KneesUp
Guru
I'm at a stage in life now where I don't care for fashion, I want to buy things that are well made and will last - partly for reasons to do with reducing the impact of my consumption, and partly because I believe doing so represents better value - I'd rather wear a coat that cost £250 a thousand times at 25p a wear than wear a coat that cost £50 100 times at 50p a wear. This does not necessarily mean spending more though - my pen of choice is a Jinhao X750 which is as nice to use as my Waterman Expert, and cost less than a fiver including delivery from China as opposed to £60 for the Waterman (and that was in a sale).
I would also like to get away from using plastic-based material if there are alternatives that are better, as good or even almost as good.
So - I'm on the look out for some decent 'bad weather' clothing which ideally I can use both on and off the bike. So far I've come up with the following options:
1) Carradice Duxback poncho - this looks useful, but I'm concerned that it will be a bulky item to carry about 'just in case', it will be a nightmare to deal with when I take it off wet, and although I said above that I don't care for fashion, there are limits and I feel like I'd look like a wally both on and off the bike in it.
2) Things made from 'Ventile' - which is billed as being all natural and has a strong association with being 'British' if that appeals (was invented at Shirley Institute in Manchester, which I used to walk past on the way home from school) However, it's now made in Switzerland, and is coated with a fluorocarbon-based water repellent which is seemingly terrible for the environment. However, I guess one has to assess if it's longevity makes this a good trade-off.
3) Buffalo products - which are made on the industrial estate where I get my car serviced, so nice and local etc -but are made from a man made fibre. That said, they seem to be very durable and very highly regarded by those that use them.
Any other recommendations for outdoor 'weather proof' gear that will be long lasting and represent good value over time that I ought to be looking at? I ride my bike for commuting in all weathers, and for pleasure - ideally on nice days, but you never know. I also like to go walking when time allows, and obviously you can get any weather at any time doing that too - but I'm not intending to go polar exploring or anything!
I would also like to get away from using plastic-based material if there are alternatives that are better, as good or even almost as good.
So - I'm on the look out for some decent 'bad weather' clothing which ideally I can use both on and off the bike. So far I've come up with the following options:
1) Carradice Duxback poncho - this looks useful, but I'm concerned that it will be a bulky item to carry about 'just in case', it will be a nightmare to deal with when I take it off wet, and although I said above that I don't care for fashion, there are limits and I feel like I'd look like a wally both on and off the bike in it.
2) Things made from 'Ventile' - which is billed as being all natural and has a strong association with being 'British' if that appeals (was invented at Shirley Institute in Manchester, which I used to walk past on the way home from school) However, it's now made in Switzerland, and is coated with a fluorocarbon-based water repellent which is seemingly terrible for the environment. However, I guess one has to assess if it's longevity makes this a good trade-off.
3) Buffalo products - which are made on the industrial estate where I get my car serviced, so nice and local etc -but are made from a man made fibre. That said, they seem to be very durable and very highly regarded by those that use them.
Any other recommendations for outdoor 'weather proof' gear that will be long lasting and represent good value over time that I ought to be looking at? I ride my bike for commuting in all weathers, and for pleasure - ideally on nice days, but you never know. I also like to go walking when time allows, and obviously you can get any weather at any time doing that too - but I'm not intending to go polar exploring or anything!
