I live in snow country and have not had much use for raingear. I am about to spend $160 for a raincoat for traveling to Europe. There are a few to choose from and I need help. Aside from it being packable with a hood, I cannot decide if I should get a short one or a long one for casual/dress wear. Please send me some suggestions; thanks.

Hi Josie,<BR>One of the best investments I've ever made was an L.L. Bean raincoat. It has a detachable hood, and a zip-in lining. I opted for a long one, so I'd have better coverage if I was wearing a dress or skirt. Mine is basic black, and while the lining must be dry-cleaned, the coat and hood wash very well in the washing machine, and I simply hang it up to dry. I live in Michigan, and it's too cold for me to comfortably wear this coat here in the winter; not warm enough in the sleeves, in particular. But I wore this coat in Rome in January & it was absolutely perfect!<BR><BR>Happy Shopping & Safe Travels,<BR>BC

Go for Goretex. Lightweight, washable, breathable. Layer over a sweater if it's cold. I have longer (mid-thigh) length for more coverage.

Book Chick and I better not go to the same rainy events...I own the same coat from LL Bean. It is indestructable and one of the best travel-gear investments ever and has taken me to Italy in November and Scotland in February as well as Coastal Maine in a hurricane.

They sell raincoats in Europe...why not buy one there? You'll find a great selection at most price ranges--for $160 you could easily find a very stylish raincoat and what a nice souvenir to wear in the rain back home! (if and when you need to).<BR>

$160 seems like a lot of money for something you'll use for just a short period of time. Why not check out off-price stores or consignment shops for something less expensive?<BR><BR>If you're hiking or country walking, get something just hip length; anything longer will be too cumbersome and probably dangerous. The hood should tie down.<BR><BR>If you'll mostly be doing city/town walking, then a knee- or calf-length coat would work. You'll want something that'll keep your legs dry.<BR><BR>Rather than packing it, wear it. If it's lightweight enough, it shouldn't be uncomfortable.<BR>

Rainy Days and MONDAYS

It's your money, but it seems a bit frivolous to spend $160 on something you may not even use during your trip. Let's face it, if it isn't raining too much, you'll do just fine with a normal coat and an umbrella. If it is raining cats and dogs, a cheap poncho that is easy to pack will work (and can be folded small enough into your day pack). Granted, a poncho isn't too hip. But no one looks really cool scurrying through the rain.

BookChick, Liz, LJ, BTilke ane elvira,<BR><BR>Thank you for the helpful suggestions; I was worried that I would not get serious posters. I will order one from the catalog or online since the stores do not carry raincoats.<BR><BR>And, Lance, I was thinking of when I have to go to church on rainy Sundays. But, you can sure wear yours on Mondays, too.

Your,<BR><BR>You beat me with your post....by seconds. Now, I'm one of those people who can't make up their minds easily. You do have a good point there. BTilke suggested that I get one at my destination, too. Let me sleep on it.

I bought a great travel raincoat from Nordstrom but the wrong length. I was in Paris/London in May and everyone's coat was knee-length. Mine went to my ankles. I highly recommend the shorter one even though I may have been drier.