Well? Is it?

Can you still get ventile jackets, other than the army surplus ones I currently use? It's my favourite material, mainly because it's so damn durable, and in a WCS it can be repaired on a sewing machine.

Yes, Keela make ventile jackets, and you can get the fabric from www.pointnorth.co.uk. I've also seen them advertised in outdoor mags, so I'm sure it's still popular.

Yes, after posting that I did a nights research into it and found little in the way of stuff under 200 quid, ho hum. However, I have found the material for sale (half what you'd pay at pointnorth) so I'm looking at getting some kit made up. In america the fabric is held in veruy high esteem, most places charging 800 plus dollars for a "country" jacket. Anyone else interested in some custom built gear?

There are sevral companies doing custom built gear try Slioch Equipment, Cioch Clothing and Hilltrek Outdoor clothing

Another lover of Ventile good on yer mate. West-wind, snowsled.The problem with the Keela jkt is that it has a waterproof drop liner ,this will impede the breathability.

Snowsled make a wonderful jacket, especially if you're a taller person. As a six footer I'm fed up with manfs. saying the reason for short jackets is they don't hinder you on a climb. Anyone know a climber who failed because his jacket was too long? Great hood, super pockets, very thoughtfully designed. Worth a light sweater for warmth. Breathes better than any artificial material and keeps you dry for long hours.

A criticism made in another forum was that if it got wet and the temp dropped below zero then it froze and was very uncomfortable but those exceptional circs apart, it's my favourite jacket.

It's also rather smart for town wear but oh boy it's expensive and I doubt you'll find them in TK Max.