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.

Poop. Just ordered a NF Arctic (hooooooooooow much???) but am now liking look of Lauren Trench. However, I do like to be toasty, so if anyone's compared the two I'd be really interested to read what you think. I've given up on the Insulated Wakefield. Taunton Leisure and Shop on the Beach didn't reply. I saw it on a couple of Canadian sites but SOLD OUT everytime.

CFLeics - the NF Arctic is definitely toasty so You shouldn't be disappointed.

Anyone tried the NF Lauren?!

Just got my Wakefield from Taunton Leisure - love it!
DH wants to know if that's the holy grail of women's coats, what's the male version?

Ah. Now for a small fee, I can find out

Jeez, if my DH is anything to go by, the perfect coat would be one with pockets covering every inch of surface space, just ever so slightly too short, built-in speakers and a constant supply of small change constantly reappearing in the pockets. With a handy torch clipped to each wrist for every eventuality.

I am to see the Northface coats available in Britain: I emailed them two years ago (DH got me one from the US) to say they'd be well-received here and was told very shortly that there was no market

I wish I had got a NF Lauren now. Held off because of the price though. I don't really like my Wakefield now - maybe I should just get a thick warm jacket for winter and keep the Wakefield for Autumn/Spring. Its a great waterproof jacket, but thats it on the plus sides for me. The hood had been annoying this week too, it keep blowing down, despite having the toggles tight.

I havent seen the Lauren in the North Face Shops I have been in either. The NF Grace is really nice though, just the right thickness/warmth for me. I thought the Wakefield would have been a bit thicker like that.

Would be interested to hear from anyone else that has a NF Lauren?

WilfShelf

Stop press HAve found and tried the NF Lauren. (WilfShelf, I blame you for this obsession!)

On the plus side, it has a detachable liner (yay!) and it is quite a nice shape. However, it is not nearly as warm as the NF Arctic and if you detach the liner it is basically cagoul thickness (ie. thin) so not sure when you would want too. It is a tighter fit across the bust than the NF Arctic and I would have needed to size up to fit a jumper underneath - but would have then lost the fitted shape. PLus the NF Arctic has a sort of elasticated bit in the small of the back (looks better than it sounds) which gives it a waist - but allows for more movement than the Lauren. Also, I only tried the black (all they had in) and, dare I say it, it just looked a bit, well, boring.

So after much deliberation, I decided No to the Lauren. Shame as I had high hopes. If you are a very slim build, it would probably work better ( I am 10-12 with a moderate bust) as could wear a thick layer underneath.

I think my ideal would be a cross between the two but I am keeping the Arctic - ridiculous in this sunshine but I shall be oh so toasty and dry come Winter!

BTW - NF shops are not stocking the Lauren but you can get it on line (!)

Not sure if anyone's mentioned this one before? Does anyone have a PoP shop nearby that stocks mother's clothes?

parka but quite stylish?

DD's coat has been brilliant since last winter and is coming into its own again, so it struck me that an adult equivalent might be quite good?

Sigh at the NF Lauren. I would have to se it in the flesh really before I could justify buying it!

I think I will get a winter jacket! I tried on the NF Boulevard in the shop but it didn't have a hood and was only showerproof.

DH is gonna go nuts that I want another jacket!

There is PoP in the shopping Centre I sometimes go to so will take a look next time I am there. I have been eying up a fleece/waterproof in there for DS lol

bumpy, we were looking at the Merrell Mammoth - men's haven, rather than wakefield, I think.

I got my wakefield today and it's bloody brilliant - bit warmer than a regular rain coat as its lined and the M is a great fit for me - I'm a short size 12.
I already have an Ava from last year which is just far too warm for autumn - I'm boiling walking just down to the end of my road in it - but its great for winter.

Habbibu - thanks, we have had a look but DH feels it is too 'duffely'. A new search is on!

Blimey - when will this all end!!!!!?? herewegoloopy - am loving your info re NF Lauren - sooo useful. My NF Arctic came today - think I got the wrong size (my own fault, as I don't do proper shopping) - but I think it could be the one (in diff size!!) Fit is OK, teeny bit chunky, and the hood (without naff fur) is a nice snug fit. I would like a more fitted shape but more than that - I want to be warm and dry. Dr Spechemin - have you got an Insulated Wakefield and if so - where from, pray tell???????? I have been a bit put off by the hood comments. I cannot believe I am soooooooooooooo into this. My clothes usually come from second hand shops or ebay. BUT THIS YEAR I shall be mostly snug as a bug in my new bum covering, toasty warm, fully waterproof coat with hood. WilfShelf, I salute you. Of course, now I've made my decision I must NEVER EVER return to this thread. Ladies - I thank you for your time. Ciao xxxxx

Well my wakefield is brilliant in the rain, lovely in every way... except that it doesn't actually fit me as the sleeves are too long. Waaaah. Anybody interestedin a brown xl?

Hello, i've been following this thread, thought I'd found my perfect coat but the Barbour cameron I'd been lusting after for weeks is going back cos the fit isn't great and I don't like the waxy smell. I've decided the only answer is to go shopping in RL so I'm going to go to Covent garden next weekend and will report back....

I too have been on a fruitless hunt for the insulated wakefield - no luck but I have found the uninsulated one in black and plum in most sizes here ridgways-shoes.co.uk. Hope this helps...

Have also tried the lauren trench - ticks all the boxes (hood, waterproof, insulated)but has a bit of a strange shape around the hips area- the widest part of the jacket is where my thighs are, not my hips! I am 5ft 7 in size 12 (got a medium)... not sure if I should send it back.... Hubby thinks I look a bit like a weeble (anyone remember "weebles wobble but they don't fall down.."?)

I am now the owner of the merrel Haven in Granite. I put my order in late thursday evening at shop at the beach and it arrived yesterday morning. I am very pleased the fit is perfect I am a very pettite and the xs was the size I ordered arm length is always to long normally but not on the Haven. Roll on nice cold days so I can wear it.
I just want to say a HUGE THANKYOU as this is the very coat I have been after for a long time.

Goplayout - where did you find the Lauren Trench? Impossible to find up north!

gibba8, I ordered mine on line here www.outdoorkit.co.uk. I have had a quick look this morning, and they are showing both colours in a small. They had more sizes when I ordered last week. I think I might have read somewhere that the Lauren trench is not available in UK stores, so I think on line will be your best bet.

Seen this in the paper at the weekend

www.rohan.co.uk/Product/Detail/WomensWaterproofs_02453?ocode=02453512

Seems like a good alternative to the Wakefield - but its much more expensive . . .

I just phoned NF as L is out of stock for the Lauren but unsure of the sizing. If 16 would large be adequate. I want something totally waterproof as I've been to school with my TB testing Vet style plastic coat brilliant at £20 but looks dreadful! They are awiting stock of the Lauren and should be in November. Too late for me.

My other option is the "grace" in plaid brown looks nice and black is far too boring for me especially if wearing dark trousers.

Looked at the Rohan but not enough shape and as I'm short I need a shaped coat. I think the Grace will suit perfect for heavy rain. But lots of you are talking about very insulated coats - I'm not sure if they are too warm for the run up the hill in the pouring rain. Dont want to be sweating. Wouldnt it be better to have two coats - one very warm for the freezing weather and waterproof when it can be warm?

Just to add - Babour/Toggi etc brill coats. Had them on and off for over 20 years. Last ages and are quite warm. Mine is now worn and because I didnt oil it it now no longer water proof and cracked (5 yrs old). Very stylish look great with the hats too. I had a very smart coat but they have stopped making it now it was very plain with a tie. Cant find a match at all. The length is good too as I'm short. I always for for brown.

Just looking for a change and NF looks lightweight and ideal.

Bacon, I think I am resigned to the fact I will buy 2 coats, just wish I hadn't paid £140 for my waterproof, but not warm Wakefield. I would have been happier with a cheap foldaway waterproof that I could store in my rucksack and pull out when need be!

The grace is very nice and not too thick, has a lovely shape and looks smart. The brown and cream ones have a more visible check ish pattern on them if you don't want too plain. I wouldn't want anything much thicker than that as I would be sweltering.

Ref size I tried on a Medium and it was snug for a 12, but I wouldn't want the next size up. I would try and see if you can try one on as I am not sure if a large would be big enough for a 16.

Is anyone still waiting for a Merrell Wakefield?

They are available in my local store in black only. I have some vouchers to use in that store after returning an item and wondered if anyone still wanted the wakefield I could use my vouchers and then you could send me payment for the coat IYKWIM!
I love the wakefield and would definetly have bought one myself but I am very tall and the measurements are just not right for me. I am still lusting after the North Face Parka but can not buy one till I get rid of these vouchers.