Long down-filled waterproof coat..

[ElkieMacjibe]

What are my options? Am I going to have to get a second mortgage for a North Face Arctic coat?!

Yes, probably if you want down AND waterproof . My experience is that you can have one or the other, but both together is expensive. Most are water resistant or showerproof only.

FWIW There are lots of animal friendly alternatives to down now, down isn’t the only option if you need something really warm. It’s really cruel and can be avoided.

Have you looked at Tog24? Mine is only shower proof but I seem to recall seeing some waterproof ones when I bought it.

Have you looked at Lands End? My squall jacket is almost five years old and still washes to look like new. It's not stylish but it's super-warm (fleece not down), windproof and waterproof. There are some in their sale at the moment.

If you really want down they do those too.

Uniqlo have long down-filled coats but not sure if they are waterproof.

Are down coats waterproof? I have a Therma Loft parka which got me through winter holidays in The Baltics, Scandinavia and Iceland.

I have the North Face Arctic and really like it but bought the Joules Cherington in black last year, as something not so warm when I would be on the tube or in/out of shops, but ended up wearing it most of the time as it was a mild winter. I don’t really wear Joules normally and in black it’s a fairly neutral but well made coat, isn’t down and seemed waterproof - I live rurally so was worn for walking outdoors, not just in town.

Having just looked at the Joules Cherington product information online, apparently it isn’t waterproof - although I wore it in the rain lots without any problems! So maybe just ignore my post

This site costs me money! I need the North Face Artic 2 coat in my life! It looks so warm and cosy.

Ooooo I love the look of the Joules Cherington. I am a 10-12 on top and a definite 12 on the bottom. Is it flattering enough of slightly big? Or does it come up small?

Where do you live? I used to have the arctic parka when I was living in US east coast, but I have to question if you need such a coat in UK. I think you can get away with synthetic (down is for drier and colder temperatures) and also maybe think about two jackets that you can layer, get a goretex outer layer for waterproof and an insulated down/synthetic one and wear both or just one. It would serve a lot of different weather conditions this way

PickledWilly, I’m a 10 on top and definite 12 on the bottom but can’t remember what size I have and I’m on holiday at the moment, so can’t check. I think maybe a 12 but I will look when I’m back home in a few days time!

Or a third mortgage and sell a kidney for a lululemon winter warrior parka....

To add to what has been said above, my North Face Arctic is great and has lasted a long time but it is hot and also big to stash if you are out and about and want to take it off - it needs a chair to itself! Nothing beats it for North Sea coastal walks though.

Arctic parkas often pop up second hand. I bought a smaller one for about £100 I think.

If you're small, you might fit into a child's north face arctic. I got mine (16y) last year for £95. In a size 10.

*I'm

Another vote for Lands End.

Their waterproof stuff is really waterproof and their down is as warm as it gets. And not as expensive as North Face

Have had one of their down waterproof parkas for 5 years. As new!

My North Face Arctic Parka is on its fifth year and still going strong. They are worth every penny. I’d buy another

What do you need the coat for OP?
I have the NF Arctic coat and the Joules pp mentioned already.
My preferred wearing at long Sunday freezing football matches is:
Couple of long sleeve thermal tops & long wool dress over thermal tights and leggings, body warmer and Joules coat. This coat is longer than the NF so keeps me warmer.

Another vote for Landsend. Have spent years on the touch line during wind, rain, snow and I've always been warm and dry. Not necessarily the most stylish option but looks ok and hasn't required the sale of any body organs.

If you need a proper coat, that will keep you warm and dry, no matter what. Lands End long squall coat.

I was given mine by my Mum when I had my collie pup. I live in an extremely weather beaten spot. My pup is about to be 8 and my coat is as good as new.

Absolutely fucking brilliant

To the pp who queried wearing a down coat in UK winters, I've been wearing a down jacket this week and it's bloody summer.
The North Face arctic is fabulous, I no longer wear mine as I lost 40kg and it drowns me, but it was fabulous, the only warm waterproof coat I've ever had. I would prefer not to buy down, but I've never had a synthetic coat that has been comparable.

I have a North face Arctic and I think its the holy grail of coats - I'm never cold and it's perfect for unpredictable UK rain. I'm always cold so the fact its very thick doesn't bother me. It has a very good hood so I often don't bother with an umbrella. I'd say the only downside is that I'm much less stylish as I now basically never wear my 'proper' smart coats. And the price. Although I actually got mine heavily discounted at Bicester Village.

www.protected-species.com/shop/waterproof-winter-parka/night-sky-navy/

These are great and very waterproof. Not down but down is pretty unethical.