Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[ubereglu]

Hi all,

 

As I'm moving to Wales in a few weeks for my placement year I need to do some shopping for outdoor gear and would like some reviews, as I want to buy good quality stuff which will tolerate the welsh wind and rain...

 

Ideally I am looking to buy a pair of waterproof trousers, another waterproof coat and a pair of walking boots. I've generally been told to avoid all regatta stuff and things made by trespass. Can any of you give me some recommendations please?

[Lavenders_Blue]

I find Craghoppers gear tends to be pretty reasonable for the price. There is more technical stuff out there but that also comes at a higher price. Craghoppers gear is often recommended for D of E walkers. I bought a pair of new walking boots recently, the make is Scarpa. They were middle of the road price wise and I'm really happy with them. The best tip for outdoor gear is to keep it well maintained, so keep boots cleaned and proofed and wash your waterproofs though with Nikwax periodically.

[Valkyrie]

We got our outdoor gear from Snow and Rock. Our waterproof jackets and leggings are Berghaus. Thoroughly recommend them as we have been warm and toasty in the worst of the winter weather, wind and rain and even hail. The leggings have zips down the outside of your legs and you can then press stud them in. Saves struggling to get them on over your boots. The jacket hood folds into the collar and when pulled out it has a peak on it so that the water doesn't pour down into your eyes.

Boots are personal choice - I did get a pair but they were too high on the ankle and I was getting groin strain as they were also heavy when we were walking. Had a different pair that are like heavy duty trainers that are perfect. The other pair are now the most expensive part of my gardening gear!

If you are able try and get insoles made to fit your feet - I must get mine redone - it's like walking on air when you wear boots with them.

[Valkyrie]

My husband has a lot of North Face layers which he likes. I just have ordinary t-shirts underneath and rarely need a jumper - even when cold once I'm on the move, even up Glencoe!

[freddie]

There is a firm ont'web called Field and Trek..

[CatieB]

Berghaus is expensive but worth it IMHO. I also like north face.

 

If you can get to an outlet village they often have such brands at vastly reduced prices generally as its older stock. I got my footwear at one, think its merrell and it was a fraction of the price. Very comfortable and not leaked yet.

[bluekarin]

Sorry, don't have any recommendations. This just reminded me of when I was chatting with my friends yesterday. They had just been swimming and were talking about there not being any decent waterproof mascaras. My other friend who was behind me piped up she knew of a good waterproof. Knowing that this friend does not do any makeup, we were quite taken aback. But it appears she only heard half the conversation and thought we were talking about actual waterproofs

 

Anyhoo.......back on topic

[yvonne]

Another vote for Berghaus here, I'm on my second jacket and the first lasted well over 10 years with daily use in winter. You look like you live in Somerset, so Clarks village in Street is worth a visit, but tends not to have the top quality stuff, but very good for cheap fleeces etc. I have found the best shop in this area is Tauton Leisure (Taunton, Exeter and Bristol, I think) for a great range and very knowledgeable staff (not affiliated).

[kinsk]

I got some stuff from field and trek when I did my charity trek in Mongolia. JT Macs were also good.

 

Craghoppers is an excellent make, as is RAB, if you know what you are after ebay is quite good. I also got a waterproof jacket made by Helly Hansen which has been fantastic.

[ohcarolina]

Have a look on the Outdoor Clearance website. I got my craghoppers fleece lined trousers for a really good price.

 

Caroline

[Charlottechicken]

I have no idea about decent outdoor clothing, but once you know what brands you want to go with, it's worth looking on mandmdirect.com as they have some of the brands mentioned so far and at fairly good prices.

[Shirl]

I love Rohan gear. It is expensive but well worth it, I think they have a sale on at the minute.

[Lewis]

I love my Flexothane waterproof trousers!

 

The Uni farm bought us some for Lambing 3 years ago and I still wear them now - have had about 4 other cheap pairs in between (have to have different pair for each for for biosecurity) which have all ripped but the Flexothane are still going and don't have holes in them as they're a bit stretchy.

 

There are some on eBay for about £18 - well worth it if they'll get a lot of use!

[cheekymonkey68]

I swear by my Rab vidda jacket (lasted three years of constant use so far), the best thing about it is you dont get sweaty inside the jacket when you are walking, it breathes really well. I have Berghaus waterproof trousers which are good for prelonged walking in rain, but not cheap, and meindl walking boots they are light and hard wearing... I also swear by long waterproof gaiters they are a god send and stop you getting wet and muddy, I've managed to walk through many a river without getting wet !!

[Old Speckled Hen]

Hi all,

 

As I'm moving to Wales in a few weeks for my placement year I need to do some shopping for outdoor gear and would like some reviews, as I want to buy good quality stuff which will tolerate the welsh wind and rain...

 

 

This year you need shorts/tees and a bikini

[ubereglu]

Hi all,

 

As I'm moving to Wales in a few weeks for my placement year I need to do some shopping for outdoor gear and would like some reviews, as I want to buy good quality stuff which will tolerate the welsh wind and rain...

 

 

This year you need shorts/tees and a bikini

 

I wish-even a week and a half ago we still needed waterproof trousers to go through the really long grass after a thunderstorm the night before!

 

Thanks for the tip Lewis...will look at those.

[ubereglu]

Well, I've now succeeded in buying a pair of Merrell hiking boots from the outlet store in Street, (with approximately 1/3 off!) and have just managed to order a Berghaus goretex waterproof online for half price!

 

Just need to sus out waterproof trousers-Have found a pair of sherpa adventurewear waterproof trousers online for only £30, but cannot find a size guide for them...