 Baga.
May I firstly say I am amazed you haven't thanked the lord for another devotee of the less than usual companies, but instead have said something very on-the-fence.
Secondly. Yes your right. Personal choice/sizing/fashion are big sellers. Many people buy Gore-Tex as they've heard of it, but don't even know what breathability is. They also don't expect it's going to cost them £150!
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Dear Very drunk
Thank you for your kind words Mr Drew.
I've really considered myself to be quite analytic, very fair and resonably tolerant.
I called in at Alt-Berg quite recently - their new catalogue is out and it looks very promising. Yep, I really will have to get some Alt-Berg kit. Having your boots made for you seems to be a time consuming job though. I was quoted "order today, delivery in first week of November" <shucks [|:-(>
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ps - you always were a charmer?
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 I bought a Paramo Alta Jacket in April and I must say I'm extremely happy with it, I don't think I would of looked at Paramo if it had not been highly recommended being to heavy/warm.
But the warm issue is not a problem as it breathes so well and is so easy to ventilate I would say I can stay cooler when working hard in it than any over system Iv tried.
The weight is more of a problem but is offset by the fact that I can leave my windproof + thin fleece at home.
Having had 2 Gore-Tex jackets and a triple point jacket over the last 10 years I would say the Paramo is the best system Iv tried.
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 Well, hopefully some of the rest of us sould be able to try this stuff out at the Wasdale Meet up, courtesy of Paramo.
Si(C)
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 Indeed we will!
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 So, this thread's got some people aeriated (apositely enough, given the thread title!). Only one person has mentioned a poncho as being a ultimate in waterproof breathable clothing with the added advantage it keeps your sack dry too! Clearly it won't replace jackets for climbers but for trekking, it does seem that it and a softshell would be the best way to stay dry...
So, does anyone have any suggestions for a good brand of poncho or should I pick one up in Kathmandu?
NOTE: The above statement is only true if
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 Many moons ago I thought that an old fashioned gas cape would be the ultimate answer as there would be no condensation and it would totally rainproof me and my pack down past the knees.
Then I got one........................
And discovered what older and wiser heads already knew, that the wind would get at it, pushing me around like a cork at sea and if it got under it...... I did a Marilyn Monroe, and it got very draughty!!!!
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Damn. And it seemed foolproof then you go mentioning the wind...
Sorry about the incomplete note, it was going to read: NOTE: The above statement is only true if wind is not a factor.
;)
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 1) Ponchos are reasonable for 3-season use and lighter than jacket + pack cover, save combinations with (fragile?) 2-300g waterproofs. Get one with loops or rings in the corners and attach your own elastic hem & drawcord retainer to limit the flapping.
It will be more drafty / cooler than jackets, however if you are living here, but used to a drier/cooler Scandinavian Climate, this is a good thing!
2) What exactly do people here mean by 70% breathable, 90% breathable etc.? Compared to what? Definitely not air. Not a normal base layer either, compared to a T-shirt my guess would be something like 5% for GTX (add 25% to that and you get a bit more than 6% for XCR).
As you can probably guess, I am not overly impressed with Gore-Tex and wp/b fabrics in general, but a solid (600+)g jacket is waterproof in my experience, also after a good deal of wear. Just not breathable enough for me when mountain walking. Time will tell about eVENT, I guess. Regardless, I'd go for something with pit zips - they are roughly 100% breathable when open :).
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