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.

Danefae was toasty, toasty. I am liking it v much.

Yes, why littlemiss? Only a Black's store not a Berghaus.

Anyone like this?
waterproof and insulated, if you hurry someone has posted a 20% off code till midnight. I like the pink checked version.

Got an olive green Merrell Haven from Sheactive (£100) last month on the back of this thread. Bit disappointed to be honest but may have had wildly unrealistic expectations.

After wearing it to do school run (15 mins either way) in fairly heavy rain, can safely say it isn't waterproof. Bizarrely, the rain ran off the hood but soaked in elsewhere. Took couple of days to dry out and pockets in particular were sodden.

And, annoyingly, the toggles constantly come undone from their loops, so unless coat is zipped up, it falls open.

But..

On plus side, it is lovely and warm without being bulky. Am on the petite side and find it hard to find coats which don't bury me. Will just need to take brolly with me on really rainy days. (Live in North, so plenty of those..)

Thanks for the sizing advice, I bet a medium will be too tight on the boobs and a large will be too big, as this is the story of my life.

Bit now after reading WorldFamous's verdict, I wouldn't wear a coat of this type for style reasons so if it's not that practical I'd rather spend £50 on an ugly functional thing and £80 on something nice!
Given our climate we should have more choice than this!

Well if I were you Worldfamous I would take your Haven back. Mine however is totally waterproof I was out for over two hours in horrid rain last friday only the bottoms of my trousers were wet. Very impressed with mine.
Toggles yes mine did come undone so I shortened the loops problem solved. I love this coat for its waterproofness alone money well spent.

Ooh which colour have you got Littlepumpkinpie?

I haven't seen khaki anywhere, maybe they got discontinued for non-waterproofness?

DuchessofAvon, I'm so glad!!! I still love my Danefae very much, probably my best purchase this year. Best of all, the coat feels one-of-a-kind, ie, don't see many of those around, and the fuchsia pink never fails to cheer me up. Wore it today in a downpour - yucky weather but I didn't need an umbrella.

Mines Granite maninthemooncup sorry it took so lond to reply had to shoot out only just popped back on :)

knomdeplume , thanks so much for detailed review of craghopper haddenbury. I ordered a purple one, waiting excitedly for it to arrive!

Ok, I'm off into town to look in North Face, Berghaus and Blacks. If I don't manage to come back with a coat then I give up!

Right, I have in my possession a black berghaus insulated Richmond. Am not 100% sure I'm going to keep it. Not sure it is £175 worth of coat and it might be a bit too hot for me. I was boiling hot at the time though so I'll have to test it out later when I've cooled off from my shopping trip. Think I'll order the Joules one and the crag hopper and compare and contrast and return what I don't want.

I feel torn. Granite would be my choice too, LPP. Hmm. Do Black's stock Merrells? Could do to see one in real life.

I went to a hardcore outdoors shop today for the usual dose of confused yet incredulous lack of belief at someone wanting a coat that actually goes beyond the top of my hip.

I tried the Berghaus Richmond. They really have read this thread. It's a good coat.
However, on me, size 14 and tallish, it isn't that stylish. There's no shaping at the bust. And though it fit well, aside from flattening my bust a bit (I think all outdoors coats do that though?), from a style point of view, the belt was not my thing (and a touch too high but I am long waisted) and the bottom of the coat was too narrow. It fit, but it could have done with a bit more of a flare, to make it also look good and to balance the top half.

Thanks Unprune, did you try on the insulated one or the uninsulated? I am not tall, but am long waisted.

Insulated. I'm in Scotland and I was disappointed that it wasn't as good-looking on me (I stress, ON ME! Probably looks great on other people!) because it seemed like it would be really warm and really waterproof.

I have found a place which sells gore-tex type fabric and I am this close =>

Badpoet I see down the thread that you're thinking of the North Face Grace. If you're long waisted, don't. I had one and I thought it was great for a while, but it truly truly is very short-waisted. And it isn't breathable, you really feel it if you get a bit sweaty [ick].

I'm tempted by the crag hopper. Anyone else got any thoughts on it?

accesorize - please come back and report when it arrives! I hope I described it properly. I still love mine!

I'd love reports of the craghopper too as I'm tempted. Thanks

Thanks Unprune, that's good to know (re NF grace) - I can't find stock anywhere though. I don't often get the chance to visit real shops but I did go to a North Face shop and they didn't have it - actually, none of what they did have resembled anything I'd seen of theirs online . I really do need something breathable though.

I might still try and track down a Richmond then. Also, meant to say thank you to ftworkingmummy - I think the Haven would be too warm for my needs but the Amelia might be worth a look. Sorry, I realise I am complicating this thread by looking for an autumn/spring coat when everyone else wants a warm one now

Yes, I'd like to hear what people think of Craghopper too and where you ordered it from. I was just googling for somewhere that does free returns but I've wasted enough time this morning looking at coats already.

I just ordered this as it has a zip out liner which I really need as I get hot walking around.

Off now to tidy up and try on my Richmond again.

Badpoet, just realised I recommended the Merrel Haven, when I meant to say Wakefield! I have a Wakefield and its was great until it started to get cold, as its not insulated, just has a thin lining. Totally waterproof though.

I wish I had bought a warmer jacket instead of that though! Sounds like it would be great for you.

I am going to try look at some of the barbour jackets at the weekend, then I will order a new jacket, as there is supposed to be snow next week!!!!

What do we know about Trespass Malabo? Apols if it's been mentioned earlier? I think this could be the only coat I like that i can afford.

katee, I ordered my craghopper (on it's way) from Marshall Leisure, free delivery over £70 and free returns.