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.

What about macinasac.com? They've been selling in my local school shop for years and I found out recently that they are selling directly online. Their Sorrento Jacket is on my 'to buy list' :

www.macinasac.com/target-dry-sorrento-jacket

I have A Craghoppers Haddenbury I adore it and know I will be warm and snug all winter long. I am thinking of buying a purple one as well

Huge thanks PorkChop - have just ordered the Merrell Haven you linked to in White (Undyed) for £59.99 with free delivery. I think it's stunning in white and will more than replace a very dodgy M&S cream parka I bought last year and want to eBay . Just hope that it's not too big as had to order in L rather than M. Mind you I'm a good size 12 and 5'9" tall so can go bigger in coats.

Not the most glamorous coat but I have nothing but good things to say about the the Lands End Stadium Squall V warm, waterproof, rainproof, windproof and not as bulky as many others seem to be. It comes in a shorter version too.

In recent weeks I have tried on the NF Artic Parka and the Barbour down parka, but they are too bulky for me, at 5'3" I need to be careful about bulkiness!

I haven't read any previous pages - but has any one any experience of the Jack Murphy coat? £50 off Trekwear - looks nice??

oooh - has anyone tried these?

Oh, just realised the nice ones are 'tin cloth' what ever that is

I saw the sea salt ones half price in summer (2011 colours) and was tempted. The tin cloth feels as (in)flexible as oil cloth and I think is very similar to the Boden rainyday mac fabric.

Jack Murphy - practical length for keeping all of the legs dry but does it look remotely nice (and do you care)? Has rave reviews on Amazon though. I can't see the point in having sopping wet jeans but a dry top half sometimes.

Earthy and LadyintheRadiator -- do the Haddenbury coats come up large for size? Purple sold out in 12 and wondering whether to try sizing up or down!

and are the Haddenbury coats quite fitted? I can't find a photo of it being worn, and struggle to imagine its shape...

Haddenbury wearers - Is the hood a little flimsy or does it stand up to a bit of a gale?

I just wondered - as it is said to roll away into the neck pouch but looks as if it is quilted and fairly substantial in the the pics

Great thanks Lady, the peak bit is what I was after.

I thought it was a bit pointless to have a full length coat and then make the hood a bit weak cos you are going to wear it in the rain. I don't have the luxury of being able to hold an umbrella these days

Haven arrived today. Too big . I tried on the large Wakefield in a shop and it was too tight across the back, so I got the bigger size up in the Haven.

Blendedshop also use a nightmare delivery service that turn up out of the blue and if you are not at home, will not leave with a neighbour. You are then expected to stay in for days until it arrives!

Has anyone ordered the aigle cuckmere? It's got a waiting list at the moment (new for 2011) but is 250 quid so dont want to bother if it ain't worth the money.

Looks lovely in the pics. www.aigleboots.co.uk/acatalog/Aigle_Cuckmere_Coat.html

OOH! The aigle looks lovely curlyhairedassasin. Don't tempt me - just received my north face arctic parka in eggplant purple today and is lovely!

don't tempt me either Curly - that is a lovely coat. As is the North Face Arctic Parka - grrr, these nice coats are so flippin' expensive!

And why is there such a huge wait on the Boden Rainyday coat? Mostly 8-10 weeks except a very few sizes/colours where the wait is 4 weeks. Crazy - did no-one tell them winter was coming?

My Haven arrived on Monday and I'm very sad to say it's being returned. Loved the colour (undyed), loved the style but the size Large was too big, especially round the bum. Merrell website says Large size is for UK 16-18 but some online retailers are saying Large is UK 14. Either way, still to big. Have found a Charcoal Haven in size Medium and have ordered from GearForGirls for £118 and am awaiting its arrival. Thought the Haven from Taunton Leisure at 59.99 was too much of a bargain .

Oh no no no I have no idea how (my DH probably blocked it from coming up on the web for me to see) but until this eve Id not spotted the North Face Arctic Parka. It is exactly what I need. Eek. However, although a pricey item, it looks so pretty ....!
www.gearforgirls.co.uk/north-face-arctic-parka/

Well so far I like the aigle one and the north face arctic parka but I think they are just too expensive. Can't justify the cost. :(

Go for it chicinwellies - the North Face parka really is lovely!