Waterproof rain jackets

One of my best purchases ever was a North Face "triclimate" jacket. When you consider it is two complete items, it is a deal. REI sometimes has great sales. I would check Patagonia too. I'd buy this one right now if my NF was not still going strong after a decade:
https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-pine-bank-3-in-1-parka/21025.html
Not sure about one with a liner, but for something cheaper, Athleta makes nice raincoats.

Here's the REI gear guide on how to choose a rain jacket. It notes the difference between truly waterproof and water resistant and explains why the former may be more expensive than the latter. It also discusses 3-in-1 jackets. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.html

My recent research this past fall led to the purchase of a Rains unlined waterproof jacket that I am very happy with (having already put thru its paces in extremely soggy PNW conditions for more than a few hours with zero incursion) purchased at Nordstrom. If truly waterproof, the garment is likely made of either Gore-Tex, a rubberized or coated fabric, or is 100% Vinyl; all of these options would have sealed seams. My jacket has the underarm grommets for breathability, is meant to be layered and is extremely lightweight, and easily packable. In my research, I never found an option with a removable hood. Among the multiple brands I shopped: Helly Hansen, Lands' End, L.L. Bean, Patagonia, The North Face, REI and Eddie Bauer; there are certainly far more out there. REI's website has great info about rain gear and useful tips on choosing a product. Happy retailing!

There are no shortage of companies that sell good rain jackets. Here are some things to look for:

1. Waterproofness. Better jackets often give an objective measurement based upon a hydrostatic head test. It is an expression of how many millimeters of a column of water can be placed on top of the fabric before it starts to leak through. Here is a link which explains: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/waterproof-jacket-guide/

2. Breathability: Jacket can have 2, 2.5 or 3 layers which contain a breathable membrane which lets water vapor out without letting rain in. One of the most well known is Goretex. This breathability helps to lessen the build up of clammy body vapour.

3. Venting, like underarm zippers. A regular breathable jacket is fine if you are sitting still in a soccer stadium in the pouring rain. However, any amount of physical exertion like running, hiking or even walking can cause the rate of vapour build up to overwhelm the breathability of the membrane. Being able to open large zippers to vent out the interior heat and moisture is key to keeping dry and comfortable.

The various brands are all a matter of personal taste. Most companies will offer models of jackets with the above features. Good luck.

In addition to FunPig's list of things to look for, I also recommend you look at them in person if you can. Some brands are quite "crinkly" sounding when you move. They apparently soften up some but it would drive me nuts for a couple of years until they no longer crinkled. I looked at a Patagonia jacket last Fall and it was one that was too crinkly for me so I went with a Columbia waterproof jacket. The particular model I got does not have a liner or removable hood but I am sure they make some like that.

Do you live where there is an REI or other big sporting goods store you can go feel fabrics?

Here is another thread from a few months ago with some good suggestions:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/need-women-s-waterproof-rain-coat-for-summer-in-london

Here’s my thread from October when I was debating which rain coat to buy for June/July trip to England and Ireland. I haven’t worn the coat at home yet since we haven’t had rain in 145 days and winter temps just started last week.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/rain-coat-opinion-please
It includes a review of the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Trench coat I bought.

I got exactly what you describe from Coldwater Creek for a trip to England last fall. They call it all-season. 20% + off right now, lots of colors and free shipping. It was perfect for our trip.

Patagonia Torrentshell get good reviews I think.

https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/product/womens-torrentshell-3-layer-rain-jacket/85246.html (UK site, but you may get redirected)

When shopping for rain gear, it's good to become familiar with hydrostatic head and how the "waterproofness" of fabrics are measured -- https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/pages/hydrostatic-head-ratings

Don't forget Nikwax makes a huge difference. I even use it on my cotton jackets to make them more resistant to absorbing water.

I don't like a liner, removable or not.
I would rather have a thin waterproof layer that I can wear by itself or over a warm layer that can be worn by itself, too.

everyone - thanks so much fpr all the useful information.
I will definitely look atthe REI/Eddi Bauer etc and some of the other reliable outdoor places.

Thanks again
Vee

I'll just add that while that Coldwater Creek All Season jacket mentioned upthread is nice it is NOT waterPROOF. It is water resistant which means in a downpour you are likely to get soaked.

"Water-repellent polyester poplin shell"

https://www.coldwatercreek.com/all-season-jacket/13262/?sku=132620604205

Posted by LIZinPA

I don't like a liner, removable or not. I would
rather have a thin waterproof layer that I can wear by itself or over
a warm layer that can be worn by itself, too.

I'm with you.

A waterproof layer without insulation, comes to mid-thigh or longer so you can sit ON it, a 2-way zipper or lower side zips/openings so you can sit IN it, and NOT $$$.

I live in the south. Don't really need insulation AND water protection most of the time.

Ponchos look good, but all the potential flapping in the breeze and not having actual sleeves does not.

thanks all for your imput - its been very helpful. I decided to get one rom REI that suits my needs