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.

My link has been deleted too . MNHQ - the OP was in no way trying to advertised her website like some people try to on here - we were asking her for details as she is so knowledgeable and has been so helpful.

I love this site and use it whenever the opportunity presents itself. It can take a while to load.

Most of the coats/jackets that drowning was commenting on, or recommending are not even sold in her shop so

I contacted her directly through her website yesterday as I was interested in the children's coats she sells on her website. Even then she told me to go to H&M!

There are going to be a lot of cold and wet mums and children this winter ... and it'll all be MNHQ's fault!

oh for god's sake, will I be able to post on here if I get abusive about disabled single mothers or something as these posts don't get censored? I don't really get what the beef is about MNHQ - but I guess when a parenting website becomes a bona fide media business you gotta try to protect your commissions... Just pm me people if you want technical advice on coats and other outdoor clothing or to check if something is/isn't waterproof.

The choice in this country is so abysmally poor, mostly because UK brands (Berghaus, Montane etc) are run by men for men, and I mean for nerdy bushcrafty types. Most Northern American and Scandinavian brands have alongside their hardcore outdoor lines a casual 'urban outdoor' range - however the winter stuff is designed for dry cold winters which they get in Northern America and Scandiland, so most of the products rarely work here, and it takes a lot of digging to find something suitable for the UK climate. It's also my pet peeve that high street doesn't do anything suitable that is affordable for all, in Scandinavia and Canada you can buy decent outdoor stuff from the supermarkets.

That Barbour arctic parka is sooooo gorgeous.... and 80% down so it's warm as anything without being heavy. The thing with down, as opposed to synthetic insulation (like Primaloft in that Helly Hansen coat) is that if it gets wet it loses its loft = collapses and every time it gets wet the quality deteriorates. So in the UK it should be reserved for dry days or the very cold days only when any precipitation is likely to come down as snow - if ground temp is +3 air temp will be below zero. Depends where you live as well, I'm in Devon and it bloody rains all the time here.

Oh dear, this thread is confusing me! I've ordered the aigle cuckmere but I'm now wondering if it's such a good choice. I already have a merrell wakefield which is great for wet days but need a really warm coat. However, the cuckmere isn't waterproof and I'm now wondering if I'd be better off ordering a warm waterproof coat. I like the NF parka but don't like any of the colours it comes in (shallow I know!)

drowning I'd really appreciate any advice you have, I want something a similar length to the wakefield which I think is 100cm. I live in London so I'm not going hardcore hiking, just the school run, trips to the park etc. I can't seem to find any info online about the length of the didriksons coats.

Wakefield is approx 91cm/36inches if that helps. 100cm coats are more difficult to find.

Hi Folks
I bought the Didrikson elly parker and really pleased with it. It is a 'technical' jacket but it is fitted and doesn't make you look like a bag of spuds either. It has cuffs which will keep you toasty, and in the depths of winter space for a wee fleece if needed. I have tested it in the recent wet and wild weather we have in bonny scotland and it is fab. Completely waterproof and a hood which stays up in the wind. I think this will be a good buy and I am not on commission. I paid £150 but have seen it recently down to £132. So far so good.

yep reallygrumpy, see my comments about the barbour down parka above. The Aigle cuckmere down filling is slightly inferior quality 70/30 vs 80/20 but it's a similar down jacket, so if you get it wet, it'll eventually stop working. But it's a lovely coat though, I'm on a market for a fashion coat and might go for that ( that would be the extent of 'fashion' for me!).

so if you want warm AND waterproof AND long, the choices are really limited. It's the Helly Hansen jacket someone linked to earlier, or the North Face insulated jackets with HyVent (Arctic Parka, Brooklyn or the Suzanne), or Didrikson Elly, Isabelle, Celeste or Crystal.

I'm at a trade show today seeing lots of outdoor manufacturers so I will go and demand warm waterproof stylish bum covering coats for next winter. Don't worry ladies, I'm on it

I think this is the HH you mean Laundry.

Where's the sodding rain? Typical - got the coat and the sun's come out

seriously expensive - but then you would be wearing it forever - Paramo.
I have not tried their coats but have had one of their fleeces forever which I wear all year as a jacket and winter coat as it is windproof and waterproof for up to 6 hours - only downside is the fleece unlike their coats does not have a hood.

For those of you who are a bit more budget conscious I just found this one and am thinking of getting one in black www.trekwear.co.uk/s/trespass-ladies-ladna-winter-jacket/24645/Product.aspx. Good reviews from the ones I have found.

Karrimor long down coat arrived today. I'm 5'11 and it's a great length. Sleeves could be a tiny bit longer but they're fine. Now just need some cold weather - but there's no rush!

Slightly off track. I'm thinking of buying dd the Didriksons Camden to wear to school and keep warm if we have snow this year.

Does anyone know if its ok?

Hi 1hazelnut or any others, can you tell me how long the didrikson's Elly is? Can't see that info anywhere and as I'm a little bit short I don't want to buy a jacket that comes down to knee length or below! Even just your height and where it comes to on you would be great. Thanks! :)

October -The Elly is 92cm front and 94 cm from hood to bottom at the back (courtesy of hazlenut). This would just make it knee length on me and I'm the same height as you.

I have just bought the Merrell Urbaine (recommended a few pages ago) and it is absolutely fabulous! RRP 150 but this website is selling them for 69.99. www.gaynors.co.uk

Thanks also ordered one cant wait for it to come very cold here today - wearing a waist length sheep skin coat so bum is freezing lol.

Now I have had chance to test out my Dane Fae I'm happy to report I love it. It isn't bulky and heavy, and the length is great (it sits a bit below my knees, and the shape of the hood is really clever (kind of has a visor like shape at the front). I have 2 main gripes though 1) the arms are wide and it doesn't have internal cuffs so I expect the wind/rain may blow up there in relaly bad weather; 2) i got the bright red - but it seems to attract the dirt very easily and some initail marks don't seem to have come out in the wash. I am not sure just how warm it will be when we get the relaly cold weather, but the size I ahve will allow for me to ahve several layers/ a chunky jumper underneath if need be (I'm a 14 and ordered a large which is just right). But, I still love it. I wore it shopping yesterday and I had so many comments about how fabulous it is from strangers - and that it is so nice to have a bright red coat on an otherwise dull and dismal day. It did cost over £200 including dleivery (which my partner rmeinds me of when I moan about the rain) - but I'm happy with my choice!

Hi everyone,

Just received my Didrikson's Elly woman jacket. It looks so toasty, but it's huge!
I ordered a 38, size 12 - but it seems so roomy... I suppose if I wear a top and jumper or cardigan underneath it will be okay, but I'm wondering whether I'd be sweltering if I wear a top, jumper and coat together. Anyone have any experience of this coat?

The site I have ordered from at £131.99 has only got sizes 16, 18, 20 left.

Reporting back on the Helly Hansen. It is very very warm. Too warm for this time of year, so I don't think it will be much use until proper winter sets in. If anything, it is a bit too warm as it limits the months I can use it. Happy otherwise though light and roomy.

Hi,
In an attempt to avoid the ubiquitous North Face winter parka, I recently ordered a Merrell Isadore in black and unfortunately it's going back. It ticks all the boxes in terms of performance (although the zips stick) and it's got super low-key branding. However - although it draws in at the waist - it just doesn't cut it in the looks stakes. I like a structured look, but the Merrell kind of collapses at the collar and ends up looking a bit like a tailored bin bag. In desperation I ordered the North Face Triple C yesterday and it has just arrived - and it's gorgeous! It's not as technical as the Merrell, which closes all the way to the bottom and has lovely fleecey bits, (if I had the cash I'd keep both) but I'll be wearing it for pushing prams and walks in the woods and parks - not on an expedition. The graphite grey is just lovely and the size small (I am a 5ft 6, size 10-12 36DD) is just perfect and actually more slimming than the Merrell. I ordered it from Gaynors at 14:45 yesterday and it arrived at 10:45 this morning. Great service and a good discount on this and the coat I ordered for my husband. Just waiting for the promised chill to arrive now...

Cheeky I know, but is anyone interested in a Merrell Haven undyed size L, I bought it a month ago, unworn ( hung in wardrobe due to heatwave) tags still on.. £50? im gutted but Ive lost weight and it is now too big.

I've just posted my Merrell Ava ( insulated, similar to the wakefield ) on the for sale forum, if anyone would care to take a peek. It's seen me faithfully through two winters, and I'm only selling it because I'm bored of the colour, fickle me.

this is such a great thread! The HH looks fantastic and I don't mind about the warmth as I need something for watching matches in so it may just be perfect!