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.

Land's End - waterproof, slightly insulated and reduced (but not incredibly exciting). However, does it need to be in a torrential downpour. I favour functionality over style, but only just.

I quite like it in the pale plaid:

www.landsend.co.uk/pp/StylePage-393070_FH.html?CM_MERCH=REC--FPPP--GGT--3--393070-_-394660

Seriously, is there anything under £100 here? I've been through most of the links and apart from a small Wakefield in plum for £80 from the Taunton place, I just can't do it. I need a coat that will keep me warm and dry and is vaguely shapely and has a hood and covers my bum but which isn't a horrible colour and isn't so expensive.

I nearly bought the pale plaid last year.
No one else will have the same - good or bad;)

PorkChop, I got a Craghopper Haddenbury for £65 & it was great, fits all your requirements. Unfortunately, it didn't fasten up over my boobs or I would have kept it! Also bear in mind that much of this discussion took place in December 2010 and prices are much reduced now if you keep a lookout.

Pork Chop, I may be going mad with looking but I quite like this, and will buy if still in stock on payday:

www.landsend.co.uk/pp/Stamford-Belted-Coat~12713_59.html?bcc=y&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000022&origin=index

So after reading this thread have bought a merrell haven from sheactive. On sale at £70. Despite the argument with dh about another coat, it is lush. Can't wait until winter. But quick question, am size 12 and bought a 14. Is still quite fitted. Does anyone know if uniqlo are doing their heat tech tops again this winter as I think I will need thin layers rather than big jumper iyswim.

I wore thin long sleeved tshirt and lightwieght jumpers under mine and was always very warm even in December when it was 20-

Definitely only need one layer - possibly two including vest otherwise you will melt if you are going in and out of shops. I went out in my Haven and thought I was going to expire, on one of the really cold days, because the heatign in shops was up so high or so it felt, the difference between inside and out was huge. Note to self - undo coat inside shops. it is quite a bulky coat so not easy to carry over your arm.

Have a question re the Haven- I'm usually a size 16 but have large bust- do you think I should go for the 18? Thinking about what Chablis said about her sizing up...

Hackney - can you try one on before you buy? if not I would go for a size up, it is quite a snug fit style regardless of norkage.

My Danefae arrived today - and I am actually delighted that it is bucketing down so I can test it out. So far, it looks and fits fab - LOVE IT. Wish it had internal cuffs to keep out the cold wind but otherwise, it looks and feels fantastic. Great service too - I emailed them with a couple of queries about size etc - they were very helpful and I ordered it on thursday and it arrived from Denmark today (Tuesday).

Trying to find a Merrell at a good price at the mo but need a 16 really. For any smaller ladies found them at £70 sheactive.co.uk/item_detail.html?&itemno=8139&type=sport&group=7

Haven in AW11

Has anyone bought the Ladies North face Arctic Parka in eggplant purple this winter. I am gutted that my 2 local shops that sell these parkas are only stocking them in black and brown. I really fancy a change from the dark colours but wondered how purple the purple is. The only place I can find selling them are The North Face website and Outdoor kit online where you can not see the colours properly. Also, at £275 they have shot up in price!!!

Thought I'd let you all know - not sure what sizes are available but there is someone selling the insulated Merrell Wakefield coats on ebay - slightly cheaper than the shop on the beach......

AngryFeet - I saw some reduced Wakefields in a size 16 instore in the Cotswold Outdoor in Cambridge this weekend - it might be worth calling round a few stores and seeing if they've got any stock.

Claret- which Danefae coat did you go for? And how much was the P&P from Denmark to the UK?

I've been going through this thread checking the links as I am looking for something for on my bike.

I just have to post this ....stange hood

It would solve the 'need to push buggy, but no hands free for a brolly'

Sorry that should of read STRANGE hood and there should be many at the end

Has anyone seen the Merrell Haven or Wakefield on offer? Some of the links on this page have good offers (one of them was the Haven for £70) but not in my size.

I tried on the Wakefield yesterday and liked it. A very slim fit but very slimming too.

what size do you want mud ?

Extra large . They come up really small and I have wide shoulders.

just seen the size 8 Merrell Wakefield here for anyone tiny out there

sorry, meant to say Wakefield, size 8 for £95

and Merrell Wakefield size 8 for £70 on Amazon