Mumsnet Talk

I need your help with this terribly important decision.

The North Face Makani Softshell or Merrell's Wakefield Insulated Coat?

I live on the West Coast of Canada. Winters are usually damp and chilly. DS is 4.7 so spends a lot of time at playground and outside, which means I do, too. I've decided I need the right coat this winter after freezing my bloody arse off last year. I'm one of those people who find it hard to stay warm. Got the right boots, now the coat.

Opinions?

Seriously? Isn't anyone concerned about my happiness?

<pouts>

I think the brown one looks like something a hobbit might wear. [helpful]

West Coast of Canada = similar climate to the UK, just colder, right? Ok, firstly, a softshell coat is great in lots of ways but isn't at all waterproof so this won't keep you warm on the playground - the key to staying warm is firstly to keep dry!

Secondly, I've haven't had one myself but from feedback elsewhere, Merrell's Wakefield isn't properly waterproof either. You do want to look for something that's going to stay waterproof for many months - North Face probably isn't a bad place to start if you're in Canada (but please don't go for a softshell!)

As I've posted on another thread tonight, I've got myself a Didriksons Naomi - after my children have had their coats for years and my friend got one of their womens coats last year. Their stuff is properly waterproof and much warmer than it seems - my kids won't wear a fleece under their coats, ever.

My friend has the North Face one, and she loves it. It gets very cold here in the winters too. I have a black North Face Metropolis and love getting that out in the winter!

I don't 'know' the TNF one, looks ok.
However, I lurve my Wakefield (the non-insulated one). It is now in its 2nd autumn/winter and IME it is properly water-proof (I am in the West of Scotland, so water is NOT at a premium ).
I wear mid-layer type fleeces underneath when required.
And have a Mountain Hardwear down jacket for really cold conditions (also waterproof, not resistant).

Yay!! I knew someone cared about my happiness

I asked someone whose opinion I value with respect to outdoors equipment etc and he said that TNF softshells are actually quite water resistant, unless you're out in the drenching rain (which is where I draw the line), and that the only place they would leak, if they did, was at the seams. Which sounds encouraging.

I tried on the Makani, and loved the fact that the sleeves fit me related to the gorilla, I am. The top part fits well, but the bottom, around the bum and thighs, was a bit roomy. But in a nice way, sort of A-line.
The one thing I didn't like was that the belt sat quite high. I am not especially long of torso also related to the giraffe, long arms and legs, short torso so that was a surprise. I might get used to that, but on the other hand, belt loops are not hard to move.

I want to hear from someone who loves their Wakefield coat to convince me I'd be happy with that because its about half the price tag of the Makani.

Oh, PacificDogwood, I have the Mountain Hardwear Citilicious coat. Light as a feather, and so warm! Perfect for dry cold days. But no hood. Why would they not put a hood on a down coat????

Sminko...a hobbit???

I wouldn't get the brown. I'd go for cream, I think.

Ive got the Merrell Wakefield (just found it in TKMaxx last week for a bargain price of £59.99!) and its the insulated one too, sort of khaki green/grey colour. In my opinion its a fab coat; have worn it in the pouring rain on the school run and the rain just runs off it, so is waterproof. Also super warm and keeps the wind from penetrating. Nice fit on it, with some adjustable sleeve poppers etc. I would recommend it, am confident its going to see me through winter on the wet and cold days, and the freezy days too - also have a padded down coat for the non wet cold days!!

Love my black Merrell Wakefield. Warm, waterproof even in the driving rain (who said it wasn't waterproof?) and toasty warm. People even comment how lovely it is! I have to admit to swapping to my North Face Parka when it got below -10 though...

Would you REALLY go for a cream coat when you have a 4 year old??!! My black Wakefield shrugged off my 5 year olds nose bleed last week

hellswelshy don't want to sound mean or anything, but i hate you. Can't help it I do. i have been into TK Maxx several times a week, for weeks, in the vauge hope I'll find a Merrel

how very dare you get one for such a nice pricel

And the Wakefield has long arms too - some people criticise it for that but I just love it...

Merrell Wakefield is the MOST waterproof coat I have ever found the water literally just runs off!! If you want warmth though you could but the Haven.

I have the previous version of the insulated coat called Ava and it is like putting on an electric blanket it's fabulous

I do also have a Wakefield in blzck in size 10 brand new if anyone wAnrs it. Bought it in the sale as my purple one paid £140 worth it but never quite list last bit of weight to fit in the 10 and pregnant again. Think it was £83 if anyone wAnrs it

Ooh yes the arms are fab, no wet wrists here when pushing the buggy as first time ever no gap between cost and leather gloves

Moln - there are 4 Merrells on TKMaxx online at the moment here

Not Wakefields, but might be ok?

Would I be an idiot if I ordered both and kept the one I like better?

Or would that be a smart thing to do? DH just suggested it

Order both definitely. Just be strong and only keep one unless they are both really lush

Oh, carrielou, I also have the Merrell Ava and it is SO warm, and waterproof too. I have the insulated wakefield too, and it's just not nearly as warm. I really wish they still made the Ava, as I'd love to update mine, as I'm not keen on the colour I have (brown).

Ok. I will be strong. I can be strong. oh dear

Oh thanks Agatha - but I'm over in Ireland and the Irish site doesn't seem to work the same (right pain that)

I'll carry on regardless and hopefully it'll pay off!!

Ok, I've ordered both. But of a hit on my credit card but not for long I hope.

I ordered the brown Makani - fair point about the cream, and perhaps it will make me look like a hobbit but red or black look terrible on me. The Wakefield was only available in white, though - eeeek. I have found, though, that white outerwear is usually not a problem, it has always washed up well for me.

what is wakefield sizing like? (sorry if this has been asked before - no doubt it has)

Oh, I am , Jacksmania - I'd be interested to hear which one you like best.

accessories, I am a size 14-16 5'6'' and have a big bum generous hips. The Wakefield L fits me fine. The arms are long as mentioned here before and quite fitted, ie a midweight fleece fits underneath, but hat a big fluffy one IYKWIM.