North Face (and equivalent) down-filled jackets -are they worth it?

[NorbertDentressangle]

I'm fed up of being cold on the school run -we live on a hillside, it can be a very windy walk to school etc.

I have 'fashionable' coats and jackets and I have a waterproof-ish jacket (but neither sort is warm/thick) - I want something that is warm and waterproof. I'm fed up of wearing layers of clothes under thin coats .

I was wondering about the North Face Nuptse jacket but as its £££££s I don't want to make a mistake here.

Are there any other ones out there that meet my requirements that you can recommend?

I realise that its not the most stylish of looks but I need practicality in this instance

Actually something I was going to ask you all was how waterproof are these jackets?

When I asked the sales guy in Blacks today he was a bit vague (in that arse-covering way IYKWIM) and said that its not advisable to get down really wet as it clumps and said something about it (the outer shell of the Nuptse) being water resistant but best not to wear in very wet weather etc so I was none the wiser afterwards

I have Merrell coat and it's amazing. Warm and waterproof.

I like the look of the Merrell coat - is it true to size?

I have a mountain equipment one, its great and cut v well, I love it

I have an Alpkit Filo. It is like wearing a cuddle, gorgeously warm. I think it would be fine in drizzle/moderate rain or for short walks but not in an all day downpour, as it may take a while to dry out. But wouldn't you wear a waterproof/carry umbrella if it was tipping down?

Yes, I would say it's true to size. I'm a 10 and it is well fitted, because that's the style. Probably couldn't wear a chunky cardi under it, but no need to because it's SO warm. I think Merrell do a couple of other coats in a similar style, but varying warmths ( is that a word? ). I got the thickest one, and I'm very glad I did with the cold weather we've been having. It is totally waterproof too, and long enough to keep the top of my legs toasty too.

DH has a Rab down jacket that he has had since before i knew him (and I have know him 13 years) and I have had a Marmot one a similar length of time. They get used every winter for everyday wear and outdoor sports. Beware, that not many are watwerproof though.

Unbranded, but really good and cheap down jackets here.

Reduced, branded down jackets here

What do you all do about washing them though? I would love one, but after wrecking DS1s in the washing machine I have been put off.

A friend has the Alpkit Filo jacket- she absolutely loves it!

I have the Lands End one MadameCastafiore linked to. I've worn it all through the New York winter and loved it.

I've washed the kids' Gap down jackets. You have to tumble dry them until totally dry, ideally with something like tennis balls in the dryer too, every so often take them out and fluff them up/bash out the clumps. Just like fluffing up a feather cushion. The older one is starting to lose its loft after 5 or 6 washes but that was s/h to me so don't know its history.

I can't see why you'd need to wash them frequently though unless (like my DC's) you were prone to falling in muddy puddles.

I got a primark copy for £15. Just as toasty as mate's north face jobby. Has been a godsend this year.