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Waterproof gear

turmericturmeric Posts: 830
in Problem solving
Hello everyone.  I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to ask this question on here as it's not plant related exactly but I thought as you are all like-minded people you might be able to help me.  

Can anyone recommend lightweight jackets and trousers that keep the rain off when gardening?  I've been wearing a Berghaus jacket for about a year but it seems to absorb the rain and then gets heavy and I get wet.  Same with my trousers which are Tempest Rain Trousers.  Maybe it's because I come into contact with the ground when I'm gardening which encourages the water to seep through? I don't know.  What I do know is if it's raining I'm not much drier in my 'waterproof' jacket and trousers as I am without them.  I can't afford to pay a fortune and as it's not really cold I don't need anything heavy or overly warm.  Just a jacket and over-trousers that I can throw on when the rain comes so that I stay dry. 

Any suggestions?
Many thanks.
Turmeric
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Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    A berghaus jacket that has been washed will probably need reproofing. You can use NIKWAX  in the wash, and that will do it. I got some from Blacks, but lots of outdoor warehouse type places will have it.


  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Waterproof gardening gear a perfectly appropriate topic, Turmeric! Instead of outdoor climbing/fell walking type brands, maybe look at fishing or sailing gear? A yellow sou'wester with hood would do to chuck on quickly. The overtrousers/kneeling are more tricky, but maybe try a pair of kneeling pads over your normal rainproof trousers? Comfier when kneeling too! 
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I have a lightweight Helly Hansen jacket for summer dog walking and a thermal HH jacket for winter.
    A couple of times during the season I use these
     https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikwax-Tech-Wash-Direct-Twin/dp/B000PGOOIS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Z35L2PE0T4UB&keywords=nikwax+tech+wash&qid=1559911459&s=sports&sprefix=nikwax%2Csports%2C144&sr=1-1
    Which keeps the jackets clean and waterproof.
    I've had the jackets for about 6 years now and they're still completely waterproof.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 830
    Hi Fidgetbones.  I had an original Berghaus jacket that I washed in cool water (no detergent) then my husband reproofed it for me with the spray stuff but it was never the same again after that.  Then a second jacket was washed less regularly and always with the Nikwax stuff but again the jacket wasn't like new and started to let the water through or just absorb it so I felt damp.  This is my third jacket and I've never washed it (in fact it's my hubby's old one so feels big on my and, after today, wet and uncomfortable) so I'd like to replace it with something that really is waterproof this time.  I'm happy to never wash it if that makes a difference.  Staying dry is my priority, I can live with muddy cuffs! :)

    Hi Nollie, maybe if I came to live with you in Spain I wouldn't have a problem!  But I already have kneepads in my ordinary trousers so don't want to be taking them on any off to put on over my waterproof ones, plus they'll slip around on the outside on wet trousers.  I'll have a look at sailing clothes but I'm only in the garden so was hoping to just find a cheapish properly waterproof jacket and overtrousers that I could buy easily and rely on and I think the sailing clothes might be a bit specialist and odd looking and pricey.  But thank you anyway, I'll google sailing clothes.
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 830
    Normally I'd agree with you pansyface but my roses were getting smashed to pieces by today's heavy rain and I just had to go out and deadhead the worst and try to tie in others to support them.  I got drenched through to my t-shirt because my 'waterproofs' are rubbish.  I'm quite short so my overtrouser hems drag on the floor :( which means the wetness starts at my foot and quickly travels up the legs - lovely!
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 830
    Thanks Pete.  I'll google HH later and take a look.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    turmeric said:
    Thanks Pete.  I'll google HH later and take a look.
    The HH jackets are very good, but the cleaning/waterproofing stuff I mentioned would probably work with your jacket too.
    It is important not to wash waterproofed jackets in detergent, it'll remove the waterproofing.
    You need to wash first with with something suitable like I mentioned above and then do another cycle with the  waterproofer.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 830
    Thanks Pete.  
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Mine is not very... hardcore cliff-face battle-the-mountain, but I have a terrific Seasalt 100% waterproof jacket. I have a fluffy, lined one and after I bought it, I couldn't imagine how I had done without it. I think they are guaranteed 100% waterproof for five years. Long enough to properly cover the butt, deep hood, deep pockets, very well made. You can get re-proofing wax where needed, down the line.

    I wouldn't wash any waterproof thing as in my experience it does ruin the clothing, as said above. I'm wondering if gardening mashes your coats etc. If they are getting ripped to bits in wrestling with roses, brambles etc that might well make a difference to water proofing levels.
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Oh I don’t know Turmeric, did you see Keeping Faith on the telly? I thought the lead character, a lawyer, looked fab in her yellow sou’wester, not odd at all  ;)
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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