What brands do you all recommend?
We will be in Austria and Switzerland in early June. Looking at not using the outer shell of Columbia and Northface tri climate because they're still heavy.
Tried a few raincoats locally and they're so plastic sounding...swoosh sound with every movement.
Ginger,
I think you are looking for a rain jacket that you can fold up into a small pocket? Lots of brands to choose from. I am not sure any are that different, other than choice between pullover vs. zipper style. I have owned ones from Lands' End, Columbia, REI, Patagonia, North Face, Sierra Designs, and JC Penney. All worked OK, and for me, appearance was not much of a factor. I think my favorite was the one I currently have from Lands' End. No Swooshi-ness.
I like my Marmot Precip, but it does have a crinkle to it. It does roll up and I can fit it into my purse. I was in REI last week and saw a Marmot that was waterproof and of a softer, less crinkly fabric which might work for you. Sorry I don't remember the model name. The Precip is roomy enough to fit over a polarfleece vest and/or sweater.
I think you'll find that generally the lighter the jacket (and smaller the fold) the more plastic-y. Texture adds bulk and weight.
Shop around to see what's best for you.
Still trying to figure out what would work for rain, and also keep us warm in the mountains like in Murren and higher.
Taking a look at the NF Venture. Looks lighter than the triclimate shell I have so should work. Thanks.
I went all winter here in N. Idaho (except for the very coldest days) with the Marmot precip and a fleece vest over long sleeves. Really, this was my snow shoveling combo this year, which of course gets you warm once you get into it.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Yellowstone for opening weekend and tried out the combination of a Lands End cashmere cardigan with the Marmot Precip. On one day it was snowing and windy and I was almost comfortable...would have been better with the fleece vest on as well, but had left it in the car with my gloves. The other days it was in the 40s instead of the low 30s and the sweater and Marmot were perfect.
Thanks for the link. Looking at some of the jackets mentioned. Mostly online.
Jack Wolfskin, if you're buying in Europe.
