meg

What is the best women's raingear - light weight, packable, foldable, preferably with a hood - to wear with slack/jackets in Paris/Rome, etc.?

elaine

I swear by my microfiber unlined raincoat that I saw in a Nordstrom store catalog a few years ago, paid perhaps $80 for it. It is a crinkly material (pseudo-taffeta) that shows no wrinkles, and I can roll it into a ball and it doesn't mind. It is almost tissue thin. It literally weighs ounces, certainly no more than one pound, yet it is full length. It is black. I bought it large enough so I can layer sweaters underneath if need be, but it is so light-weight that I can wear it even in the summer. <BR>If the occasion calls for it, I put a shawl over it and looked pretty well-dressed even for the evening. In the US Travelsmith catalog carries such a thing, and many other catalogs do as well.

elvira

I like three types, one for colder weather like late fall and late winter (satiny, ankle-length, can't be packed, warm enough on its own but full enough to wear over a sweater or blazer); a mid-thigh length Burberry-type for spring and early fall (also not packable); a clear plastic mid-calf length (ugly as sin) for mid-summer downpours (it folds up like a Hefty trashcan liner) and the Irish countryside.

Donna

I got mine (one long, one short) at L. L. Bean. They look fabulous, have hoods and terrific pockets, and any wrinkles hang out beautifully overnight. My longer one is "taupe" and matches dirty rainwater. Both are roomy enough to wear over a sweaters/jackets, and still look brand new after five years.

Cathy

I am more budget minded. Just got back for a 2 week trip to Europe and it rained at least part of 9 days. My favorite raingear was a rubbery type of slicker with a hood that I bought in Costco for $10. My family made fun of me when I bought it but I was dry the whole time while they struggled with umbrellas. It wasn't top fashion, but if it was raining enough to need it, no one was looking at me anyway, they were too busy running to stay dry themselves! and I don't think you can be interested in the beauty around you if you are wet and cold. (PS I usually by much nicer clothes!)

elaine

I own such a rubbery slicker myself, but I don't travel with it because I find it heavy, it takes up more room in my suitcase than I want it too, and it's too hot in the summer. But that's me.

Liz

While not cheap, I swear by my Gore-tex raincoat from LLBean. Light and breathable, also machine washable.

frank

My partner swears by a man with an umbrella.She says its the easiest way to travel "with a hood" as Meg specifies.

Beth Anderson

Hi, <BR> <BR>I don't have a response but rather a question - if anyone can help. <BR> <BR>I am biking in Ireland in 3 weeks. does anyone have any sort of favorite BIKING rain gear? I don't have an extra 300 bucks for Goretex right now. (although I know that would be my best bet). <BR> <BR>thoughts? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>Beth

frank

Don't use a cape, in a wind they are dangerous,waterproof shoe covers are a must,& plastic trousers with zips at the ankles.

Sandra

Beth, <BR>I've gone on biking trips and can agree with Frank about the fact that the capes are not really very good. They do fly around too much but they are nice if it's hot because they are ventilated - and don't build up "steam". We found two piece platic/rubber type suits in the camping section of a discount store or look in a camping store. Some are not very sturdy but should last your visit, bring some duct tape to repair them if they tear. But of course you'll bring duct tape on a bike trip anyway - right? . <BR>Enjoy your bike tour of Ireland, I'm visiting myself this Sept. but will only be biking one or two days of our trip. <BR>Sandra