Topic: Budget but decent kit (Read 14470 times)

yungmannfuzz · « **on:** January 13, 2011 »

Is there such a thing?

I am planning to go out on some hikes and do some wild camping, but need some gear.

I need boots- planning on looking and trying on these today
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/forclaz-500-ventiv-117154401/

Don't think I'll get much better for the money? I was toying with the idea of getting the British Army Assault pro boots, but a friend said that would be a bad idea.

Another thing I really need is a decent coat. Obviously waterproof and breathable.

The two I have been looking at online are the

Berghaus RG1
The North Face resolve

Anyone got any advice on these, or other decent coats under 60/70 quid?

Looking forward to the replies..

LennyJ1 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2011 »

I have the Resolve TNF jacket and it is great, Lightweight and does the job

MG1 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Check this website out they usually have some good offers on.

http://www.webtogs.co.uk/

Paul72 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Quote from: yungmannfuzz on January 13, 2011

I was toying with the idea of getting the British Army Assault pro boots, but a friend said that would be a bad idea.

Why would it be a bad idea? I sometimes use British Army Assault pro boots myself (I climbed Ben Nevis in them), they're strong have good ankle support and are waterproof.

Don't rule out ex-army kit if you're thinking of wild camping especially as military bivvy bags, bashas etc. are designed to work and take a beating. I'd also use military clothing for hiking as my best waterproofs are army surplus and they're good for the price.

Paul72 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Another option is to try Tresspass shops, you'll find them in Junction One and the Outlet

yungmannfuzz · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Cheers for the replies..

Think the thing is that I would by buying pre-issued army boots, and he said they could be hard on your feet..

Don't mind the thought of army bivi's etc, but I don't really want to be walking around covered head to toe in DPM..

Is the tresspass kit any good?

yungmannfuzz · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Quote from: LennyJ1 on January 13, 2011

I have the Resolve TNF jacket and it is great, Lightweight and does the job

Is it breathable enough?? and totally waterproof, some reviews said otherwise..

Just want the best for my money- know i'm not going to get the best stuff at this price..

RedLeader · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Quechca is Decathalons own brand gear of which I've not had much experience. I know that around the £40 mark you could probably get a pair of Regatta or Hi-Tecs which are cheap but serviceable brands. I'm not sure where you are but there's a Regatta seconds / end of line shop in Portstewart that often has decent offers on boots and shoes (plus you can get ice cream in Morellis while you're there

).

Jackets are another matter. I've been through a good few and proper waterproof breatheable ones are never cheap. Lots of brands have their own breathable fabrics (for instance Regattas is Isotex) but I'm never sure how well they stand up against high end materials like Event or Goretex Pro Shell.

LennyJ1 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Quote from: yungmannfuzz on January 13, 2011

Don't mind the thought of army bivi's etc, but I don't really want to be walking around covered head to toe in DPM..

Your will get to see that image if you come out with us.

LennyJ1 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Quote from: yungmannfuzz on January 13, 2011

Quote from: LennyJ1 on January 13, 2011
I have the Resolve TNF jacket and it is great, Lightweight and does the job

Is it breathable enough?? and totally waterproof, some reviews said otherwise..

Just want the best for my money- know i'm not going to get the best stuff at this price..

TNF use HyVent

It is ok for what it is but I would never 100 rely on it

yungmannfuzz · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2011 »

are you going to get any better for that money though?!

twentyclicks · « **Reply #11 on:** January 13, 2011 »

AQ and HyVent are ok, but you will always get wet to a degree. The body perspires, increasingly so with any level of activity. All these fancy clothes do is manage moisture at best... they keep you comfortable and try to prevent dangers like chill. If you accept that, you will be happy enough, and can upgrade as you are able or see fit. The Marmot precip is highly breathable in theory but the 2 layer fabric is prone to condensation... we had a woman in work return one because twice when she was out, the outside of her fleece was soaking - most people assume the jacket is leaking, but really the fleece is just wicking your perspiration very effectively away from you, and it is then held up as the jacket won't let it out fast enough... if the outside air is too humid there is no gradient to allow the moisture to diffuse out, and if it is too cold the moisture will condense on the fabric before it can escape (remember, only vapour can pass through the membrane).

Good base layers, socks (not too thick) and boots are better investments. Microfleece is cheap for warmth, and a basic breathable shell or windtop for comfort.
Or be a rebel and buy a Montane extreme smock for £80 which will be your base, mid and shell layer all in one... it's left-field, takes getting used to, but apparently does work (too warm for summer though).
Or be like Dowser who just wears his skin - the most waterproof, breathable material known to man

Spend any extra on a pair of merino wool undies - your times outdoors will be much improved by this as opposed to a jacket twice as expensive as the resolve.

surfnscenic · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2011 »

If you're just starting off and building up your kit I suggest that you don't spend a fortune trying to get the best of everything for all conditions. It may be better that you could list the items you need as opposed to want and then divide them into what you must, should and could have.

For example a base layer top, mid layer like a fleece or soft shell then a waterproof outer jacket followed by a good pair of boots and socks would be Must have.

After a few outings you would then be better placed to judge performance and more importantly personal preferences of the various items. Then as you continue to get into it and more funds become available you'll be able to know what way to spend the pennies.

There's loads of kit available from the Junction 1/Outlet shops previously mentioned and experienced advice available here on NI Wild to help you on your way. Another place not to forget is TK Max. They usually have loads of outdoor stuff and it's definetly worth having a look around there.

Best of luck and happy shopping and walking.

ulsterwalker · « **Reply #13 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Buy a Marmot Precip Jacket, deifnately the best jacket for the money. Breathability aint so much an issue as it has pit zips, and in any case you're gonna sweat no matter what unless your standing still, breathability doesn't mean it will stop you from sweating. Or you could buy be proper leftfield and buy a dri ducks jacket, super lightweight breathable and super cheap (in comparison to TNF,gore, etc)

If you want 100% breathability and 100% waterproof buy an umbrella, don't expect the really expensive jackets to magicly stop you from sweating

Pertex/pile combo a la montane extreme/buffalo is fine if you are cold blooded, but unless its -10 i couldn't wear them without melting. Furtech/Paramo would be another option but again theyre a winter waterproof jacket and too warm for all year use.

Regards footwear, army boots are gonna give you best bang for buck, but are heavy and take a bit of time to break in. Once broken theyre comfy supportive and last a beard.

I started with army boots, bought cheap Karrimor fabrics and then went on to trail shoes and wouldn't look at boots again for anything other than winter mountaineering. Inov-8 and La sportiva's all the way!

MikeD · « **Reply #14 on:** January 13, 2011 »

Tko MAX has good lowe alpine micro fleece for 25 quid, I would recommend it.
The helly hanson WARM base layer for about 60 are cracking for activity or sleeping, means you can have cheaper sleeping bag etc.....for this cold weather.

Msr pocket rocket for "cooking", with the titanium pot/mug it comes with is defo the best.

Had badexperience with mountain warehouse stuff at junction one, poor quality coats and bottles that leah.

Best way to get value for money is to try and get second hand, maybe via the for sale/wanted page on this site.

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Author Topic: Budget but decent kit (Read 14470 times)

yungmannfuzz

Budget but decent kit

LennyJ1

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MG1

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Paul72

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Paul72

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yungmannfuzz

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yungmannfuzz

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RedLeader

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LennyJ1

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LennyJ1

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yungmannfuzz

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twentyclicks

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ulsterwalker

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MikeD

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