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.

Wakefield isn't warm per se - not insulated, but v windproof, and thicker than yer average raincoat. And oh lordy is it ever waterproof. I have been out in serious rain the last week or so, and dry as a bone in the coat area. Just got my Haven today, and it is super toasty. I am kitted out for everything - thanks again, Wilf and SOTB!

fantastically! Does exactly what it says on the tin. DH is now contemplating buying the Mammoth!

OK you lovely people. Am a novice, so please have patience. I have been reading through this thread for an hour (yep - that desperate). Do I understand that there is a Merrell Wakefield and a Merrell Wakefield Insulated???? I assume the 'not warm' comments were about the former? Has anyone got the insulated version (I can't find any in stock) or is that the ONE everyone was looking for??? Am soooooooooooo confused!

I did see something about an insulated wakefield, but haven't yet found one on sale. If the insulated version is anything like as warm as the haven, you'd be boiling in it right now.

taunton leisure mention insulated wakefield, but out of stock atm. Could be the holy grail.

Bless you Habbibu! MN is the business. I'd better get looking. Who is WilfShelf (sp??) and has she been knighted yet????????????? x

She's been booted, in a nice way, courtesy of the lovely Shop On The Beach.

Waswondering - nahhhhhhhhhhh. Just join the party. How can all these MNers be wrong!!??

IS there an insulated Wakefield?? I'd be grateful to see ANY Wakefield in the shops. Am very jealous of Habbibu!!

The ava is pretty much a wakfield that is insulated and my goodness it is very warm, just putting it on warms me up a bit like a wet suit! It has a tie belt at the waist insted of the popper which I find better as I have a tiny waist two dress sizes smaller than my large bottom so fitted clothes/jeans etc always look daft at my waist.

Am losing weight + keep changing dress size so just needed a cheap but glam above knee waterproof. Got no car + here in the south it's still warm but gets v windy + rainy.
So i got a cagoule (?spelling) zip front and poppers parka style 18 quid by TU at Sainsbury.
Has a hood, cords with nice toggles at hood, waist and hem. Bottom half slightly tulip shaped so very flattering + feminine.
Print is v dark grey + black subtle leopard print. Can roll up tiny (no creases) in a bag.
Is waterproof and windproof, also looks nice.
Lots of places sell similar.

Hi Has anyone found a Merrell Wakefield anywhere in the Oyster colour ? Its on the American website -maybe its called something else over here.

Nice lady at Taunton Leisure said she'll phone me tom to say whether Wakefield Insulated will be in stock soon. I'm not hopeful, as it doesn't appear on the UK or US Merrell site. Wierd. Never mind. There's always the Haven. I cannot believe I'm so obsessed. I'm quite ashamed.

my boden urban mac
v good thans

Well I found a Wakefield (not insulated) in brown at a Cotswold shop and... I am not keen. I tried it on in large which was interpreted as being 14 by the shop and it was quite snug. The sleeves were long on me too as a previous poster noted and the "stiffness" of the fabric kind of flattened out my bust. (I'm 5ft 4 and 10st 5 btw)

I liked the look of it on me but really fell out of love with it when I put the hood up. I wear glasses and when I put the hood on the "visor" bit of it hung down on top of my glasses so that I had to sit it back a bit on my head where it didn't want to stay. Bit gutted but obviously I am not the right shape!

I obviously spoilt myself as well by trying on the North Face Grace which ticked all the boxes - I really like a more parka-ish coat I've decided - shame the Grace is so bleedin' expensive!

THERE'S AN INSULATED WAKEFIELD????

Aaaarghghgh. Did I buy too soon?

Maybe it's like the unicorn and doesn't actually exist.

My normal Wakefield has really come into its own during this rain though. Having such a large hood is brilliant for me. (You can get it further back off your head if you want by tightening up the toggle thing at the back so it needn't be a pain for people wearing glasses.)

actually that's one thing I didn't like with the Haven - the hood didn't seem to come forward enough so your fringe/glasses would get wet

Yes, the Haven hood is a bit disappointing after the wakefield. Marvellous as the insulated wakefield sounds, I do wonder if it'd be too warm atm - the haven is like putting on an electric blanket.

So I have been following this thread but I can't see that anyone has mentioned - or reviewed - the Northface Lauren Trench. My apologies if I have missed it.

I ordered the Northface Arctic Parka which arrived this morning and it is lovely (but pricey). Waterproof, breathable and seriously warm. It fits me well (I am about 5ft 3 on a good day and size 10-12) and looks quite fitted (and smart) despite the down insulation. (the Northface Metropolis, which was alos down insulated was not so flattering and defintely gave a rather padded look).

But I have also seen the Lauren Trench on the website (can't find any in the flesh) - and wonder if this might be more suitable. My concern is that the Arctic Parka might be too warm - although I do want it to be warmer than a basic mac! Oh for a detachable insulated liner........

Has anyone tried both or could review the Lauren Trench? lauren trench

The Lauren Trench looks very nice - like the Wakefield but obviously more expensive - the Artic Parker is lovely and I like the fact that the furry stuff detaches. I also like the Grace so definitely looks like I am going to have to pay another visit to the North Face shop. I can't recall seeing the Lauren in there though. Will report back

Thanks to MN, I now have the Haven. Just the coat I have been looking for

Thanks Glasjam. They don't have it in the North face near me and apparently can't order it (?!) so can't compare. The Arctic parka is lovely and the fur actually looks v. nice.
Will await reports!