In reply to Georgert:
First thing I remember having was a Berghaus 'Monsoon' jacket in blue, though that might have been the version that I wanted made from GTX, because it is the name I remember. It was definitely a Berghaus but just PU and not breathable at all and I must have been the third or fourth owner of it amongst my mates. First thing I remember wanting was a Peter Storm green 'waterproof'. I wore my Adidas 'waterproof' when I went to Wales for the first time but only found out the difference later between a waterproof and a windproof, LOL.
When I was about 15, my mum bought me a HH fibre pile jacket from a shop near Cavern Walks in Liverpool, which I think was called "Smith and Beyer or Bayer" and sold either climbing gear or ski gear. I can't find that name of shops in any searches so I might be misremembering. There was a small group of lads who were into the gear and we would go to Wales camping and hitchhiking and later they got into climbing.
First thing I bought myself with my wages was a Mountain Equipment 'Hollofill' jacket with an 'Entrant' waterproof outer. My brother later bought himself a better one, made from GTX and 'Quallofil', from Blacks or Ellis Brigham. Years later I got a lift off the owner of E.B. in Wales one day, he just stopped and offered me a ride when I was carrying my AB65 Berghaus rucksack that I had bought in Blacks.
Good times.
Post edited at 10:41