Rain jackets/coats...any recommendations for light ones?

Old Navy has a new line of "jackets in a packet" for about $10. Great thin raincoats and nice looking (i think the ladies is very stylish for the purpose and price) that are also great space savers because they can be stuffed into one of its own pockets.

I look for 3 words: windproof, rainproof and breathable. I like my Marmot precip (but it wasn't cheap) I bought it at REI which is giving members 20% off one item right now. It takes up no room, can be stuffed in a backpack easily, and keeps me dry. Also, because it is windproof, it really adds a layer of warmth even though it is very thin. (Doesn't let the wind through) If it is cold, I add a base layer (jacket) and then put it right over the top. I prefer it over an umbrella. However, an umbrella would work as well. The problem with umbrellas is that they are not good in wind. (and I have bought those expensive, will hold up in any wind umbrellas. Yea..not so much) Taking along rain protections is smart. I have never had a trip where I didn't need it at least once. (and a couple of trips where I had to use it over 1/2 of the time)

I have a Marmot rain jacket also and it has been perfect to travel with--weighs only 7 ounces. As a poster mentioned, the Marmot is great for wearing over a sweater for extra warmth. Northface makes a similar one. They are not cheap but worth the $$$--very well made with vent openings under arms, etc.

What Connie said. REI has good stuff. So do Lands End and LL Bean, both of which are generally a bit less expensive. Also, it has to cover your tail and have a hood or its worthless.

I have one I got at Eddie Bauer that has worked well. It doesn't fold up into it's own pocket, but it is unlined and folds up very flat. I don't care what month you travel, a rain coat is a must. You just never know when you will need it.

I also have a lightweight, waterproof REI Jacket - one of the very few I could find that is solid black (everything bright colored really makes you stick out - even though Europe could really benefit from Gortex, they like muted colors). It's REI brand - similar to the Belltown Parka listed at http://www.rei.com/product/778636

Yes, it's on the spendier side, but I wear it every day at home (it rains a LOT in Oregon), and it's literally weathered rain and snow in Italy (in April) and rain/wind/rain/wind in Ireland (in May/June).

All of the above...
I just bought a Marmot Highland jacket that is lightweight and easily packable, a little longer plus has hidden hood. I plan to wear it with a fleece zip-up jacket if I need more warmth. I think layering makes more sense than one heavier coat, as long as it's not winter. Wish there was an REI store nearby...

I also bought my teenaged daughter (fussy!) a simple black Columbia windbreaker at a local sporting goods store, which had a good selection of lightweight rainwear at pretty decent prices. (She thinks all she needs for two weeks in England is a sweatshirt. ;-)

Jackets/coats are hard to find here at this time of year and I've had the best luck finding lightweight, waterproof ones at sporting goods and outdoor-gear type outlet stores. By the way, I'll still pack a compact umbrella.

I always take some kind of a water-resistant jacket with a hood and an REI wind-resistant umbrella that will clip onto a belt or belt loop.

Just a reninder that there's a BIG difference between water-resistant and waterproof. We have REI water-resistant jackets that are wind-proof and fairly warm but pretty useless in rain and less expensive, equally lightweight windproof Omnitech waterproof jackets from Columbia Sportswear that cost about half the price and work twice as well. I'm sure the waterproof REI jackets would work well too, but they're more expensive than those from Columbia.

Waterproof-breathable is the gold standard, no doubt about that, but I for years I was been just fine with a very light nylon shell (just water resistant) and an umbrella.

Seems like it always rains in Paris, but never for very long.

I think the more-expensive waterproof-breathable jackets might be worth it, especially if you will wear them in Boston. They can be pretty lightweight, too.

As someone has already mentioned, Marmot Precip is a classic, and it's inexpensive for what it is. You can always find it on sale somewhere (do a google shopping search). But, I'd only bring one if you are doing outdoor activities. If you're sticking to cities, I'd just use an umbrella. One thing to remember about waterproof jackets--the rain runs so nicely off them...onto your pants. Umbrellas provide better all over coverage.

I use a goretex rain jacket.That along with a waterproof hat works well.I dont like an umbrella especially in crowds and a large umbrella is cumbersome to carry and a small one doesnt cover well.

For less than $60, you can get a GoLite Virga jacket. Small, simple, waterproof, breathable, taped-seams, and less than 8 oz. I have used mine around town and have been more than pleased. I stood under a downspout during a rain storm while wearing a white cotton shirt underneath - and no water reached my shirt!

My wife has the Marmot Precip, but I find that it is heavier. It has more features, but they add weight. It may also be a little warmer.

waterproof, windproof and breathable are definite musts

REI's brand has "pit zips" that make all the difference when you have high humidity. I have had my current one since 2002 (wear it almost year round) and am trying to tell myself I don't need the new one that's all black.........

My wife picked up a great one at Old Navy recently for travel. It's very lightweight with a hood and waterproof, exactly what she needs. She can bring layers for warmth, if needed.

Old Navy also sells a men's windbreaker but I wouldn't recomment it. It's only water resistant, which won't do the trick when you're out in the rain.