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.

OK - I have been wet and cold this week so I am going to buy this blink' coat.

Question is - NF Artic Parka or Danefae in either purple or red.

I love the look of the Danefae but I am worried that a) it won't fit - I can't find sizing guides on their websites, b) I'll have to faff about with returns & c) it's not warm enough for when the snows come.

The NF is bulky but I can go to town and just buy one off the peg.

I am wracked with Coat Indecision. Its just too much money to spend.

My Merrell Haven is gorgeously warm, it's withstodd heavy showers very well. The only downside is that the hood doesn't stay up well on windy days (but I think that's a syle vs function tradeoff).

I have to be honest that it's not had to endure more than about 20 minutes of heavy rain at a time though. Judging on how it performed, I would be hopeful that I would remain snug and dry.

I got it from Go Outdoors last year, cost £90 iirc. They've got them again, but they're £126 this year

Depends where you mean in California. Try San Fran in Winter/Spring for plenty of rain or occasional tropical downpours; Sierra Nevada mountains where it's wet/freezing weather for half the year.

knomdeplume, the haddenbury sound great but how bulky is it on? I'm a size 18 and trying to find something to keep me warm and dry but not look the size of a house I'm particularly keen on the price and that it comes in purple!

Ordered a red Danefae.

This thread is just peachy! I found out in a downpour yesterday that my anorak leaks in the small of the back (why god why???) so am in the market for a new coat for outdoor pram actions.
Can anyone give me a clue as to sizing on the Merrell Haven? I have read the whole thread, honest, but if it's in there I missed it.
I'm quite short (five three) and hourglassy with smallish shoulders, narrow back and big boobs, usually a 10/12 but currently a 14 post baby. Anybody care to guess if I'd need a large or could I get away with a medium?
Also, if you've seen them IRL is the black or the granite nicer (I don't like brown)?

Accessorize - i'm 16 top/18 bottom and the 16 fits me nicely, possibley slightly too big on top but I will be able to wear thick jumpers underneath it.

It's really quite thin, so it's not bulky in the slightest. The warmth comes from fancy insulation material i think.

I wore it today in a storm and it's lovely and warm and kept me completely dry, I was walking home feeling very thankful to this thread! First time in years I've had a decent coat!

I got black but kind of wish i'd gone for purple, oh well.

I love it, highly recommend it.

I think I might try a Merrell Wakefield, but I am not sure it's going to be warm enough. Has anyone tried a Merrell Aberdeen?

www.gooutdoors.co.uk/aberdeen-p164599

I really like it in the picture, but DH isn't sure with the gold bits, says it makes it look like an old person's coat!

Sorry, I'm rubbish at links! I'll try again, if not, please copy and paste it to have a look!!

www.gooutdoors.co.uk/aberdeen-p164599

I don't think it looks like an old person's coat but if you wore it with slacks and loafers it might :)

Not sure if that site has free delivery, but there are definitely a couple that do, so I think I'm going to order two or three coats and see which is best - definitely Haven and might try the Wakefield as well. Will be v peeved if I have to pay to send them ALL back though...

My friend has this and its fab!!

store.berghaus.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product8_11201_10252_4-34290_-1_Womens%5EClothing%5EWaterproofs_Womens_

Have tried it on and I'm very tempted to buy....waterproof, windproof and breathable. Looks very smart in real life!

oops

store.berghaus.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product8_11201_10252_4-34290_-1_Womens%5EClothing%5EWaterproofs_Womens_

it's a longer length although doesn't look it in the photo

maninthemooncup the granite haven is a very dull, mid-grey flannel coloured/textured material.
I'm 10/12 and 5'2" same proportions and the M fitted perfectly with slight room also.
I was size 14 for a year post baby so depends if you want to wear it for longer.
It'll be snug but prob think you could just get away with it.

Littlemiss that Berghaus looks great. Do you know where your friend got her from and what size it comes up? Just googled and hardly anywhere does it even online.

Jumping in - I need a waterproof, but not warm coat. I have an Aigle Every Warm from last year which was toasty throughout the big freeze so I'm sorted on that front (I don't mind the walking duvet look) - but I haven't got anything for mild but wet days, the Aigle is TOO warm for those. Seems daft to be looking now but I have some money and I know how things sell out/get discontinued...

I'm looking at the ordinary Berghaus Richmond, i.e. non-insulated I look awful in brown though and off/winter white really suits me, but is it crazy to buy a raincoat in that colour? Opinions? It reminds me of the North Face Grace in a similar colour which I have tried and failed to find online.

shes just a 12 and the 12 fits with room, so generous ish sizes.

I think the off white looks great....

I tried on a Merrell Haven in goutdoors yesterday, I love it, but just can't bring myself to part with £127 for it

Oh Bergahaus Richmond looks great, might try see if I can find one in the flesh, to see how thick it actually is!

DuchesofAvon, will be interested to hear your review of the Danefae!

BadPoet, Merrell Haven is perfect for your needs, looks really smart in black

Barbour jackets are waterproof and are very on-trend at the moment!

If you find somewhere that stocks Berghaus Richmond in the flesh let us know it's looking like a real possibility.

The Danefae arived yesterday - very quick service!

It is divine - the styling and details are beautiful and its such a vibrant cheerful red.

It isn't bulky at all - but feels thicker to the touch than my Boden Urban mac. I can feel that the lining has more "plumpness" than the Boden fleece lining so I am guessing that it is warmer. But the bag it came in was so small, I didn't immediately twig it was my coat. Surely if it withstands Danish winters, it'll be OK in Yorkshire?

I am havering over the fit. I am a 12 top/14 bottom and the coat (Size M), whilst fine across the hips, is a touch snug around the chest - I doubt I'd fit any bulky sweaters under it. However that may be because I am used to wearing my hugely-too-big Boden coat. I'll make a call today and then let you know how it weathers the weather.

Anyone near any of these?

www.berghaus.com/en/helpcontacts_1/storefinder/StoreFinder.html

I'm sending my haven back :(. I had ti get a large but I look massive in in it, it's too bulky.

I am really liking this, I need to decide and get a warmer jacket soooooon! It doesn't appear to be waxy, but is waterproof

www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Barbour-Ladies-Featherweight-International-Parka.html?utm_source=Barbour_Online&utm_medium=referral