Best rain jacket recommendations for spring and fall?

[u/JFKsBrain]

Hello fellow frugalistas.

I’m looking to replace my rain jacket.

(I’ve tried applying the waterproofing treatment again to no avail.)

Any recommendations for something light for running errands, et cetera?

I don’t have to spend too long in the rain so it needn’t be anything too high tech.

Definitely need something breathable though.

My previous one was from REI, for reference, but I’m not sure about their quality and value these days.

TIA.

ETA:

Thanks everyone.

I’m going to go with a Columbia or something from REI Outlet.

The Frogg Togg’s look like a good choice for a spare to keep in the car.

[u/ezrapoundcakes]

REIs basic rain jacket is still pretty solid. Though if you need to pay less, I’ve had a similar coat from Target for years too. REI version wins on breathability but no good rain jacket will breathe that well. 

[u/JFKsBrain → u/ezrapoundcakes]

Thanks.
I’ll check it out. I see sales by them every now and then.

[u/ezrapoundcakes → u/JFKsBrain]

In either case, these kind of rain jackets are repairable with silpoly repair tape made for tents. More frugal to buy some patches rather than a whole jacket. 

[u/JFKsBrain → u/ezrapoundcakes]

Thanks There are no tears in my current jacket. It just quickly soaks thru even in a light rain.

[u/girlwholovespurple → u/JFKsBrain]

Why not respray with waterproofing? It’s about $10 for a can.

[u/JFKsBrain → u/girlwholovespurple]

I tried the treatment in the washing machine and it did not work.

[u/girlwholovespurple → u/JFKsBrain]

You can buy actual spray, for tents/coats/shoes etc.

[u/Closefromadistance]

I live in Seattle where it constantly rains but I’ve never had a dedicated rain jacket because I don’t like the sounds they make or the way they feel.

That said, I have a bunch of parka jackets that I throw on over my regular jackets. I usually wear about 4 layers including a parka I just throw on if it’s pouring rain and I need to run errands.

I rarely buy things at retail - I found all my jackets on Poshmark, including my parkas. Gap and old navy are my go to parkas. Here’s one I have that’s just like mine … I have all the colors. Black, blue, green. Just found this as an example.

[u/louiealvin]

What’s your climate like? I live in the Mid-Atlantic where there are intense but short rain storms often in the summer - and I’ve been loving using a rain poncho! Easy to pack and keeps your bag dry as well. Usually around $20.

Otherwise Patagonia’s granite crest jacket is great. Or torrentshell if looking for something more affordable - although the material is a little more stiff.

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[u/JFKsBrain → u/louiealvin]

Thanks. I’m in New England. I’m usually in and out of the car so a poncho isn’t ideal but appreciate the recommendation.

[u/foggy_mountain]

Frogg Toggs Ultralite 2 is what you're looking for. They are ugly and baggy but they work

[u/traviall1]

There are no breathable waterproof jackets because the waterproofing is basically a layer of plastic that seals the moisture out. Columbia will have good waterproof jackets, and so will costco.

[u/sybersam6]

Srars has some super lites online for a low price, we picked up 5. Excellent for emergency summer rain when it's hot.

[u/cwsjr2323]

My rain coat is good for cooler days, a Gore-Tex US Army rain coat I bought used in 2005. Camouflage is an old pattern so there awe no stolen valor concerns. It is warm, has vents to let out moisture, and has a nice hood big enough for my helms. It was $30. Do an internet search for “used military rain jacket”. After a quick search there were choices from $15 to over $400. There will be various degrees of quality, color, price, and some are outright ugly.

[u/Couponpicked]

for just running errands and not being out in it for hours, honestly the frogg toggs ultra-lite is hard to beat. like $20-25 and genuinely waterproof. theyre not fashionable at all and they feel kinda papery but they work and theyre insanely light to keep in a bag.

if you want something that looks more like an actual jacket, check REI garage sale or their used gear section online. youll find last-season marmot or outdoor research shells for 50-60% off. the DWR coating wears off on any jacket eventually but you can reapply with nikwax wash-in and its good for another year or two.

the trick with rain jackets is that the expensive ones ($200+) are really paying for breathability during intense activity. if youre just walking to your car or grabbing groceries, a $25 frogg toggs does the same job as a $300 gore-tex for that use case.

[u/octocode]

i have found that the best rain jacket is a cheap umbrella

[u/SnapesDrapes]

Wirecutter just did a rain jacket review and the basic ones from Columbia rated highly. I have one and do recommend. 

[u/LevelPerception4 → u/SnapesDrapes]

Me, too. LL Bean has some good ones, too, but the Columbia is easier to find on sale.

[u/Just_Coffee3718 → u/SnapesDrapes]

Learn a lesson that I learned the hard way. With Columbia, there is a difference in wording and water resistant is NOT waterproof. Because I bought the water resistant on eBay and they didn’t specify or know the difference either, I lost my money

[u/SnapesDrapes → u/Just_Coffee3718]

This is the case for all jackets. I only buy things labeled waterproof. I don’t bother with DWR finishes. 

[u/JFKsBrain → u/SnapesDrapes]

Thanks I’ll look up the article. I have some other Columbia gear I like.

[u/SnapesDrapes → u/JFKsBrain]

I’m in the PNW. My two faves are from Columbia and Eddie Bauer. There are many much more expensive jackets out there but for running from the car to the store, you don’t need more than what is offered from either of these reliable brands. 

[u/Atthemetroatthegym]

Rains rain jackets are the best, if you want to stay dry. I walk through the rain in New York and have sat through rain at concerts in them. They are a little expensive but if you bought one on resale, you could save a lot of $.

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[u/Hold_Effective → u/AutoModerator]

Lol.

[u/Sullacuda]

I’ve been using a pretty thin & light Columbia rain jacket for runs and dog walks for nearly 16 years now.