Men's EVO Pro Slimline Waterproof Parka Jacket - Alpine Blue

After borrowing THE PERFECT COAT in Ireland last year, I set out to look for one that was similar, but more suited to southern Australian conditions (read: toasty, but not too toasty, but also fully waterproof with a generous hood).

My algorithm started to pick up what I was putting down and, voila! Nothing could compare to the Red Slimline! I went back and forth between competitors and kept coming back to Red.

I’ve got a long weekend of soccer tournament spectating, a winter of pony club rallies, winter surfing, winter soccer coaching and school yard duties to get through and shower-resistant down coats don’t cut it. I tried.

The fit is generous - when the temps drop in Victoria, I’ll be able to fit a cosy knit underneath. I’ll be able to stretch forward to pick things up without tearing seams at the shoulders.

The length means no cold wind will get up my back and I can get a decent walk stride in.

And the comments from all who see it - coat envy is real!

I’ve tried several other brands of dry robe/changing coats over the years but came to realise that I never use them to actually get changed in - I always use a thick towelling dry robe in winter or light weight hamman robe in summer after swims. So what was the point of having a coat that swamped me around shoulders/torso/arms…? This Red Original lovely parka has all the warmth, soft fluffy lining, water/wind proof qualities along with loads of pockets that traditional dry robes have but without the bulk.

If you don’t use your coat to change underneath get the parka, if you want lots of room get the change robe.

Love all the colours too, kept changing my mind ( I could have chosen 4) settled on pale blue which is lovely, slightly darker than the images I’d say but very nice and I’m super happy with my purchase!