Rain gear for college? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Rain gear for college?

Gretchen

Veteran

The youngest is about to fly the nest - moving to the great state of Oregon. While we were on our tour in April, our guide (a Eugene native) told us to plan on daily showers, but not a lot of truly wet days. But when we were at orientation, we were told to ensure that anything worn outdoors (jackets, shoes/boots, backpacks) should be truly water resistant.

So...can anyone in the PNW give some guidance? It hasn't rained much in California these last few years, so we're starting from scratch. Looking for the best options that will work with a college dorm-room closet. She'll be riding a bike or taking transit to classes daily.

Thank you!

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from

bridgie

Veteran

I can't help at all. I am across the country from PNW in North Carolina.

But I do want to bump your post up, so maybe others will read it and have some answers for you.

shiny

Veteran

Not from PNW but I have a Patagonia rain shell that I got from my company (it's branded with our company logo) and it is the most waterproof outer layer I now own. It's definitely in the "gear" category rather than fashion, but it's great. Packs up into its own pocket. Has an ample hoodie. I've worn it in downpours and have not gotten even the slightest bit damp-- not counting legs since it's low hip length. Which would work well for bike riding.

I liked it so much I invested in the Patagonia Nano Puff (mentioned this on another comment here recently) which layers under it for warmth.

Then my company gave me a logo'ed Patagonia puffer vest.... which also layers under...

These are all gear things though. What is her college like? Some colleges are more gearish than others. I remember when I was that age: my older sister went to a school where everyone tumbled out of bed and to class in sweats. I went to a college where that was Just Not Done. You might want to give her a few weeks at school then go visiting for a major fall shopping trip, once she's figured out the local dress code.

greycat6

Veteran

Checking in from Seattle. Daily precipitation during fall/winter/spring is a fact of life here. I would classify it as mist, heavy at times. A hooded rain jacket with room to layer underneath depending on the season would be a place to start. If it isn’t wet the layers could be worn without the hooded rain coat.

I would suggest a waterproof backpack, especially if she is walking/biking. A wet laptop is difficult to recover. I only use an umbrella if it is pouring rain or I dressed up and my dress coat doesn’t have a hood.

Good luck to her as she starts a new season of life!

salt-sea

My daughter and many of her college peers all had black North Face Resolve rain jackets. I have a Patagonia rain shell for hiking and outdoors stuff - I only use it for that as it is a shocking bright orange. I ended up picking up a black north face resolve for myself for travel as it is reasonably priced (you can find them for $60-$75) and goes with nearly everything. Very packable too.

JAileen

Veteran

Not from PNW, but rode my bicycle exclusively for four years of college. Besides being waterproof, I would suggest her outerwear be a very bright color for visibility. Nothing worse than being hit by a car.

unfrumped

Veteran

Yay for college!
Ditto the hooded rain shell for versatility, biking.
It would be great to feel she’s all outfitted to start, but agree you might want to budget for how to handle if “ all the girls” are wearing a particular brand or style of something once she gets there.

SylvanElegance

In addition to a hooded rain shell (I recommend REI as a good source), I would second the idea of a waterproof backpack. Also, water proofing spray for shoes is very helpful.

It also helps to remember that, while campus style is always a factor, the PNW tends towards the casual and gear oriented. So getting the gear that works well, in colors your daughter likes, will always fit the bill.

Hope your daughter enjoys Oregon!

Kathie

Veteran

When I moved to Seattle for grad school, one of my first purchases was a waterproof, breathable shell/jacket, long enough to cover my hips. Unlined, with a hood. I can’t remember the brand, but I bought it at REI. It served me well through 10+ years.

Roberta

Veteran

I bought a Columbia anorak because it was lightweightweight and had a hood two years ago and darned if that thing didn't keep me dry through looonnng wet walks in Amsterdam. I bought it on sale online at REO and it is one of the most used jackets in my closet. It isn't insulated, which I like because I can wear it over a sweater if I choose, and it packs down to nothing. REO has tempting sales AS WE SPEAK.

Like the Season

Hi, from the PNW. With an unlined hooded waterproof jacket (from a good brand -- Columbia, Patagonia, North Face, etc.) that falls below the hips and has enough room to layer a lightweight puffer underneath, your daughter should be all set. As others have said, REI is a good place to start.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I’ll skip the advice-giving, unless she wants to wear a rain poncho and drape it over the bike at her destination. Whatever you get her now, you can gift her the “cool kids” raingewr st the end of semester, if you celebrate a holiday then
But I do wish her a great first year, and you a happy “new normal”

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Goretex.
But in last few years the winter weather is different, thanks (but really no thanks)
to climate change.
It’s drier overall through fall-winter-spring. And honestly the classic PNW drizzle is less. This last winter when we had rain, it was heavier, as in you would get wet as opposed to damp.

Gretchen

Veteran

Thank you so much for the feedback.

Sounds like Gear is the way to go, and we'll be using my husband's REI account!

I also agree (and appreciate the reminder) about letting her get adjusted before buying much. I think we'll plan for a shell and/or light jacket so she has something to start with. And I'll plan for a long Christmas list.

Staysfit

Veteran

Not from PNW, but also from a very rainy place, and I would look for anything light weight, breathable, and water resistant. Gortex or equilavent. TNF, REI, Eddie Bauer, Lands End, etc. all make a version. I also purchased a Helly Henson that is seeing tons of use on casual days. It’s an excellent jacket.

cherylm

From Seattle - My daughters that age prefer North Face, Patagonia or Mountain Hardware as brands for rain gear. Definately with a hood. And even though visibility is important - they prefer black or other dark colors. One daughter loves her Blundstone’s for water proof footware. The other one just goes with wet feet .

Jules

Veteran

If she wants some variety, Uniqlo has raincoats that are cut slightly more stylish than gear but still have practical details.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote raincoat, weatherproof shoes and an umbrella.

Anonymous

We got DD a raincoat, rain boots, and a really good umbrella (Sharper Image). She wore the raincoat just as a regular coat when it was chilly out. Wore the boots once (too bulky and took up too much room in a small dorm room, and found carrying an umbrella was a PITA when you are trying to lug your books and a pc, etc. so she never used it.

I recommended that she always carry a big trash bag with a hole cut out at the top and sides. She and her friends started a new trend on campus - trash bag raincoats and no drying - just toss out. Oh and disposable plastic shower caps for feet and head.

Anonymous

I saw a Lot of rain proof (at least labled as such) boots on nordies this am!
Id suggest a hooded raincoat for the schlepping factor. Umbrellas may look pretty, but they're not practical if you carry other things.

LaPed

Veteran

I moved to Portland OR for college; someone gave me a North Face Venture rain shell as a high school graduation gift and it lasted me all through college and beyond. Oregon is a fairly outdoorsy culture, especially the college crowd (although the particular style does vary from campus to campus). I had no car and biked everywhere, and I'm pretty sure I satisfied my PE requirements by joining a hiking group, so a Gore-Tex jacket was definitely an essential for me. Layered over a fleece or sweater it was warm enough for winter. I also scored a set of waterproof bike panniers off of Craigslist while I lived in PDX -- still have them -- way better than a backpack for rainy bike commutes (and make sure her bike has mud flaps!).

Gretchen

Veteran

More great suggestions - excellent!

The umbrella idea has been vetoed (NOT cool, Mom!)

I love the trash bag idea. Super practical!
Had not heard of waterproof panniers, but I think they could be really useful. Will start looking around.

Thanks so much for the advice!

Gretchen

Veteran

We have winners - and thank you so much for the recommendations.

For jacket, she liked the idea of having a fleece and a raincoat, so this 3-in-1 was a great option:
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage.....cket-women

And she found a waterproof backpack:
https://www.rei.com/product/11.....ck-18-pack

Still working on lining up a bike and reminding her the flip flops are NOT waterproof gear.

Anonymous

Hurrah!