DQ the cheats

[daz h]

Did you get fra discount

[Eleanor]

.Im just going to bang my head against the shed door.Jeeesus

LOL Funny.

wish I'd run 14 miles over the hills today with or without waterproofs (actually a sunny day in Ambleside) but had to make do with the inside of an office.

[Fellwalker]

- My suggestion is that we need to agree two simple definitions of kit - ie windproof and waterproof.

Mark G, i agree that it would be great if we could do this but i suspect that it is quite tricky as different manufacturers make different claims as to the relative "waterproofness" (if that's a word) of the fabrics used e.g. waterproof, rainproof, showerproof etc. Going down the route of the FRA specifying one manufacturer over another as X is more waterproof than Y i think would cause even more of an uproar.

Although i think we could probably all agree that taped seams are essential if you want to call anything truly waterproof.

[Grouse]

Is banging your head against the shed door part of your training routine Daz?

[Eleanor]

Hang on, to my knowledge I've never taped a seam in my waterproofs. Does this mean I've been illegal all these races?????? AAAAAARRRRGGHHH Someone tell me it's not just me! And send me to prison double quick.

[stevefoster]

Is banging your head against the shed door part of your training routine Daz?

Tried that, still can't keep up with him....................and the shed door's knackered

[Witton Park]

- My suggestion is that we need to agree two simple definitions of kit - ie windproof and waterproof.

Mark G, i agree that it would be great if we could do this but i suspect that it is quite tricky as different manufacturers make different claims as to the relative "waterproofness" (if that's a word) of the fabrics used e.g. waterproof, rainproof, showerproof etc. Going down the route of the FRA specifying one manufacturer over another as X is more waterproof than Y i think would cause even more of an uproar.

Although i think we could probably all agree that taped seams are essential if you want to call anything truly waterproof.

It's not necessarily the manufacturers. I supply a UK brand with a waterproof snow boot that is marketed around Europe and Canada as waterproof butthe UK brand chose to call it water resistant as it cuts down the amount of returns from mail order and internet sales.

My first waterproofs / windproofs when I took up fell running were from Outdoor Action and were £20 for the jacket and £15 for the pants. Taped seams, waterproof.

As such they were also windproof.

I personally wouldn't touch windproof - you get wet in them and you freeze.

There's plenty of waterproof options about for any budget - if you can't be bothered, don't turn up at a fell race.

I've since moved on to a Berghaus waterproof jacket that packs well and is comfortable to race in - I've ran a few races in it from start to finish. Still use the same trousers though.

[marrow]

Got a MacPac full waterproof taped seams hood etc - £9 from the Co-Op. It's better than the £85 Gucci jacket I got for training/posing in!

[Mike T]

It's not necessarily the manufacturers. I supply a UK brand with a waterproof snow boot that is marketed around Europe and Canada as waterproof butthe UK brand chose to call it water resistant as it cuts down the amount of returns from mail order and internet sales.

My first waterproofs / windproofs when I took up fell running were from Outdoor Action and were £20 for the jacket and £15 for the pants. Taped seams, waterproof.

As such they were also windproof.

I personally wouldn't touch windproof - you get wet in them and you freeze.

There's plenty of waterproof options about for any budget - if you can't be bothered, don't turn up at a fell race.

I've since moved on to a Berghaus waterproof jacket that packs well and is comfortable to race in - I've ran a few races in it from start to finish. Still use the same trousers though.

I am surprised at how warm my windproof Montane top keeps me - despite being "wet". Even in waterproof kit you get wet eventually - even if it is just from sweat - but if you can keep the wind off it stops evaporation which helps to stop you getting cold. The Montane top is much more packable than the Haglofs Oz I use when waterproof is needed, though the latter is undoubtedly superior when out for a long time. My partner had a MacPac - not clear if it was the same type - fell to pieces in no time.

[Wheeze]

I agree, this is where it gets tricky. Trying to be too proscriptive will ends in tears. The threads on the OMM forum about this would, if laid end to end, go to Neptune and back 3 times!
The whole idea about rules in fell running should be to introduce some common sense minimum requirements without being too intrusive and certainly not demeaning the 'intelligence' of an experienced runner (whilst still protecting the inexperienced from themselves).
Personally, after 25 years of fell running I think I have a fairly good idea about what to carry and when. I would be pretty hacked off if some kit 'inspector' tried arguing that, in his opinion, my choice of my PB fell suit was wrong because its not waterproof on that particular day. Waterproof is generally horrible for running. About the only conditions I would wear that would be in something like that memorable Edale race a few years back.....about 1% of all the events I have done. I think the FRA committee is wise not to have proscribed on this so far but I wonder how long it can hold this line....forever I hope.