Rain jacket for October trip

I purchased a waterproof rain coat from LLBean for about S120.00. Good length and lightweight for upcoming trip. Have worth only a couple of times in moderate rain with good results

You don't need to spend $400 for a good rain jacket. I have 2 rain jackets that I use for travel. For cooler weather, I have a jacket from LL Bean. It's waterproof and warm. I layer it with fleece and wool, depending on how cold it is. This has been a great travel jacket. I use this jacket when I expect the temps to be in the low 50s or lower. It's about 20 years old, so I'm not sure exactly what it is but I think it's similar to what they call H2OFF. Here's a link to something similar to what I have:

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/82669?page=h2off-rain-jacket-mesh-lined&bc=516567-610-506593&feat=506593-GN3&csp=f&attrValue_0=12037&pos=4

I also have a REI rain shell. I think it was about $50 on sale. I think this is the jacket. I use this jacket for warmer weather and for hiking. It's very light weight but won't keep me as dry as the LL Bean jacket. With the REI jacket, I would bring a folding umbrella to help keep me dry (assuming it's not too windy).

https://www.rei.com/product/234703/rei-co-op-trailmade-rain-jacket-womens

Part of your decision on rain jacket should be what you plan on doing in Scotland. Are you really stuck in the elements? Can you go to a museum on a rainy day? How will you get from place to place? Will you be doing a lot of walking?

Good luck with your decision.

And for emergency uses take one or two light weight disposable plastic ponchos from Walmart. Ugly as heck but waterproof... Put your belt outside if in really windy weather. But it is Scotland... Expect to be wet. And have wet feet... Or buy some Wellies on site and leave them behind for the next traveler at the hotel.

I just wear my Land's End Women's Squall Rain Jacket. It packs down to nothing. They are about $125 but they always have good sales as well. It's very lightweight, so you need to add layers underneath for warmth. But, I also like it because it has an adjustable waist, which makes a lass feel less frumpy.

Columbia waterproof jackets give a good quality protection at a reasonable price. You don't need goretex, but do pay attention to whether a coat is water resistant or waterproof. You want waterproof. You also want a hood.

Don't count on poncho in the wind.

The REI Rainier is a great jacket. Certain colors currently on sale! Layers well over a fleece or sweater. Mine has been to the UK and Europe plus around home.
https://www.rei.com/product/227614/rei-co-op-rainier-rain-jacket-womens

Rachel’s Rainier jacket is perfect. If you pack
that along with a thermal longsleeve shirt, a thin merino wool sweater and a ski cap— that’s about all the clothes for above the waist that you’ll need and those items won’t take much room in your luggage.
If you want to waterproof your shoes, there are cans of silicone spray available on amazon or at sporting good stores.
Have a great trip!

It all depends on how much you are going to be out in rain, and what kind of rain that'll be.

If you are going to be mostly in cities and towns, your needs will be much more modest than if you were doing long hikes in remote places even in a storm. October in Scotland can mean serious rain at times, so it's worth being prepared - but of course one can't predict the weather months in advance.

I'm leaving for Scotland tomorrow (the extreme north of Scotland, actually). We plan to do some hiking, so we're bringing the matching Goretex jacket and pants (and hat) - yes, the expensive stuff from REI. Also warm (non-goretex) gloves, too, and good, waterproof hiking boots - don't forget those.

I live in a place that's known for rain, and long ago I learned the value of good rain gear (when I didn't have it). If you're going to be out in serious rain, you really will appreciate having serious rain protection. It doesn't have to be high-end Goretex (but that's sure nice when you need it). If you're just dashing between buildings in cities or towns, your needs will be different.

Do you wear women's apparel? If so, I recommend Eddie Bauer's Girl on the Go trench coat. It is truly waterproof.

I got a REI brand rain jacket in 2019, much cheaper than $400! It has kept me dry through a Spring trip from Scotland to Devon and a Fall trip in Ireland, England and Wales. It will go with me back to the UK next Spring. I think it was about $80.

Katie

Hi
I wore this jacket during a hike to An Lochan Uaine (Green Lochan) in October during an Amber weather warning. It was howling wind, raining sideways and I stayed dry with this jacket and some REI pullover rain trousers. That hike is one of my favorite memories of our times in Scotland. Love Scotland no matter the weather!

https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/womens-fineline-stretch-shell?variant=49700165321021

I love my Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Raincoat. Waterproof, lightweight, packable, covers my bum and currently on sale for 50% off. Nice enough to wear to Michelin restaurants in Paris and golfing in a downpour in Scotland.

I am also in the market for a rain jacket for my travels, and specifically a trip to Scotland in February. I was at an Eddie Bauer this weekend and really liked the Cloud Cap rain jacket that JeanM linked to. Very light and loved the fit, looks very elegant. My husband thinks I need a longer one, so I am considering the REI rainier trench (also recommended earlier in the thread). I honestly loved my $15 32-degree brand raincoat from Costco, but it is beginning to fall apart and I cannot find another one.

MapLady, did you try the Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Jacket or Rain Parka? I am 5'2" and have the Parka in Petite. It hits me mid thigh.

@JeanM, I tried the parka. I'm petite too, but it didn't cover much of my thighs. It was long enough to cover my butt while seated, though.

I've carried nothing but a $19 Costco shell jacket plus a fleece pullover for four 3 week trips to Ireland or Scotland. For October, I'd add a sweater? The good news is a jacket doesn't count against your carry-on luggage since you can wear it onto the plane.

I bought this one at Dicks on sale last year and plan on taking it in September. It’s on sale now on the Columbia site. It fits really well, covers my bum and is more flattering than some other rain coats I have. Hope this helps!

https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-hikebound-ii-long-jacket-2113901.html?dwvar_2113901_color=191

Whatever jacket you decide to buy, make sure the hood is designed well. Otherwise you'll be wrasseling with it when you're wearing it. I also really like having a longer parka so the rain doesn't soak your pants on your thighs.
I went to Scotland in October and boy was I glad I had a good rain parka along with waterproof shoes.

I’ve just had a big FAIL with a Columbia Arcadia waterproof jacket. This is marketed as waterproof.

Last week I was on Orkney with a small group tour and we go regardless of the weather. It poured and was very windy while we were on an island looking at Neolithic and Iron Age landscapes. I had on Columbia Omnitech rain pants which worked fine but I was damp under the jacket. Wind chill was about 45F so it wasn’t heat/sweat. A friend explained it’s waterproof only to a point and I’d surpassed that, lol.

The jacket has been fine in cities. I’ve had it less than a year and this is the 2nd trip. I resprayed with a refresher before this trip but did not wash it. I agree with the comment upthread that it depends on what you are going to be doing on your trip. Lots of outdoor time? Go with the Goretex or a company brand that is similar. City based or in and out of a car? Can go with a less expensive waterproof.

BTW I know many are fans of ponchos but seriously, at least Northern Scotland is so windy the flapping would drive me nuts!

Today it’s a heatwave on Shetland, lol. Up to 65F!!

Uh oh Pam. Thanks for the heads up on that particular Columbia jacket. It’s the one my daughter is taking in September. We’re going to be mostly in cities, so I hope she’ll be ok with it. Maybe I should be on the lookout for a different one for her?

It’s all dependent on the forecast I’m sure, too, but if we were going to be doing a hiking holiday like you (insert jealous emoji here) I would probably tell her to rethink that one based on your post. Hope you have a wonderful time!

Oh, Pam, less than a year old jacket. I'm surprised. How frustrating!

Saw this article while doing a search. That Columbia jacket is in there along with some others.

https://www.prevention.com/beauty/style/g37221392/best-waterproof-jackets/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_pre_b1_md_dsa_comm_mix_us_19882621599&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19882621599&gbraid=0AAAAADA2LlJUNu4pQW6qxY-m5siHlmVIo&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj8jDBhD1ARIsACRV2TtPnXkLzOEEoC3wZcnMPi2jWU1BgLIY5jeEzhkK4sIQQw4XitfrqvgaAkw1EALw_wcB

My honest recommendation is to wait until you arrive in Scotland and then buy your rain gear at a Trespass, Mountain Warehouse or Cotswold Outdoor store. The Scots know rain gear better than anyone. I bought a very lightweight Trespass waterproof jacket that is perfectly fine for rain that doesn't reach deluge quantity, and I paid about 30 GBP.

If you don’t mind a little extra weight, I’d actually recommend going for a good leather jacket instead of a regular fabric rain jacket. I’ve worn mine on a few fall trips, and it kept me surprisingly warm and dry plus it looks so much more stylish! A quality leather jacket can handle light rain really well and still feel super comfy for everyday wear.

I recommend bringing rain pants! We’ve brought ours to Ireland for both of our trips there (each about 3 weeks) and had the great luck to only need them 2x. But I was adamant at not missing out on plans just for a little rain (provided it wasn’t creating a safety concern), so I was glad I had them and stayed dry! Some people are just happier to adjust plans for weather, so (as with everything) it depends on personal preference. But if you’re like me and not willing to miss out on something you’d love to do, then better to have them and stay dry than not!

OP had an October trip to Scotland
They are already back and purchased their rain gear in Scotland ! (See their edit to their post)

OP that is great that you only had one day of rain ! Hope you had a wonderful time !

Wow!! I am shocked you had no rain! BUT I am glad you got a nice jacket and it will enjoy future trips to Europe!

For what it's worth....I have been in France for over a month and have used my waterproof jacket a LOT!