WATERPROOF bum-covering COATS: I am doing the research so you don't have to...

[WilfShelf]

Can we just have one thread in anticipation of autumn/winter? No, we don't all want a Boden coat because a. they're not properly waterproof and b. EVERY other bugger in the playground has one already. So, I'm after technically sophisticated properly waterproof coats that GO IN AT THE WAIST that are somewhere in between hiker and fashion victim. Inevitably, this means EXPENSIVE usually I'm afraid. Some suggestions below. If you would like to add yours, especially cheaper ones, feel free:

Northface Stella Grace Good good good

Marmot highlander Marmot do some excellent longer waterproof jackets but unfortunately I cannot find lots of stockists in UK

Barbour are doing some nice coats these days [hit view all to see full range]

And even some of their wax jackets are wearable!

Now look here High Fash-hags Creenstone, a dutch company, do some very INTERESTING coats, apparently waterproof and technical... but difficult to find UK stockists or prices: can anyone track 'em down?

That's enough for now. will post more later. Please add suggestions but only ACTUAL waterproof coats please.

carrielou what size is your Wakefield? I wanted the plum (im medium) but didnt order in time and not they only have XS left...

Well, peeps, it is LUSH! I am a very happy lady and feel I owe a great debt of gratitude to WilfSell, thank you for this thread! I did not even know that Merrell did clothes at all...

Anyhoo, I am a size 14 5'6'', ample of bosom and short of leg (thanks, Dad!). I ordered a Large from SOTB and it is about right, I think. Sleeves are long, but there is a tightening thingy and as there is nothing worse than short sleeves I am ok with that. The material looks really... well, not outdoorsy, matt and has a woven look to it. First waterproof jacket I have ever owned that does not look like it belongs up some mountain . The espresso brown is warm and dark and I like. 2 cosy moleskin pockets, useful inside pocket, all with zips.

WilfSell, would you like my firstborn or rather the ickle DS4? You name your price.

That's what I thought about the material too. The colour is much nicer than in pictures. Really wish I could try on a small - can't decide if it would be just too tight on hips.

Oh thank you thank you I have ordered a Wakefield, and sprung for next day delivery as I can't wait will be at home.

Hurrah for this thread

Oh, good stuff, zoid. was hoping you wouldn't miss out.

Trying to picture the scene at SOTB. "You know those coats we've had for ages, so put on sale? Well..."

I was on the verge of emailing Merrell direct and wondering if others had and what they'd make of it there. I wonder if they are aware of this thread?

Have emailed Merrell - they weren't terribly helpful - said wait to see if it's in Autumn/Winter collection. I live in Scotland. It's most assuredly autumn now.

I emailed Merrell and they never bothered to answer...

I emailed Merrell too and no bloody reply which given I have given them SO MUCH FREE PUBLICITY is a bit off. I expect a free coat, at least

Still haven't found one meself, but hoping to lose a bit of weight (when I shift this blardy cough) but if Merrell are feeling generous, size 14, plum, would inspire me to lose weight quicker!

And pacificdogwood, er, thanks and all but...

I emailed North Face once about the Grace coat only available in the US (to say 'we are crying out for longish raincoats here') and I was told there wasn't much of a market in Britain

Granted, a few threads on MN doesn't constitute 'a market' but it does show that there is at least some need

Habbibu did you do next day delivery on your wakefield?

No - think it came next day though. Could check in thread but I Am Ill.

hmmm

Well, thanks, Wilf, anyway

Merrell UK told me that Wakefields will not come back into stock, but surely they must offer some kind of replacement?

And yes, Habbibu, I agree Scottish autumn has most certainly arrived, but today of course blinding sunshine and 20+ degrees...

So MN can influence the outcome of a general election, but not get a coat in stock in the UK?

Well, but MN did not influence the general election in the way I wanted though, harumph .

Maybe we can do better on the jacket front?
Shall we email this thread to Mr Merrell?

I have ordered a Wakefiled in black . Not that I am heavily influenced by what a bunch of anonymous people on the internet say, or anything like that.

God no. We're all so ver' individual here.

Well I have found my holy grail too, ladies! It is the stylish, waterproof, bumcovering, hooded barbour cameron in black.

It arrived and is a bit on the big size, so I've ordered a size down to compare. Pricey, yes, but should last a good few Welsh winters.

Thanks again to wilf for the thread (poor old abandoned stadium squall..!)

Ooh hang on - neighbour has turned up with a parcel...

Heh heh, I expect a well-groomed American lady in a boxy Lands End twin set with elasticated tapered trousers will rock up at my door, pull out a silencer, screw it onto her gun and shoot me dead some time soon. Course, if Lands End wanted to corner a market...

I am sitting here in my new Merrell Wakefield (espresso brown.)

Am v pleased. It's warm, smart, slim and fits round my hips (which was a worry from the picture!)

The arms are immensely long though, and I am a tallish person. My only disappointment is that the hood has to come off completely rather than fold away under a zip, and that it's a bit of a faff getting the hood on and off - you'd have to decide in advance that it was going to rain really.

And I have had to get DH to explain the mystery of the toggle thing at the back of the hood.

Well Wilf this is your fault. A couple of weeks ago I didn't know I needed one of these, but I am glad to have got it. SURELY there is a market in Britain for these things?

you're mning in your wakefield? hardcore.

Katisha, toggle thing at back of hood is to tighten the hood around your face so a gust of wind will not blow it down - they have thought of everything!
And surely hood will need to be permanently attached to protect against sudden showers, non? Well, mine will stay attached anyway

And ROFL at 'well-groomed American lady' with silencer