Waterproof clothing issue

According to google... the font of all knowledge 😁

Paramo leaks in heavy rain, goretex doesnt.
Although Paramo has better wicking.

So in short if you wear Paramo you will get wet, but it will wick away quicker.

Unfortunately I'm trying to avoid getting wet in the first place lol
 
According to google... the font of all knowledge 😁

Paramo leaks in heavy rain, goretex doesnt.
Although Paramo has better wicking.

So in short if you wear Paramo you will get wet, but it will wick away quicker.

Unfortunately I'm trying to avoid getting wet in the first place lol
Not my experience. I always use Paramo on cooler days, and stay dry
 
When hiking in the rain, it's essential to wear waterproof and breathable rain gear, including a good rain jacket and moisture-wicking base layers. Additionally, opt for waterproof shoes and consider layering to regulate your body temperature effectively.


Essential Gear for Hiking in the Rain​

When hiking in the rain, wearing the right gear is crucial to stay dry and comfortable. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear:

Rain Jacket​

  • Waterproof and Breathable: Choose a rain jacket that is both waterproof and breathable to prevent overheating and moisture buildup.
  • Features to Look For:
    • Ventilation zippers (pit zips) for temperature control
    • Adjustable hood to keep rain off your face
    • Long hem for added coverage

Base Layers​

  • Moisture-Wicking Materials: Opt for base layers made from synthetic materials like polyester or wool, which wick moisture away from your skin.
  • Avoid Cotton: Cotton absorbs moisture and can leave you feeling cold and damp.

Mid-Layer​

  • Insulating Layer: A thin fleece or similar material can provide warmth without adding bulk. It should be easy to remove if you get too warm.

Pants​

  • Water-Resistant or Waterproof Pants: Look for hiking pants made from water-resistant materials. Features like cinchable cuffs can help keep mud out.

Footwear​

  • Waterproof Shoes: Choose waterproof hiking shoes or boots that provide good traction on wet surfaces. Breathability is also important to keep your feet comfortable.

Accessories​

  • Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap can help keep rain out of your eyes.
  • Socks: Wear moisture-wicking socks, preferably made from synthetic materials or wool. Consider bringing an extra pair in case your feet get wet.

Additional Tips​

  • Layering: Use a layering system to adjust your clothing based on temperature and activity level. This helps manage body heat and moisture.
  • Rain Cover for Backpack: Protect your gear by using a rain cover for your backpack, especially in heavy rain.
By equipping yourself with the right gear, you can enjoy your hike even in rainy conditions.

You can always stop off at the village pub until rain stops, and really get wet inside! ;)
 
When hiking in the rain, it's essential to wear waterproof and breathable rain gear, including a good rain jacket and moisture-wicking base layers. Additionally, opt for waterproof shoes and consider layering to regulate your body temperature effectively.


Essential Gear for Hiking in the Rain​

When hiking in the rain, wearing the right gear is crucial to stay dry and comfortable. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear:

Rain Jacket​

  • Waterproof and Breathable: Choose a rain jacket that is both waterproof and breathable to prevent overheating and moisture buildup.
  • Features to Look For:
    • Ventilation zippers (pit zips) for temperature control
    • Adjustable hood to keep rain off your face
    • Long hem for added coverage

Base Layers​

  • Moisture-Wicking Materials: Opt for base layers made from synthetic materials like polyester or wool, which wick moisture away from your skin.
  • Avoid Cotton: Cotton absorbs moisture and can leave you feeling cold and damp.

Mid-Layer​

  • Insulating Layer: A thin fleece or similar material can provide warmth without adding bulk. It should be easy to remove if you get too warm.

Pants​

  • Water-Resistant or Waterproof Pants: Look for hiking pants made from water-resistant materials. Features like cinchable cuffs can help keep mud out.

Footwear​

  • Waterproof Shoes: Choose waterproof hiking shoes or boots that provide good traction on wet surfaces. Breathability is also important to keep your feet comfortable.

Accessories​

  • Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap can help keep rain out of your eyes.
  • Socks: Wear moisture-wicking socks, preferably made from synthetic materials or wool. Consider bringing an extra pair in case your feet get wet.

Additional Tips​

  • Layering: Use a layering system to adjust your clothing based on temperature and activity level. This helps manage body heat and moisture.
  • Rain Cover for Backpack: Protect your gear by using a rain cover for your backpack, especially in heavy rain.
By equipping yourself with the right gear, you can enjoy your hike even in rainy conditions.

You can always stop off at the village pub until rain stops, and really get wet inside! ;)
The last one is a tip i go along with 👍
 
My pennies worth FWIW:

I've owned countless waterproof jackets over the years from utralight to 4 season laminated. ALL of them, once they wet out, will sweat. Not just Goretex, but Pertex, Event and similar garments, although some do have better breathability than others. None will keep you working up a sweat when climbing steep ascents or backpacking.

Still, I keep returning to Goretex as imho, a good 2.5 or 3 layer remains bombproof water tight for years. Paramo are good to be fair but they're also very warm to wear and more a winter jacket over base/mid layers. Way too warm for summer/early autumn work but they do wick incredibly well. As stated in a previous post, they won't stay as watertight though as a decent goretex.

These days I have two. One is an old 2 layer performance shell Berhgaus which is nice, light and very packable. It gets washed a few times a year and re-proofed. My jacket for serious weather and the fells is a Mountain Equipment Makalu 3 layer in the new ePE Goretex. Had it up in the fells this year on blustery wet days and kept me bone dry BUT you need to have both underpit vent zips fully open unless stationary or aren't exerting yourself (always look for pit zips on a waterproof). Also, pointless imho having hoods on heaver denier jackets like this as you're better off with a waterproof lightweight hat otherwise I've found unless stationary (camping etc) you'll overheat unless pretty chilly.

The important performance aspect of modern waterproofing is how long that they can keep the outer layer from wetting out. Whilst they bead water up, there's enough of a moisture and temperature gradient to breathe well. As soon as they wet out, the negative moisture gradient then prevents breathability and you sweat. The problem with the newer PFC free DWR treatments is that they don't work anywhere near as well as older ones because they tend to wet out sooner than the older PFC based treatments. You also need to wash them more regularly (every 3-4 months if in regular use) and reproof to maintain the DWR. The elephant in the room here that no manufacturer likes to admit is that with repeat washing, the internal seam tape will start unpeeling and need new seam tape applied. Typically within 3-5 years if washed more than a few times a year. They're all pretty similar in that respect irrespective of cost. My old Lhotse jacket eventually went this way after 6 or 7 years.

In some ways you're better off with a rain poncho as you don't sweat anywhere as much but they're a pain if the wind gets up.

The secret is really to be careful with base layers. Always wear decent lightweight wicking breathable long sleeve base layers and perhaps a light fleece when colder before slinging waterproofs on. Any sweat will migrate from these to the inside of the jacket but you wont feel clammy as a result. Worst thing is to wear cotton near your skin, as that's a recipe for hypothermia of you're hiking the hills on cold weather. It gets wet and stays wet so you freeze.

There's no such thing as a free lunch with waterproofs, but for my money I'd ideally have two to cover year round outdoor activities when I'm hiking or backpacking.

For three seasons, Rab's Firewall or Firewall Light (smock) won't break the bank ad breathe better than most (20,000mm hydrostatic AND breathability). Great jackets which'll keep you dry. They're both very light and pack small. You might see 4 years from those used regularly before their Pertex shells start to leak a bit. The second is the Mountain Equipment Makalu or Lhotse for colder weather. The Lhotse is basically the same as the Makalu but replaces the whole 70D shell with liighter 40D panels on low wear areas. These are still favourites amongst mountain rescue teams with good reason. There are other makes which perform similar but I get on with their fit well and they're build quality is up there with the best.
 
My pennies worth FWIW:

I've owned countless waterproof jackets over the years from utralight to 4 season laminated. ALL of them, once they wet out, will sweat. Not just Goretex, but Pertex, Event and similar garments, although some do have better breathability than others. None will keep you working up a sweat when climbing steep ascents or backpacking.

Still, I keep returning to Goretex as imho, a good 2.5 or 3 layer remains bombproof water tight for years. Paramo are good to be fair but they're also very warm to wear and more a winter jacket over base/mid layers. Way too warm for summer/early autumn work but they do wick incredibly well. As stated in a previous post, they won't stay as watertight though as a decent goretex.

These days I have two. One is an old 2 layer performance shell Berhgaus which is nice, light and very packable. It gets washed a few times a year and re-proofed. My jacket for serious weather and the fells is a Mountain Equipment Makalu 3 layer in the new ePE Goretex. Had it up in the fells this year on blustery wet days and kept me bone dry BUT you need to have both underpit vent zips fully open unless stationary or aren't exerting yourself (always look for pit zips on a waterproof). Also, pointless imho having hoods on heaver denier jackets like this as you're better off with a waterproof lightweight hat otherwise I've found unless stationary (camping etc) you'll overheat unless pretty chilly.

The important performance aspect of modern waterproofing is how long that they can keep the outer layer from wetting out. Whilst they bead water up, there's enough of a moisture and temperature gradient to breathe well. As soon as they wet out, the negative moisture gradient then prevents breathability and you sweat. The problem with the newer PFC free DWR treatments is that they don't work anywhere near as well as older ones because they tend to wet out sooner than the older PFC based treatments. You also need to wash them more regularly (every 3-4 months if in regular use) and reproof to maintain the DWR. The elephant in the room here that no manufacturer likes to admit is that with repeat washing, the internal seam tape will start unpeeling and need new seam tape applied. Typically within 3-5 years if washed more than a few times a year. They're all pretty similar in that respect irrespective of cost. My old Lhotse jacket eventually went this way after 6 or 7 years.

In some ways you're better off with a rain poncho as you don't sweat anywhere as much but they're a pain if the wind gets up.

The secret is really to be careful with base layers. Always wear decent lightweight wicking breathable long sleeve base layers and perhaps a light fleece when colder before slinging waterproofs on. Any sweat will migrate from these to the inside of the jacket but you wont feel clammy as a result. Worst thing is to wear cotton near your skin, as that's a recipe for hypothermia of you're hiking the hills on cold weather. It gets wet and stays wet so you freeze.

There's no such thing as a free lunch with waterproofs, but for my money I'd ideally have two to cover year round outdoor activities when I'm hiking or backpacking.

For three seasons, Rab's Firewall or Firewall Light (smock) won't break the bank ad breathe better than most (20,000mm hydrostatic AND breathability). Great jackets which'll keep you dry. They're both very light and pack small. You might see 4 years from those used regularly before their Pertex shells start to leak a bit. The second is the Mountain Equipment Makalu or Lhotse for colder weather. The Lhotse is basically the same as the Makalu but replaces the whole 70D shell with liighter 40D panels on low wear areas. These are still favourites amongst mountain rescue teams with good reason. There are other makes which perform similar but I get on with their fit well and they're build quality is up there with the best.
some great information 👍

Does the Mountain Equipment Makalu need a down jacket underneath or is it warm with just the jacket and baselayers?
Obviously im talking cold weather.
 
Goretex never functions anywhere near as well as it is advertised, walking gear or motocycle gear, it makes no difference - it is a triumph of marketing over reality.
 
Goretex never functions anywhere near as well as it is advertised, walking gear or motocycle gear, it makes no difference - it is a triumph of marketing over reality.
If your out in the rain with no escape all day you have to buy something lol
Also Goretex Pro is a different animal to normal Goretex apparently.
 
Not my experience. I always use Paramo on cooler days, and stay dry

Not mine either. I have worn Paramo clothing for years - for a reason.

I have five Paramo jackets (2 x waterproof and 3 x windproof) The waterproof jackets are absolutely 100% waterproof. They do need looking after (crucial) to stay waterproof, which means a yearly clean/re-proof with Nikwax - a complete doddle in the washing machine. The windproofs get the same treatment. They're brilliant for anything but the heaviest rain, perfect for living at the bottom of a rucksack, or for cooler day walks and particularly cycling. My gut feeling is that people who don't get on with Paramo don't really look after it properly.

I don't know if Paramo is 'the best' but I do know that it's the best stuff that I've used - in a lifetime of distance walking.
 
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If your out in the rain with no escape all day you have to buy something lol
Also Goretex Pro is a different animal to normal Goretex apparently.
I remain sceptical - if the outer is covered in water how can sweat (salty water) travel through that outer layer of water to the air? Once it stops raining yes,I get it, but while it is raining?

Whenever I have ridden in the rain for long periods in Goretex I have always felt sweaty - it eventually it leaks anyway, so I may as well use a genuine water proof outer layer i.e. a plastic bag :)
 
some great information 👍

Does the Mountain Equipment Makalu need a down jacket underneath or is it warm with just the jacket and baselayers?
Obviously im talking cold weather.
I'd not wear a down jacket underneath a goretex jacket if walking in the rain. It may well end up a soggy feathery mess. I'd layer with a merino base, fleece mid and then the goretex or similar outer jacket. Obviously there will e a different thickness of Base and fleece needed for 10c and minus 5 c ..so you may end up with a fair bit of kit IF you want to "do it right" so to speak
 
some great information 👍

Does the Mountain Equipment Makalu need a down jacket underneath or is it warm with just the jacket and baselayers?
Obviously im talking cold weather.
I find it fine with just a baselayer (long sleeved) down to about 10 degrees if hiking. Below that you're best using a fleece under it. I wouldn't use down under it if hiking for hiking, especially ascending as sweat will build up on the down jacket. For more inactive stops as long as the jacket is dry to the touch on the inside a down quilt is what I use. If active, just a thin fleece. As Davey B says, you end up carrying a fair few layers usually to cover all conditions on longer hikes.
 
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Goretex never functions anywhere near as well as it is advertised, walking gear or motocycle gear, it makes no difference - it is a triumph of marketing over reality.
None of it does, but the two I've liked best are Pertex (very breathable) and Goretex Pro
 
If your out in the rain with no escape all day you have to buy something lol
Also Goretex Pro is a different animal to normal Goretex apparently.
Goretex Pro is the more breathable version found in top tier jackets. In the Mountain Equipment range it's found on the Lhotse, TupilaK ad Changabang jackets only which is a shame really. I wish I'd put a little more towards a Lhotse for the breathability to replace my old one instead of the Makalu, which uses a standard if durable 70D goretex 3L.
 
Not mine either. I have worn Paramo clothing for years - for a reason.

I have five Paramo jackets (2 x waterproof and 3 x windproof) The waterproof jackets are absolutely 100% waterproof. They do need looking after (crucial) to stay waterproof, which means a yearly clean/re-proof with Nikwax - a complete doddle in the washing machine. The windproofs get the same treatment. They're brilliant for anything but the heaviest rain, perfect for living at the bottom of a rucksack, or for cooler day walks and particularly cycling. My gut feeling is that people who don't get on with Paramo don't really look after it properly.

I don't know if Paramo is 'the best' but I do know that it's the best stuff that I've used - in a lifetime of distance walking.
I like Paramo but just find the garments too warm for anything but the cooler months. Some people report they're the most waterproof jackets they've owned, others have reported despite washing/reproofing, they can get wet through in really heavy rain. I like the wicking principle they use but amongst the hill walkers I know, they all prefer much lighter jackets. The Rab smock ones in Pertex are very popular because compared with higher end ultralight options, they are very affordable. My old Lhotse jacket was reliably totally waterproof in the heaviest of rainstorms and the best I've owned.
 
I've got a few bits of kit all of which has different result

goretex extreme jacket and arctyx salopettes.... (walking over toursers)

they've been really good, but carrying stuff is a hard going and you do sweat

I have a ventile smock and cargo trousers they are really good sort of breathable and water repelling.... bit old school but still good

my deer stalking gear is good loads of baggy clothes absorb the sweating and that's good but when your carrying or dragging out... you still steam up....

the poncho I have is also good, you throw that over the top of you and the pack but you look abit ... what can I say... rambo...
 
I use merino base layer, short or long sleeves depending on season.
Generally a Rab light fleece and a Paramo outer, which has pit zips and are used.
I carry a Rab waterproof in bottom of my pack.
I like Craghopper trousers and they may get wet, but my core is warm and dry.
I did use SealSkinz socks, which were not waterproof at all but allowed any condensation build up to somehow not affect my feet. I got them for the bike years ago after they were one of the need to have things mentioned on this site somewhere. But I havve stopped using them and have gone merino wool socks - but be careful for not all merino wool socks have the same amount of merino wool in them.
I have goretex Merrell walking shoes for the summer and 2 pairs of Altberg boots for the autumn and winter. It was a bit drench today and I thought we have turned a bit of corner here and next walk will be in the boots.

I also have and would recommend a Buffalo mountain shirt, I think it's called. I had a Buffalo cycle shirt from the early 90's and it was the business for mountain biking, and the shirt was and is the same still. Daughter still uses the cycle shirt, and as I say its a from 1991, and the black shirt cannot be far off that age as well.

At the end of the day I think we find what we are most comfortable with in the different conditions we are prepared to go out in. I won't go anywhere without my Rab waterproof and a Rab belay jacket, not down, but a fibrous material that packs up small and lies in the backpack with the waterproof one, ready to be used when necessary. These are 3 or 4 years old and replaced like items from the past.
And, because I live in one of the winter sports centres of the UK with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th highest mountains in the UK judging the weather is kinda cool, but whenever it looks as if its going to be a bit wild then I become a chicken and refuse to venture out. Otherwise, I have found the rest of the stuff works for me.

I hope you find your way to a satisfactory system that works for you.
 
I agree with many of the comments above.

If you're exerting yourself, no matter what coat you're wearing, you're going to get wet. It's all down to preference. Like it has been stated, Paramo is great stuff, but it's not really for summer. I've had my Paramo jacket and salopettes since about 1995 ish, and they're still working as well as when new.

I've used Hydro-dry from Sprayway and Lowe Alpine's Triple Point as well as Gore-tex. You'll get wet in all of them, if you're working hard. The answer is in the layering underneath, so you remain wet for the least amount of time. (Some friends of mine used to exchange their gore-tex coats just before the guarantee ran out, stating they were leaking and got rolling new coats every few years)

I've also, never really bothered with waterproof trousers, unless in extreme cold conditions with snow or cold wind, but make sure I have something warm to get into when I stop either at home or in the tent.

Funnily enough, one of the best waterproof coats I've used is my Adventure Spec Singletrack jacket. It has loads of features for motorcycle riding (including pit zips) but I've also used it for walking and it has performed far better than expected and better than the other lighter-weight jackets. It is, however, really expensive, but anything that is that flexible and stops you getting wet at 60mph in a rain storm is going to be pricey. It does cover more than one job, so you don't need a waterproof for lightweight motorcycling clothing and another for walking etc.
 
You can always buy a Brolly, Unless it's windy 🚩 then you run the risk elevating to a degree! :D🌂☔
 


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