Great women’s jacket at Costco $27

That's a direct copy of The North Face's Shelbe Jacket.

Its a very popular jacket, soft-shells are great (except for downpours) would be interesting to compare the two. Considering the price differential $27 vs $149, wonder where the compromise is: windproof laminate, quality of face fabric, quality of liner, quality of zippers, hem and binding details, cords and pulls, etc....

Also, it says water repellent and not waterproof. How did it do in the rain? Did you also need an umbrella for heavy rain?

zcorsair, the difference is the label.

zcorsair, except the Shelbe does not have a chest pocket or interior pockets. And the Shelbe has the obnoxious North Face label on front & back. Oh, and is $120 more.

The Costco jacket does great in rain. I can’t recall wearing it in torrential rain, but regular PNW rain. I haven’t used an umbrella in years. Maybe that’s just a PNW thing!

I have the prior version in two colors and have liked them. I saw this new version and was tempted but can't justify the purchase since I have so many jackets already. But if it goes on clearance eventually, we'll see if my willpower will hold out or not. :)

I was actually looking at that a few days ago and trying to decide. Thanks for the recommendation - I will definitely purchase it!

I'm in the market for a new rain jacket. Here's the most important thing for me: Do you end up all sweaty after a brisk walk in the Costco jacket? i.e. is it "breathable"

SandraL, this jacket is lined in a fleece material. So it’s not just a rain jacket. More of a thinner, fully lined jacket that also keeps you dry.

I HATE thin rain jackets that don’t breathe, but this one will keep you warm. I get too hot easily and still love this one for when I want to stay dry AND warm. I wouldn’t wear it in a rainforest where it’s 90 degrees, for example.

thank you very much!

Thank you! I sent the link on to my girls nd my grands in case anyone is in the market for a light jacket for our tour next May.

Saw that jacket at Costco yesterday during my shopping run...its a good value jacket. Its not waterproof by any means, hence the Water Resistant label. If you know your only rain exposure is walking through a parking lot, a soft-shell like this one is fine, you're not going to get wet. If you're going on a trip where rain and wet weather is expected, perhaps consider a jacket that is waterproof.

This jacket is a soft-shell, meaning its a woven-stretch fleece. I love soft shells, much more comfortable over a broader range of weather conditions than most waterproof jackets are able to function at. The face fabric is a very thin two-way stretch poly with no laminate or secondary face with a lofted fleece liner. Higher-end soft shells eliminate having to put in a lining by weaving the textile to create two separate textures: smooth durable face outside and a plush or, textured face on the inside. There's also no laminate bonded to block the wind; lower priced soft shells either eliminate this feature which helps reduce cost or, they'll use an inexpensive one that is heavy and doesn't breath very well. There are purpose built soft shells without any laminate, usually those are found in more athletic / aerobic styles; styles within a lining they try to keep light as weight becomes a factor. One downside to soft-shells, like fleece is they don't pack down very well, bulk is a constant complaint.

Costco apparel selection is value oriented and made for the price-sensitive. Much of what's sold is for mass consumption and non-technical applications. If it works for you great, just understand where it lines up in the grand scheme of things and know that the designs and construction are taken from more technical, purpose built applications.

I just ordered it yesterday (my Costco doesn't have it in stock) and will let you know how it goes. I'm looking for a jacket like this not only for travel but for Duluth weather when it gets damp and rainy.

I like soft shell jackets for breezy, damp (but not actually rainy) days, and needed a new one. But the Costco one is not an option as they don’t make an XS for petite women like me. The North Face one mentioned above, does come in XS, but I happened to find a nice one for 1/3 the price of the NF jacket 2 days ago, at the San Francisco Presidio Visitor Center, by the new Tunnel Tops.

https://store.parksconservancy.org/collections/adult-apparel/products/jacket-womens-alcatraz-softshell

Mine says “Golden Gate Bridge” in understated tone-on-tone letters, instead of “Alcatraz” like the one in the online shop. The brand tag says “Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy” so I don’t know who actually made it; probably a company that specializes in logo wear. I had to look for the brand because a woman about my size stopped me on the street yesterday and asked what brand it is, and where I bought it.

If you live in or near San Francisco, or are visiting, I highly recommend a visit to the Presidio to check out the visitor center and see the new Tunnel Tops park, with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

https://www.parksconservancy.org/services/william-penn-mott-jr-presidio-visitor-center

They had a great selection of books, games, and other items (I also bought a very nice alpaca-merino scarf), all good quality things rather than cheap souvenirs. Actually got a headstart on my Christmas shopping, and I feel good about the $$ going to support a good organization ( the Conservancy).

travel4fun, I bought this jacket and love it! I actually wore it out yesterday in cold and rainy Duluth weather and it kept me warm and dry. Definitely a keeper! And it's now on sale for $23.

Just an update here - I bought another one in a different color yesterday and the price had dropped to $12.97. I really do like this jacket.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BN78SN2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
This is a nice one too I bought the one without a hood and got compliments