I am traveling to Italy in March, Sorrento to Venice. I know the weather can be iffy so I'm searching for an all weater jacket. I am overwelmed by the choices that ar out there. Most don't say the temperture they can withstand just that they are water proof. Does anyone have a favorite that they can't live without? Micro fiber one would br great. Thanks in advance.

In March Sorrento to Venice shouldn't be cold- chilly - but not really cold.

So I wouldn't worry about what temps the jacket is good for - that's only for heavy duty winter stuff. If you have a leather jacket or similar middle weight that will be the most that you need. I think any middle weight jacket - or even a raincoat would do - as long as you have a sweater to put under it if it gets cold at night.

Jody, I just got back a few weeks ago and one of the things I packed was a silk thermal shirt. It's super thin and goes under anything so it's like an added layer you don't see.

Also, you can throw a fleece vest underneath or get a coat with removable lining as you never know what the weather will be like. You might be surprised!

Store-wise, start with Eddie Bauer and Eastern Mountain Sports.

My favorite: black Marmot furlong jacket.

It's completely waterproof, good for temps into the low 30's or lower depending on layers, and I can wear it skiing or in town.

It is a sportier jacket as opposed to a dressier jacket, but it's very functional and I think it's cute, too.

Hi jodybocc, this should be on the Europe Board but anyway..I have some type of a microfiber mid thigh length coat in black. It is a classic design with a collar. I took it to Italy and found it worked great when it rained or got cold. It is nonbulky. One thing I like to pack is a few cashmere sweaters. They take up little room in your luggage but keeps one so warm under a coat. And I never find them to be to warm on a day when the weather changes and warms up. Of course I wouldn't wear one on a hot day. I usually pack a sort of burgandy colored one and a black one along with a couple of scarfs that go with the sweaters.

Thanks so much for your help. I bought aNorthface microfiber, but it's not keeping me too warm here. I'm not layering that great though. I really like the look of the black Marmot furlong jacket. I just want to make sure I'm warm enough. My husband is always overdressed and too warm, and always warns me I'm going to be cold so I don't wantto hear any I told you so's. (He's packing a Columbia with a removable fleece liner, but I don't want to look like I'm going skiing. Anyway thanks for all your advice. Wish me luck, I leave in a week.

What about a Barbour coat with the liner? You can take the liner out when it's warmer. Good, classic coat.