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.

That makes sense.
I just bought some sportswear from SportsDirect and asked about the policy before buying an expensive rugby shirt. Exchanges are difficult when you have a non-shopping partner!

My Wakefield from Taunton is lovely, if snug (I got a M and I'm a 10/12). It's not warm and no room for layers so I'm a bit as to whether it's a keeper.

I am about to start the Great Quest for an autumn coat after realising yesterday that I was the only person at Waterloo station who looked like they were going off hiking.

year2mum - Outdoor kit have the eggplant arctic parka but it is £275. They also have a new one called the Brooklyn. I've ordered from them before many times and they are good about returns etc. They are sometimes a little cheaper than other places but with the NF parka it's a good idea to buy when you see it.
Last year people found it cheaper from a couple of stores if you check back on the huge thread but I can't remember where.

I tried on a friend's medium merrell wakefield and was suprised how small it was. I am a 14 but petite and small shouldered so normally size down for coats.

Allweathers- that was where the NF parka was a bit cheaper I think. Maybe wait until everyone has their new stock in as it seems only Outdoor kit have the new stuff at the mo.

I would say so LITR.

Any experience of Aigle? I like some of these:

www.aigleboots.co.uk/acatalog/Aigle_Womens_Clothing.html

I have a small brown Merrell Ava, which is amazing, so warm and waterproof. I think it's very similar to the Wakefield, yes? Only with more padding. Anyhow, I've worn it for a couple of winters, it's still in good condition, but I'm a bit bored of the colour. So fancy doing a sale or swap, if anyone's up for it? I dunno if I'm allowed to say that here. Please delete if not! I'm looking for a black Merrell Wakefield if swapping.

Was going to go and try on a couple of the Merrell coats to get an idea of size but none of the Scottish stores have any, Newcastle is the nearest . Even Tiso don't seem to have any.

Lady - Yes, I would say a L for a 12-14 in Merrell Wakefield.

www.outdoormania.co.uk/Item-6-84-cat-0-brand-1360-Merrell_Wakefield_Overcoat.aspx

Large (I assume) available for £119 here but no idea about the website/ shop.

does anywhere actually sell merrell coats in shops? I hate mail order clothing - I like to try things on in the shop.

Go outdoors have them you can check stores on line

thank you :)

moragbellingham - thanks for that. Looks like the hunt is on for the cheapest North Face Parka - £275 in so pricey - I am sure they were £240ish last year!

Taunton Leisure still have all sizes of plum Wakefields at £84 - thanks happygiraffe

Can't remember if I mentioned it on this thread last winter but my Haven was NOT fully waterproof - got caught in a heavy rainstorm and it seeped in at the elbow seams. It IS super toasty and stylish though so I have kept it.

MegBusset mines totally waterproof and I was in many downpours on route to school :)

They've not had Large any time I've looked on the website Morag?

go outdoors was a bust :( they had one merrell wakefield - medium in plum. I didnt like the colour and the medium was rather drowning.

I quite liked the bright green short northface resolve but then got muddled as to whether it was a short lightweight rain jacket I wanted (which would have been handy this week) or a long one for the autumn

so, I don't know now! by the time I decide it will be spring again...

I wonder if they are discontinuing the wakefield? I can't find it on the merrell website but the urbaine looks similar?

The urbaine is in no way padded or warm (unless your running around in it in August) - it's just a thin raincoat, nice, but just something to keep the rain off. I got mine for £70.

hmm, ok. back to the drawing board then!

Oh no bee - I did check straight before I posted to make sure, but it was 10 of everything else and only 1 large!

They must have found one! TBH I may need to start a rival thread focusing on budget styles . I did notice the Berghaus Richmond for £70 but it's not the insulated one, so probably similar to the Merrell Urbaine which I prefer the look of.