jacket in april

Magellan's sells several packable rain jackets/trench coats for reasonable prices. Wear your favourite jacket and put one of these on over top if your hit with an unexpected downpour. That's what we do.

I suggest a favorite sweater that you already own and a light windbreak which is water-repellent.

Layers! You don't need a big winter coat in April. You would be best off layering with a base layer or even regular shirt/blouse, full zip fleece and a rain jacket. That should cover you from about 40 degrees F and above which it should be well above in April.

I agree with Tex 100%, you probably have what you need in your closet. And if not you can buy what you need at Walmart for a lot less than Northface. I would add.... Here is why you don't want a warm rain jacket, but instead and uninsulated water resistant/water proof jacket plus a fleece or sweater under it: It might be rainy and warm, in which case an insulated rain jacket will be too hot. Just wear a light shirt and the jacket. It might be rainy and cold, in which case you would wear both. I never travel with an insulated jacket unless I know it is going to be outright cold, (e.g. Finland in February) instead using a windbreaker as the top layer and the insulation underneath.

Any waterproof shell and full zip fleece is essentially the same as a tri-climate jacket. Having both is really the way to go because it gives you options based on the weather you encounter. Make sure the shell is labeled "water proof", water resistant is likely to leave you completely soaked. Wind proof with zippered pockets are good to look for also. I've seen really good prices on Goretex shells at Cabelas.com. Check their clearance items. You can get a good deal on a zip-fleece anywhere from Old Navy to JCPenney and every store in-between. I have them in 100 weight and a 200 weight. I like 100 weight because it packs easier (less bulky). I'll pack 200 weight in early Spring or late Fall. The heaviest are 300 weight. I don't have one and would only use it for dead of winter travel, they're usually too warm for me. A full zip gives you the option of letting the heat out when you get too warm. Finding a full-zip 100 weight is hard but not impossible (most are quarter-zip). One thing I learned the hard way about England, never get more than arms length from your rain-shell - no matter how nice it looks outside.

Northface products may cost more however they are really of high quality and keep you warm. I use a nice NF windwall jacket which is lightweight along with a inner NF windwall vest. Both are under 100$ and wait till they go on sale or use REI discount coupons.