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.

I love this thread now!! I like to research my purchases and it's just got sooo much more interesting.
Having bought online the Merrell Wakefield and Craghooper Haddenbury I was really disappointed to find a huge hole in the pocket of the Craghopper (manufacturing seam).They are also very thin pockets and so I think a pair of keys on a daily basis would go right through... but who knows (only a Craghopper wearer, that's who!)

Laundry - could you help with the Stadium Squall seems fairly waterproof but, any input gratefully received as I wanted waterproof and warm but can't afford the North Face Arctic Parka

I do have warm and also waterproof but wanted to combine the two for the infamous school run.
Oh sod it, I wanted the Didrikson anyway.

Anyone know the length of the Didrikson Isabelle? I'd like something over 100cm and preferably 110cm i.e. longer than the Wakefield and similar to or greater then the Haddenbury.

I'm fussy.

Morag I don't think the Lands End Stadium Squall is waterproof - it says just water resistant and when I was looking through a brochure they sent us the other day, only two of them were actually named as waterproof.

thanks for all the info Laundry. I am not keen on the usual fit of North Face jackets and the reviews for the arctic parka i've read have stated that others have found the problem with being too snug under the arm. despite being like a 'binbag' at least i can layer up and still swing my arms when wearing my berghaus. i had never heard of didrikson so will investigate that option. thanks so much for all the advice

now, i can recommend a good dog coat if your black lab would like one ....

oh dear sorry about the email addy MNHQ.
re: Lands End Stadium Squall - no no no ladies, do not be fooled by pseudo techny sounding words! 'DriOff finish' is nothing but a water resistant coating. I love when they advertise 'completely waterproof' - nothing but solid vessels (glass, plastic...) and non porous materials are 'completely waterproof'. Grrrr.

Soupy - I don't know! midlife crisis?

oh no, meant to make a note of the email addy but now its gone. are you allowed to pm it to me? or did anyone else make a note of it?

BoringSchoolChoice - it's going to be another cold winter this year! The Suzanne looks lush, and if it's not terribly cold just wear less layers.

as we say in Scandiland: 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment'. No need to be cold or wet.

next thread - how to dress your children for the winter. favourite ranty topic.

Dressing children, yes please! I'm only in north of England not Greenland but still dreading December. 4 dc all crying with cold at one point in the snow. Oh dear

Hi Laundry,

Thanks for all the info, making my search for the perfect winter coat much more informed, helped to really narrow down what I'm after.

Would love the NF Suzanne but out of my league budget wise, I think I'll go for the Didriksons Elly, would love it in red but cant see it on any UK website. My question to you is on sizing, I'm a size 10 and wanted to know if this coat is true to size or should I go up or down a size?

I missed your email addy, have searched the net trying to guess your shop but no success!

PS any chance you have it in red?:)

I finally found the shop name which I had also not made a note of - if you google for the key words didriksons scandinavian outdoor clothing shop you should find it cropping up as a google ad on the right hand side (not a brand with "kids" in the title).

Please don't delete me MN, I'm not on commission.

Didriksons is true to size but European, I am a size 12 so 40 for me, that size will not be fitted close to body as it's designed to be worn with layers - a long sleeve plus a fleece for cold days.

As for kids - let's start by putting one very English myth to bed: 'oooh he just doesn't feel the cold'. Little Johnny is not a cyborg, so yes he does. Top tip: H&M.

Night ladies, wishing you warm and toasty dreams x

bobhop - i've now got the shop name. i can pm you if you want

I've been following this thread with a lot of interest but just keep umm-ing and ah-ing between coats. The mega waterproof quality isn't my main requirement because it'll be for school run (house to car, short walk to school) and then from car to work and also shopping. So no hikes or stuff like that (I am a fairweather walker ). I do want to be warm though. If I could go out wrapped in my duck down duvet with an electric blanket liner, I would. In short, I am a wimp.

Would the Craghopper Haddenbury be okay as sadly my budget is limited. I know I won't be as toasty as I want on a limited budget.

Didriksons Elly here- fantastic coat, beautifully cut but be warned-is very warm! Will only need a jersey top underneath it!! The Isabella version is great too-cheaper and only a teeny bit shorter

Chicken, I would really appreciate if you sent me a pm with that shop name. Thank you.
Laundry, Thanks for that info on the sizing.
Jinxediam, Thanks too, have looked at the Isabella online, it has patch style pckets and I'm wondring if that makes it more bulky than the elly.

I tried on both and they arent excessively bulky. Quite fitted and much more shapely than i thought they would be.

bop- see pink's link for the website we are all referring to

insulated coat for £59.99 not waterproof, water resistant but has lots of techy features e.g. wrist gaiters and YKK zip.

a synthetic down vest for £39.99 I don't know the brand but at this price you can't really lose

long down jacket for £60 Karrimor is OK, I'd rate it up from your Craghoppers and Regattas. Not waterproof but if you have a short school run and get caught out in a shower you should be fine

I don't understand why you can't buy this stuff from the supermarkets, I mean who needs endless wool capes when Tesco should be able to produce and sell an ok waterproof insulated coat for £50.

Drowning - thanks very much for your ideas. I'm leaning towards the Karrimor I think.

I've read your posts on this thread and all the help and advice you've given. In short, I think you're ace!

And I loved your comment re endless capes at Tesco.

Sorry, everyone else who's given advice is ace too.

Hi

Any thoughts on this one, its not strictly waterproof although i would imagine its pretty toasty

www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Womens-Barbour-Arctic-Down-Parka.html

Could some kind person please PM me Drowning's website? You really know your coat stuff, Drowning . TIA