Looking for a new rain jacket
 

It's time for a new rain jacket.

Looking for something very waterproof - breathable - comfortable and stylish enough for everyday business casual. Not looking for a jacket to wear mountain biking or hiking but rather one to wear to meetings on rainy days and to the ballpark.

Budget around $200.

As worn by the info babes and guys of the Pacific Northwest...

Click around...you'll find something.

http://www.columbia.com/

I think you got the budget about right.
Couple questions, do you specifically want a hood or do not want a hood?
Where do you plan to shop/buy? Online or REI/ The Alpine Shop?
How do you define "business casual"? Rain jackets can look appropriate in a lot of places, like a Cards game, but I'm yet to see a rain jacket (except a London Fog) that looks appropriate with Dockers, etc.
I'd be apt to trust the opinions of the folks from the PNW...

My standard top layer is an REI hardshell, short length w/ no hood. If the going gets really wet I will throw on top of that my Helly Hansen, longer length w/ hood.
But these are things I wear while hiking and climbing.
For use around the office..... I'm at a loss for ideas.

Here you go, 8 of them for $30. Should last you the rest of your life:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/8-military-style-ponchos-olive-drab.aspx?a=527497

If you want a little more upscale, here are 2 for $20:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/2-new-swiss-military-long-rain-coats-camo.aspx?a=331734

;)

Filson makes nice stuff.
http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3592485&cp=2108303.2597052&par entPage=family

For that usage, a classic long raincoat works well. Presentable for business meetings, fine for everyday use. Covers the legs, more rain protection than any outdoorsy rain parka. "Travel" versions are lightweight and packable. I have one from TravelSmith that has served well for many years.

I borrowed a Filson jacket for a week. I didn't want to give it back.

Thanks for the tips. There is a Filson jacket that looks like it may work for me. There is a dealer in town and I will check them out tomorrow.

london fog.........classic.

I bought a Woolrich Oilskin about 20 years ago...

It still is stylish and effective in inclement weather...

London Fog.. is the classic

My line of work doesn't require a London Fog..

Woolrich is fine... I perused the Woolrich site and don't see the coat I have in the line anymore..

I do oil or wax the coat every fall... just a habit

This was the Filson I borrowed.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1252377463.jpg

Barbour jackets are a little expensive, but a true british classic...
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=12ER
http://images3.orvis.com/orvis_asset...mg/12ER_lg.jpg

I have this jacket and highly recommend it.

As do I...and second (third?) the recommendation. I went through a lot of barn coats before this one.

these are all what we call the "Seattle Sport Coat"
http://www.rei.com/category/4500264/q/Men%27s+Rain+Jackets

my dad wore a REI hooded rain coat over a suit and tie to catch the bus for 20+ years till he retired. only brought out the London Fog on formal occasions. i wear a fly weight marmot raincoat 4-5 months of the year.

we can tell the tourist here pretty easy. they are the ones using the hood in anything but a downpour. also bumbershoots is a music-festival or something you have hanging on your golf bag.

I got a great one at LL Bean a few years ago. No complaints what so ever.

My new rain jacket:

Arcteryx Beta SL

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1252464832.jpg



I have a Marmot Precip also. And a Northface Condor Triclimate with a waterproof shell for the colder rains before the snow starts.

I have a Marmot Thunderlite. I took it to Philmont and quite love it. Don't really wear a rain jacket except when hiking/camping.