If you are on a budget have you tried looking in TK Maxx, or tacky max as the sprog calls it? I've bought Craghoppers, Regatta and Helly Hansen there. You have to search a bit but if you can stand the jumble sale atmosphere of the place you can get some quality names at really good prices.
Berghauss jackets are without a doubt the best in the market if its good enough for Chris bonnington they'l do for me! i also like Regatta action trousers plenty of pockets they dry dead quick and OH says they are easy to iron would'nt know about that bit!
My bold - Mr B. gets all his gear for nothing... As do the BBC News reporters, likewise Billy Oddie
Real people, like me and thee, have to pay for things
My OH is kitted out in Berghaus and North Face - he raves about both, no complaints yet and believe me that is unusual.
Myself and the kids have Peter Storm, much cheaper than either of the above and we have all stayed warm and dry whilst walking in some horrible weather.
Regatta breathable trousers are a good buy IMO, slip on and off easily and can be fastened snugly around the ankles with press-studs. They keep quite driving rain out and are light as a feather too, which is a bonus and far better than the cheap over-trousers my better half got as hers get uncomfortably hot.
I also like the Regatta Mantle Jacket (sheesh, this is turning in to an advert for Regatta) for it's light weight and features like fold-away hood, ventilation flaps and the ability to pack it into it's own pocket. These 'cheap' options are only suitable for keeping rain off though, in comparatively mild conditions; you could augment with a fleece I guess but you wouldn't want to go skiing in them :).
Well thought I better shed some light on the Craghoppers quality issue seeing as tho I work for them lol..
I will hold my hands up and say, yeah thay have been suffering due to a certain supplier, but the buying department are trying to come to a solution. They cant just change suppliers as they are holding about 9mths stock. So I am just hoping they have changed the way they make the stitching and things pick up when the new stocks finally arrive.
But on the other hand I have about 7 pairs of the Kiwi and Kiwi Winter lined pants and numerous other garments from them and not had a problem with. But yet I have various problems with Regatta (sister company
Quote: Originally posted by Dave+Maria on 07/5/2008
Well thought I better shed some light on the Craghoppers quality issue seeing as tho I work for them lol..
I will hold my hands up and say, yeah thay have been suffering due to a certain supplier, but the buying department are trying to come to a solution. They cant just change suppliers as they are holding about 9mths stock.
Thanks for that Dave.
I think I will be waiting at least 9mths before I buy any more then. My last two pairs have needed extensive repair within a month of buying them.