North Face Juneau or Merrell Haven

[RichTeaAreCrap]

I am looking for a warm winter coat and like the look of both of these. Today I tried on the North Face Juneau and really liked it.

I've also seen the Merrell Haven online but haven't actually been able to find one in a shop to try on yet.

I'd prefer to buy the Haven because its almost £200 cheaper than the North Face one but am not sure how they compare. I don't want to buy it if it isnt right, and will spend the extra if I have to because I am fed up of not having a decent winter coat. I am tall (almost 6ft) so need to know if the sleeves are long enough for me on both. They were 'just' long enough on the North Face but no idea on the Merrell.

Has anyone got either of these coats and can you tell me what you like/dislike about them and also if the sleeves are long!

I love my Haven. It's so warm and it keeps me completely dry. I wore it today and got three compliments on how lovely it is. The sleeves are very long on me but I guess the only way to tell if it'll be ok for you is if you try it. I got mine from Go Outdoors for about £70.

Thanks Sneezy. I know I really need to go and try it on to see if I like it. £70? I havent seen it anywhere at that price, what a bargain. It looks lovely online.

I have the Haven II - not entirely sure what the difference is between that and the normal Haven but mine was £135. I LOVE it!!! Best coat I've ever bought. I really feel the cold but even in minus temperatures I am actually not shivering! I'd buy one in every colour if I could!

You can read reviews of the haven on Merrell web site, think people comment and give their height and sometimes weight (American site I think) but worth looking at.

I tried on both in blacks. The merrell looked very frumpy on me ( I'm not ) and the Juneau did not look like a £300 coat . My search contines, I would go and try them . Sizes were odd too . ( Extra small in one but small in the other )

The North Face one came up a bit big on me, I had to go a size down. It is expensive but I am telling myself it will last years - who am I kidding that I won't buy another coat for years!

Everyone who has the Haven tells me they love it. I think I need to find somewhere that stocks it at weekend and go and try it. I dont want it to look frumpy though!

What about sleeve lengths - are any of you tall with stupid long arms? Or is that just me

I have the haven, I wouldn't say I look frumpy in it but it is not uber-cool/cutting edge style, more country walks casual, it works brilliantly for the money, and as for not buying a new coat for years, my Haven is at least three years old now, so well worth it considering the length of Scottish winters.

I am very short though, so that makes it very good for me, comes just above my knee, the sleeves are long, but I am 5ft.

I wouldn't say the Haven is frumpy either (I'm 29 so I hope not)! Maybe it depends on the colour? Mine is a khaki color (cinder I think).