Winter Clothing

nottskev · Nov 3, 2018

I found it a bit chilly last time out, and my windstopper fleece - it was North Face - although washable in theory seems to have its membrane disintegrating. When you wash it, it looks like you've washed a pack of tissues with it.

I'm looking for some kind of pull-over smock as a top layer, waterproof and windproof.
I notice Vass do something lightweight in a khaki colour - I can't go for match-team multi-coloured gear , so it will have to be olive, khaki or black- and I wondered if anyone has bought one, and what they think of it. Opinions on any other brands would be interesting to see, too.

Things fit me better if they have long arms and body, so I want to avoid anything with a mean cut.

I'm asking because it's hard to find anything to suit in local shops, and I don't know enough to buy something unseen online.

Any comments appreciated.

103841 · Nov 3, 2018

May not be what your looking for Kev but Ive just bought a Nash hoodie and like it a lot. It’s big attraction was the huge waterproof pouch which will come in useful for those roving trips along the river.

Windproof but I’d say no more than shower proof. Don’t like camo but this is fairly subdued, they have a more expensive one which is plain brown with a camo pouch.

Nash - ZT - Subterranean Camo Hoody

steve2 · Nov 3, 2018

I would suggest a visit to Go Outdoors, Decathlon or any outdoor clothing stores if you have one nearby. Far more choice than any tackle shop.

mikench · Nov 3, 2018

I like Nash stuff Kev and have the H gun jacket and trousers, comfortable waterproof and warm and cheap at around £69 for both! I also have the Nash Caribou parka which is the warmest coat I've ever had!!!! The hood is excellent particularly over a baseball cap which is my normal headgear! I only put this on when I get to the bank as it's just too warm otherwise!

I had a hoodie from Joules which I had never worn but as a layer it is great and the hood really keeps the wind off your neck and ears! The Korum jacket and bib and brace are also great but as part of a layering excercise! They are a nice subdued olive green with black piping! They were great on the few warm and wet days in the spring as they are breathable ! The spec is high!

I have a number of camo ex army in goretex but they are very short in the sleeve!

Those recommended by John look smart and I might just have a look!

chrissh · Nov 3, 2018

I tried the Vass new winter edition smock in my tackle shop the other day there a nice jacket but they seemed a little bit on the small size so if you are a large go for the XL for that bit more movement & freedom (It’s on my Christmas list)

davebhoy · Nov 4, 2018

Unfortunately north face is a fashion brand more than an outdoor clothing manufacturer these days.

I haven’t bought any but I know people on other fishing forums who swear by the army surplus jackets and trousers

Mean and Green - army surplus, military gear, leather flying jackets, MTP camo

British Army DPM Waterproof MVP Jacket - Grade 1 - British Military Surplus

xenon · Nov 4, 2018

davebhoy said:
Unfortunately north face is a fashion brand more than an outdoor clothing manufacturer these days.

I haven’t bought any but I know people on other fishing forums who swear by the army surplus jackets and trousers

Mean and Green - army surplus, military gear, leather flying jackets, MTP camo

British Army DPM Waterproof MVP Jacket - Grade 1 - British Military Surplus

can second the comment about North Face. Back a few years my other passion was winter climbing in Scotland and North Face was one of the top brands for clothing-these days they are a sad parody of what they once were, but still commanding top dollar price tags.

rob48 · Nov 4, 2018

I've had a Vass-tex black smock for the last two years and it's very good. Totally waterproof and reasonably breathable with nice high collar to keep draughts out. Neater than a jacket with no zips or fasteners for line to snag on so good for standing when float fishing. Mine has "175 Series 3" stamped on the sleeve for what it's worth. I paid about £45 from Veals online I think.

mikench · Nov 4, 2018

This is the Vass tex winter lined smock in khaki!

Team Vass 175 Winter Lined Smock Khaki Edition

108831 · Nov 4, 2018

I swear by Helikon-tex, Patriot heavy fleece jackets,I have two,bloody marvellous,and very warm,not waterproof,but good in any weather for me.

Bobnewboy · Nov 4, 2018

I get a lot of my outdoor stuff for fishing/archery/photography from these guys in Finland:

Varusteleka.com - Military and outdoors specialists

They have good stocks and a very reasonable postage rate/service. Their own brand Särmä stuff, especially the merino clothing, is good quality at a reasonable price.

For waterproofs I use the army issue MVP jackets and trousers from Strikeforce (Strikeforce Army Supplies UK | Bath and Somerset genuine issue military clothing and army surplusStrikeforce Supplies) . I use a closer fitting PCS MVP jacket in the summer, and a much larger Desert DPM MVP jacket over a softee jacket in winter. The waterproof jackets are, or were, £40 plus £4 p&p, which is about as cheap as you're going to get for a goretex shell which is comfortable to wear.

nottskev · Nov 4, 2018

Thanks for all the suggestions. My old North Face windstopper was from the pre-fashion days. It's so old, I think its decomposing.

I had a look at the Vass winter smock, Mike. Looks good. But what the hell is the "Clear Peak" about? There's a photo of a bloke with the hood up and a kind of transparent plastic visor poking out from under it! Have to make sure that comes off easily before I'd buy one of those.

I've got plenty of warm stuff - what I need is the top layer to keep the wind and rain off, and something light with minimal "features" will do. I've had fishing jackets with so many pockets, I keep thinking I've lost the car keys and my wallet.

bracket · Nov 4, 2018

I have a Berghaus three quarter length stormproof gortex jacket with matching leggings. Totally storm and wind proof, lightweight so OK summer and winter, with thermal under garments. Washable and it is possible to reproof them in a modern washing machine. I wouldn't be without mine and can throughly recommend them. Pete.

markcw · Nov 5, 2018

nottskev said:
I found it a bit chilly last time out, and my windstopper fleece - it was North Face - although washable in theory seems to have its membrane disintegrating. When you wash it, it looks like you've washed a pack of tissues with it.

I'm looking for some kind of pull-over smock as a top layer, waterproof and windproof.
I notice Vass do something lightweight in a khaki colour - I can't go for match-team multi-coloured gear , so it will have to be olive, khaki or black- and I wondered if anyone has bought one, and what they think of it. Opinions on any other brands would be interesting to see, too.

Things fit me better if they have long arms and body, so I want to avoid anything with a mean cut.

I'm asking because it's hard to find anything to suit in local shops, and I don't know enough to buy something unseen online.

Any comments appreciated.

while out bailiffing today one of the members I saw had a Vass smock on in a grey/black colour. He said its brilliant ,
waterproof , he has even been sea fishing in it, warm,wind resistant, he has had it a couple of year, been in a few downpours and kept dry, I think he said he paid around £45-£50 and said he got it from either Chapmans or Glasgow Angling Centre on mail order. They also do a bib n brace

nottskev · Nov 6, 2018

Well....that was lucky. I called into the local tackle shop -Gerry's of Nottingham - to see if they had the Vass smock. They didn't, but they did have a whole rack of jackets, overtrousers and fleeces at knock-down prices.
This Wychwood smock, in a nice soft-feel fabric, was £15, down from £55. They have 2 more, a medium and a large, in case anyone is interested. There were also some other bargains, like a Sundridge Siberian fleece (large) at £10, and a bunch of other stuff eg Drennan items, all £10 -£15.

mikench · Nov 6, 2018

You'll look very smart in that Kev and a bargain to boot!!

103841 · Nov 6, 2018

nottskev said:
Well....that was lucky. I called into the local tackle shop -Gerry's of Nottingham - to see if they had the Vass smock. They didn't, but they did have a whole rack of jackets, overtrousers and fleeces at knock-down prices.
This Wychwood smock, in a nice soft-feel fabric, was £15, down from £55. They have 2 more, a medium and a large, in case anyone is interested. There were also some other bargains, like a Sundridge Siberian fleece (large) at £10, and a bunch of other stuff eg Drennan items, all £10 -£15.

View attachment 5919

I’d call that a bargain, the best I’d ever had.

Pete Townshend

naxian62 · Nov 6, 2018

It's been said before on here. Peter Storm" for waterproof gear that doesn't hurt your wallet and best of all it's waterproof.
I've had a couple of Vass garments both were cr@p. maybe I was just unlucky, who knows. But you'd have thought they would've acknowledged my complaint !?

Winter Clothing

nottskev

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103841

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steve2

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mikench

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chrissh

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davebhoy

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xenon

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rob48

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mikench

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108831

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Bobnewboy

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nottskev

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bracket

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markcw

Exiled Northerner

nottskev

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mikench

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103841

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naxian62

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