Lightweight rain jacket

Define cheap. YOu can get a rain slicker at the 99 cent store, a poncho at Walmart, Columbia has one for about $20, BUT you get what you pay for. They aren't guaranteed water proof nor do they breathe. If you really aren't buying one to keep or use sparingly try Sierra Designs Microlight. $40.

Where are you going? If Ireland or northern climates, I'd suggest investing in a good waterproof/windproof jacket you can use at home too. I have the REI Belltown jacket in black - lightweight and still fine for several layers underneath. If you're only packing something as a just-in-case / warmer summer climate the Sierra Designs microlight is probably fine.

Dianne, There are lots of possibilities, but it would help to have some idea on your guidelines for "cheap". If you want something for occasional use, you could have a look at the Rain Poncho in the Travel Store here ($29.99). It's very compact, and easy to pack along in a Daypack. If you'd prefer more of a Jacket (perhaps with a hood) that would also provide some warmth, you might have a look at the rain gear at Magellan's. Happy travels!

Yes, like the above poster get an umbrella. A good compact umbrella like a Totes would be good.

Take a look at the Lands End catalog. They have knee length jackets that are unlined, but wind proof and water proof. I like them for using as a top layer and they fold down to almost nothing. I like them because they are longer and look more like a raincoat rather than backpacking equipment.

Just be sure the label says "rain PROOF" not " rain resistant.". There is a big difference. I picked mine up at SAMs Club, but that is not a reliable source. I have another one I ordered from Travelsmith, but it cost more.

Tom just name two of the worse places to look for travel gear. Any good backpacking, sports store will have a good variety and level of quality. Look for Eddie Bauer, REI, EMS, Sport Authority, etc. The one drawback to a rain jacket, is that it transfers the water to you pants and shoes so then you need to have waterproof shoes and rain pants. In some ways an umbrella is more useful because it keeps the water off of you in the first place.

Hate to disagree, but get the rain jacket with a hood. I want my hands free to take a picture, check the guidebook etc. Also, I have to say that I don't think that an umbrella keeps the rain off your legs and shoes any better than a jacket. I live in NYC and walk to work and back everyday, rain and shine, and my legs get wet with either system. I suggest, if you're going someplace warm, then don't worry about your legs getting wet. ; ) If you're going to Scotland or Ireland where it can get chilly then either have pants that will dry quickly or if you're really going to be walking (hiking) get some rain pants. I have a very light weight pair that have been wonderful for my Scotland walks. I resisted for year, but now wonder why. Also, again, if you are headed to the British Isles invest in a good rain jacket. I've tried cheap and they really don't work well enough. You want to be able to keep going no matter what the weather. You've invested a lot in your trip, invest a bit more in a good jacket. You can use it again if you visit Seattle or NYC. ; ) Pam

I picked up a goretex paclite hooded jacket from Bass Pro for $70. I only use it for travel but it's come in handy several times. I use it not only for rain but as an additional layer when it gets cold.

Check on sierra trading post or backcountry dot com. We just ordered my husband a lightweight Columbia waterproof jacket for our upcoming trip to Ireland and paid about $45 (retail was over $100). The sites both have great reviews on products in general and make a good distinction between "water proof" and "water resistant".

Not a cheap rain jacket but I've had a Marmot for years. It has a hood that can be folded away, is vented, and weighs 7 ounces, and has great pockets. Husband has a similar one made by North Face. They have served us well on many trips and can be worn with sweater or sweatshirt.

I have a decent rain /wind jacket from Eddie Bauer. It has a hood but I never , ever, wear a hood,, sorry I am not smooshing my hair. I use an umbrella, I always bring one , no matter where I go or when I go. It was useful it Rome when touring the Forums in 100 degree heat,, it was portable shade!
The umbrella fits easily in my purse( messenger style bag) .

Thanks everyone! I will be traveling in Europe for a month in June and will be visiting Amsterdam, Bruge, Berner Oberland, Lucerne, Salzburg, Prague, Berlin. By cheap, I meant less than $50. I don't want to pay more than that since I only intend to you use it while I'm in Europe. I live in San Diego, CA and it doesn't rain here too often. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll definitely look into those!

Dianne, definately pack a fleece then,, to layer under the rain jacket ,, it can be cool up higher in some of the places you are going!! Even in summer!

L L Bean has great light weight rain jackets.

I'm in the market for a rain jacket too. I've been checking the weather and see there is rain in every city we're going to. Definitely taking my North Face fleece.

When it comes to travel clothing I look at my purchases as an investment. We both use Eddie Bauer Weather Wise rain coats and jackets. Coats for Scotland and part of Europe, jackets for the warmer climes.

I agree with you Monte. I have North Face tri climate jacket, but I feel as if it may be too much for Copenhagen/Amsterdam/Gent/Normandy this time
Of year. I've been checking the weather and temps are in the 50s and upper 60s with rain off and on. Some lifter jackets in my area are water resistant and so flimsy that I'm not certain they would help with a downpour.

Just buy an Arc'teryx. It'll keep you dry and last for a coupe of years. :)

Diane, if you have an outlet mall anywhere nearby you should check and see if they have an Eddie Bauer outlet. The outlet stores here almost always have rain jackets on sale for around 50.00.

I'd probably start online googling "waterproof rainshell" and see where you get, then shop for sales online and in stores. Generally the features I need are waterproof, hood, and long enough to cover your butt. Features I like are zippered pockets, adjustable hood, zippered vents, and a flap over the zippers to keep them from leaking. I've had: - The top half of a Costco/Sterns rain suit. It was cheap and waterproof, pants and top about $25, but I only packed the top. It was vented too much, however, and didn't work as well for windy days. - A Cabella's Goretex jacket, great price (I think $35 on clearance) and good waterproof but less breathable and slightly heavier/bulkier than I like. - A Columbia packable rainshell, again got it on sale at a good price and it's the right weight but I got caught in a heavy rain and it wasn't fully waterproof (probably because I had been carrying my bag over my shoulder a lot, that area was where it leaked). - A Marmot packable rainshell. I really like this one. It has all the features I want, including zippered pockets and zippered vented underarms, and weighs next to nothing. They run about $100 but I got mine on sale for a little over half that.

I think Brad has really nailed all the issues. When you're travel you don't want rain to slow you down so getting a good rain jacket can be more important than you think. ; ) I remember one year, I tried a poncho which did not work well. One year I bought a rain jacket that was water resistant, and that wasn't a good idea. Then I had one with no vents so I sweated so much that I still got wet! That's how I ended up with a gortex jacket with a hood and side vents (with covered zippers). Pam

Hanging in my closet right now is a $300 North Face rain jacket with a zip in fleece liner/sweater. Right next to it is a $50 Columbia rain jacket. Guess which one I am taking on a trip this June?
The cheap one. Why? It works. And I don't feel like a walking billboard when I wear it. That expensive jacket has its logo front, back and sideways.

Forgot to add. I have traveled more than 20 years and tried all sorts of makes and models of rain jackets. IMO, goretex is over rated. There are cheaper materials that do the job, and I have not found gore tex to last more than a few years if you wear it regularly.

I'm also a huge fan of Eddie Bauer nearly anything and have several rain jackets. But I love my LL Bean because it is long enuf to cover my backside.

I love my waterproof (not just water resistant) raincoat from Travelsmith. They come in a variety of colors, styles, lengths & sizes for men and women. I purchased a hooded, zippered style in black a few years ago. It comes packed in a pouch and does not wrinkle. The hood can be removed. This coat has traveled with me throughout Europe at least three times...two months at a time. I also wear it three seasons of the year at home. An optional zip out lining is available for cold weather.

Hi Dianne,
I love my hooded rain jacket that I bought from Lands End. It has a hood, plenty of pockets, light weight and it kept me dry while I trudge three blocks through the rain to a metro station in Copenhagen. I also packed a mini umbrella which helped as well.

Totes, an outlet in Troutdale, Oregon, carries rain jackets (some with a light lining) for around $30. It is the best that I can find without investing in an expensive coat.