photo above courtessy @AnthonyMcG
For those who aren’t aware approximately 90mm of rain fell in one day on Monday last, beating Irelands previous record of 48mm.
The following are the clothing that I wore when Ireland flooded this week as I spent about 6 plus hours by night trying to keep the water out at bay.
For me, my outdoor clothing is always an investment. And if it will protect me from the elements in the weather we just had – then it will easily do the job when I am at my leisure at a festival, camping, on a hedgerow walks or just work – as you can gather by now it really doesn’t matter to me, so long as I’m outside and I’m in the right gear.
Wondering what’s gonna keep me dry and warm this Winter….? Here’s the list I recommend because it’s what I use and wear
1] The Gelert Ridge Jacket
The Gelert Ridge is possibly the best jacket I have ever owned and this was given to me by the team at Millets Mary street, Dublin. Silly as it may sound, it’s the best thought out jacket in my arsenal.
The big reason[s] I love it – it is as waterproof as my tent [fact – it has a 5000 Hydrostatic Head] and it looks and fits good. More than that, the zips appear as though they are back to front, but that actually keeps the pockets water resistant. Light weight, breathable, pockets inside for phones and a hood with a sort of roof eve stuck to the front of it. A real gem. Costs over a hundred euro – worth every cent.
2] regatta xert trousers
Well worn, as you can see. I’ve had these water proof over trousers about 4 years now. Big reasons to love them is the fact that they have zips that come from ankle to knee level with felcro tapes at the ends. On a normal day [if it wasn’t on Monday], it allows one to take the over-pants off over the boots thus preventing getting them muddy on the inside. For short wearers, like myself, they are of course inner-lined.
My advice – buy them about 2 sizes too big and use the pull chord zipper. This allows them come up over waist height and the Gelert jacket tapers over that. I can’t remember how much these cost me. No photo with me in it, y ou know what trousers look like.
2] Dunlop Prestige Wellingtons
I’m not a wellie man. Not on your nellie. But the water was so high that my normal boots just couldn’t do it. Good grips on the bottom [dunlop. think tyre. very important] and as mid range priced wellies go – these are pretty darned good. The only problem was the rain was falling so hard it getting inside them. Wet socks. Not Funny. It was essential on Monday to wear them with the over-trousers.
4] Gelert Hill Short
The Gelert hill Short. I pretty much only wear shorts outside. Monday was no different. It’s hard work [trying to] clear drains with jeans on and working up a sweat. On a normal day [as I’ve said before] it’s not a matter of getting wet, but more how fast you can dry out.
In that department, these are absolutely super. They’ve got a felt band at the waist line for taking sweat away and are without question the lightest weight short I have ever worn. Even the back pockets are at an angle so you can get your hand in easily with a ruck sack on. About €30 from Millets Mary Street.
5] Craghoppers Olav Half Zip fleece
When it comes with a lifetime guarantee you know it’s decent. The Craghoppers Olav is just that. No pockets. Looks smart. Does what it says on the tin and darned cosy. More of a fleece than a mid layer if you ask me but, if you appreciate that layers work better than one big jumper – this one was a must buy and once again – if it worked on Monday…….
Also Worn
Also worn and previously noted here was my Bodyfit 200 baselayer and my Trespass commanche hat. You’ll have to pardon the cliché’d pun but my Maglite mini also played a blinder.
