Outdoor clothing, warm & waterproof? Suggestions?

I've had a Regatta cagoule for about 25 years - bargain buy in TKMaxx. It has always been waterproof, but - just in case - I washed it with Nicwax to re-proof it. A light fleece jumper under the jacket should make it wind-proof as well.

Thank you, anno. That's very helpful. A shop near us sells Regatta. We also need ideas for trousers? Also - we need either one or two umbrellas. Most of mine have ended up blowing inside out. In my case, not being tall, I need a strong one but not too big. Like clothing, umbrellas vary so much in price. Can anyone recommend a make? I really want to get all this before summer ends if possible.

My Regatta is many years old now and has been to some of the wettest and windiest places in the world. Whether they’re the same quality now perhaps needs to be checked.

However I bought one with a fleece lining and I have to say this was not enough when it was very cold. I replaced it with a down inner lining. I know there are ethical objections to this but artificial down like polyester just isn’t as good. I did buy from an ethical source.

Best length is just above the knee. Any shorter and your legs will get cold and wet, any longer snd it will hamper your walking. Make sure the seams are double, preferably taped, and that the front has a waterproof fold over flap and adjustable wristbands that will fit tightly. Don’t ask me how rain gets up your sleeve, but it does!

Try the hood up over a beanie hat to make sure it doesn’t keep slipping forwards. Very trying.

Good waterproof boots obviously.

Enjoy😁

I just take a waterproof nylon fold-away trouser cover in my backpack. I have got some lined waterproof trousers but the only place I ever worn them was in minus 20. Otherwise they just got too hot😬

The Regatta waterproof trousers are very good and pack up very small.

Will you want water repellent trousers or overtrousers? If overtrousers, watch you can get them on while wearing your walking footwear (wide legs or side opening zips/hook n loop). Where?- Go outdoors good, Mountain warehouse - bit cheapncheerful - Cotswold Outdoor good. Cotton Traders - not serious. Manufacturers own sites - very good. Go 'mid range' - too cheap is a waste and top price not necessary unless you want to emulate TV presenters! Personal likes - Merrell, Berghaus, Montane, Rab - Jack Wolfskin lovely but £££, TOG24 cheaper but wearing well. For jacket/coat a 2 way zip can be really useful (longer strides, more ajustable when warm, driving etc).

For waterproof and breathable coats I have been pleased with
Sea salt and Lighthouse.It's a good time to look at the moment too, especially in outlets like TargetDry.

Mountain Warehouse own brand is tested and marked on the label with the level of waterproof testing it has passed, their jackets are good value for money and come in various thicknesses, linings etc. they also sell other brands, so it’s worth going to a big store and trying on a few so you get exactly what you need. The staff are good for advice too I’ve found.

Regatta very good. They have on online shop that often has huge sales reductions. Their coats are waterproof and have taped seams and have certainly kept me dry. Cotton Traders also have some waterproof coats which have kept me completely dry during a 2 hour walk in the rain. Both companies also do waterproof walking shoes and over trousers.

If you want to spend a lot on a really good waterproof warm jacket go for Deidrikson. You won’t need hoardes of layers and it will last for years - mine has anyway. It’s Swedish made so I argued if it keeps their people warm and dry it will do the same for me. It does and I’ve never regretted buying it. It costs nearly £200 these days but you can find it cheaper if you Google sales.

I too have regatta jackets and always found them good. I agree about waterproof trousers. Buy the thin pull on ones as full waterproof trousers can be very hot.

Make sure what you get is waterproof not showerproof. Check seams are taped or sealed over as water comes in through the stitching line.

You could buy thin waterproof jacket and trousers that pack up small and just put them in over your other warmer clothes if needed. Don’t forget waterproof shoes too. I’ve been caught out with wet feet before. Seasalt are a good make and I have a wonderful full length fully lined coat with hood that I rely on in bad weather. Cost about £150 in John Lewis a few years ago but was worth it as it still looks great and does the job.
Have a lovely time getting out and about.

Agree about breathable, i have an old regatta but at the end of a walk its always clammy and damp inside. Even from new.