Gore tex smock advice

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 Mattilda 01 May 2023

Does anyone make a heavyweight goretex smock, similar sort of design as a buffalo? Maybe 2 napoleon pockets instead of a single one? And reinforced elbows and shoulders? (Like a ME Kongur, but a smock basically!) 

Also do people have any thoughts on smocks?

My thinking is that jackets don't seem to work well with harnesses, I get that people tend to buy things (especially cars!) On features rather than functionality, but does a jacket really need 6 pockets? All I really need is somewhere for a map and compass,  a waterproof notebook and a cereal bar. (That's the most I'd carry, mostly it's just a cereal bar). Also the less seams and sewing, the cheaper to make, and less to go wrong (my jackets have mostly failed where seams are sealed). I love my buffalo, but it's too warm for walk ins and mountaineering. 

Any ideas/comments welcome.

 TobyA 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

Pretty rare. Arcteryx has made a gtx one once but I don't think currently and Jottnär don't seem to still be making the Hymir which is a shame. https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/clothing/waterproofs/hymir_jacket_from_jott...

From your name I'm guessing you're female - I'm not sure if I remember a smock hardshell in a woman's cut at all. There are plenty of jackets though with just one chest pocket that would work like you suggest. 

1
 onlyhalfwayup 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

PHD make a waterproof smock for mountaineering if I remember correctly, not the cheapest though.

 Doug 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

Berghaus used to sell one but that was back in the 1980s. Don't think I've seen one recently, but haven't really been looking.

Oddly they used to be popular pre Goretex, my first waterproofs were both smocks, from Peter Storm (thin, light & a bit delicate) and Henri-Lloyd (heavy but tough)

OP Mattilda 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

Thanks Toby,

I'm a boy with an open mind and a large dressing up box, (but hadn't considered women's fit, a good point, thanks!)

My mtn rescue team is looking for new jackets, I think Kongur MRT would be too expensive for them so was testing the waters for other alternatives. I think partly I still regret not keeping the bright orange ex RAF smock I had when I was a kid. At the time it was huge, heavy and sweaty. Now I view it as simple, practical and probably still heavy and sweaty...!

OP Mattilda 01 May 2023
In reply to onlyhalfwayup:

Thanks,  that PHD smock looks the business. An longer pocket and it would be absolutely perfect, thanks!

 Dr.S at work 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

They seem to be in short supply - how about this:

https://arbortec.com/collections/waterproof-clothing/products/breathedry-wa...

which I guess would be robust given it’s intended user set - and edited to add can be in high viz for MRT

various brands do lightweight waterproof smocks, eg

https://alpkit.com/products/pulsar-mens

or head to paddle/fishing options which are more plentiful

https://palmequipmenteurope.com/gb/touring-jackets/46-257-vantage-jacket#/2...

Post edited at 08:49
In reply to Mattilda:

If it’s for the likes of mtn rescue teams, Keela, in Scotland, do make specialised garments made to order/specification for organisations, companies, etc, incl Police and mtn rescue teams in UK.

Off the peg, they do/have done waterproof smocks over the years though it is not goretex as far as I know (I think they use ventile for heavy duty stuff). They maybe could be able to design and produce to your design/specification?

https://keelaoutdoors.com/

I have no connection to Keela other than as an occasional customer for off the peg clothing. You could always contact some of the UK Mtn Rescue Teams that have bought Keela made jackets for their views on Keela if it is of interest?
 

OP Mattilda 01 May 2023
In reply to Dr.S at work:

Love the Palm one, might be tempted by one of these anyway!

In reply to Mattilda:

Another Scottish company that makes specialised waterproofs for mtn rescue teams is http://www.cioch-direct.co.uk/. They, as far as I know, base all their designs on paramo type materials. Paramo is a bit marmite as you probably know, but maybe of interest also as they do do smocks as indeed do Cioch Direct do their smock versions.

I have no connection to this company either other than a customer though I know many folk that have had made to measure gear from them and been please.

 Graham T 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

It is a snowboarding/skiing brand,  but Dope make smock type waterproofs.  I have a more snow orientated one,  but i know they do normal waterproof ones too

 Mal Grey 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

From an MRT perspective, I'd second the idea of looking at or talking to Keela for a bespoke product.

Though I have plenty of great Palm kit for paddling, I wouldn't use it for walking and mountaineering as the fabric breathability just isn't anywhere near good enough in my experience.

 Pina 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

Have a look at Swazi. Kiwi brand that make pretty heavy-duty goretex smocks. 

 Doug 01 May 2023
In reply to Climbing Pieman:

another small Scottish company making waterproof smocks is Hilltrek in Aboyne. But like Cioch they don't use Goretex. Their prices also seem to be a lot higher than I remember

https://hilltrek.co.uk/clothing/smocks/

 rsc 01 May 2023
In reply to Mattilda:

Not cheap (it’s Norwegian) but I know someone who’s very happy with one of these:

https://www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk/peak-anorak-mens-11281/

In reply to Pina:

> Have a look at Swazi. Kiwi brand that make pretty heavy-duty goretex smocks. 

For MRT use it really needs to be helmet and harness compatible. No use having pockets if you can't access them and no point having a hood if you can't put it up.

My old team issued paramo aspira (smock or jacket depending on the preference of the team member) which were great for pockets and for standing around in but too hot for more than half the year.

Post edited at 18:10

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