Rain Jackets for Travel - YouLookFab Forum

I received a lot of good feedback on my previous post - the one thing you always travel with which you can find here http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....for-travel.

Following on from that post I am looking for a rain jacket I can take with me on my 5 month trip around Africa. It needs to be lightweight and breathable. I have been caught in too many rain storms with my rain jacket on and my skin all hot and sweaty underneath because it cannot breath.

So my question is should I go for more of a trench coat or a kathmandu/north face type jacket with a hood. I do prefer rain jackets with a hood in case I don't have an umbrella with me at the time. When I go to see the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda it will be misty and I'll want some type of coverage so my clothes don't get all wet.

I've been thinking about this for a couple of months as to what type of jacket would work best. A trench coat could be a bit too formal (ie for hiking and such) and then a kathmandu/north face type is a bit too casual for everyday. Help! Is there an in between jacket that would work?

Pics and links would be great too!

11 years ago

lari

Active Member

nicole, I highly recommend this rain jacket from eddie bauer. for some reason I cannot pin it so here is the link:http://www.eddiebauer.com/prod.....000060__38
it is now on sale and totally worth the money. i have it for two years now and I used it in tropics as rain gear and in canada on its own and as a shell for my down jacket. it offers great protection agains elements, is very well made, looks fantastic everywhere, is super lightweight and packs next to nothing. sorry if I sound evangelical but this jacket is one of my best finds

catgirl

Veteran

My Marmot jacket is the perfect trench/gear coat - I ADORE it. I don't see my model but it's similar to this:

http://marmot.com/products/det.....ger-jacket

Sal

I also have a Marmot jacket similar to Alaskagirl, I love mine as well. it is colourful and practical and while it does look like gear I don't mind when I am in the rain. I think for most occasions (travelling/hiking/sightseeing) it would be perfect. If you happen to be doing somewhere dressy (the opera/out to dinner) you can just take it off at the door or buy a cheap umbrella.
Given the rain we are getting here at the moment mine is on high rotation!

Travelgal Nicole

I do like the marmot one as it is longer. Is it very light weight (it looks it from the picture) or is it a bit more structured? And how about pockets? I couldn't tell from the photo.

lari - I'll have to look at the Eddie Bauer one at home tonight as I can't get into it at work. I like the idea of it packing down to next to nothing.

I've found a jacket here in NZ at a dept store but I have no idea if it is water proof or not. I'll keep an eye on it.

Mine has pockets and detachable hood. In black it looks professional enough that I wear it to work. It is light but not flimsy and washes well. I got mine on sale but knowing what I know now I'd say it is worth full price!

Firecracker (Sharan)

I have a Cole Haan packable jacket that I love for travel. I wear it a lot, when the weather isn't too cold but is drizzly or just cool. It's something like the one collected below, but a slightly different style because it's from a different year. And mine is black. I'm not sure how breathable it is, but it doesn't have a coating inside. I am wearing it in the Paris photos here.

Zappos

Cole Haan Packable 4 Pocket Zip Up Jacket With Hood

View Info

Top Pick

I've just had a look at the Eddie Bauer one that is on sale. What a good deal. I love the fact that the first few things it says is lightweight and breathable.

The cole haan jacket has merit too. A little dressier and I love it in black.

Laura

A practical North Face style jacket. The trench coat would look more stylish but if you are traveling, something practical might be more appropriate for when you are on the run.

Anonymous

I love my marmot but think the key is to get an unlined waterproof jacket. I find that in warm wet situations the poly lining is hot and gets wet from perspiration. That being said no truly waterproof jacket breathes really well. Vents, either zippered or grommets around the armpits or across the back will are also be helpful. O, and super jealous - 5 months Africa!

I have a North Face jacket similar to this
http://www.thenorthface.com/ca.....VE%20GREEN
Mine is a light silver grey. It is good for travel as it is very lightweight and looks reasonably appropriate both as a city trench coat and as casual hiking gear. The material is a bit rustle-y so It might not work for wildlife watching. I can not speak to its breathability in steamy conditions.

carter

I took this one to Europe with me last month.
http://www.rainforest.com/shop/womens/w5019.html

I borrowed it from my stepmom. Loved it so much, I just bought one for myself. Super lightweight. Scrunches up into a bag, and comes out without a wrinkle! If you like dark brown, there's a small on ebay NWT for much cheaper:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NWT-RA.....5afbc8ff00

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annagybe

(website)

Frankly I'd do a real gore-tex jacket. Especially if you are going to be in real rain. Even being out in drizzle all day can soak you to the bone in a water resistant jacket. I've learned the hard way.
Patagonia makes excellent jackets but expensive that are suitable for adventure travel.

cinnamon fern

I have the same North Face Grace jacket as Merewether and love it - waterproof, breathable, looks OK with a pencil skirt and heels. I highly recommend it.

Isis

I have a marmot goretex jacket that I love. Tons of pockeTs, pit zips for when it is hot, detachable hood.. Comes to mid thigh. Gear, but doesn't Africa call for gear? Get a color you love. Mine is red and I have had it for 25 years! Makes me happy every time it rains...

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