Please talk to me about long, warm, waterproof, high quality winter coats

[KeepYourCustardCreams]

Hello.

I'm fed up with having winter coats which last a couple of years and fall apart. I'm willing to spend up to about £250, I think, for a really good one which might last me many many years. I need it to be warm, waterproof and long (at least to the knee), with a good big hood and good big pockets. I'd also like it to be not hideous, but fashion isn't my main focus here. If it's of relevance, I'm 5'7" and a size 8-10.

Any ideas of the best places to look for this kind of coat? I'm getting overwhelmed with ads when I Google...

Many TIA

It is really worth investing in North Face in my opinion. They are properly waterproof and warm. I have had mine for ten years now.

I have one from Landsend that's been fabulous my walking waterproof duvet.

Bought it for dog walking but it's too warm for that 😂

@KeepYourCustardCreams Have you looked on country/equestrian clothing sites? Often better selection.

Look for didirikson. I've bought nothing else since a recommendation from someone in the know on mn about 8 years ago. I spend a lot of time outside in winter. You will be warm and dry

Sea salt. Had mine for 6 years and still looks like new. Worn for everything from work to dog walking.

Barbour jackets last forever !

North face. Mine is 10 years old but still looks brand new and I wear it all the time.

Lands End Commuter Down coat. It's probably the one RandomMess has . I'm 5'8" and it comes to just below my knees. Cosy, well-designed, warm as toast, windproof and waterproof. I virtually live in it in winter!

I'm looking at Jack Murphy or Jack Wolfskin options at the moment.

I think I've had it 5 years.

@Wolfcub Not heard of them before, so thanks for the tip! They do look good .....

Another vote for Seasalt here , my brief was very similar to yours and I got one that ticks all the boxes.

Happy with my LazyJacks raincoat too they do warmer versions.

Hiking brands are your best bet, mountain warehouse had a long warm waterproof one last year

Seasalt Janelle!
It saw me and a friend (she's had hers for six years) through weekly outdoor meetups right through last winter, whatever the weather.

Depends on your lifestyle, Urban office life? Or Country mud dog walking?

I think Aigle do amazing coats, as do Seasalt (the Janelle is long, waterproof, warm and hooded but also frumpy and more suited to country life)

I have a much loved Creenstone long coat which is smart enough for office/going out but also good for November country walks

I’d look at country attire (website)

Mine is a surprisingly inexpensive Peter Storm. Its black, long, faux fur lined and padded with a big warm hood. I call it my sleeping bag coat and its only needed for a month each year, but I love it.

This time last year I bought a lovely Decathlon coat that's suppoosedly good for -20⁰C... it was certainly good for loitering on an exposed playground twice a day for different pick-ups. I thought my previous coat was decent until I got that. My thighs are very grateful, they hated the constant deluge of winter 19-20.

Didriksons. Splashed out after reading about them on a Mumsnet thread and it’s the most amazing coat I’ve ever owned. Warm and 100% waterproof. Will stick with them for any future jackets and coats.

I got a Didriksons Ilma about a year ago and I love it. Very waterproof, not padded but quite warm, but I find it's better to layer for flexibility so I wear a long sleeved top, jumper or even a light down coat underneath when very cold. Was £130 in the Cotswold Sale, full price is £180 I think. Is about knee length on me, I'm the same height as you and I think it's about right. If it was longer, I think it would be an issue when using stiles.

The pockets are also excellent, there's 4 zip pockets on the front (2 x chest and hip), a key pocket and an internal mesh pocket that can take an OS map and a small water bottle.

This means I can got out walking with no rucksack and can carry map, phone, keys, water, snacks and have somewhere to put my hat and gloves when I'm not wearing them.

Another Seasalt fan here. Mine is amazing and still looks new despite lots of wear and lots of weather

@Scarby9 - I have a Seasalt Janelle. I think I've had it 5 years. It's immaculate still.

I’ve got a down filled Columbia knee length coat - the warmest thing I’ve ever owned. Love it to bits.

I’ve got a Tog24 long parka coat. It’s basically like wearing an enormous duvet, it’s water repellent rather than waterproof and I bought a size up so I can wear loads of stuff underneath

Bought a Didrikson Luna last year after much dithering on here, and it’s fab. Basically lived in it for lockdown, and carried my life around in its extensive pockets. Am secretly looking forward to climbing back into its cocooning loveliness.