UKH

I bought a Rab Latok Alpine jacket from their outlet store 5-6 years ago and it has served me so valiantly, I can't rate it enough. Just looked online and they're about £400 now!?! I think I paid about £120 if that.

I feel like since that time the world of coats has diverged and multiplied so I can spend any amount of money on anything... I just want a robust coat that's going to keep me nice and dry but doesn't cost the earth. Where should I be looking? Any shops in Derbyshire? Online? Brands...??

I'm worried that any new coat has so much to live up to now - especially if this coat ever really cost £450! 

The zip on this one is starting to stick and I think it might be a bit past its prime!

Rab outlet store at Alfreton always used to be worth a visit.

That's where I got this one, and back when I got it I must've been saving 60%+.

I went recently though and it was nothing but giant or tiny coats in the ones I wanted, and the only one they had vaguely in my size was a strange colour and was pretty much the same price you'd find online (but without the guarantees).

I'll definitely check back in again but I wonder whether the discounts relative to other retailers are not as good anymore.

Inflation has much to answer for sadly and things may only get more expensive with shipping costs and Brexit.

Saying that the products are the price they are because they are worth that much money. 

If the zip is sticky then gently rub a white candle on the teeth and run the zip carriage up and down a few times - it will likely smoothen up nicely.

Magic mountain in Beeston, Botts is worth a visit. They are the factory outlet for Mountain Equipment amongst others and have some brilliant deals. They have a website but there is much more in the actual shop, just make sure you check the opening times as they can be a bit abnormal, I'd advise calling them. 

What size are you? I have a RAB jacket that I *think* is a Latok, in Large. Bought it at the outlet a few years ago but it's too big, so it has never been used.

Apparently, the Alpkit stores now offer a gear repair service. May be worth investigating, especially since they have the shop in the Peak.

If you are anywhere near Sheffield you could have Anna at Mulch look at it. She can fix just about anything and has worked in the repairs department at a couple of outdoors brands. Very, very reasonable pricing too, especially compared to a £400 new jacket.

https://www.mulchandthebrokenthing.com/

The sensible brands of old have all gone designer, the designer brands of old have all gone to the moon. 

Plenty of bargains around if you're not brand loyal and don't need posh labels or the latest invention.  

Sportpursuit is usually around half price or sometimes more. Picked up a winter shell for quite a good price last year. The days of heavy duty jackets at £120 are over I'm afraid.

Sounds like you do not need to urgently replace. I'd keep an eye on the sale forum here. Or try FB.

If you don't want to spend £400, you need to look at non-Gore-TEX fabrics, especially Gore-TEX Pro. Two non-Gore-TEX £200-250 options from the big two UK brands:

https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/collections/mens-outdoor-clothing/prod...

https://rab.equipment/uk/kinetic-alpine-2-0-jacket

If you are wedded to Gore-TEX, non PRO jackets from ME:

https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/collections/mens-spring-gore-tex

You don't have to spend over £400. What are you intending to use the jacket for?

Montane also have a myriad of options but I can't fathom what is equivalent, it's too confusing.

In reply to thread in general:

Haven't "top end Gore-TEX" jackets always been eye-wateringly expensive? The definative scottish winetr jacket according to UKC is the ME Tupilak:

https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/collections/mens-waterproofs/products/...

currently retailing at £380. It was reviewed in 2013, 8 years ago, and had an RRP of £330. £50 is a lot, but that's after jackets had been "stuck" around the £300 for quite a while.

I'm a large! What are you thinking...maybe PM me or something

Thanks this is really helpful I'll check all these out. 

The jacket would only be used for hill walking in Peak / Lakes / Snowdon and then urban rain but I'd go out in any conditions hiking and wear a rucksack etc. so I would want something hard-wearing, reliable and breathable with a good hood and pockets big enough for thick gloves / hat / neck-warmer. I wouldn't be climbing / skiing etc. in it.

It'd basically be my only waterproof coat and I would use it for everything from drizzle walking to the shops through to white-out blizzards in a gale up Helvellyn. (obvs with different layers underneath!)

Sure, I'll get it out and drop you a line with some photos etc. to see if you like it when I get home from work.

I'm seeing that jacket online now for £307.99, available in Large. Not cheap for sure, but cheaper than 400. Buy it now while you can!

https://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=24473&utm_source=fr...

You could try sport pursuit, they sell lots of European kit 2ith up to 70% off. There's also so more we'll known brands. I plumped for a mountain jacket from Sweden which I love though haven't tested it too much yet (brand wins lots of awards though). 

I bought a cheap, solid, really good mountaineering jacket from Outside in 1992, 3 ply Goretex copy maybe better than the branded,  for £70 or so. That was the last time I got a bargain like that 

surprised there's no mention of Paramo yet. The top end ones do go for £400+ but they have simpler ones £200-£300. The Cascada is pretty bombproof (or my 10+ year old one is and it doesn't life a charmed life by any means) and being reproofable and easily repairable they will last a lot longer than a Gore-Tex jacket. 

my Rab active smock in BRIGHT orange for £50 from Outside in 1998 remains my best bargain ever. Seem to remember they used to have a tent outside with all the cheap stuff. Do they still do that?

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-mountain-trekking-waterproof-jacket-tre...

£180 or they do more alpine type jackets (lighter, spendier). Not Goretex, but I've got a 5 year old quecha coat and it's fine

£130! (soz, fat fingers)

Rab do a repairs service that starts at £15. They are really helpful if you contact them with questions too. 

https://rab.equipment/uk/service-centre-products/repairs