Waterproof coat Didriksons / Seasalt / North Face

[Westcott313]

I'm 48 and usually wear Zara or Cos coats. I'm looking for a waterproof parka, not too frumpy and not necessarily overly warm. I like the Didriksons Luna but it's very expensive although I'm happy to pay as I want it to last.

Just seen the North Face Zaneck and also eyeing up the Seasalt Janelle in khaki although it's oos in my size everywhere.

Edit, I've ordered the Didriksons and Zaneck to try on.

Would love some feedback on any of these coats.

https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/womens-zaneck-parka-4m8y

https://www.didriksons.com/en/women/jackets/autumn-jackets/luna-women-s-parka-4-504379-060

Don’t have that exact coat but my Didrickson has been on the go since 2018 and looks the same, I machine wash it frequently and it’s as new.

I have a similar Didriksons but longer. It's definitely waterproof and also very warm. The hood is just a mystery though, no idea how to get it to fit snuggly or if it's possible. Warm like in the link it's nice though.

Personally I don't like Janelle, I think it's really unflattering but I love the Sea Salt Plant Hunter.

Didriksons, no contest. There are probably better styles if you are looking for something more tailored from this brand. Maybe even Erica.

I just bought a Janelle after years of resisting, and I really like it. It's long so gives good coverage but is not too hot so well suited to dog walking and cycling.

I bought my Didriksons long puffer in 2021 and every cold snap (like the current one we're having) I'm so grateful I did! It's so warm and great quality. Would deffo recommend!

The hood on the Janelle is not great. It needs an extra inch or so from back to front - it's too small. Also it needs wire in the peak and for the peak to be bigger. My face gets soaked. I thought I might have a bigger than usual head but my daintier friend said exactly the same. The hood toggles are fiddly too. Not what you want in wind and rain.

I'd recommend Finisterre. Based in St Agnes in Cornwall, they know a thing or two about windy rainy cliff tops! The Solus is a warm parker with a stylish cut in either navy or olive. Currently reduced from £250 to £150 I think. They're quite generous in terms of sizing I'd say, I'm generally a 10, sometimes an 8 or 12 depending on fit, & I'm definitely an 8 in Finisterre.

I'm 48 & discovered the brand relatively recently, I'm a convert. Their customer service so far has been excellent too, & they're certified B corps if that's a factor 🙂

I have a Didrikson parka that is about 5-6 years old and still going strong. I'd highly recommend it.

I've got a Didriksons Emilia in eggplant. It's quite neat and tailored but warm and waterproof. I got it from some outdoor website or other in the sale – just google 'Didriksons sale'.

I have a Didriksons Erica and its brilliant. I've worn it on the school run this morning with snow on the ground with just a cotton top underneath and I was plenty warm enough. It's pretty waterproof too, got lots of useful pockets and you can take the fur trim off from the hood (because it tickles my face and I'm peri-menopausal and very intolerant!)

Another vote for Didriksons - light warm and waterproof

I got a didriksons Erica for Christmas. Was out in the snow this morning, really toasty

I LOVE my Didriksons Helle in White Foam. It was significantly cheaper (by ? £50) on Hollands Country Clothing website.

Wow lots of Didriksons fans.... None for North Face.

I am leaning towards the Didriksons Luna. The hood comes quite forward and the high neck covers the mouth area when cold...

But the price!

Off to look....

Very spendy but if you want to really invest in one (and possibly cheaper through an outlet), my partner bought me this one for Xmas: https://arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/womens/patera-parka. Never been so toasty or dry on the dog walk before!

Alpine Trek has some other Didriksons in the sale, quite similar to Luna but cheaper.

Another vote for Didriksons, wish I'd bought one sooner.
Cotswoldoutdoor.com/brands/didriksons.html?size÷48&page=0&filter=%2526filter%253Duk_fh_gender%253A%2528unisex%253Bwomens%2529

@Westcott313 look on Brand Alley; they have a Didriksons sale at the mo. Lots of coats, although I haven't looked through.

I looked but no Luna I'm afraid

I suspect less people own the North Face one? I have it. It's incredibly warm and is very waterproof. The hood fits me well and it's not shapeless so I don't think it looks awful, but let's face it none of these coats are stylish. How warm do you like being? I live in London and only wear mine on weeks like this one where is subzero otherwise it never gets cold enough.

Lighthouse… brilliant quality, totally waterproof (tested in the Welsh incessant rain) and excellent value for money around £70 - 80 new, though got mine on vinted for a song 😊

Would none of the others suit, OP? Fredrika? Ilma?

I'm in London too