Windproof Fleece

[Cheeky Girl]

I am looking for a windproof fleece if such a thing exists. At times I find my Heavy weather sailing jacket too big and the wind seems to whistle through my current fleece.

Thanks for any help

Graham /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Rich_F]

I've got a windproof jacket from Rohan. It's ultra lightweight, and just acts as a windproof layer over whatever else you're wearing. I've worn it a lot in conditions which are a bit chilly for just a fleece, but where getting the oilies out would be overkill.

The downside is that it costs around £60 (nothing from Rohan is cheap!)

 

[TigaWave]

What your looking for is a jacket made from a fabric called windstopper, its a thin membrane thats windproof between two layers of fleece.
Very warm and light, I used to run shops for Karimoor and they used it, but other fleece makers use the same fabric.

 

[Evadne]

Several companies make them out of windproof material, I can't remember the make of mine, I think it's Regata or Helly Hansen, but I got it from an outdoor clothing type shop (I think Millets might do them as well). They are great, though pricey, pity they're not properly showerproof as well.

 

[gjeffery]

They do exist!

I have one made by Berghaus, and another by North Face. They are a fleece outer, but with a Gortex lining. So they are rainproof as well, although the fleece does get wet.

Very useful. Outdoor shops (unlike chandlers) are in a perpetual state of sale, and I paid about £60 for mine. The list price is £100 to £120.

Try Castle Mountain and Moor in Nottingham. They have a website and often have good prices.

 

[pragmatist]

We've just acquired windproof fleeces via ebay - they're fleece on the outside and smooth lined - £15 each plus £6 p&p - used for the last week and very comfortable. Sure they won't last as well as some of the expensive ones but pleased so far. And when it got very cold in the dory the dog liked being tucked up in it too !

 

[gjgm]

plenty around ranging from £30 -£130. Difference is in the quality of the pile, the windproof mebrane used, and if the material is waterproofed (ish).
Top models are Berghaus CHOKTOI or something sounding like that!, and Seaspray. Most are for exercise driven usage like hill trecking,so are full of clever detailing, and have strenghtening on shoulders. Probably last a decade.But if you want a cheapo, Millets or maybe even M+S. Id suggest one where you can tighten the neck and the waistband, and lined pockets can be a blessing ! Camping equipment Wynnster made a great one I recently saw for only £30 in london.
Alternative,golf style sweaters are often wind/drizzle proof, but the wool/mix wont dry as fast as fleece.

 

[dralex]

Windstopper is great, but does not add much insulation and also does not work very well if you wear it as a mid layer under a fouly jacket. This is just my opinion as I have a Windstopper jacket- it's lovely with a nice fleece jumper under it, but I take it off before putting on my top layer oily. Nice snug combination with salopettes and will handle light rain and drizzle. Gore do good Windstopper- Musto make some nice stuff with it, though not cheap- retail about £100!!

 

[boatmike]

I just bought myself a Musto Snug jacket. Not entirely waterproof but showerproof, very comfy and keeps the wind out without being heavy. Downside is it cost just under £100.

 

[dralex]

Those are also very cosy, showeproof and windproofish. I've had one for a couple of years and waer it all the time ( well -not ALL the time and definately not in bed, but you get my drift).

I am a strong believer in good kit and feel on the whole you get what you pay for, though others will argue against this. The main benefit is not just that good kit lasts and wears very well, it's also better cut and more comfortable IMO.

 

[Vara]

Seconded,Musto snug,magic bit of kit,had mine for the last 5 years and still looks reasonably presentable.No good for rain though as knitted cuffs and waist band collect water.
For the leg dept Rohan used to (and may still do but I can't find their web site) "Hot bags" Poly cotton outer and thermal lining which are incredibly warm and windproof,but mine after 15 years use are looking decidedly tatty.

 

[Abigail]

I have a paramo fleece jacket that I have worn huge amounts since I bought it in 1997. It's showerproof (being a sort of moleskin effect) very windproof and warm. They fabric technology has moved on a bit since then and they are now lighter but it's fantastic bit of kit. I did pay a lot of money for it but I've worn it many many different outdoor situations and am now down to a few pence per wear.

 

[jac]

Bought a Musto Mid layer jacket about 3 years ago and would recommend to anyone.

£120 ish at Andark stand at SBS but is smart enough to wear around town when shopping without looking out of place. Also v warm, windproof and waterproof enough for drizzle, occassional spray or short shower. I've got more wear out of it than a "normal" winter coat I bought for same money at same time and still looks good as new. Pretty much live in it when afloat.

 

[alan_d]

Re: Fireproof Fleece?

Fleece Burns.

You probably all know that already (especially the smokers), but I just discovered it.

Using an angle grinder to cut a rusty shackle off some chain - lots of sparks, then lots of little black burn-marks on the arms of my fleece.

Alan

 

[Evadne]

Re: Fireproof Fleece?

Yup, my oldest fleece has several black-rimmed holes in the shoulders when I got over-enthusiastic with a garden bonfire, and the embers started raining back down on me. It's only fluffy plastic, after all.

 

[aidancoughlan]

Re: Fireproof Fleece?

[ QUOTE ]
Seconded,Musto snug,magic bit of kit,had mine for the last 5 years and still looks reasonably presentable.

[/ QUOTE ]
I've worn one of these for years, great under salopettes when its not raining, and will struggle on for a while in showers.

I've just bought a look-alike from XM, but with a slightly raised collar at the back, and a waterproof outer fabric. Very comfy, and cheaper too.