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 need this thread.

Bought a quilted brown Landsend coat, I look like caterpillar pupa.

I have the merrell haven linked previously, I live in the far north of Scotland, it is incredibly warm, like an electric blanket and very waterproof. I have done some cold winters up here, and last winter was a really hard one and it made my 2hr-round-trip-walk/wait school run so cosy, my only complaint is I wish it was knee length.

I like Didriksons - I have them for my children and think the styles for women are very good, though I have only looked at them online.

Check out Rainfrog! They're based up in Newcastle (upon tyne)but don't have a shop. It's an online business and they're sometimes on a stall down at the quayside market.Got some gorgeous stuff - v unique. Friend of mine's just got a waterproof jacket from them and they also do ponchos, wellies, raincoats, plastic macs, cagoules etc. Just what you need up here!

sorry - forgot link for rainfrog...rainfrog.co.uk/index.aspx

ooh - discussion of the day...

Oh, look - Mummalish - Didrikson's Thelma here. There's a CCW shop in St Andrews I've never been into - may have to have a nose.

Missyfit I like Rainfrog lots, can you ask your friend to let us know if their waterproof jacket is warm too and worth 80 quid?? great thread, just have to save up now.....d'oh

I love those crazy print coats and the Tamarack coats.
The Northface and Marmot or whatever just look like something you could pick up in New Look and waterproof yourself.
Don't get the whole black coat in Winter thing, it's so drab.

OOh, I've just bought the blue spotty rain coat from rainfrog. What a fantastic thread!!

Not read yet, but just wanted to say THANK YOU Wilf

I need this thread

OOOH FAB THREAD!

I have a school trek, i mean walk involved going across a field and can get quite muddy at winter time, or whenever it rains so i need good wellies as well, had some joules ones but they split! not impressed, have some cheaper ones at the moment but will need some more and a winter coat, but am preg (due nov) so that shall make it more interesting!

now off to have a look at the links...

What a fantastic thread! I have just purcahsed a "Barbour Kate" to help me endure wet and wild North London.

If anyone likes Barbour stuff but finds their full prices kinda terrifying, if you can get there the Jarrow shop has absolutely huge discounts, so they're cheaper than the "other people's waxed jackets what look like Barbours". It is a very certain sort of look though! Kept me going through the Polish winter, so am a fan...

Can I add to the list of requirements:

And must be available in a size which accommodates enormous tits and some back-fat? People above a size 14 need these things, too!

Thanks for all this info. Really useful. I will be joining the school gate mafia this September and was hoping to wow them with my sophistication! My Jack-in-a-Pac was just not going to cut it out there. Keep the ideas coming! Sorry I have none to add yet, but I will be looking.

With a similar issue I bought a gorgeous 'shower-proof' coat from Hobbs last year-flattering and properly grown up - not like a water proof at all.

Completely water proofed with wonder-stuff in a bottle called Nik Wax from the local outdoor shop. It goes in the washing machine so no nasty spraying and patches. Water proof anything apparentely. Wonder if it works on dogs?!

Now dry and at last I don't feel mumsy whatever I look like!

oooh and for wellies, go to TK Maxx, as they currently have loads of Hunter wellies in all styles, mine were plain black knee high £15. I love a bargain.

WoodRose, I like the Barbour Kate just as a jacket but it's not going to cover my bottom.

2nd TKMax for Barbour wellies if you can find your size

Hatcam & DinahRod - Thanks for the TK Maxx tip. My ancient Hunters are ready for the bin. Wish I had known about the Jarrow shop. We were in Durham last weekend visiting the DH's parents. At least I know for next time..

after years of hankering i bought a barbour (belted, brown) last winter and really loved it mostly because it looks smart with smart stuff,rought with home clothes stuff etc. but it was pricey. that said my husband has been wearing the same barbour for 10 years so thats £20 a year if you rekcon on an initial £200 quid outlay.

i hasten to add they are not matching. and we never ever wear them together (much).

and also i am not your posh horsey type.

You see, all you lurking marketers for big retailers: big market here. What do we want? Bum-covering waterproof coats. When do we want them? Now!

Well. Probably early September actually....

amidaiwish Love that coat - where in covent garden did you get it?

Loving this thread Wilf...thank you.

Like the espresso coloured merrell wakefield and found this too
www.tauntonleisure.com/merrell-ava-insulated-jacket-womens/p5529

And it's in the sale!

Sadly, though, as a short-arse, the tie around the waist will make me look distictly heffer-like.

I am going to have my dinner and ponder on the wakefield.

HerHonesty - I am also justifying my extravagence on the basis that it is "investment" clothing. I have been hankering after a Barbour for these past few years, but have always balked at the price and bought something cheap instead. My justification now is that I have a new Springer Spaniel who seems to be hell bent on dragging me through every sodding bramble and holly bush in North London. I need armour as well as wet weather protection!

Has anyone got the Merrell Wakefield? Would it be warm enough to be classified as a 'winter coat'?