Question for Alaskan natives
 

When I was in the Juneau area last September it rained nearly every day. One of the things I noticed was that almost no one carried an umbrella. Instead they all had nice hooded rain jackets. We're now in the process of getting ready for a return trip (July this time, so hopefully it will be a bit warmer and drier) and I want to be better prepared. Does anyone have any recommendations for good brands/styles in this kind of weather gear? We plan to do some day-hiking and we're also signed up for a 8-hour cruise to Northwest glacier (which I know can be both cold and wet).

Thanks

topping your question

Replying as a tourist, I was happy with a rainsuit I got at an LL Bean outlet. I didn't bother to bring the pants with me, just the jacket. The hood folds into a zippered pocket in the collar. The hood is very large so it can hang over your face. The jacket comes mid-thigh. The front zips up so your neck is protected. It's just a light shell, best worn over a fleece jacket. I bought it in the men's dept. My husband prefers a cheap poncho. Neither takes up much room in the suitcases.

Also speaking as a tourist, we got ours from Lands End. The hood and big pockets ensured our hands were free. It was lightweight and comfortable over a fleece jacket.

Just a tourist too----

In Seward, Alaska they had a Helly Hansen store right on the dock. My husband bought a jacket just before we left on our day cruise. He loves it.

Land's End, Eddie Bauer, REI Coop, Helly Hansen (best if bought at one of their outlet stores, otherwise overpriced IMO.)

Note that "waterproof" usually means you get real clammy in warm weather, regardless of the manufacturers' claims.

Think hat.

Perhaps these jackets may seem a bit pricey - but LLBean has the greatest rain jackets - (Gore-Tex). Used them in Iceland (it rained everyday - we were there). Folks on our tour were always soaked thru their rain jackets and we were always dry. They have a bill on the hood so that it keeps the rain out of your face, hair and eyes (especially great if you wear glasses). Also these breathe so you do not sweat at all (I think you need the Gore-tex to make sure of this) - when we have travelled to colder climates we always use a fleece under them - they make a great windbreaker. Also they are perfect to pack (they fold up very small) - we take ours in our carryon - on the plane - in case we need a jacket when we land. One more thing to add my husband first bought a cheap gore-tex jacket and it did now keep him dry - but LLBean's gore-tex jackets do the job. Hope this helps.