LIGHT WEIGHT RAIN JACKETS

Use the REI rain jacket -- don't know the model since they are several years old. They use the REI's version of Gore-Tex.

Sharon, before heading to Alaska on a cruise I was advised on another message board to buy a Stren jacket. They are lightweight, waterproof,and inexpensive. I folded mine up inside a ziploc and squeezed all the air out to make it very compact. The wrinkles shook out easily. Look in the fishing section at your local WalMart. If memory serves, it was $29.95 and I was so glad to have it. In fact, I'm in mourning right now because I've misplaced it! There are matching rain pants if you think you need full-length coverage.

I love my Marmot Precip (you can look at it at rei.com) The problem with waterproof coats is that the material will make you sweat. My precip has "pit zips". These are zippers under the arm pit that you can open so that the coat "breathes" and you don't get as sweaty. The 3 things I would look for are: waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The precip is a shell so it works great in warm weather and cold weather. I just layer it over my "core" layers if it is cold for an additional layer of waterproof warmth. A waterproof coat is never as comfortable as other coats just because of the material they are made out of, but my precip is about the best one I have had.

Hi, Sharon. I swear by Northface jackets. They have a great hood which is adjustable and will keep your head dry without blowing off or obstructing your vision. They are waterproof and have the zippered pits. They are not cheap, by IMO they are worth it.

You could hit a heat wave, but the last time I was in Ireland in the summer, I was a bit chilly because it was so windy and rainy.

I bring my trusty Eddie Bauer jacket which is breathable.

We both have the Sierra Design rain jacket that comes with a pouch. It is not at all lined, strictly for rain. Not waterPROOF, but water resistant. We paid about $25 or $30 for it. They make both men and womens. REI, Sun and Ski or other stores like it sell it... I saw the Marmot Precip yesterday and wanted it, but it was to expensive for me!

I would like to strongly recommend that you get a water proof jacket. I have traveled in the UK with a water resistant and with a water proof jacket and I was much dryer, warmer and happier with the water proof jacket. I'll second the recommendation for REI or other GoreTex type material. This material does breath and they often have vents to help in warm weather. Pam

I also have the Marmot Precip and husband has similar one in Northface. They are great rain jackets and weigh only 7 or 8 oz and take up very little space in your luggage.

I absolutely agree with Pamela. Waterproof is the way to go. Water resistant is fine if it's just a tiny shower, but if you are out in the rain for any length of time, you will wish you had waterproof.

Basically, you want unlined and waterproof with a hood. A parka that is long enough to cover your butt is very helpful as are zippered vents (venting is good but if it's not zippered it may be a problem when it's rainy AND windy).

Check out Cabela's online at www.cabelas.com. They have great choices, each jacket will state if it's waterproof, their prices are better than most places and they have a very easy return policy.

You can see the jacket I pack on my visual packing list:

http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_pack_list/set?id=1440268

Totally agree about the zipper vents. The damp can sneak in on those windy days. Pam

Try EddieBauer.com. The spring sale is on. I was in the outlet store last week and bought Weatheredge jackets for my sister's and my trip to England and Wales in September.

I agree with Frank..REI is the way to go...same quality as the Northface, Mountain Marmot, Eddie Bauer, Sierra Design, etc....but at a reasonable price. Mine folds up to almost nothing...totally waterproof (as he said...its Gore-Tex)..with zippers under the arms for ventillation...hood of course, and ties where appropriate. It makes a very good windbreaker for those cold blustery days. Just put a light to medium sweater in the pack and you are covered for everything but a full blown sub-zero blizzard. It worked for me at 11,000 feet altitude, 1 degree celsius with a 15 mph wind (Jungfraujoch in Switzerland)