Rain jackets (or: summer is definitely over)

[KnottedYet]

NRS Endurance Kayaking jacket (pullover) about $60.

neoprene neck and wrist cuffs so water doesn't go anywhere, very breathable, very waterproof, lots of arm mobility.

Bare-bones and simple. I like it in the kayak and on the bike.

Here's this year's version: http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...61&deptid=2018

my much older one has the chest pocket that you have to pay extra for these days...

[onimity]

I *love* my Gore Bike Wear jacket that I got here at TE...don't think they have them in bright pink anymore tho... Here's the yellow version: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=28629

It was expensive but worth the price IMO. It might be overkill for short trips, only but to me anything that ups my comfort level a lot & encourages me to ride in less-than-great conditions is a good thing.

I really like the relative breathability of GoreTex and love that the bike-specific jacket has a part that drops down over your rear to protect that from splatter. Works great. I wore it for an entire drizzly century a few weeks back and it was great, really comfortable, didn't get wet at all, didn't feel like I was in a sauna either.

Also the Gore Bike Wear jacket folds into its own little pouch so that you can easily wear it around your waist if it isn't raining.

Anne

[Zen]

Two of the jackets recommended here are in the $200 range.

My entire food and clothing allowance for the month is $300.
I have to think about every purchase I make, including a cup of coffee.

It might not look great, it might be momentarily uncomfortable but the cheap one will keep me just as dry.

[kelownagirl]

I have this jacket that I got at Mountain Equipment Coop. It was $65 and I love it. It is only water resistant though. It doesn't rain that much here...

[HoosierGiant]

Showers Pass Elite jacket -- can't say enough good things about it!!!

[gnat23]

Goes to show you: this morning it rained for the first time of the season. I rode to my yoga class and got *drenched* in only a few miles. Something not fun about downward dog with the racing stripe up the butt.

So I picked up that Showers Pass Elite jacket in Screamin' Safety Yellow ("Sorry," shrugged the saleswoman. "Safety apparently doesn't come in other colors") and looked to be right what I needed for $80. I love the vented back, the detachable hood is a nice touch (tho all the velcro loves my dreads), and I can't wait put the sleeves and long-backed bum cover to the test.

And some waterproof pants. Hey, might as well make it as close to comfortable as possible. Or at least, no excuses for me the rest of the winter, 'kay?

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

-- gnat! (Okay, rain, bring it on! Er, wait, forget I said that.)

[Triskeliongirl]

Congrats on the purchase! I have heard great things about this jacket, but where did you find it for only $80? I know a lot of folks have it on closeout to make room for the Elite 2, but I've never seen it for that low a price.

[QUOTE=gnat23;247305]...
So I picked up that Showers Pass Elite jacket in Screamin' Safety Yellow ("Sorry," shrugged the saleswoman. "Safety apparently doesn't come in other colors") and looked to be right what I needed for $80. I love the vented back, the detachable hood is a nice touch (tho all the velcro loves my dreads), and I can't wait put the sleeves and long-backed bum cover to the test....
QUOTE]

[jobob]

Two of the jackets recommended here are in the $200 range.

My entire food and clothing allowance for the month is $300.
I have to think about every purchase I make, including a cup of coffee.

It might not look great, it might be momentarily uncomfortable but the cheap one will keep me just as dry.

I don't get it, are we supposed to feel guilty about talking about things you cannot afford?

[ClockworkOrange]

I don't get it, are we supposed to feel guilty about talking about things you cannot afford?

I do get it and I do not think for one minute that zencentury was trying to make anybody feel guilty.

Not that long ago my budget was less than that per month. Even now, to spend so much on a jacket for myself would be way too much, my jacket I bought at Lidl, cost under $15!

For some, finances are a problem, know that feeling only too well. I am fortunate now, and do not have to count every penny.

Most of you guys would die of embarrassment if you saw me on my bike, sleeveless vest, shorts, no socks and flipflops! OK, must be honest, since changing my pedals to DMR's I have had to wear trainers.

That is the problem with Forums, the anonymity does hide all our imperfections, traits and of course personal problems, whatever they may be.

Sorry, rambled too much.............back to Topic.

[DirtDiva]

I've got one of these ('cept in a different colour). It's pretty expensive and I waited a looooong time to find one on sale, but it's also pretty good - light, completely windproof and definitely more breathable than anything else I've owned to keep me dry. I do sometimes wish for pit zips on really long, draggy climbs, but I wish for a lot of things during those . It's seen enough rain that its waterproofing is only good for about three hours these days, but that's something that will happen to any jacket in the end and your commute probably isn't as long as that anyway.