I won a hard fought request at work for waterproof jackets for our staff. The issue is most jackets nowadays are DWR coated fabric and not actually waterproof. I would love some recommendations for actually 100 percent, as-designed, waterproof coats and maybe pants for people working outdoors for days at a time in hard rain.


Requirements:
Waterproof, not water-resistant, preferably without chemical coating that needs to be renewed

Does not need to be insulated; that would be nice but not needed as we can layer underneath

Ability to get red, orange, or other safety colors for range staff

Weight or packability isnt really important

I would put the budget limit as $1-700 per each, I don't want something overly expensive but if it needs to be something pricey to get what folks need then that's ok. If you have a rec slightly over (1k) please let me know as we might be able to get different pricing or late fiscal year funds.

I was issued a Foul Weather Parka that was a zip in liner and the shell of Gore-Tex. Completely waterproof. They are on the open market but twice what we pay in the exchange.

https://toptiertac.com/product...oul-weather-parka-ii

^ that’s just a site I grabbed so you could see what I’m talking about

Propper is the only source for the uniform item so they are not listed on their website. But the pants are being discontinued and are a steal for $20 a pair. https://www.propper.com/mens/o...user-ii-propper.html

I’ve had mine for 20 years. And although I had to fork over them money for it-completely worth it.

My wife and I bought Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jackets for our trip to Ireland.

100% waterproof. Non insulated and breathable.

They have a mountain dew color which should satisfy the safety requirement.

Patagonia has several other 100% waterproof options. The sticking point may be the color. You could always wear a safety vest over the jacket.

Look at jackets/pants with Gore-Tec. They have a few different types of Gore-Tec now and I'm not up on the differences but it's what you want that doesn't wear out easily.

Understand that spending a long time outside in rain especially heavy rain with wind makes it hard to stay dry. On the East Coast, you're often fighting getting wet from rain or getting wet from sweating and condensation with humidity.

With that said Gore-Tec is your best bet IMHO. I have a 15+ year-old North Face jacket that still works well. I don't use it much now because even though it's uninsulated it's thicker than my other lightweight shells.

I like pit zips to help let out some heat/sweat. Also, make sure the hood has not only an adjustment around the opening but one on the back of the head area. It makes a big difference in keeping the hood tight and letting it move with your head.

For bang for the $ I use the ECWS parka. Works well and if I tear it up I dont cry too much. For a "dressier" waterproof jacket, I go with Arc'teryx. But they are Chinese owned, if that matters to you.

Check out Helly Hanson work gear

https://www.hhworkwear.com/

Take a look at Arc’teryx. Lot’s of options although none are very inexpensive. I’ve been wearing the Beta AR shell for several years.
Arc’teryx

They use Gore-Tex but are switching some models from the fluoropolymer based membrane (ePTFE) to ePE membranes (see a litany of regulatory issues rolling out in the next few years related to PFAS/PFOS and the classification of fluorine as a ‘forever chemical’).

A few years ago I purchased a Filson Neoshell Reliance jacket that I really like. Totally waterproof, nice jacket that I’ve never gotten wet in. I’m not sure they make it anymore however. I see Filson now has a waterproof rain jacket the “Swiftwater”. It ain’t cheap of course it’s a Filson, but they do make it in a blaze orange. If it’s half the jacket I purchased a few years ago I’m sure it would satisfy your requirements. I see they also make Swiftwater rain pants, but not in the blaze orange. Good luck with your purchase and keep us posted on what you finally come up with. I believe Filson also offers corporate discounts.

quote:

Originally posted by sig2392:
Check out Helly Hanson work gear

https://www.hhworkwear.com/

Another vote for HH. I’ve had a few versions since back when I use to be into ocean racing and now have this one but they have several options..

https://www.hhworkwear.com/en_...t-71140?color=499887

What products are your staff wearing now?

Gore-Tex doesn’t work without being attached to a DWR treated fabric. Once the fabric loses its water repellency, it becomes saturated, and the Gore-Tex membrane loses its breathability. As explained in the link below, the DWR needs maintenance.

“As DWR finishes have evolved, they’ve also improved the chemistry from an environmental standpoint. The trade-off, though, is that environmentally preferable DWRs are also slightly less durable.“ Rainwear: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Care

Yet another good thing ruined by the green weenies. Can’t have showerhead that gets me wet, can’t have clothes that keep me dry, can’t have a dishwasher that washes dishes, can’t have a gas can that lets me put has in my car, etc.

No gore-tex or equivalent wicking membrane jacket will resist water indefinitely. I suggest researching the kind of gear used by crab fisherman in the Bering straight. Something like this sounds like what you’re looking for.

https://grundens.com/products/...organic&gad_source=1

Grundens, Helly Hansen, or other “rubber” non-breathable available at any workwear store in the country. Whistle Workwear is good in the western Washington area.

quote:

Originally posted by daikyu:
My wife and I bought Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jackets for our trip to Ireland.

100% waterproof. Non insulated and breathable.

They have a mountain dew color which should satisfy the safety requirement.

Patagonia has several other 100% waterproof options. The sticking point may be the color. You could always wear a safety vest over the jacket.

I don't know when you got those, but I can't recommend Patagonia anymore. They are one of the companies that went hardcore green with their DWR coatings. I unfortunately bought one of their jackets a few years ago, and the DWR just didn't hold up. I've retreated it a few times, but pretty much anything beyond a splash soaks through fairly quickly. It works ok for a quick run from the car in to work, but it's not up to extended time outside in the weather. It will be my last piece of Patagonia clothing.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
No gore-tex or equivalent wicking membrane jacket will resist water indefinitely. I suggest researching the kind of gear used by crab fisherman in the Bering straight. Something like this sounds like what you’re looking for.

https://grundens.com/products/...organic&gad_source=1

^^^^
This. It doesn't breathe but Gortex will ultimately leak or become saturated. My practice, when going to a four hour football game in a downpour, is to wear a coat and pants like that over a Gortex jacket and pants. This gives me breathabity missing in straight rain gear. I will also layer Gortex jacket and pants and that works well too. But just one coat, everyday 5 days a week, I doubt you'll get what you want without more.

Cabela's used to carry a very good line of Gore-Tex products before Bass Pro took hold and fecked it up.

Cabela's still has a GUIDEWEAR version which is really good and wind resistant too.

I have a 16 y.o. carhart with a rubbery exterior that works great.
Holler if you want some kind of Sku number off of the cooler tag.

This is o.d. green .
If you require high vis stuff for low light situations , this won't work at all.

Helly Hansen or Grundens, something rubber. If its 'breathable' you'll get wet.

quote:

Originally posted by tenmm:
Helly Hansen or Grundens, something rubber. If it’s 'breathable' you'll get wet.

This is the most correct answer. Goretex relies on DWR. If you don’t require off shore commercial fishing level raingear then Goretex is great.

What is the work/activity being done and what part of the country as that'll make it a bit easier to match up a certain style: Parking attendant? Fisherman? Construction? Playground monitor? Once there I can give you some pointers on construction type of the garment, budget and issues to be aware of; my work is in the outdoor specialty world so I very much can help you.

If you're going to be active, as in moving around, exerting yourself, a waterproof-breathable membrane like Gore-Tex is really nice, hence why it was developed for climbing, skiing, hiking and the like. It's not magic technology but, it's better than being completely sealed and marinating your body underneath with your sweat. If you're exposed to A LOT of water for LONG hours, then waterproof-breathables have their limit and it maybe better to wear PVC-type slickers like Grundens or, other four weather gear that fisherman and sailors wear.

quote:

Originally posted by tenmm:
Helly Hansen or Grundens, something rubber. If its 'breathable' you'll get wet.

Two points:

1. I respectfully disagree with this comment. True waterproof/ breathable fabrics really do work. FortNine (the motorcycle guy) did a YouTube video on his channel about this. These fabrics work because the vapor pressure of you sweating will force the evaporated sweat out through the microscopic pores in the fabric (big enough for vapor to pass, small enough that liquid water can't). While his conclusion is technically correct (if it's raining, the vapor pressure is greater on the outside, so your sweat stays inside), it ignores the fact that you'll wear these when it's not raining, and they will work as advertised.

2. His second point is that Gore-Tex is a highly respected brand name which comes with strict marketing requirements. There are other similar products out there that are cheaper, work just as well, but don't have the name recognition. Columbia Sportswear has their own flavor, as well as many others.

All this to say, don't discount waterproof/ breathable fabrics. Hope this helps. I've used these fabrics for decades and wouldn't switch to something totally waterproof.

ETA that I agree with corsair that if you're working a fishing boat in high seas off the coast of Alaska, you might want fully waterproof. But most don't need this.