If you have an amazing, completely waterproof raincoat that has lasted years what brand is it?

[Annabanana455]

I’m looking for a waterproof, happy to spend a decent amount but want something completely waterproof that will last me for years to come. What should I be looking at?

North face.

Thank you

For everyone who said Paramo, what’s the sizing like? I’m U.K. 10-12 and want room for a jumper underneath

I'm a 12 and wear a women's medium in Páramo. Room for a jumper underneath. The women's jackets are properly cut for women, narrower shoulders, slightly shorter arms etc. More so than most outdoor gear. I like that, but my mum prefers the men's cuts because she's got very long arms!

Worth a look here www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk if you're thinking about Páramo - they're very good - great advice over the phone and competitive prices.

Lots of fair reviews of Páramo online, both positive and negative. I love mine and can't fault it after a few years hard use.

I just be thinly one whose Paramo, I think it started wearing out when I was told a cheaper brand was identical to nikwax . It wasn't and it just lost its waterproofness. I didn't rewash as home as needs to be tumble dried and we don't have one.

I had had it about 10 years at this point.

america today (dutch brand)
for warm decathlon hiking coats

One thing to look out for with the outdoor brands, is that the hardcore goretex (or Goretex type) jackets that are designed as “mountaineering” jackets tend to be cut very slim on the hips (to allow a harness to go over the top). So whilst mountaineering jackets might give you tip top weather protection, they are not always very helpful to curvier ladies! Look out for hillwalking or general purpose styles.

Rohan are worth a mention too.

Jack Wolfskin, I’ve had it 6 years so far and still going strong. I’ve put it through the washing machine several times and somehow still isn’t leaking!

Lands End - had it for about 12 years and still fully waterproof.

Isle Jacobsen coats 👍👍👍🙌💕amazing!!!

DH has a Jack Wolfskin that's he's had for five years and it's like new. It was £200, and when he came home with it I was a bit (he wears a Casio watch!) but cost per use is negligible now, and the rain just runs off him.

My Didrikson is amazing, so waterproof I have to wear waterproof trousers as the water just runs off. On its 5th year now.

I’ve gone for a Paramo ... hope I like it!

Haglofs and Berghaus waterproof have lasted me about 10+years. I tend to buy stuff from either Sportpursuit.com, or Privatesportshop.com These are both discount sales websites. with lots of top brands at up to 70%off. Norrona are AMAZING jackets - but expect to pay >£450! Norrona does have an outlet on their website, which you can get to only if you subscribe to their newsletters. They do last a lifetime though. Generally, I think people buy a different waterproof for cycling as you might find you need one with a longer back due to the position you get in cycling.

Outdoor Research goretex. It’s thin and lightweight so more of a jacket than a coat. Convenient for stuffing into a backpack in case of rain or wind on a day out.

Didrikson - not cheap but worth every penny

Privatesportshop.com does actually have a Haglofs sale on at the moment!

North face - 17 years and still ok. Though I think it may have to be replaced soon.

Helly Hansen. Completely waterproof had it 15 years. Designed for sailing. Best jacket I've owned.

A bit late to help you decide, but I have two Didrikson parkas... winter and summer... and DS has a 15 year old Paramo, as do a lot of people here on Dartmoor. I probably see more Paramo coats than any other brand. We used to have a brilliant walking/outdoor shop in town and it was their top seller. They also sold Patagonia, Arcteryx, Berghaus, Raab, and many more, so it wasn't for lack of choices.

Following with interest as I am trying to replace my old waterproof. I’ve looked around and I think I’ll get another Berghaus. It has lasted well- the lad in the shop was very bemused I mentioned that I Had bought the coat in 2002.

So yes it’s been good for 18 years...

North Face. 9 years and counting now.

Didrikson, mine is 6 yrs old still going strong, it is fraying around the cuffs a little but the newer versions have different cuffs. Waterproof every year with nik wax.
I also have a very thick mountain warehouse extreme coat that I use when very cold that is 4 years old and it too still looks like new and still waterproof (don’t use it as much though, bought when I used to be a childminder and standing around in playgrounds a lot, it’s too warm to wear when active)

Barbour wax jacket.
I've had mine 25+ years. As long as you re-wax it every 2 years or so, annually if worn a lot in inclement weather. I'll put aside an evening in the summer, a glass of wine watch a movie to re-wax it myself, I find it quite relaxing.
You can also mail it to Barbour, they will re-proof it & repair any damage (rips tears etc., from scrambling through brambles) for not a huge cost and return it looking almost brand new.
Barbour have quite a few different & lovely womens style wax jackets nowadays.