A good duck coat should be in camouflage, waterproof and hopefully comfortable. Today there are a number of excellent models that fill this basic bill. The use of several high-tech synthetic fabrics, waterproof but breathable membranes and ever-lighter insulation have achieved high performance and greater comfort with no loss of functionality or durability.

I prefer my duck coat to have a removable hood and a storm flap to protect the throat. There should be lots of pockets, inside and out, including handwarmer pockets. The outside pockets should have grommets to let water drain out.

A really sturdy zipper with a tab large enough to be gripped with gloved hands or cold, numb fingers is the finishing touch.