebay £25). Both rustle slightly, but both are waterproof and breathable. You could always consider proofing a cotton army surplus jacket with Nikwax, I've done this for years and they work a treat.

[GTH]

In wet weather, I`ve found a camo poncho to be the most versatile, as well as very cheap. It`s light weight, costs around £10-00, and can be kept in a small back pack or pocket, until required. When it rains I just slip it on, and hey presto all dry !!

[Meta menardi]

I think a pncho has much to reccomend it, but if it is really windy as well as wet, perhaps that is a weak point.

[PMG]

I got a big camo coat with hood and zipped in black fleece for under £100 notes (should that saying now be 'coins'?!) from my local-ish fishing tackle shop around 3 years ago - its soft duesn't rustle as such but is slightly noisy - whispery rather than rustly - but warm, waterproof and good camo. I spent 3 January days sat on Salthouse beach in Norfolk photographing snow and Lapland bunting and was not cold and that was over the time of my 55th birthday

PS I've also got the camo plastic poncho for warmer wetter weather (and good as a loo tent too if you're taken short!!!)

[johnf3f]

With outdoor gear you tend to get what you pay for and the good stuff is expensive! I bought my Barbour Ventile for shooting but it transfers well to photography as do the latest Army DPM jackets - though they are heavy showerproof rather than monsoon proof but still excellent for the money. Find a good Shooting/Fishing shop have a look and be prepared to spend some money! Remember if you buy the right gear it works out MUCH cheaper, I recon by the time my Barbour wears out (no I don't treat it well) it will have cost about £1 per year - not too bad really.