Autumn is fast turning into winter, and here in the North West it has started to get bitterly cold, wet and windy. So, I thought it was now time to get a new winter coat to keep me protected against the elements. As I don’t like being bundled up in lots of clothing I wanted something that was going to keep me dry and warm, without compromising on quality but also without breaking the bank.
Regatta are a well-known, quality brand that specialise in outdoor wear, so I chose a Parka coat from their wide range of coats and jackets. So after looking around their website I chose the Salton Waterproof Insulated Parka Jacket in Black (it is also available in Quarry Blue, Camo Green, Burnt Tikka and Dark Camel).
The Regatta Salton Parka is available in sizes from S (37-38” chest) to XXXL (49-51” chest), I chose the medium size (39-40” chest).
After checking the sizing guide on the website, it stated that small would fit me. I decided to go for medium size. And I’m glad I did as the small would have been too tight and constricting. The medium size is just the right size, I can wear a thick jumper underneath and there is a bit of room when zipped up so that I don’t feel constricted.
The Parka is made with soft-touch ISOTEX 5000 fabric, which makes it waterproof, breathable and windproof with an additional DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish and sealed seams – perfect for the winter weather. It has a faux-fur trimmed hood and while the jacket itself isn’t overly padded, it is extremely warm and cosy (it is very deceptive in the appearance of the thickness of the padding as I didn’t think it would be warm enough). It features a checked inner lining and ribbed cuffs on the sleeves. It has two outside pockets that are a generous size that can be held closed with poppers. It is zip fastened and then has a zip cover that can also be fastened with poppers.
The inner padding is lightly wadded with quick-drying Thermo-Guard insulation and features warming fleece panels around the core, so dries quickly and as I have already mentioned, is extremely warm and cosy.
The Parka can be washed on 40° using Regatta’s ISOTEX cleaner or pure soap (don’t use normal washing detergent). After washing it is also recommended that you reproof the jacket using Regatta Wash-in Reproofer or Regatta spray-on Reproofer.
Overall, I found the Regatta Salton Parka to be an excellent quality winter coat. It is a good fit (although I do recommend you go up from your normal size, especially if wearing a winter jumper). It is very comfortable and looks good. But most importantly, it does an excellent job of keeping me dry and warm in the wind and rain. It has a RRP of £120 but Regatta are currently selling it for £65.95 (as of 14 November 2017) and at that price it is an absolute bargain! It will be getting lots of use this winter.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £120 (currently £65.95)
For more information or to buy visit www.regatta.com.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with the coat for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All opinions are my own.