Thread: What Jacket next?

I'm a bit stuck as to what jacket to try next. I seem to have super bad luck with rain coats / hunting jackets.

I've got an Hunters Element XTR jacket and I had a top of the line Ridgeline jacket prior to that (Can't remember the model, but it was the highest spec they made). The Ridgeline didn't get much use (Worn 3 times walking around, not bush bashing) and it had a massive failure, Ridgeline reimbursed me immediately, which means I'll buy their products in the future. It seemed really comfortable and felt robust (think I just got unlucky).

My XTR however is a real disappointment, only worn about 7-8 times, 2-3 times very light use. I bought it because I wanted a really top notch jacket that'd do what the manufacturer said it would, so didn't mind spending a bit. Last hunting trip in moderately wet, but cold conditions it proved to be a total liability (wouldn't feel safe wearing it again). Issues with this jacket are: It doesn't breathe (at all) not even when fully open (Front zip and heat dumps under arm-pits), takes ages to dry (which means once it's wet, you'll stay wet) Doesn't keep wind off, or keep you comfortable, even in moderate conditions (let alone extreme conditions) NOTE- I do not consider feeling wet/damp and freezing cold to be comfortable, the shell does not repel water. My main problem with it is that it gets wet quickly and then acts like a massive heat exchange. I dried this jacket in a hut and then put it back on whilst I made camp that night, within minutes of putting it on (In cold conditions) I felt cold and clammy, I took it of again and felt noticeable warmer and drier within minutes. It seems it would be a liability if you were relying on it (Increase chances of Hypothermia).

I Will be taking it back to see if it has a fault. Will hopefully get my money back, as they're supposed to have a 2 year warrantee.

So, What next? Stoney Creek seems like the obvious choice...BUT. None of these jackets is packable, unless you strap it to the outside of your pack, OR you're carrying a massive pack. If I don't buy a hi-tech 'Breatheable' jacket, the cost will be considerably less than half and I can get a very light packable jacket, AND so far none of these 'breathable' jackets have been breathable, more like expensive plastic bags. Also when-ever you queerie the waterproof qualities of a jacket, all the shop assistants jump on the "have you washed it" band wagon. My mates got an old vortex jacket that's 20yrs old, never washed, and generally abused and it's perfectly waterproof. ???

So I'm looking for a jacket that is warm, tough, actually waterproof, AND not made out of grandmother's finest antique china.

Any reasonable suggestions would be massively appreciated.

I'll keep you all appraised of what the deal is with my XTR and whether they honour their warrantee.

Otherwise it's a Warehouse raincoat for me (can't be worse than what I've had so far.)