Very warm parka!

[Gullane]

This bloody weather. Walking the kids to school plus Big Dog out for an hour every day equals ice-cream headache despite beanie, scarf and insulating mop of hair. I’d like a big fat parka with a big fat hood please. Have you any ideas please?

Budget around £300
Colourful over sludgy
Down perfectly acceptable
Must be weatherproof
Furry hood a bonus
Just above knee
I’m short and skinny - no need for waisted faff

Thank you!

[Lotsofsausage]

I *own, I meant!

[Lotsofsausage]

My North Face arctic parka is the warmest thing I one, Ive had it years. well worth the money. I have Khaki but they usually do other colours such as bright blue.

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

The one in the link will just about cover your bum at the back when stood up. Doesn't sound hugely waterproof - more light rain shower proof?

[Gullane]

Mm, I like the yellow as well, althoigh I’m not bonkers about the big patch pockets. I had my eye on a yellow Woolrich Arctic parka in the sale and then some inconsiderate sod got there before me. Just as well frankly as it was a bit bum-squeezy ‘spensive.

I’ve been looking at Arcteryx and Skogstad and they look as though they’re pretty toasty but i can’t work out how long they are: www.campingandkitecentre.co.uk/product/skogstad-ladies-kvelde-down-jacket/

[CraftyGin]

I have a Canada Goose, which I love. I bought it in Toronto, and don’t know what it costs here.

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

Quite like yellow! Mine is green.

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

Maybe the Lina parka? The kids coats are brilliant too. Ours is on it's 3rd year as it has a little seam in the arms you can unpick to make them longer! (And we bought big)

[amazonianwoman]

Yep have to agree that North Face is more fashion focussed now. Any recommendations on which Didriksons still manage to look remotely stylish and not too bulky?

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

Didriksons is my answer Or have a look at others at somewhere like Snow and Rock... north face are a bit shit these days - they've gone a bit fashion brand rather than technical wear. You need proper high tech if you are outside for 7 hours in the sleet!

[amazonianwoman]

After 7 hours watching DD rowing today in wind, hail, snow, rain & freezing conditions I need a coat which is warm and waterproof. Properly waterproof. I have a North Face down coat (warm) and a Merrell long coat (waterproof) but NEED something which does both well. Can also use for dog walking.

Is a Didrikson the answer? I'm tall - 5ft 9 - but 3 stone overweight. Didn't like the NF Arctic when I tried it a few years ago.

[neveradullmoment99]

I have the oasis khaki coloured one. Its super warm.

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/jackets-coats/elin-padded-parka/062309.html?dwvar_062309_color=28&position=5#q=parka&start=5&categoryID=null

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

I have the blue sweaty betty one, I love it so much!

It is a brighter blue than it looks in that pic!

[Babymamamama]

North face Arctic is super warm .

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

Ooh, I like that Sweaty Betty one...

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

I do also have quite big boobs - 30E. If they were smaller I would have gone with a size down I think.

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

My Didrikson coat is a 36 and very roomy indeed. I didn't want a fitted style, I wanted something I could throw on over a giant knit and would keep all the wind and rain off! I could prob have gone a size down but I like it really roomy. I don't look like a dick but I won't win any fashion awards (and don't want to, on the school run!)

[Runlovingmummy81]

www.sweatybetty.com/mobile/page/find/?name=Parka&page=1

I love this one.

[Gullane]

DrRanj, what size are you in a Didrikson? Their stuff looks as though it comes up quite roomy. I was looking at Fjallraven as well, does anyone know anything about their sizing?

[TossDaily]

this but in black

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

(Also am a size 6-8, so short and skinny) Or look at other scandinavian brands. They do much better outdoor wear and understand proper waterproofing and windproofing.

[TossDaily]

Oh, bloody hell, Barbour not Burberry!

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

Another one for Didrikson! I am only 5'3".

[TossDaily]

I've got a Burberry parka and it's really warm. Black, though.

It's the South Shields one.

[sportyfool]

I had a Didrikson once , they are made for tall people . I'm short and it just didn't look right . The sleeves are so long , I ebayed it in the end .

[AnaViaSalamanca]

look at arcteryx or patagonia, north face is good, but not top quality