Rain Jackets...aaarrrgghhh

[juju]

I've looked at the ins and outs of so many jackets over the last week and read so many things on this forum that my mind is not my own any more...
Does anyone know anything about the following two jackets.
Mont siena (hydronought) durable heavier 570g
Mountain Hardwear Epic lighter 340g
Do you love your rain jacket, does it work and how much does it weigh?

[ULWalkingPhil]

I own a Mountain Design Mens Melaleuca Jacket, Purchased about a year ago on sale, weighs according to there website 930 grams.

Been happy with the Jacket although it don't breath very well, particularly up here in QLD. Cooler weather it's not so bad. The water don't bead of the jacket like it used to, I've washed it a couple of times, each time after washing it appears to be less beading, maybe i'm doing something wrong, I am following the advice on care given to my by Mountain Designs. overall I'm happy with this jacket, if only I can get it back to how it used to be. I was told to follow the same care instructions as Goretex. My jacket is a Repel X material.

[dee_legg]

Hi juju,

Might want to review the stats on the Siena... The Mont website states 570g. http://www.mont.com.au/index/catalog/product/004
Both are great jackets, but not really comparable imo.

I have an Epic jacket, nice and light, but I really just use it as my day to day jacket. I also have a Mont Supersonic which I use for bushwalking and climbing. I think Hydronaute is great, but there are a few features that I don't like so much.

Dee

[juju]

Yes - made a boo boo 570 is what I meant.

[juju]

then there's this 'un
http://www.snowgum.com.au/shop/product/ ... -3l-jacket

[mountnman]

I have the Mountain Hardware Epic jacket - I actually wore it today! Never had any problems. Cord around the face, hips, velcro around the wrists, hand pockets, zips under armpits to keep airflow, etc. Lots of features. Best of all...... Keeps me dry!

[Lizzy]

Hey Juju,
Not the jacket you asked about but how about this Montane Venture Event jacket @ 75 pounds from the UK but only available in some sizes....(the sizes run small too)
http://www.outdooradventurecentre.co.uk ... Azu10.html
Can't tell you how good it is but have read some positive reviews- keep in mind it is a shortish jacket with a longer tail so may not be the type you are after...
Lizzy

[juju]

Looks a nice jacket. hikelight.com has it at $399. Has anyone ever bought from them? I've probably left it too late to shop online except from australia. The Mont Siena is available locally and looks really warm and tough but is it waterproof - I've read good and bad reports on just about every type of jacket on tis forum.

[ULWalkingPhil]

That's cheap for a event jacket, and you'll also save on the VAT if you purchase from here. Just out of curiosity, I wanted to see how much the freight was to Australia, when I selected postage destination Aus, a message not available for this destination. Looks like we can not purchase there clothing from Australia.

[Lizzy]

Actually I purchased this jacket (but haven't tried it out) so was reluctant to write anything except for you to have a look yourself. I also bought a pack of 4 Exped dri-bags (25 pounds) + 16 pounds postage & yes the VAT does come off the price- all up I think it was $150 which I was pretty stoked with & arrived in less than 2 weeks
The jacket looks nice- one of my friends thinks it is the most stylish piece of clothing I own just hope it performs as well- but was worth a risk at that price
Cheers
Lizzy

[Bluegum Mic]

Mainpeak is an Aussie online store that has the montane (and mont) jackets. They've got the venture for $360 with free shipping. I bought my hiking poles from them and they were on my door step by 1pm the next day (not bad for WA to sydney). I was looking at the venture but ended up going with the macpac prophet (which I love) as I have a store locally-ish to try one on.

http://www.mainpeak.com.au/outdoor/124183.html

Cheers

Michaela

[ULWalkingPhil]

How can there be such a big difference in price for that Jacket here compared to the link given earlier from the overseas store. In saying this, for a event jacket here in Australia it's a good price, But if you can get the same jacket overseas so much cheaper, makes it very difficult to support locally. I myself have to purchase online, No one here sells any quality gear where I live. What is sold here are cheap and nasty gear and they want top dollar for them, Often dearer than quality items on mail order, even after paying the freight. When ever I get the chance if I'm passing through Brisbane or Sydney, I always stop by at the local stores.

[juju]

Yes I know what you mean.

[Robbo]

The water don't bead of the jacket like it used to, I've washed it a couple of times, each time after washing it appears to be less beading, maybe i'm doing something wrong, I am following the advice on care given to my by Mountain Designs. overall I'm happy with this jacket, if only I can get it back to how it used to be. I was told to follow the same care instructions as Goretex. My jacket is a Repel X material.

This link will help with care and maintenance of jackets...
http://www.bogong.com.au/html/tips.html

Cheers

TR

[ULWalkingPhil]

The water don't bead of the jacket like it used to, I've washed it a couple of times, each time after washing it appears to be less beading, maybe i'm doing something wrong, I am following the advice on care given to my by Mountain Designs. overall I'm happy with this jacket, if only I can get it back to how it used to be. I was told to follow the same care instructions as Goretex. My jacket is a Repel X material.

This link will help with care and maintenance of jackets...
http://www.bogong.com.au/html/tips.html

Cheers

TR

Is this the product mentioned for waterproofing on the Bogong link?

http://www.wildearth.com.au/grangers-wa ... cb6691a3cb

[Bruce]

Actually I purchased this jacket (but haven't tried it out)

Hi Lizzy,

Have you taken it out for a spin yet? How long is the tail

Cheerio,
Bruce