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Original poster

Are down coats worth it ?

36 replies

kerstina · 09/01/2014 13:01

I am looking for a really warm coat for dog walking. Are down coats really any warmer than just padded poly ones? I like the look of uniqlo ones but they are expensive and can't find any other cheaper ones online apart from a vero mods one on amazon which i think has been labelled wrongly.

OP posts:
dizhin79 · 09/01/2014 13:07

yes yes yes. keep an eye out in places like sports direct I got a down gilet (karrimor) for £25 instead of £75 is like a super heated sleeping bag and yes I always wear mine for dog walking Grin

greenhill · 09/01/2014 13:22

Yes, they are brilliant, as dizhin says look out for Sport Direct bargains. The local shop is always full of bargains and their website looks good too.

ShanghaiDiva · 09/01/2014 13:27

Yes, I bought an esprit one 8 years ago and still super toasty.

Lamu · 09/01/2014 13:32

Absolutely worth their weight in gold IMHO. I really feel the cold and I swear by mine. I bought a really thick knee lenght one last winter and this autumn bought a lighter one. Less bulk but just as warm.

lalamumto3 · 09/01/2014 13:33

I love mine, got it for school run as hate being cold.

Drami · 09/01/2014 13:35

Yes. I am always cold so bought a colombia down coat from Cotswold co. It is very warm, sometimes I am too hot in it, unheard for me Shock

HavingAnOffDAy · 09/01/2014 13:43

Yes, but make sure you get a waterproof one.

I love mine, but it's not waterproof, so is utterly useless in anything other than very light rain, for more than a few minutes... [feels another coat purchase coming on]

WhatWouldCaitlinDo · 09/01/2014 16:40

I wouldn't get a down coat - the Didrikssons coats (cotswolds and other places online) are much cosier and waterproof. I have the Taylor and I love it.

dontcallmemam · 09/01/2014 16:45

Ive got an old Boden one. It's warm as toast and thanks to MN I've washed it and tumble dried it (with tennis balls0 rather than paid ££ for dry cleaning.

HappyGirlNow · 09/01/2014 17:16

Isn't down production being acknowledged as very cruel? Sorry, just off the back of the angora scandals I've been hearing that down production is about as bad. It's made me think twice about the down coats I do have..

AgathaF · 09/01/2014 17:29

Down production is cruel. The feathers are pulled from the birds whilst they are alive, causing great pain and distress. The birds are then left to grow the feather again, when the whole process is repeated.

Original poster
kerstina · 09/01/2014 18:05

Oh no I did not know that! I just had read that it was a by product. I definitely would not want to support that. Back to square one thanks for all your replies though really appreciate them.

OP posts:
FoxyHarlow123 · 09/01/2014 19:36

I too would love a down coat (and duvet) but would never buy due to welfare issues. Would love an alternative but not sure there's any comparison.

sleepdodger · 09/01/2014 22:54

Down faaaaaaaaar worse than angora yes...

OhTheDrama · 10/01/2014 07:39

I have the gap one that I got 30% off, never been so cosy in all my life!

Trofast · 10/01/2014 07:43

There are ethical down coats including I think marks and spencer, marmot who do waterproof ones too and a few others.

VivaLeBeaver · 10/01/2014 07:45

I got one for dog walking from Mountain Eqipment for £60, its very warm.

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 10/01/2014 07:47

Patagonia do ethical down coats

There are a few companies I agree

My mum lives in a country somewhat colder than here and also spent time in Finland and she swears by her down coat. In fact she often gets too hot over here. You may find that the case when waking the dog, or it may just be me who is horribly unfit and gets sweltering quickly.

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 10/01/2014 07:53

Or walking

Mountain equipment that viva mentioned was the ones I was trying to think of
www.thedownproject.me.uk

Original poster
kerstina · 10/01/2014 08:54

OK thanks I was trying to find out if there were any ethical ones I will look into those thanks. If debenhams would have let me paid with my gift cards (i had more than 2) i would have ordered a tog 24 thermal coat last night. Sounded warm and not down.

OP posts:
AmberNectarine · 10/01/2014 09:16

I've got a Barbour which uses a synthetic alternative. Was quite pricey but I'm glad no birdies were hurt.

wokeupwithasmile · 10/01/2014 20:44

Sorry, it might be a stupid thing, but I have a very woolly coat (Hobbs, bought at Bicester for a pittance), and I realised today while taking my baby out for a walk that it is incredibly warm and cozy. It is long as well, so in the end I go out feeling like I am wrapped in a really thick blanket. Would you be able to find something like that as an alternative?
Agree with the animal issue re 'down anything'. There are horrible videos on Youtube that show what those animals have to endure. Never, ever, ever again now that I know.

EeyoreIsh · 10/01/2014 20:48

I borrowed a friend's down coat a while ago, it was unbelievably warm. I've been wanting one ever since, but they are £££.

binger · 10/01/2014 20:49

I have a long, waterproof down coat from Trespass. They always have sales on, I think mine was reduced from £125 to £60.

I always feel the cold but dog walking in this is cozy, in fact I'm sometimes sweating unless I only wear one item underneath.

sleepdodger · 10/01/2014 21:26

There were ethical angora companies too but even they pulled after public pressure
The reality is down is often from ducks not stunned prior to plucking

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