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Original poster

Warm winter coat, are brands like northface worth the hype?

72 replies

TopangaD · 16/09/2017 22:49

Hello, I need a new winter coat and live in Scotland so it needs to be warm and pref water proof.. I've been looking on eBay at north face and Montclair and even second hand the they are pricy but would invest if worth the hype.. or are there any good cheaper ones anyone has seen? Would love some advice, thanks mumsnetters

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Hello, this thread is a little old now and some of the links are out of date. Take a look at this handy page for a round up of Mumsnetters' favourite winter coats.

OP posts:
MollyWantsACracker · 17/09/2017 09:56

Another vote for didrikson here. V happy with mine and considering buying another one just for a change.
Has never let me down. And there's not much in life you can say that about! 🙄😂

Unicorn81 · 17/09/2017 09:56

Not much help but if i had the money id have a Canada Goose jacket

whoseafraidofnaomiwolf · 17/09/2017 09:58

I second a Merrel winter coat. I've worn almost mine every day Oct thru May for the last two years - I ride a scooter so it's used as a scooter coat - and it's been absolutely wonderful. Warm and, more importantly, dry through everything London winters can throw at it. I had a Peter storm before this and that was good too.

FiaclaBui · 17/09/2017 10:00

Are there any coats that are built with cold winters in mind but don't have a big furry collar and a 'parka' look.

I have about 3 of those. I'd love if somebody put that technology in to a coat that appeared to be a smart wool navy or black or burgundy coat coat that you could wear over work clothes or a dress. Now that would be technology I could pay $# for

Original poster
TopangaD · 17/09/2017 10:28

Moreprosecconow you are brilliant I forgot about the outlet!! I'm not near but can travel there!

OP posts:
Original poster
TopangaD · 17/09/2017 10:30

Omg Canada goose are gorgeous!! But second mortgage is right! I saw someone in a t v show with one on and thought oh I like that.. googles and slunk away!
You are all brilliant thanks so much for advise. I'm going to get into a few shops and try on..I do like the idea of a duvet coat but totally agree someone needs to make warm a smart coat for work!

OP posts:
shushpenfold · 17/09/2017 10:33

Two members of the family have a North Face McMurdo (men's); DS and I. We're cold bodies and do lots of 'hanging around' watching sports matches in windy, wet places. It's the best investment I've ever made as everyone else is freezing except us. They're a completely different animal to other coats which look the same, but weee half the price. Mine is now 7 years old and you can't tell.

MoreProseccoNow · 17/09/2017 11:33

Topanga - great excuse to go there! There's also Gap, Next, White Stuff, M&S, Ted Baker. You'll have lots of fun! Grin

I think there are also some outlet-type places in Sterling Mills, but haven't been there for years.

paradoxicalInterruption · 17/09/2017 12:17

fiaclaBui the NF one I recommended is pretty good for that. But I know what you mean, I'd like one that looks like a coat.

Oly5 · 17/09/2017 12:19

I have the north face arctic parka and it's still amazing, four years on. I love it. It's worth the money

LoyaltyAndLobster · 17/09/2017 16:26

A lot of people do think Canada Goose coats are expensive but it will last you a few years & plus they come with a life time warranty, higher end costs are pretty much pay per wear!

dinosaursandtea · 17/09/2017 16:33

My Seasalt tiller has done me through a few Edinburgh winters - it could probably handle north of the central belt!

frogsoup · 17/09/2017 16:34

800+ pounds for a coat is hideously expensive whichever way you cut it!!! I paid 290 for my NF coat and that was difficult enough to swallow. For 800 pounds I'd want it to do my cooking and washing as well as keep me warm...

Emeraude · 17/09/2017 16:53

Look at Marmot and 66degrees North too. Nice looking coats that are very warm.

LoyaltyAndLobster · 17/09/2017 17:27

For 800 pounds I'd want it to do my cooking and washing as well as keep me warm...

Lol that made me giggle!!

SesameSparkle · 17/09/2017 21:21

I think Costco are selling the Arctic parka again this year, if you can get to one of their stores.

StrawberryStar · 17/09/2017 21:31

I got my arctic parker at the outlets about this time of year and it was over 50% off. 5 years on it's still going strong and looks like new. Previously I've never had a coat that's lasted more than 1 year. Cost per wear it's probably the cheapest coat I've had.

FiaclaBui · 17/09/2017 22:10

It's not necessary to buy a coat designed for sub zero arctic exploration when you have an 8 minute walk to the station. You'll end up fainting from the heat.

bingohandjob · 17/09/2017 22:22

I've got a North Face Metropolis parka which is brilliant for dry cold but not waterproof. I got mine in the a States for £90 to wear in freezing cold and it was a revelation - could just wear normal clothes under it, it's like a duvet...I've got an Arctic Parka which is great for wet cold. I'd replace them both in a heartbeat - worth every penny.

(I've also got a Didriksons parka which I LOVE but it's not as warm as TNF coats. I think down is just a different kind of warm.)

Original poster
TopangaD · 17/09/2017 22:55

Thanks so much everyone it has been really good to get all of your suggestions and feedback! FiablaBui I know what you mean about over provision, but it's for walking the dog and I do walk 30 mins into work daily, and I have to admit I'm just awful at feeling the cold so like to wrap up well. So much to think about mumsnetters thank you

OP posts:
oldlaundbooth · 18/09/2017 01:52

Got an Arctic parka and also a North Face puffy jacket, the puffy one I can only really wear when it's very cold I. E. Below minus ten (live abroad) as it's so warm.

The parka is great the rest of the time.

Ttbb · 18/09/2017 02:24

Yes, they are proper performance clothing.

dontstophelping · 18/09/2017 03:01

North face are good but Patagonia are 10000000 times better. And better looking too.

This year I'm just going for a burton snowboarding jacket.

pigeondujour · 18/09/2017 06:10

I'm always walking around bloody freezing plus I do a lot of long train journeys and I have to say my Canada Goose was worth every penny to be essentially carrying a huge duvet with me. It looks fab too and the hidden adjustment strap means I won't have to consider getting a new warm coat until I go up at least two sizes. Mine was a present before they were so ubiquitous though - I probably wouldn't pay that money now to be wearing the same coat as everyone else.

OP if I were in the market for a new parka I'd look at TNF and also Fjallraven and Penfield.