Asking because I am considering purchasing an Arktis B310 waterproof smock, as we are getting very heavy rain, here, for weeks now.
Only concern I have is that a number of US sources reviewing these (and there aren’t many,) indicate that with any kind of activity, a jacket with a drop-liner in it causes the wearer to get hot/overheat pretty quick with any amount of physical activity (walking, hiking, etc.). Users in UK, however, say they’re awesome.
I have an issue Gore-Tex by Tennier Industries which is light and works well, but it doesn’t have any pockets and it’s shorter than I would like.
Anyone have any field experience with jackets or smocks made with drop-liners inside? Love it? Hate it?
Most US-made (Berry compliant) military Gore-Tex jackets and windbreakers are noisy.
I prefer an ultralight fly-fishing Gore-Tex jacket under a British Army multicam (MTP) smock if working in cold-wet. A Z-pel or other 3M waterproofing/repelling treated cotton smock is quiet and has mission-supporting pockets. If you have to move, take it off or zip down the pit zips. If you’re traversing mountains (yamas) and hilly terrain the Gore-Tex comes off and gets stashed in the patrol pack or under the top ruck flap.
You absolutely SHOULD NOT traverse rough terrain with a ruck/combat load wearing Gore-Tex. You’ll cook yourself.
Your photos call to mind the original thread you posted where you showed and described how you made the mods to that smock. I couldn’t recall which M4C member it was afterward, but you cleared that right up. I was impressed then and I still am - you’re a man of many talents!
Any particular reason you’re looking at a waterproof smock rather than more contemporary hardshells if rain protection is your primary concern? Many hardshells have ways to help promote airflow, whether it be through more breathable membranes or pit zips. I’m coming from this from a backcountry camping perspective, so it may not be quite as applicable if you’re coming in strictly from a duty perspective.
I’ve worn North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Moonstone, early SF, and GI Gore-Tex jackets and parkas (both lined and un-lined).
Many are very stiff and noisy. Even with pit zips, rucking up and down mountains at or below freezing will make you sweat, then chill once you’ve stopped. That’s a killer in below-freezing mountains, or in down-pours at near-freezing.
