Waterproof shell

Huh! Marmot is somewhere in the high upper mid-quality range.

If you want waterproof cuff, seams, zippers, etc, you're going to have a bit of utilitarian look because of the nature of the beast.

Soft doesn't mean it's not waterproof, just that it won't stay that way as long.

You might want to see what Arc'teryx has to offer, but it's more like investment-quality - - be prepared to open up your wallet.

I just bought a Marmot waterproof jacket that is made from a very soft and noise-free fabric, so it is possible to get a jacket that is soft and waterproof. Unfortunately, it's not going to be cheap, although I got mine on sale at REI. I guess it's utilitarian looking, but it's also utilitarian, which I consider a good thing -- the hood is perfect, it's fairly long for a jacket and keeps me dry. I also have a Lole short raincoat that is cute and fashionable, but it's water resistant, not waterproof. You might try that brand - perhaps they have waterproof jackets as well. Not a cheap brand though. I got mine on Zappos.

Carroll -- do you know what Marmot calls the one you just bought? Thanks, Theresa

It's the Southridge. One thing I should mention - it's not extremely lightweight. Might not work for summer but perfect for fall. REI has a lighter weight one but it's $200. The didn't have that one on the store so I don't know if it is a softer fabric.

We bought the ponchos that RS Travel Store sells. They are available elsewhere on this web site. We already had rain jackets that we liked but decided to get this ponchos so that we could wear them and have them cover our day bags at the same time, something that our rain jackets would not do.

T,
I got one from REI. I don't remember the brand, but it wasn't so noisy and it isn't in a camo print but looks somewhat city. It packs into its pocket too,but i just roll it up and put it in one of the pockets in my pack.

happy trails.

I am dead miserable when it comes to style. I have a handful of superlight weight disposal ponchos. I have used maybe 4 in the last 10 years. But I have purchased, used and then left behind a couple of cheap umbrellas overseas.

Are you considering Gore-Tex?

The question is about style, so she does not feel like a dork. Ponchos do not make the cut. I suggest you look at Patagonia. They make serious outdoor clothing, but some with a " city" vibe. My totally waterproof jacket is very attractive, with a stylish cut, but also dependably waterproof.

Mine are not shells but jackets. One from LLBean, and one from TravelSmith: Waterproof, zipon/off hood, fall just above the knee, and I bought the liners for them. They also have a few interior pockets which are handy.
I toured Normandy beach one May in 34 degree temperatures with wind and rain, and never got wet or cold wearing them. I have been in New England blizzards with them. If the weather in Europe is averaging 50 degrees and above I can leave the liner home but it doesn't hurt to pack it. They were a great investment.

I have another waterproof jacket and a waterproof shell but they're used for the outdoors, activites, and the weather in US. They make the swooshy sounds and look outdoorsy as that's their design.

Last year I tried the Knee length, water resistant, Cafe Jacket, from TravelSmith. It was chilly and rained from my solo time in London and onward into my Berlin-Prague-Vienna tour time.
The water beads off the jacket. With a top, and a sweater underneath, and my silk under bottoms, I wasn't cold and stayed dry. When it downpoured or we got heavy rain, I also used my umbrella or took cover! This was Mid-Late May travel time.

I plan on checking out the Marmot for my wardrobe as it gets such rave reviews.

I am probably one who recommended the Marmot. I also have an Eddie Bauer jacket that is about fingertip length. It is waterproof and more trench coat looking. It does not crinkle but....it does NOT fold up small enough to fit in my purse and that is why I like the Marmot better. It doesn't really fold up so it would have to be carried or worn.

I guess the Marmot Precip does look outdoorsy and in fact I did have it on yesterday in the snow in Yellowstone. The waterproof-ness and the windproofing work really well.

I also have the Marmot Precip and it is noisy! I just got an Exofficio Rain Logic jacket and it is great. Waterproof, soft material, and lots of pockets. I purchased it new on ebay for $25.

Form follows function. If you are spending a day crossing Emgland's North York Moors or Scotland's Rannoch Moor in a driving rain storm, a water resistant shell with functional hood designed for an outdoor environment is essential. And you will still get wet from the driving rain.

That said, if you are an urban tourist popping from museum to cathedral to tourist shop to cafe, anything light weight will work and water repellent is all you need. Laminates tend to stiffen the material causing the crinkling noise. Look for a "Durable Water Repellant" finish.

I should add that a truly waterproof material also does not let moisture out. A truly waterproof jacket would need outdoorsy features like pitzips and cape flaps to allow body generated moisture to vent.

And lastly, a good looking functional jacket and cheap are mutually exclusive.

I would second the comment about trying Arc'teryx. They make various waterproof shells. They really work. I have one of their lower end shells. It worked very well in Ireland and France. Even in hard rain, it will keep the part of you that is covered dry. Also, the pockets and all zippers are water tight. It is light, nicely cut, and does not look that outdoorsy. Also, it was really wind-resistant. We were in Ireland with literally 60 mph gust up the Antrium coast and did not really feel the wind. However, you will be paying through the nose. My "lower end" shell was on sale at REI for $200, usual is $300.

Personally, after a very damp experience on Hadrian's Wall, I am very leery of the phrase water resistant. If you think that you will be out in a long term rain, then make sure, whatever you get is waterproof. :)

Pam

Pamela's correct about extreme weather in the UK requiring high tech rain and weather barrier wear. That said, even with "outdoorsy" Goretex laminate Patagonia jacket and Goretex over pants, I got soaked crossing places like Kidsty Peak in the Lake District, North York Moors and Conic Hill in the Scotish Highlands on driving rain days. Having baselayers that hold body warm when wet and dry quickly is essential if you are not near a warm pub. It also is a good idea to carry extra (i.e. dry) wool or synthetic socks because even Goretex lined boots and gaitors do not keep your feet dry in extreme weather conditions.

Very happy with my Patagonia waterproof shell-I forget which model it is, they do change the names around, but it is extremely effective. Super light and easily packed, and easy to bring along in the daypack. As Sasha notes, there are some with a more trim look than others. Plus, it's black, looks swell in Paris ;-))

Love my North Face Venture jacket. It is hip-length, not a shell but a water-resistant jacket with hood. It kept me warm and dry during early spring rains in Rome. The putty color I chose goes with everything. Very light-weight but I opted to wear it on the plane rather than pack.
Cynthia

If you want (1) lightweight, (2) waterproof, and (3) breathable, then you will get (4) crinkly.

In my view it is a reasonable tradeoff, in fact I find such a shell, which doubles as a wind shell, an indispensable part of my travel wardrobe. But if it is a deal breaker then you should be prepared to give up at least 1 of 1, 2, & 3.

Here's an important set if questions- where are you going, when are you going and what do you plan to do while there? Depending on the answer, an umbrella might suffice.

Try looking at Eddie Bauer

I agree, Eddie Bauer is a good place to look. I was looking for waterproof jackets this spring, and they have a couple of stylish options. I bought one & brought it home, then ordered one from LLBean -- the H2OFF Rain Jacket. I wore them both around the house -- sitting, standing, walking, reaching. Put a light-weight fleece under them. I ended up keeping the LLBean jacket (returned the Eddie Bauer).

What I like about the LLBean: it's totally waterproof (I have worn it outside in the rain and even a light snow) yet breathable (it's lined with mesh). The hood is attached (not zippable, so there's no extra fuss around the collar). The front has both a zipper and snaps (instead of Velcro, which often seems to attach to something inconvenient). It's a soft fabric, and comes in several colors (I chose coral, and it's a great color). It has an zippered inner pocket. And it has a relaxed fit, so you can fit a light fleece underneath.

I also have a White Sierra waterproof jacket that zips into its own pocket, so it's smaller and easy to throw in a backpack. The problem is that it has no vents or lining and gets really hot and sticky. So it's good for emergency use, but I'm going to Belgium-Netherlands in Sept-Oct and wanted to just bring one jacket that I could wear all the time, raining or not. And I think this LLBean model will be perfect.

Well I had no idea I would get so many replies to my question. You are all so helpful.
Adam, I heard what you said about not being able to avoid "crinkly" sounds if I want all I asked for.
Fortunately, I finally found a jacket that is what I want + less outdoorsy style and not so much crinkle. And -- it's longer -- really covers my tush to keep it dry. It's the REI Kyoto at http://www.rei.com/product/842796/rei-kyoto-trench-rain-jacket-womens#descriptionTab. The only two downsides are that for some reason it doesn't have pit zips (why???), and because it's longer, it's about 4.5 ounces heavier than the Precip (it's about 16 ounces). (Note that the REI description says 8.5 oz -- not true.) I'll just have to make up for those ounces somewhere else. Thank you all for your help. Theresa

Oh wow, VERY cute jacket! I hate it when the weight is different. I always expect they have weighed the teeny-tiny size and I am ordering gargantuan.

Being a runner in the Seattle area, lightweight and waterproof are important to me. I found a great shell at The North Face that I'll be taking to the UK this Summer. Lots of styles at thenorthface.com. I have other waterproof gear, but I also wanted something that would pack down to nothing and was breathable. Good luck!

Therese, I am glad you found the right jacket for you. As it happens my "crinkly" jacket of choice is also an REI elements fabric (a laminate). Mine is extra lightweight so perhaps extra crinkly. it has performed very well.