Waterproof Parka needed....

[Maomoo]

Wise women of S&B....after getting soaked while walking yesterday I have decides I need a waterproof parka that can be worn as we go into Autumn and through the winter. I've never owned one before and have no idea where to start! Anyone bought a fab one recently that you'd recommend?

I have this...

www.gooutdoors.co.uk/craghoppers-madigan-long-waterproof-jacket-womens-p282710

It's not pretty, but it bloody works!
It saw me through a VERY wet February week in disneyland Paris, and was wind proof too.
It's very comfortable, has lots if big pockets, and the neck is lined I a really soft fabric, so you don't need to wear a scarf just to stop it rubbing (or is that just me??!)

It's nice and long, and I got it for a really good price because another online retailer had it cheaper and go outdoors beat the cheaper price by 10%.

I had that Regatta parka last year, it fell apart after not much wear. Shame as it looked nice, just wasn't very well made.

Despite the warning, the price is too good on that Regatta Hema. What is the sizing like?

Sorry. Just saw comment upthread.

I vote Merrell, two shitty with terms doing school run and it still looks great and top 3/4 is dry as a bone and toasty warm!

I find my Merrill Wakefield nice and warm and waterproof, I took it to Iceland on holiday in March and it kept me lovely and warm and dry. I also chose this as the sleeves are nice and long which is also something to consider when buying if you are tall/short.

Also there are 2 styles of coat, insulated and uninsulated, this blog tells you a bit about them.

www.schoolgatestyle.com/2012/09/rainy-days-mondays.html

Another vote for Seasalt here. I have one with an internal waist drawstring, so it does not look too boxy either.

I vote Merrell, two shitty with terms doing school run and it still looks great and top 3/4 is dry as a bone and toasty warm!

Right I'm getting a merrell I think. I'm
Going to try some on

You can get insulated or non-insulated Merrell Wakefields (I assume the Ellenwood is similar?).

I have a non-insulated wakefield and it's fine in winter if you tend to wear lots of layers anyway. It's perfect for Autumn/Spring.

I had a Seasalt raincoat one several years ago (navy blue and jade 'tincloth', very attractive pattern, nice style) and I got wet. Showerproof yes indeed, and windproof; really-heavy-rain-proof for over an hour, no. The worst wet bits were over the shoulders where I was carrying a small day rucksack - perhaps pressure from it affected the fabric's surface tension? (But people DO carry things when out and about. ) And the rain was very heavy - I was walking in mountain valleys. Perhaps I was just very unlucky. Perhaps it was a one-off fault. Very probably, Seasalt have improved their fabric since then. I honestly don't mean to criticise them. Just perhaps ask a few questions if spending £100 or more.

A earlier poster said, you might also like to Didricksons waterproofs. Proper outdoors/mountain waterproofs are OK, as well, but not often flattering. Have had boring 'Vango' one - does the brand still exist? - for over 10 yrs and it's still excellent, if terribly scruffy. Wash outdoors stuff in soap solution or special waterproof wash, NOT in detergent, which damages waterproof qualities.
Usually best to add separate layers underneath for maximum comfort/performance. Have not tried Didricksons padded range, however.

Agree with earlier poster that Fife Country have v good prices. And they stock some Seasalt items.

I tried on a lovely sosjensen one in tkmaxx today. It's waterproof, wind proof and breathable.

Merrell ellenwood is fab - toasty and keeps you dry

Seasalt all the way :-)

Merrel one looks brilliant

For style and shortish walks Ilse Jacobsen, gorgeous, sigh.
naolo.co.uk/shop/ilse-jacobsen-softshell-105145p.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAxNilBRD88r2azcqB2zsSJABy2B96gY6-Z87HaIwPuaPNTMR7xo0TuKJzwZKWiS-5EL6myhoC6dDw_wcB

I don't have one sadly though, because for proper waterproofness (I am out for over an hour every day whatever the weather) you need a Musto -- which to be fair are really smart too.
www.musto.com/womens-clothing/coats-jackets

I have a North face Arctic Parka and can't rate it highly enough. Only had since christmas but it's been baltic here today and it's kept me so toasty. Completely waterproof too. I arsed about for years buying cheaper ones which turned out to be not good enough. This one is ace.