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

Another vote for the Seasalt Janelle here.

I wonder how many people have bought a Didriksons coat because of Mumsnet?

They need to give us a special discount code.

@BarbaraofSeville

it's a couple of years old now and as good as new

I should hope so. Not a dig at you but it always puzzles me when people say things like 'I've had this thing for not very long at all and it isn't wearing out yet'

As it happens my lightweight North Face 'pac a mac' that I take when it looks like it will probably stay dry but there's a reasonable chance of one of those short but heavy showers that absolutely drenches you is starting to look like it might need replacing because the zip is getting very unreliable. I tried to zip it up the other day because it was really windy and it just wouldn't. Otherwise it is fine except the hole on the sleeve that is covered in duct tape after I caught it on barbed wire. I know that it is 18 years old and I've worn it a lot.

@CatAlice. There's several Didriksons coats with hoods if that's what you want.

Well to be fair, my coats get a lot of stick, horses, dogs and general outdoor life take a toll, but this coathas stayed remarkably pristine considering.. I've managed to kill some expensive coats in a few years or so, but do have a Barbour which is at least 30 years old and going strong. I'm not one for fast fashion. 😉

Plus the Seasalt Janelle. It seems that every Mumsnetter has one or the other. I think I looked at that one as well but can't remember why I chose the Didriksons.

Lurking here for ideas

Another vote for didriksons after recommendations from here. Really warm and waterproof, and also quite stylish. I don't like puffer/padded styles as I end up looking like a shiny sausage and/or the Very Hungry Caterpillar emerging from its cocoon.

Also, my didriksons has an amazing hood which you can pull all the way forward and zip up high so i don't even need a scarf. It came with a removable fake fur bit too.

Seasalt Janelle. It’s the world’s ugliest coat but definitely ticks all your boxes and is surprisingly cheap. I’ve had mine for five years and I’m sure the bloody thing is going to outlive me.

@Scarby9

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.

I bought this one too, following MN recommendation. It truly is water and wind proof. I have been really pleased with it. I am an all weather walker.

I've found that Didrekson erika in a wine colour for £134.
Do people size up on a big coat?
I'm a 12 /14 but perhaps a 16 for extra room?

I'm a 14/16 and pear shaped and definitely needed a 16. It's a bit baggy on top, but that means I can get a jumper or short down jacket underneath on really cold days.

@RandomMess

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 😂

Lands end would be my suggestion too

I have a Craghoppers Aquadry which is long and a Regatta Sefarina which is medium length. Both are totally waterproof and warm.
The Regatta I use as my winter horse riding coat.
Neither cost more than £50 as I spotted them when on deals and were 100% all last winter.

You don’t need to spend megabucks in flashy brands.

I have this and bloody love it! I was looking at Didrikson but couldn’t find anywhere to try them on for size. This was on sale in Go Outdoors. Nearly to my knees (and I’m tall). Totally waterproof and with a really good hood.

Ffs. Link would help!
www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mountain/marmot-chelsea-coat/652393/p

Another vote for Lands End coats. Their winter range isn't out yet but their coats are incredibly warm and waterproof and never wear out. I recommend their Squall range and also have the Down commuter Coat mentioned above, but I don't think they do it any more. But bound to do something similar.

Seasalt Plant Hunter. Saw me through last winter in London and is roomy. I managed until i was 6 months pregnant in it. Plus it has an internal toggle to bring it in and out at the waist so its more flattering. www.seasaltcornwall.com/plant-hunter-quilted-waterproof-raincoat

I bought a long waxed coat at a fraction the cost of a Barbour from a firm in Downton. New Forest clothing on web or similar. It is not lined so room for fleece etc under as I bought a size up.

On the back of this thread I ordered a Didriksons Eline Parka which arrived today. It's fab, but I can't get the zip up. Either it's dodgy or I am somehow incapable of fastening it.

@CatAlice They should replace that asap if faulty. Hope you were just unlucky.

I have a Craghoppers one that I absolutely love. Long, completely waterproof, windproof, warm and has an excellent hood.

I just bought this. Only water resistant, but at that price I'll carry an umbrella!

I agree with suggestions to go to a good outdoors or equestrian shop- it sounds like you want a coat that will do a job first and foremost! I don't wear normal people coats any more, I just have a decent outdoor branded one for best then when that gets tatty it gets demoted to being my outdoors coat.
If I had a decent budget I'd be looking at a non-waxed Barbour or similar, I'm currently on a Jack Wolfskin which is nice but it's not long enough really and it's for cold weather more than wet, I'd say. I've got an ankle length storm coat as well which is brilliant but I'd feel like a lunatic of I wore it to the supermarket 😂

Another recommendation for Didriksons coats- mine is a 100% waterproof one, it is amazing and I’m secretly a little bit excited about winter so I can start wearing it again

Didrikson. Swedish winter coats.