By: Blonde Two
I have a bit of an issue with coats, that being that I love to buy (and have a fair few of) coats and jackets suited to outdoor activities but am hopeless when it comes to coats for that rare occasion when I am required to look smart. Blonde One always looks smart and, consequently, has a far better distribution of coats than I do. We were therefore, both thrilled to be offered the opportunity to try out two of Rohan’s winter coats, both designed to be smart and both designed to be warm. Blonde One opted for the very elegant wadded wool Islay Coat and I went as posh as I could with the versatile Downtown down coat. We received the coats just in time for Devon’s recent Easterly-induced cold spell and my trip to Wales.
Review – The Rohan Islay Coat (B1)
My new favourite coat has been thoroughly tested in all sorts of terrains (maybe not the mountains of Morocco, or the icy peaks of the Cairngorms though). When I say all sorts, I mean Christmas shopping in town, a choir concert in cold churches, foraging for festive treats and doing outside break duty at work. This coat was perfect for all of these things. The zipped pockets were a useful feature as was the huge inside pocket, into which you could have fit a fairly large Christmas elf. I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces in Krakow later this month when the insulated wadding will I hope keep me warm in the minus degree temperatures. The lightweight and crease resistance features will be good when it gets stuffed into the overfilled Easyjet overhead lockers too! The only downside to this coat is that I wish I had the dark purple one too! I was initially a little shocked about the price, thinking it was quite high, but it didn’t take me long to realise that this coat is easily worth the money.
Review – The Rohan Downtown Coat (B2)
Its not often that I need to look tidy and, in Devon, my need for a warm and smart coat is limited. However, with Not-At-All-Blonde’s graduation in the chilly land of Up-North looming, I knew that I was going to have to bite the button and find something warm to wear over my dress (I know… a dress!) My new Rohan down coat arrived just on time for what turned out to be a most eclectic trip, and I am pleased to say that it rose amply to each outdoor occasion with which I challenged it.
Challenge 1 – To look tidy enough for a graduation ceremony whilst keeping me cosy in chilly Buxton
Mission completed, I looked (for me) very smart and this down coat’s warmth levels meant that I was warm enough with just my dress underneath
Challenge 2 – To keep me warm for chilly walks around Welsh reservoirs
Mission completed, this is a long coat, which meant that, at no point, did I have to worry about a cold bottom. My only niggle here is that it only comes in black, which is not a cheery colour nor does it show up very well as the light fades.
Challenge 3 – To cope with Welsh drizzle (other drizzles are available)
Mission completed, the Rohan Downtown Coat is made of sustainably sourced, hydrophobic down and appeared to be able to cope with even a Welsh amount of the drippy stuff. It has a well-fitting hood that leaves your head warm and doesn’t reduce too much of your peripheral vision.
Challenge 4 – To keep me warm whilst I was camping in the van
Mission completed, I would happily sleep in this coat but didn’t need to this time. I did, however use it as a blanket over my legs whilst relaxing for my evening reading.
Challenge 5 – To use as a pillow
Mission completed, all of my jackets end up, at some point, as part of my camping pillow system. The Downtown Coat folds into its pocket so well that it makes a pillow in its own right and even provided a warm, fleecy surface on which I could lay my head.
I have come to the conclusion that the thing Rohan are really good at is creating multi-tasking clothing. My walking trousers are great for camp nights and putting on after chilly outdoor swims and my new coat has proved its worth for all kinds of occasions. I feel I should point out here that the Downtown Coat is not a cheap option but, if it can take the place of several coats, then maybe it is an economical one.
Rohan only use down that is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
From time to time we Blondes are sent free outdoor products to field test and promote on social media. We will always be honest about our findings and any products we don’t keep for ourselves find their way into our expedition stores. Great for us, great for you and great for our youngsters!
