The difference between the price of the brand is staggering, yet the description not too dissimilar.
So I'd quite like users thoughts regarding the pair, if any at all. I'm sure there are a few on here.
Does the Fortis version really warrant being over double the price?
Edit: Just noted the breathability difference!
So I'd quite like users thoughts regarding the pair, if any at all. I'm sure there are a few on here.
Does the Fortis version really warrant being over double the price?
Edit: Just noted the breathability difference!
In reply to Post #1
Buy the Highlander Tempest jacket.
Green or DPM.
40 quid and no carp tax.
Had mine years and it's never let a single drop of water in.
Buy the Highlander Tempest jacket.
Green or DPM.
40 quid and no carp tax.
Had mine years and it's never let a single drop of water in.
In reply to Post #2
Another vote for the highlander tempest
Another vote for the highlander tempest
I've got the Fortis Jacket really like it and got it from Vale Royal recently with their discount at a price I'm happy with.
I had a really good look at the Fortis the week before Lockdown and i couldn't see what justified the price tag at £200 over and above the other jackets in the store at between £65 and £120...... 
In reply to Post #5
I did a lot of research and from what I gather the main difference, aside from the breathability you mentioned is the construction of the fabric as the Fortis is a 3 Layer and the other one is only 2 layer.
The quality is incomparable. 20,000 Waterproof and 20,000 is mountaineering spec and the added 3rd layer means it would be more durable and stay waterproof for much longer. The fabric looks to be the similar as some of the outdoor brands and they were almost double the price of the Fortis one.
I did a lot of research and from what I gather the main difference, aside from the breathability you mentioned is the construction of the fabric as the Fortis is a 3 Layer and the other one is only 2 layer.
The quality is incomparable. 20,000 Waterproof and 20,000 is mountaineering spec and the added 3rd layer means it would be more durable and stay waterproof for much longer. The fabric looks to be the similar as some of the outdoor brands and they were almost double the price of the Fortis one.
I've got the Fortis one and so far so good, i love it. I've been out in the most ridiculous storms (one at Rainbow) and it hasn't leaked a drop. It replaced my old Goretex North Face one which cost almost £400 and tbh i cant tell the difference. I haven't seen build quality like this on a fishing jacket before and I've certainly been through a few!
In reply to Post #1
Personally would stay away from the fishing brands - although out of all of them on paper the Aqua Force 12 Torrent looks to have the right minerals . . .
In my experience (and I've never seen the Highlander but it looks good value) the mountaineering brands are usually the best option if you want genuine breathability and solid water resistance . . .its not only about how dry you stay when casting / landing / handling fish in a downpour - its also about how quickly it dries in a confined (and likely damp) bivvy before the next fish . . .
Goretex is generally the most hardwearing, tried and tested material (I'm not talking about battered, well used, old tech Army Surplus stuff which is a lottery in terms of quality) and 3layer is ALWAYS better than 2layer in terms of being deluge proof.
At the top end you could try Arcteryx - I have the Zeta AR (in bushwacker green) but this is reserved for hiking with the dog in a hooligan storm and skiiing when its chucking down large flakes. 3L mid weight Goretex with a CKnit backer so not crinkly and can be worn with a T-shirt . . .it is in effect 'allergic' to rain but would I take it fishing to get half a pot of glug and fish slime all over it? NO.
Go for something like a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (DONT buy the cheaper 2L - it 'wets out' far too quickly) . . .£150 - bombproof, looks the part and will last a lot longer than the latest Nash special . . .if you keep it smelling non fishy its cool enough to wear down the pub as well . . .
Personally would stay away from the fishing brands - although out of all of them on paper the Aqua Force 12 Torrent looks to have the right minerals . . .
In my experience (and I've never seen the Highlander but it looks good value) the mountaineering brands are usually the best option if you want genuine breathability and solid water resistance . . .its not only about how dry you stay when casting / landing / handling fish in a downpour - its also about how quickly it dries in a confined (and likely damp) bivvy before the next fish . . .
Goretex is generally the most hardwearing, tried and tested material (I'm not talking about battered, well used, old tech Army Surplus stuff which is a lottery in terms of quality) and 3layer is ALWAYS better than 2layer in terms of being deluge proof.
At the top end you could try Arcteryx - I have the Zeta AR (in bushwacker green) but this is reserved for hiking with the dog in a hooligan storm and skiiing when its chucking down large flakes. 3L mid weight Goretex with a CKnit backer so not crinkly and can be worn with a T-shirt . . .it is in effect 'allergic' to rain but would I take it fishing to get half a pot of glug and fish slime all over it? NO.
Go for something like a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (DONT buy the cheaper 2L - it 'wets out' far too quickly) . . .£150 - bombproof, looks the part and will last a lot longer than the latest Nash special . . .if you keep it smelling non fishy its cool enough to wear down the pub as well . . .
In reply to Post #8
Those who have the highland tempest jacket, are the sizes accurate or would you order a Size up ? A couple of reviews suggest a larger size...Cheers.
Those who have the highland tempest jacket, are the sizes accurate or would you order a Size up ? A couple of reviews suggest a larger size...Cheers.
I find the tempest size of mine quite generous. Just buy your normal size as you will be putting it on top of other outer layers in most cases.
In reply to Post #6
But that's just it, we are Carp fishermen, not Mountaineers.....the comparison always makes me laugh....😂😂😂....slightest bit of rain and most of us dive for the bivvy and have a smoke, longest we would be out in the rain is diving out for a piss....
Buy what you want of course, it's your money but for 99% of us does 2 or 3 layer construction make any difference....
But that's just it, we are Carp fishermen, not Mountaineers.....the comparison always makes me laugh....😂😂😂....slightest bit of rain and most of us dive for the bivvy and have a smoke, longest we would be out in the rain is diving out for a piss....
Buy what you want of course, it's your money but for 99% of us does 2 or 3 layer construction make any difference....
In reply to Post #11
If you want to stay dry, then 2 layer and 3 Layer make a massive difference. To both comfort and wallet!
If you want to stay dry, then 2 layer and 3 Layer make a massive difference. To both comfort and wallet!
In reply to Post #12
Certainly to your wallet...
2 and 3 layer probably make a massive difference in the mountaineering world but for your average carper, (who dive in their bivvies at the first drop of rain) i just can't see it.....match anglers on the other hand who do sit out in all weathers under little protection are a whole different matter..
Certainly to your wallet...
2 and 3 layer probably make a massive difference in the mountaineering world but for your average carper, (who dive in their bivvies at the first drop of rain) i just can't see it.....match anglers on the other hand who do sit out in all weathers under little protection are a whole different matter..
In reply to Post #13
LOL I hear you.
Ive got Tech Mag Reels though and they've never seen over 140 yards!
LOL I hear you.
Ive got Tech Mag Reels though and they've never seen over 140 yards!
In reply to Post #14
Very true, we could have the same discussion about everything.......rods, reels, bivvies................cars, TV's phones......the list is endless.
End of the day it's personal choice, buy what makes you happy!!
Very true, we could have the same discussion about everything.......rods, reels, bivvies................cars, TV's phones......the list is endless.
End of the day it's personal choice, buy what makes you happy!!
Thanks for the advice chaps.
I might give the Patagonia Torrentshell a go as like the look of this one, not just for being on the bank either.
I might give the Patagonia Torrentshell a go as like the look of this one, not just for being on the bank either.
In reply to Post #16
Ive had a look at the fortis and must say it does look like a brilliant bit of kit, Im using the Aqua force 12 and have found it more than adequate and it packs away really small as well so a thumbs up from me
Ive had a look at the fortis and must say it does look like a brilliant bit of kit, Im using the Aqua force 12 and have found it more than adequate and it packs away really small as well so a thumbs up from me
In reply to Post #9
I have a Highlander Tempest, I bought a M which would be my usual size and it was too small, exchanged it for an L and it fits fine.
I don't find it great to be honest, within 20 minutes its soaked through, weighs a ton and doesn't dry out well.
I have a Highlander Tempest, I bought a M which would be my usual size and it was too small, exchanged it for an L and it fits fine.
I don't find it great to be honest, within 20 minutes its soaked through, weighs a ton and doesn't dry out well.
In reply to Post #13
Agree but it depends how dry / comfy you want to be . . .
Most modern 'breathable' waterproofs will eventually wet out - when this happens they stop breathing and your body heat creates condensation from the inside so you get wet anyway . . .a decent breathable 3 layer stops this happening a lot longer than a 2/2.5 layer - you pay your money etc.
Carping is not that energetic, so you could say that this is all OTT however in my personal experience the mountaineering based products also dry out a lot quicker so much more effective in the long run. A light, non insulated shell is the best solution . . .
One thing I would say if you invest in decent rainware / premium goretex - scrunching up and storing the jacket/trousers in a compression sack between sessions will accelerate deterioration of the DWR (waterproof coating) so try to hang your gear out when you get home. Also dirt / sh*t / grease build up etc will eventually affect the jackets ability to bead up rain, so regular washing in nikwax etc and sporadic re-proofing is a good idea . . .
Agree but it depends how dry / comfy you want to be . . .
Most modern 'breathable' waterproofs will eventually wet out - when this happens they stop breathing and your body heat creates condensation from the inside so you get wet anyway . . .a decent breathable 3 layer stops this happening a lot longer than a 2/2.5 layer - you pay your money etc.
Carping is not that energetic, so you could say that this is all OTT however in my personal experience the mountaineering based products also dry out a lot quicker so much more effective in the long run. A light, non insulated shell is the best solution . . .
One thing I would say if you invest in decent rainware / premium goretex - scrunching up and storing the jacket/trousers in a compression sack between sessions will accelerate deterioration of the DWR (waterproof coating) so try to hang your gear out when you get home. Also dirt / sh*t / grease build up etc will eventually affect the jackets ability to bead up rain, so regular washing in nikwax etc and sporadic re-proofing is a good idea . . .
In reply to Post #18
I totally agree on the Highlander a) they are on the small size (I had to do the exact same as you) and b) not massively waterproof, nice jackets though but more what you'd wear to a festival than on the bank in some proper weather, ok for a lightweight Summer raincoat though.
The best are the US ECWCS jackets
I totally agree on the Highlander a) they are on the small size (I had to do the exact same as you) and b) not massively waterproof, nice jackets though but more what you'd wear to a festival than on the bank in some proper weather, ok for a lightweight Summer raincoat though.
The best are the US ECWCS jackets
In reply to Post #20
I couldn't ever get a ecwcs to fit, too small across the back and the arms are too short or just HUUUUUGE
I got a speero jacket dirt cheap and it's awesome - when it dies I will buy another without hesitation.
I couldn't ever get a ecwcs to fit, too small across the back and the arms are too short or just HUUUUUGE
I got a speero jacket dirt cheap and it's awesome - when it dies I will buy another without hesitation.
Is this the Mil-tec one people rate?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F271988979946
Scott, is this the Speero one you have? I was looking at it the other day
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F333438048107
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F271988979946
Scott, is this the Speero one you have? I was looking at it the other day
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F333438048107
In reply to Post #22
I've also been looking at that miltec one but can't find much info on it.
I've also been looking at that miltec one but can't find much info on it.
In reply to Post #22
Yes, that's the one.
Yes, that's the one.
In reply to Post #22
Defo gonna check out the Patagonia, as it gets good reviews.
Used 1stmilitray before nd got great service - they have tons of Camo stuff - all without carp tax.
Defo gonna check out the Patagonia, as it gets good reviews.
Used 1stmilitray before nd got great service - they have tons of Camo stuff - all without carp tax.
In reply to Post #25
What you want is army surplus petroleom jacket. Thick material, gortex, neoprene cuffs so water does run up your arms and cheap.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/383194776091
What you want is army surplus petroleom jacket. Thick material, gortex, neoprene cuffs so water does run up your arms and cheap.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/383194776091
In reply to Post #26
... and no pocket to keep you hands warm?
... and no pocket to keep you hands warm?
In reply to Post #27
Buy some gloves....
Buy some gloves....
In reply to Post #19
Adding a few more options; personally I like Ventile and find it more robust and long lasting than Gore-Tex. Hilltrek and Sasta a couple of brands to look at; if you're worried about saturation Hilltrek make double Ventile variants. I'd also suggest looking at some of the brands on Ray Mears site and The Bushcraft Store; generally better made than most fishing brands although granted, probably more expensive. Also a big fan of Fjallraven but again more premium end of market so depends on your budget
Adding a few more options; personally I like Ventile and find it more robust and long lasting than Gore-Tex. Hilltrek and Sasta a couple of brands to look at; if you're worried about saturation Hilltrek make double Ventile variants. I'd also suggest looking at some of the brands on Ray Mears site and The Bushcraft Store; generally better made than most fishing brands although granted, probably more expensive. Also a big fan of Fjallraven but again more premium end of market so depends on your budget
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