Travel Waterproof & Breathable Jacket

since you're in WA, REI sells some nice jackets. The one I bring is from Land's End.

You're probably not going to find any with detachable hoods because it would be difficult to get a waterproof seam on something that detaches.

I have a gore-tex paclite one with an attached hood from Bass Pro. It worked great on the cliffs of Moher in a downpour.

It worth it to pop for the Gore Tex. My REI jacket doesn't have a detachable hood, but the hood will roll up in to the collar. The hood is really a good idea as it frees up your hands to still take pictures, read guidebooks and maps and generally keep track of things. ; ) Pam

I have a rain jacket with hood. In rain, I wear a baseball cap with bill under the hood and go without an umbrella entirely. I prefer a jacket that is long enough to cover my knees, and loose enough to wear a sweater underneath so I don't need to travel with another coat. I have a black jacket from Travel Smith and a purple jacket from REI. The REI jacket has a high pocket that is useful for securing Passport and other documents.

Patagonia makes lightweight, good looking travel rain gear in either a jacket or knee length. Check out their rain shadow collection. Good internet sale deals (I just got mine from Zappos.com, and I am delighted) A really perfect piece for packing light conscious travellers.

Northface jackets are great. The hoods have a brim to keep your face dry, and they are adjustable so they don't blow off in the winde. They aren't cheap, but they are worth it.

LJ, as you investigate possibilities you will find that there are 2-layer and 3-layer versions of Goretex jackets. the 2-layer jackets are lighter and pack smaller. The reason is that they lack the extra lining or backing of the 3-layer. I personally carry a 2-layer Mountain Hardware jacket I bought from REI. It served me very well in some downpours in Austria and Switzerland.

I'd definitely stop by REI and get one of their waterproof/windproof jackets. Most of their line of raincoats don't have removable hood, but it really doesn't make a difference - they are so lightweight that it's no biggie - and also fit your other needs. They're also less expensive than other brands and do the same job. I've had mine for almost 4 years, and it's still working fantastically and am bringing mine on my trip (backpacking Europe Aug-Oct).

I pack an unlined Goretex parka from Cabella's. The exact jacket can be seen here:

http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_pack_list/set?id=1440268

Prior to that. I packed the top half of a Costco rainsuit (which worked really well and was inexpensive). The key for me is waterproof and lightweight.

I switched to the Cabella's for two reasons. I wanted a more breathable fabric and no vents that can let in water when it's windy. Cabella's has good stuff, but check out what people say (good and bad) about a given product before you purchase. If you have time, watch for things to go on sale.

The Marmot Precip is a classic. It's very light and packable, not very expensive, and does the job (I take mine backpacking and have worn it on many a rainy hike here in the PNW). It's wone a bunch of awards ie from Backpacker Magazine. It's sold a ton of places so if you do a google shopping search, that will help you find the best price.

LLBean's Casco Bay windbreaker is well made, breathable, kept me dry in the rain, & folds up very small.

Couple of recommendations:

1) Outdoor Research, Marmot and Patagonia make excellent waterproof breathable jackets. I have an OR and I am extremely pleased with it. Prior to that I had a Patagonia but I lost too much weight (good thing!). You really can't go wrong with any of those brands.

2) Keep a close eye on SteepAndCheap.com. The website is run by the very reputable company www.Backcountry.com. It's a bit random, but they put on huge discounts on a variety of outdoor items for about 20 minutes at a time. Only one thing at a time and you never know what comes next. Recently they have had a lot of good quality waterproof breathable jackets come through at 50 -75% off. The only catch is it's usually limited sizing and the colors may be last seasons. EXCELLENT return policy as well. I've purchased a few things from them and always been happy.

All kinds of other great gear on that site from tents to pots to shirts to anything outdoor related.

Pete

Our family just purchased waterproof, breathable jackets at the Columbia outlet store. They have a great sale going so the guys only paid about $40 and the girls paid even less.

I was recently looking for the same. Did some online searches and looked around some local shops. Ended up going with a jacket from LL Bean. It's the "trail model rain jacket". Has a hood. Lightweight and very packable per the online reviews. Overall, very good reviews from customers. I was looking for this jacket for my upcoming trip to Ireland. It was funny b/c several reviewers indicated they had used it on recent Ireland travels! They have it on sale right now if you are open to getting one of two colors: brown or pink. I got the sale version and it was about $40. They have it also on regular price with other colors (navy, black, blue, etc) and I think the price is about $60. Haven't received it yet so can't offer specific comments but based on the online reviews, eager to get it and think I will be happy with it.

I also recommend the trail model rain jacket from LL Bean. I bought one in June for my Ireland trip and wore it a lot. Great jacket! It's lightweight, packs down very small,has velcro at wrists and on the hood to adjust them, has a bit of a visor on the hood, and the pockets have zippers. Kept me dry and hands-free (no umbrella), and was very breathable.

the north face venture...it's light...and waterproof as opposed to just water resistant...has the pit zips also which is the ultimate to keep breathable...and it folds up and compresses nicely to keep in day pack...i use mine all the time and most recently in june in ireland...