Terminology Conundrum

So this in no way affects my enjoyment and understanding of the book, but what does a "donkey jacket" look like? I know it's not a mac, an anorak or a kagoul, but what is it?

Ta da! (Complete with illustration.) What book was this in?

Thanks, d2vge! Entirely unimportant to the plot, but it bothered me that I couldn't picture the scene with the protagonist wearing a mysterious jacket!

It was in a book by Peter Robinson called Past Reason Hated. Not his best effort, but I've enjoyed others by him, especially In a Dry Season, so I'm reading my way through them. The donkey jacket has been mentioned in other books, mostly written in the eighties and nineties, I think.

That's so funny! I asked because that was the book that popped into my mind when I read your question.
Anyway, I know exactly what you mean. Stuff like that can obsess me to the point that I can't really concentrate on the plot anymore until I know what it's referring to.

Wikipedia has a great explanation of the "donkey jacket".

Yeah, trust me not to even think about checking Wikipedia. Still, this was a great place to ask the question, get a quick answer and enjoy the ensuing chat. It's not everyday I encounter people who like British mysteries. I know several people (mostly relatives) who equate this with sending me the latest John Grisham for for Christmas. Blech.