Jacket advice

I would get the hooded jacket and wear it on the plane. I would not recommend packing it if you are checking your luggage.

are you looking at the long term forecast?

The storms have started early. Between me and London, Woburn has received more than 4 times the monthly rainfall in just 3 days. My rain gauge has overflowed 3 times this week. We have had 2 days of respite and another big storm is about to hit all of central and southern England tonight and tomorrow.

You want something waterproof and use the layer method to keep warm and cool. A hood is excellent. Umbrellas are great until the wind comes up - luckily these storms are mostly low wind, but that means they stick around. But we have had gales too.

Waterproof and layers is a trusted formula.

I agree with Mary. Do you have Merino wool sweaters? If not I got some inexpensive ones at Uniglo a few years ago. They are really useful. I pretty much always take a pair of silk long underwear which weigh almost nothing and take little space.

I’m looking about 10 days out Nigel, so it’s still a bit early I guess. Mary, we are only going with carryon, so whatever I take will be either worn or with me in the overhead bin. I actually have both coats, but haven’t worn the Columbia yet to know how warm it’ll keep me. Maybe I need to switch out a long sleeve shirt for another lightweight sweater if I go with the hooded rain jacket. Cala, I hadn’t thought I would need any silk underwear, but maybe I should just in case.

I'm in London now. It's been chilly and windy with rain most days.

Make sure when you look at the forecast you are also looking at the "real feel" and not just the expected temperature.

As an example, as I'm writing this, my weather app says it's 53 degrees F but the "real feel" is 46.

You could also take a second sweater.

A big factor in your decision making is your tolerance to low temperatures. I don't know where you're from so what you may consider cold may be considered temperate by others. My choice would be the Colombia jacket. It doesn't look warm, it's designed to be breathable whilst keeping you dry so you'd need to wear something warm underneath if you believe you'll feel cold. Looking at the forecast and the anticipated temperatures I would be in short sleeves underneath a jacket like that especially in a city where I'm expecting to be in and out of buildings frequently.

To walk to work this morning I wore a T-shirt, thin merino cardi and an unlined breathable waterproof. I was hot by the time I arrived. I’ve just been outside but standing around so added a fleece layer. I was perfectly warm like that. Layers are absolutely key.

We are currently at the end of our first week in Ireland and have been experiencing very cool (50-55°) temperatures, gale force winds a few days and spotty sun one day. We have successfully been out and about with the layers of clothing we packed and a pair of waterproof walking shoes each. For myself, I use a long sleeved pullover top each day with either a puffy vest or fleece jacket. Over this I will add my hooded rain coat, 1 size larger than I usually buy to give plenty of room for layers. I have soft knit pants or one pair of jeans. I brought socks and have worn them a few times. Normally I’m a sandals only person (California winters). I also packed a nice wool hat I bought at the Cliffs of Moher a few years and a thin pair of gloves. I’m planning to buy a wool scarf on this trip. We will be here for 2 more weeks and I’m not looking for the weather to improve. We are doing fine with the layers we brought.

EDIT: I packed my Columbia hooded raincoat and 32° puffy vest in my 22” carryon. I stuffed my Eddie Bauer fleece jacket, hat and gloves in my backpack for the flight over. It was 100° when I left home!

Thanks all for your advice thus far; it really gives me insight into what to choose. I think I will go with the Columbia jacket and take a couple more layer pieces. I like the thought of a hood and I think it offers more versatility. Now, that is more settled, I have another dilemma that arose this morning. I will post about it on a separate thread here shortly.

At the moment in the UK a lot of us are wearing those thin puffa jackets (either short or knee-length) that squish easily into a backpack when not needed. I’m wearing mine over a thin fleece and t-shirt. Waterproof, not too warm but pretty cosy - and all very lightweight and packable.

Don't bring an umbrella - they are a menace - not only for you but other people too... Bring the hooded jacket (drips down the back of the neck are no fun) and a thin warm layer to put beneath it , if needed.

Lands End lightweight fleece is what I take to London during my Fall and/or winter visits. Fits perfectly under my knee length rain coat that has a hood.

If that doesn’t provide enough warmth I’ll add my Amazon puffer vest.

Claudia, I have a similar lightweight fleece. (Costco purchase not Lands End but so warm and comfortable). I also have the 32 degree puffer jacket and vest. I’m considering which if those depending on the temps I see next week. The puffer jacket and vest are just a hair lighter than the fleece , but not much.

The Amazon puffer vest rolls up and fits in its own bag. The vest has 2 interior pockets. I can put my iPad mini in one.

Ironically, I received my new Land’s End catalog yesterday. Browsing through this morning and there are quite a few new “wanderweight” options from them for various types short and long length vests (the long length I haven’t seen before), jackets, and a new anorak style. All packable. They also have some long length “FeatherFree” options, not packable, but there is a hooded long vest that looks really interesting. Water-resistant they claim. Thought I’d pass the info on to anyone looking for this upcoming season. They are on sale right now, too, with a code.

Here’s one link to the long, hooded vest

https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-featherfree-insulated-hooded-vest/id_386864?attributes=12717,44967