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.

have ordered a lands end duve tcoat with FUR

Love this thread. Those who have bought the Wakefield, do you think it will be warm enough for deep winter,snow and frost?

Really don't know what to do. Anyone got the Merrell Nakiska, a long belted down coat?

I'm 5'4" and really need something that goes in at the waist otherwise I look like a pudding. Had a traumatising experience with a Land's End Stadium Squall ....

Thanks.

Hmm, I was wondering that. And hoping that it is made of some sort of magically warm fibre that not only repels all water but repels all cold too. Maybe it won't though

Thanks Bubble and Duchess...will go and try both on tomorrow

Me too. I suppose I am looking for the Wakefield but with a zip out super warm inner layer.

I'm thinking of something like the Gap anorak that was linked to for autumn and spring then some sort of slimline down coat for deep winter. Or I could risk my granny's fur coat (and no knickers)

Just posting again to keep in threads I'm on. I'm soooo tempted, but can't really afford it. Am going to be on maternity leave with a toddler and a newborn this winter though, so the question is, can I afford not to?

Is the Wakefield generally considered the best on offer? When is the new Merrell stuff coming out?

I have both the wakefield and the ava, wore my wakefield today for the first time and fab fab fab. Not a warm coat no, but I have the ava for cold and wet winter. Great pram pushing coats and also felt like a smart lady wearing it over a suit today for work. Size wise I would say they are small, mine are both a M I would say 10-12 rather than a 12. Not sure about the super long sleeves, only just long enough for me but I am a tall-ie

Having just read this thread bought a plum Merrell Wakefield from SOTB and it arrived today - it is perfect and completely fulfills the need for playground coat. Thanks ladies great advice! Interestingly the sleeves werent too long and Im pretty short!

My Gap anorak arrived today and it is absolutely ridiculously HUGE (I ordered a small, I'm 5ft 3in and a size 8-10). Could take the whole family camping in it. Called to try to exchange for XS but none in stock so sending it back for a refund and back to the drawing board :(

Would this justify being the acceptable poor cousin of the wakefield?

on account I am
a)skint
and
b)short
and
c)like more room under the arms

alittlebitshy I have failed to wash mine, I keep thinking of it and then get distracted, must have a wee look at the instructions! It is nice to meet a fellow haven fan.

I luff mine, wish it was knee length, but it makes up for that in warmth and sheer waterproof brilliance, I feel like rain and water and ducks backs all come to mind when I think of it, combined with the feeling of wearing an electric blanket. I would hesitate to buy a wakefield now, knowing the haven is so toasty, though if I lived in warmer climes maybe it would be fine. The wakefield does look more slimming and it is knee length...

I did get the Fly boots last year to go with my merrell haven, okay they were £40 and the haven was £124 I think, but the boots are useless fashion items, I cannot wear them in the rain, I can't even walk through wet grass without my toes getting wet - so if I was jumping on an mn bandwagon merrell would get my vote every time.

That regatta looks quite nice Honeydragon - just a bit on the short side I suppose compared to the Wakefield.

I think the Wakefield probably won't be warm enough for deepest Jan/Feb if it's anything like last year, but I have a standby and deeply unfashionable duvet-type coat for that eventuality which I got from Cotton Traders and which was jolly good in the snow last year...

I liked the Wakefield but as the dog often accompanies me to town I need something that can survive repeated cleaning on the right hand side, so I have to put practicality over style.

If anyone is after a Merrell Haven they are advertising them in GoOutdoors here

Am hanging on to see what the new autumn/winter range will be like

Love this thread - thanks for all the advice! I'm off to try on a Merrell Haven at my local Cotswold Outdoor shop (Can't get there till next week though...). Just spoke to the lady in the shop - they are getting a delivery in today. I'd prefer to try on in a shop to make sure I get the right size - I could be a S or an M looking at the size chart. Looks like it ticks all the boxes for warmth, and that's my main criteria!

landsend have new cloud cover coat here

£130, comes in black, poo brown, completely impratcical beige and dubious looking checks

have not seen it in RL

claims to be waterproof and landsend usually good quality although lacking style

not a very flattering photo even on slim model

carrieelou, is the Ava more padded/warmer than the Wakefield? I do have ridiculously warm Mountain Hardware down jacket for the harshest of winter temperatures which makes me look like the Michelin Man and is not waterproof. So maybe I could justify an Ava for inbetween??

Actually I don't want my Wakefield any more.

I want this instead

ooh katisha that is snuggly. but i am a shorty so would look silly in something that long.

pacificdogwood the ava is insulated, same stuff as the haven by the looks of it, so it will be warm and waterproof, it looks quite long as well, so it would possibly be slimming and keep a little bit more of the rain off!

I like that Regetta one, but I am so short it would probably be plenty long enough for me. I bought the last Gap one in the Manchester store and love it, so much nicer in real life but sizing truely huge. I am a petite 14 but 7 months pregnant and am very comfy in a small with a wool layer underneath! Checked out Marks and Spencers too and there were a million different raincoats including petites, plenty nice but not warm.

a pricey barbour for those still looking, it is quilted, so should be warm?

this looks warm it is waterproof filled with duck down and feather but not the usual quilted style, though it may still be quite unflattering?

and this is cheaper but again not very stylish, sorry.

Saw this in Oasis just now, looked very nice (got detachable lining) but will it be waterproof??

Shop on the Beach have emailed to say that Wakefields in brown, plum and black will be in soon.