For starters I don't wear coats, ever, full stop, never, however; What Ferret says, never mind not breaking the bank but I'd sooner pay for North Face or Craghopper for their outdoors experience then pay for a flashy ass logo on a superdry jacket. Just my 2d worth and I really do rate North Face stuff. Sent from a pre decimalised Dell
That slipped my mind, make sure you get either Helly Hansen, Musto or Henri Lloyd. They are more expensive but because of the materials they use they do last longer and feel nicer to wear.
Where do you get Helly Hansen etc. stuff though? I rarely see it about in my (smallish) town and buying coats off the internet is risky business fit-wise. Sent from my toilet using my wiping hand.
Go to their website, and use the store finder with your post code. I usually by mine in Canada where it's quite a bit cheaper and they have dedicated stores with the brand. But generally you'll find Helly Hansen goods in winter/sports/clothing stores.
I bought my Superdry hoodie from a local clothes store near me, I nearly wear it every day I go out casually. (Obviously not when it's hot, you get the point). A friend of mine bought a rain jacket from their site also, he says its the best jacket hes ever had
For outdoor clothing can I reccommend Rohan. www.rohan.co.uk I've got various bits of their kit and it's never let me down. It is a bit of the costly side but I have 4 pairs of trousers of theirs and they are going strong after 4 years very hard use. i've falled down a volcano is one pair and not even a scuff. I also have two of their jackets and both have kempt me dry out on the exmoore moores in howling horizontal rain. They also pass as semi smart so if your out and about you can walk into a pub without feeling like a tramp. Highly recommended.
It IS comfy as heck! And yes, the three zippers is bit of a retarded design but I always just zip the outer one.
I think DP is a bit young for Rohan stuff. It's aimed at those who really do actually need to wear safari clothes or the middle aged.
Crap I'm only 27 and love it. I always thought I was born 50 years ahead of my time. I did just get back from Australia though after a 3 week camping trip with only 2 changes of clothes, a pair of boots and flipflops. Was awesome and their kit did the job perfectly.
I would normally tend toward stuff thats sold in hiking shops but alot of them seem to be tending towards "brands". Had one great coat from blacks and one really poor one which kept me dry, but it done it in such a way it kinda absorbed the water instead. I ended up freezing in it. Same with jumpers. Got a bench and superdry one for christmas. Bench one was like any primark jumper only a bit thicker and heavier, the superdry one has fur inside and could cook your dinner it keeps you so warm lol. Either way both wore the same as a primark jumper, superdry pockets developed a hold very quickly but it is my fave jumper when cold. Got a jumper in Millets in a pinch, it was light and fairly warm but only has one small pocket. Seems tougher (used it when digging turf and a few hikes) and seems to be holding up the best, tho it isn't my fave to wear. TBH I find clothing hit or miss regardless of brand. I would still favour cheaper stuff but lately primark, tesco etc havent had anything remotely nice and their stuff isnt sitting comfortably.
Brought a gstar jacket a few years back for like £200 it still looks in brand new condition even after 2 winters worth of usage ( Call it October till April in UK lol, Its one heavy jacket though ) Id probably buy again if i was in the market. My sister owns 2 super dry coats they both look in decent nick after the year or so shes had them. They last longer than expensive trainers anyway.
This, my Berghaus was amazing until a girl friend of mine gave it away! My Superdry jacket however should be renamed to SuperWet because it lets all water though! and is the worst jacket i've ever owned.
Wow lots of opinions and replys! thanks for all the other suggestions, i went out today when the sky was clear and when i came out of the post office it was tipping it down again I think i'll have a look around a bit more This is super helpful information! Maybe i should go buy it from a shop rather than the internet in that case im always getting the wrong sizes +rep for that
I live superdry, I have pretty much one or more of everything they sell. Be warned of their returns policy though
That made me think If you want water proof, get a dry suit! Just back from having a discussion with someone on wet vs dry suits so that's why its on my mind lol.
I'll third Arc'teryx. Top notch stuff, I've been wearing their "Venta AR" almost daily from October through April for the last couple years. It's been through heavy rain, snow and strong wind from the beach to mountain tops and handled it all flawlessly, considering it doesn't have a hood. If you're just looking for "waterproof hooded jacket" then it can seem expensive, but there's a real benefit to proper outdoor wear. Would you rather have a fashion piece which is also conveniently waterproof (Supposedly. Waterproof fabric doesn't mean seams and zippers won't leak water in) or a vertiable weather fortress designed from the ground up to protect its wearer from the worst the world has to offer? Do you need their top of the line model for walking around town? No, but there is a benefit to considering brands which are designed first and foremost to protect their wearers from the elements in situations where getting wet, and therefore cold, can be more serious than just discomfort.
I just wear my cycle jacket everywhere. Warm, light and reasonably priced at around £20 to £150. No hood though, so I always pack a hat. If I'm not cycling or want a hood then most of the jackets from millets are good enough, though they might not be as fashionably cut as super dry jackets. I have a north face and peter storm jacket that I alternate between. Both cost less than £100(and the peter storm one came with a free pair of waterproof trousers).
