Waterproof Hardshell

[Snow_Raven]

Right, so I've bought the last coat from any sporting goods store in the mall, I'm tired of them promising waterproofness, and the first time I use it in wet weather I get soaked.

So basically I'm looking at:

TAD Gear Predator Hardshell

Arc'teryx Alpha Jacket

OTTE Patrol Parka

I'm looking for a jacket, that packs down small, waterproof, and comfortable. It's not going to be in any camo pattern, as this is for civie use.

I've read Military Moron's reviews of all three, but he never compares them, so you never get a feel for how well they stack up against each other.

If anyone has any experience with any of the three I'd be grateful.

[THE CAT]

Do some digg on Bergans Dermizax. Some consider them to be the best... with a price.

http://www.bergans.no/sider_eng/start.htm

A quick search on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-07-MENS-SPYDE...QQcmdZViewItem

But, from the 3 choice above, I'll go with Arc'teryx.

Cheers

[pugs144]

I have the Arc'teryx Alpha. It's an outstanding jacket but you might have trouble acquiring one if you're not Mil/LE. Rangermade and Quantico Arms down in the States do sell it on their websites so you might want to give that a try. Note that the cut is short so it's indeed more like a jacket than a parka.

The TAD Gear Predator, is another excellent choice. The waterpoof/breathable membrane they use apparently has a bit of "stretchiness" to it. How they accomplished this I don't know. I've got their V3.0 Stealth jacket and it's the cat's ass.

I've finger fucked the OTTE parka. Dave's Surplus in Vancouver had the Earth-colored parkas. It's not on their website so you'll have to give them a call. Very similar in cut and construction to Arc'teryx but slightly longer.

These guys are pretty much in the same league and price-point so you can't go wrong with any of the 3 choices. If I were you I'd go with the TAD, Arc'teryx LEAF, then OTTE.

SORD jacket.

Failing that, get a stealth jacket and wear it under your bdu's.

[Lakonian]

Originally Posted by MadMorbius

SORD jacket.

+1

SORD is amazing... However, their customer support/service (or lack there of) is terrible. Not to mention extremely slow shipping.

[Kokanee]

PLat-a-tac Harry Hardshell?
http://www.platatac.com/www/182/1001...1055788%2ehtml

[ShaWdowS]

The old CF issue raingear (OD) is pretty much water proof. It's like a big o' sheet of hard plastic. It's supposedly 'Gore-Tex' But we call it 'Fake-Tex'.

Works wonders, I've been in a 2 day 3 night down poor and stayed dry underneath. But it doesn't breath and gets hot quite fast.

[Kwokwai]

Originally Posted by MadMorbius

SORD jacket.

Failing that, get a stealth jacket and wear it under your bdu's.

Morb,

he's going to use it for civvie use and he wants waterproof as opposed to water resistant which the Hardface is. Different level of protection.

[bean]

Originally Posted by ShaWdowS

The old CF issue raingear (OD) is pretty much water proof. It's like a big o' sheet of hard plastic. It's supposedly 'Gore-Tex' But we call it 'Fake-Tex'.

Works wonders, I've been in a 2 day 3 night down poor and stayed dry underneath. But it doesn't breath and gets hot quite fast.

I don't know about you but after three hours of hard rain my cf issue shit begins to soak through. That or you sweat it out inside of it. I would rather just get wet more often then wear that.

[Kokanee]

Originally Posted by ShaWdowS

The old CF issue raingear (OD) is pretty much water proof. It's like a big o' sheet of hard plastic. It's supposedly 'Gore-Tex' But we call it 'Fake-Tex'.

Works wonders, I've been in a 2 day 3 night down poor and stayed dry underneath. But it doesn't breath and gets hot quite fast.

The old OD green army issue raingear is not Goretex, or anything of the like. If you had actual time in, you'd know that. Make sure to check your arcs of fire before spouting off.

The new army raingear just being fielded is goretex/or similar, and the fellows going over from my unit this month on tour tell me it's quite excellent.

[ShaWdowS]

Originally Posted by Kokanee

The old OD green army issue raingear is not Goretex, or anything of the like. If you had actual time in, you'd know that. Make sure to check your arcs of fire before spouting off.

The new army raingear just being fielded is goretex/or similar, and the fellows going over from my unit this month on tour tell me it's quite excellent.

Hrrmm... Just checked the tags on both, You're right, It's labeled
"Trousers, Wet Weather"
"Field Type, CF, OG107"

Can't seem to recall why we all called it Gore-Tex though...

bean: For some reason mine NEVER EVER soaks through... like i can use it a a water storage/collection device if i needed. =\ But you're right, it does get hot.

[Ghillie973]

If you want a waterproof jacket that packs up small you can always get a stealth jacket. I have a british stealth jacket and it's a lifesaver in the rain. I've lied in puddles and still kept dry.

[Sterling]

Go with Arc'teryx. I have an Arc'teryx hardshell for the rainy days and I love it. Arc'teryx is an amazing brand!

[Farmboy]

We actually have a large shipment of the TAD Predator Hardshells on the way. Should be here late next week. They are going quite fast though!!!

[Snow_Raven]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone.

@ Pugs144 - Any particular reason why TAD is at the top of your list?

@ Morb - I was looking at a getting a soft shell later on, and SORD will probably be the best bet, as I don't need the hood TAD has.

@ ShadowS - I get more wet from sweat in the old OD rain gear then I would if I was just standing in the rain. :wink:

@ Kokanee - Again, the Plat a Tac looks to be a softshell, I'm looking for something more substantial for now.

@ Farmboy - I was wondering if you'd pipe in :razz: , I saw the predator on your site, and if I end up going with TAD, you might just end up seeing an ordering going through...