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[Lavenders_Blue]

I am after a decent waterproof coat for the winter - a walking/hiking type coat if that makes sense.

I've been into a few outdoors shops and I'm starting to wonder if the type of coat I am looking for actually exists. I am not planning on climbing a mountain/fell running/cycling Lands End to John o'Groats, but I do want something that is going to keep me warm and dry whilst walking the dog, horse riding etc through the bad weather.

As far as I can see, there appears to be little in between what is basically a glorified cagoul and a fancy tri climate coat with multiple zip-in-zip-out layers.

 

I just want a coat.

 

Ideally I'm after something not too thick and padded, so that I can wear it in spring and autumn without overheating. If I need to add extra layers in the cold, I already own lots of fleeces, so I can just layer up underneath. But I don't want just a waterproof shell - a bit of lining/padding would be ideal.

Windproof, waterproof and breathable is a must. A not-too-hideous colour would be a bonus (but not essential) and I don't mind paying a decent price for a decent coat.

 

Any suggestions, oh wise Omleteers? Or am I asking the impossible?

 

Oh and something not too long in the arms too. The last few coats I tried on must have been designed with gorillas in mind!

[The Dogmother]

I get through quite a few of them what with dog walking in all weathers etc. I usually get a man's small size too as the ladies ones are all girlie colours and I prefer grey or black. I usually get North Face from T K Maxx which is half the price of anywhere else.

[Chooks Aloud]

I brought 3 breathable waterproof jackets and one waterproof winter coat for the girls and myself from Millets last year and I can certainly recommend them. I walk to and fro to work in all weathers and I am as dry as a bone. I also brought the breathable waterproof trousers. The jackets are of 2 different weights (one with a fleece inside) so this one I wear in the depths of winter. I never overheat in them and as I said before I stay dry. They are not the bulky kind so they are ideal for walking. Just make sure you get waterproof, as opposed to showerproof.

[Bramble]

Excellent question!

All I can say is steer clear of the "Tog 24" brand. Great looking stuff but anything but waterproof - I had one that was about two years old - went walking in the Lake District and on its first real soaking the rain just went straight through it - it cost a bomb (well it was expensive to me, about £175, I think) and by the end of the walk I couldn't have been any wetter if I hadn't been wearing a coat at all.

I now have a Regatta coat, cheap(ish) at about £45, cheerful and most important of all - waterproof!!!! I agree that mens coats come in better colours - and I reckon they're often cheaper too!

[Daphne]

Thats a real shame Bramble, maybe you got a dud one as I have a Tog24 snowboarding jacket, about 10 years old, still very good warm and dry for walking; I took it skiing this year - no probs. Mind you, OH has taken to spraying it with NikWax tho, to re-waterproof it each year so it probably won't be with us for much longer. He is a keen cyclist and recommends Event (not sure if this is a brand or a waterproofing method/material like Gore-Tex) but I guess it might not be possible to find stylish clothing - or much with a hood!

[yvonne]

I bought a Berghaus over 20 years ago and it has been all over the world with me and on daily dog walks for over 10 years. It has just started to let in a tiny bit of water at the seams and I have bought another updated version of the same coat (mens' version to avoid girly pink). Not the cheapest, but I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Yorkshire Pudding]

I have a North Face waterproof with a lightweight quilted inner jacket, which does zip in and out so maybe not quite what you had in mind. However I would highly recommend it - I wear both the layers, together and separately. Despite being 'winter white' it washes beautifully and has never let me down in the staying dry department. I've had it 3 years and fully expect it to last another ten!

 

OH has just bought a lightweight waterproof 'soft shell' jacket which does everything, he says he has been dry and warm in torrential rain. The brand is 'Outdoor Research' and he says it is fantastic - it is very thin and light but does the job it claims to do very well. I think he paid about £70 but that was a big reduction on the normal price.

[sparkysmum]

I think we must be looking for something similar. However I would really love a parka. You know the 80's/90's longish jacket, navy, quilted & big hood with fur trim. Hope you find yours, Lavenders, good luck with your search. Alli x

[WarrensWorld]

That was a 'snorkel' parka. I think you would be better off with a Barbour, Belstaff or Hunter wax proofed coat.

I've had my Barbour Solway for 30 years. I wax it every other year and it's still waterproof. It cost me £38.00 new.

 

I may upgrade to a Gortex this winter, but I'll still keep the Solway.

[TheGirlsMum]

Just been coat hunting with ED she wants a Super Dry (I think that's what its called) as they have long arms, she tried the small on and the arms were long enough but a very slim cut so looking for a cheap version as she's only 12 and already 5'3" and still growing.

[Lavenders_Blue]

Thanks folks for the suggestions. I tried a couple of North Face coats recently and the sleeves were really long I've not tried Berghaus though, so maybe I need to look at a few of their coats. I did wonder about a waxed jacket, I like the look of this Joules jacket but then it doesn't have a hood. It does tick most of my boxes though, so maybe I just need to get a hat as well?!

[Angie]

I have a P G Field wax jacket, it is quilted inside with cordaroy trim cuffs and collar four pockets and it is a fab jacket. Can be rewaxed with spray wax and it practically lives in the car in winter just in case i need extra warmth or spare coat, great for walking dogs etc..

[The Dogmother]

I like something roomy enough to fit layers underneath; on the very cold winter mornings I wear my PJs, jeans, thermal socks, muck boots, 3 or 4 warm tops (including a thermal layer), balaclava and warm hat with earflaps... oh, and ski gloves. The dogs each wear two coats when it's very cold as sighthounds don't have any fat to keep them warm.

 

What a sight we make - good job it's dark!

[craftyhunnypie]

Thumbs up here for Regatta, Berghaus & Trespass! Dickies are also good - but that's a work suit that hubby has, a bit like a ski suit! They do jackets though too!

Emma.x

[Guest]

I can recommend Regatta! I have two and they are excellent. We also use them at work and they withstand all kinds of weather - wind, rain, snow, - yep still toasty warm and dry!

[Seagazer]

I've had a Berghaus coat for about 5 years with a fleece that I zip in - or rather I did until some horrible thief stole it out of my car I've just had to invest in a new one but they are very good at keeping you dry and warm.

[Lavenders_Blue]

Well, the waxed jacket idea was inspired

I took a look at the Barbour website - a lot trendier than I remember - and they had exactly what I was looking for. Waterproof coats designed for country wear rather than climbing a mountain in different weights. I have ordered a medium weight waxed jacket with hood, lots of pockets for bits and bobs and a trendy belt. It was rather a lot more than I was planning to spend, but poking around on the internet, lots of people seem to have had their jackets 20 years+ so with a bit of TLC it should be a good investment (provided I don't get any fatter and grow out of it, of course ).

I'll post my thoughts once it arrives.

[The Dogmother]

That sounds good - we'll expect photos of course!

[Lavenders_Blue]

I'll try and pull off my best catwalk model pose for you all

[soapdragon]

OH bought me a riding mac for Christmas (the old romantic!!! ) as I got fed up with that horrible wet patch of jeans between the bottom of a jacket and the top of the wellies!!

 

It is a size too big so I can put a fleece/gilet underneath, has a huge hood and is very versatile; would reccommend similar if not happy with the Barbour ( tho I'm sure you will be! ) I have worn it down to school a few times in the pouring rain and been lovely and dry - while other Mums huddle in their thin ballet pumps, cut off trousers under contenders for the world's smallet umbrella and say, enviously 'You look nice and dry'!!!! I find it amazing and amusing that so many people just don't look out of the window before venturing out

[MedusA]

I'm in the Berghaus camp. I bought mine half price in the sales 2 years ago and it is brilliant. Totally waterproof and windproof, yet breathable and not at all bulky. I wear layers underneath depending on the temperature.

 

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Purplemaniacs]

I have worn it down to school a few times in the pouring rain and been lovely and dry - while other Mums huddle in their thin ballet pumps, cut off trousers under contenders for the world's smallet umbrella and say, enviously 'You look nice and dry'!!!! I find it amazing and amusing that so many people just don't look out of the window before venturing out

Working in a school the clothing of parents and children never ceases to amaze me, we go out for playtime all year but the number who come without a coat because they have come to school in the car, even on days when we have a school trip and they have been told they need a coat.

 

I had a waxed jacket and that was great, lasted for years. Looking forward to photos Lavenders Blue

 

Chrissie