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.

Just bumping this back up because there are loads of good links on here

thanks so much for bumping this thread!

i was thinking about it the other day and racking my brains trying to think of the name of the coat that everyone was raving about as i thought best to save some money now to invest in a decent waterproof this year.

would love to hear some feedback!

Drool

This is a great thread. I'd love to know how you all faired with you coat buys. Did they do the job you expected? It sometimes seems a toss up between looking like a drowned dowdy rat or boiling in a brightly coloured synthetic bag.

Remember the Berghaus ones being trialled by MNetters? The Richmond is 1/2 price at Field and Trek along with a solitary Wakefield (size 8).

I bought a (third) wakefield as it was on offer I think sports direct in black and having lost all my baby weight I had plum in large, thermal one in medium and now black in small. The most waterproof coat I have ever had, has been fab fab fab. I have also seen they now make the same coat but in like a very thin/light shell so perfect for our so called summer and I will be getting one for next spring!!

Just been in to this great shop in our town for kids clothes and the owner told me that they will be stocking Didriksons ladies coats/ jackets this autumn. They've got a fab range of children's outdoor clothing from Didriksons and if you're quick, their sale is still on although it's going fast.

We got our 2 kitted out for last winter there, just after they opened and I have to say the winter jackets and salopettes worked brilliantly and a change from the dull norm or other over-priced "brands". Looking forward to seeing what they get for the mums!

Lol at Carrielou having 3 of the same coat for her fat, medium and thin wardrobe

Been there done that...

I still love my merrell wakefield and would definetly recommend it!

becausewecan-the wakefield really keeps you dry but did not wear it in the middle of all the freezing temps and snow last winter. I purchased a Merrell Isadore which is just the warmest coat in the world - you would never ever be cold again. Totally waterproof also.
Think I will be investing in a north face arctic parka this year because I have gained too much weight for my Isadore!

What an absolutely bloody brilliant thread. Right up my street. I have a pushchair to push and try and walk everywhere in a bit to fight the flab.

Are any of you ladies petite? I am 5 foot 1 inch, and have short arms (and short everything else too). The sleeves on standard size coats seem to drench me, so usually I get things shortened - the ladies in the local alterations shop are now my good friends! Is shortening sleeves possible on any of these coats please? Willing to pay £££ for the elusive waterproof, ultra warm (very important, that) and flattering winter coat.

I am 4ft 10ins and the Merrel Haven in the xs fits me perfect sleeves the lot :) I normally wear size 6 clothes if that helps you

I got the best coat ever from Lands End (sorry I couldn't get the link to work). They have some brilliant bargains in their Clearance section. While I can't comment on the petit range, I can definitely recommend the Plus sizes, everything fits! And because it's American sizing you think you are a size smaller than you actually are!

Just stumbled across this thread (not even a mumsnet member until just now) and have totally loved reading everything here. As a result, have just ordered 2 (yes) plum Wakefields from Taunton Leisure (in the sale) - an S and an M - and really wish they would arrive right now as it's chucking it down here and doesn't look like it'll stop any time soon.

Found this thread last night when browsing for a new coat spent most of the night reading all the reviews. Was very tempted with the popular Wakefield but as being from North of the border need something that will be warmer in the colder months. Have just ordered the Elly Didriksons Parka, waterproof, longish, warm and hopefully not too frumpy and not as pricey as North face. Will keep you posted if it is a success.
www.ccwclothing.com/shop/elly-women-parka/

I bought a Merrell Haven in grey. It is extremely warm, but the sleeves aren't as long as I'd like - but I am 6 feet tall with long arms. The length of the coat is good, and it covers my bottom. There is a zip as well as toggles, but the toggles do tend to fall undone - not really a problem. The hood is a bit too stiff and tends to sit behind the collar of the coat in a not terribly nice way, and the collar itself is quite thick and elasticated.

A word of warning for anyone buying from Field and Trek - they won't accept returns if you just change your mind - you have to have a credit note or choose another item. I bought the Haven then took it back as they claimed to have the Berghaus Richmond, but it was in fact the very thin waterproof one not the insulated one that was in the MN trial.

I had no choice really but to have the Haven or lost £84 on a credit note from F&T that I'd not use. I would have preferred the insulated Richmond but couldn't findone to try on anywhere.

Just bumping for all us drowned rats on the school run today. I need to sort this out this year.

I see that there is an insulated Merrell Wakefield in Red and also Navy available in the US. I wonder if they will be coming over here.........

Red one is nice

If anyone sees any of the dark mulberry coloured North Face Arctic Parkas in any shops or available on line will they please let me know. I HAVE to have one this year! I also have a georgous Merrell Isadore that no longer fits if anyone is interested - size 12, black, fitted, padded and warmest winter coat ever!

happygiraffe Thank you so much for the Taunton Leisure info. I have just ordered a Wakefield for just a shade under £84 - bargain! I am chuffed to bits

Field & Trek have the Merrell Urbaine for £98 but thanks to teddies I'd be a bit more cautious about ordering from them now.

Sorry to cause confusion - I meant they will not offer a refund if you change your mind - in the shop, not online. That is what happened to me, I bought the Haven, decided it was too small in the arms, took it back, got a credit note. Then I bought the Richmond from the website because I wrote to customer services saying I didn't think they had displayed the T&C about no refunds if you change your mind properly in the shop, they agreed to let me return the Haven in the shop for a refund if I bought (and kept) the Richmond, but the Richmond they stocked was the uninsulated one, so I sent that back, and then had the credit note still for the shop, so eventually re-bought the Haven.

Yes, I thought it was pretty shoddy, and a long way off what most shops do. Then I discovered that Field and Trek is no longer the specialist outdoorsy place that it used to be and is in fact owned by Sports Direct, and let's just saw that made sense.

The Haven is great, it's me that's the issue!