Quote Originally Posted by Fellwalker View Post
- 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.