Coat for commuting

[jido]

Hi, with the winter still very much felt even though it is officially spring, I want to look at renewing my top layer.

I have been using a North Face Gore Tex Paclite coat for a while but I was disappointed with its performance - it does keep me dry and relatively sweat-free, but I found vapor from my body would sometimes condensate on the inside and it is prone to small tears in the fabric

I understand this is to be expected from this material. So I am looking for something better. I used Gore Tex before (not Paclite) and it was good, waterproof, breathable and durable.

What I am looking for is something with similar characteristics and a good cut that I can wear in all occasions.

Can you make suggestions?

For the fabric, I read a little and I am looking for one of these:

* Gore tex active shell
* Gore tex pro shell
* EVent (GE)
* DryQ Elite (eVent)
* Neo shell (Polartec)

I prefer a lower price and shops with retail presence in the London area.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Re retailer, you could try Go Outdoors if there is one near you

 

[Cubist]

Have a little look through the blurb on Paramo. Check out Velez, Velez Adventure, Velez adventure light, Quito, Vista. Very very breathable, well ventilated. Not as packable perhaps as Gore, but far more durable, and no limited lifespan. Doesn't suit every body, and doesn't suit all pockets, but worth a look. FWIW I have a Velez which is the default winter MTB jacket, a Vista which is my commute foul weather jacket, and a Fuera Windproof, which is just, well, a windproof smock.

http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/index.php

 

[ribbleboy]

I love more mile products, available from start fitness.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've had an ENDURA GRIDLOCK coat for a few years now. A cracking coat that is still going strong. I won't hesitate to replace with another one when the time comes.

 

[jido]

I've had an ENDURA GRIDLOCK coat for a few years now. A cracking coat that is still going strong. I won't hesitate to replace with another one when the time comes.

Do you need to spray it to keep it waterproof or is it like membrane (or even Paramo) fabrics?

 

[fossyant]

How about proper cycling jersey with a waterproof as a backup. These work best for sweat evaporation on a daily basis.