Rain jacket advice?

Who better to ask, then you DG'ers on the west side of the Cascades, for recommendation for the best rain coat? One that 'breathes' so you do not sweat. One that covers the teush. My dh has a great one from North Face but it hits just below the belt, too short for me. His is more of a rain slicker and I like that weight. I have coats for cold weather. I am not looking for a fashion statement but a practical coat to wear in this climate from now til the clouds back off. Prefer you have a tested and tried recommendation.
many thanks. m

I just got back from a long walk in the rain & can attest to the efficacy of layering. I have a very long hooded pullover sweatshirt that belonged to my XXLT b'friend & a corduroy jacket with a fake-sheepskin lining to wear over that.

I stayed warm & dry but not too hot.

I don't have a ton of experience, but if I need outdoor gear of any kind I do go to Lands End first and then to L.L. Bean second. They have so many good selections and make online shopping (and returns, if necessary) pretty easy. You can get catalogs from them for free.

http://www.landsend.com

http://www.llbean.com

Thank you, dear DG'ers.

I use poly underwear and wool underneath a simple light pair of "grudens" vested pants and jacket". Buy it oversized so it vents well. I stay warm and the light stuff does not make me sweat.

Thanks alot you penny-pinching tight wads! I found just what I want @ Saks and under $600 . . . . . . but . . . . . . shipping is free. Talk about a bang for your buck!!

All sing now! 'Just gardening in the rain, staying nice and dry LADELADEDA

:-D

Thank goodness the shipping is free.

I don't think I've ever even bothered to look at what Saks has. How could a store called "Saks Fifth Avenue" have any idea about what would work in the Wild Wild West!!

I guess that's a little like Walmart selling Fine Jewelry . . .

I would scream, Oh my gosh, it's raining on my $550 coat!!!

Hee hee. Exactly . . .

I don't know if this will be of any help at all, but my VERY favorite raincoat is one that I wear at work (I work inside/outside switching on a minute's notice). It is a Dunbrooke coat, which I got as a Christmas gift from our Ford dealership several years ago, and I have never found a coat I have liked better. Hits me mid-thigh, and has a nice hood that doesn't smash your head, with a visor so that the drips go about 3 inches in front of you rather than on your chin. It doesn't tell me what version it is, and there are bunches to choose from on their website, but if this isn't it, it is close:

http://dunbrookeonline.com/Monarch.aspx

But just think how "stylish" you would look in your $550 coat! I for one am a fashion queen in my garden...muck boots, muddy jeans, muddy sweatshirt, dirt on my face, and hair in a knot on the top of my head.....wouldn't such a coat set that look off perfectly? Did I mention the strategically placed dirt streaks on my face as a finishing touch?

thanks Rarejem. I have been wondering if I should clip or not clip the dangling price tag on my new, it's on it's way,rain slicker. Do you stand on your back porch stoop and undress, too? I have to get down to my nickers before entering the house after hours in the yard. Does this suggest only high end 'nickers' should be worn w/ "thee coat"?

Aside from the coat, I find that a polar fleece hat is wonderful for keeping your head warm and dry, without having the confines that a hood give you. The hat may be wet, but your head stays dry.

I agree. Hoods keep my head bowed forward. I have an old old big yarn knit wool hat, brim style that is stretchy where the brim meets the bowl of the hat. The best rain hat; hair stays dry and it stretches.

So tomorrow I'm going to be using a combination of fleece and baseball cap with a brim. Not sure how I'll combine the two, but I'll try . . . .

I know there is a needle/yarn smartie out there who could knit us all the hats we need!

Kathy, looks like it will be the perfect day to try your hat idea!

Hee hee. Actually, I did wear a baseball cap today. Haven't figured out the fleece part, though.

They sell a fleece ear wrap with a slit to go over the bill of baseball caps.

Seriously?? I'll have to check at REI or a sporting goods store. That's a great idea!

I used my hot hands yesterday while gardening and couldn't have been happier. I've put them in my emergency kit in the car. They are the coolest thing ever!

The catolog I have is Duluth Trading,or duluthtrading.,com or 18005058888


They have working man's outdoor clothing. Even extra long tees so you don't get Plumber's butt. Ball cap ear warmer it's called, soft windproof fleece, $12.50 each or if you buy 2 they are $10.00 each. Eight colors.

I found it. OMG, it's perfect. I'm ordering a couple . . .

http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/75062.aspx?feature=product_1&kw=ear%20warmers&processor=content&feature=product_1&kw=ear%20warmers&processor=content

Thanks, Patricia!

Well thanks Patricia for the link but did you forget who started this thread??? So, thanks Patricia &&&&& Mary!!!!! :) It's like, don't forget who took you to the dance.

They also have ladies stuff. Nice henleys and warm outdoor gear.

Thanks to you also Mary. ^_^

This message was edited Nov 24, 2009 12:27 PM

Well, I was not trying to be petty but that was a big big oversight on Katie's part.

*blink* A big big oversight?

Um... not so much. Sorry, but that's making a mountain out of a molehill. Really.

Well she was right in that I probably would not have talked to katie about winter clothing if she hadn't started this thread. But once the thread starts I never think about who started it.

I think these threads are often like convoluted conversations, naturally wandering along one topic and into another, with people participating coming and going. It would be hard to keep track of where the beginning was, especially as they get longer and you just click and scroll to find the new posts at the bottom of the page. I think we need to go easy on each other. I'm sure no one is trying to purposely slight another.

I thought you were joking . . .

But if you're serious, Anastatia, it's probably a good idea to indicate at the top of the thread what your expectations are. I'm not sure why I shouldn't thank Patricia for the link recommendation. Thanking her certainly didn't mean that I didn't appreciate you.

I'll bow out now and leave you to dance alone . . .

This message was edited Nov 24, 2009 5:03 PM

Anastatia, our conversations take many turns, some related and some not so much. That's one of the things I enjoy about the PNW threads. Things can get pretty hilarious. If we cannot post a link to a helpful thread without repercussions, then I guess I'll bow out as well.

I think everyone is getting a little off track. No one bow out! She probably was being funny. That's what I thouhgt. I would go for funny every time I was in doubt. Without knowing the person it is hard to tell sometimes. Benefit of the doubt and all that, you know.

We being gardeners are always tolerant. We expect things to go well on this site so I appreciate the aspect of understanding and if someone is new or not used to this honesty we allow them to understand the gracious nature of all of those who tread here. Glad to have you aboard Anastasia and I hope your coat that cost $550 is also part of your humor. I am sure it is. LOL

Anastasia, sorry I reacted so quickly and didn't allow you time to explain that you were joking. It was just so surprising to read your reaction.

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! You must get my dry humor to read my comments. :) If you peer really really close to my words you will be able to see the twinkle in my eyes. A foot stompin' self absorbed fruit cake I am NOT!

Well thank *insert deity of choice here* for that. Sorry for the knee-jerk reaction, but you sure sounded serious to me.

Intarwebz tip: Emoticons are your friends. A ;p or ;) would have made all the difference. :)

I know but I love dry humor w/out a 'heads up". We just have to spend more time together!! Happy Thanksgiving to all

Yes, I hope everyone has a very good day.

This message was edited Nov 25, 2009 4:12 PM

Hmmm.... I can see you're going to keep us guessing... Well, don't be offended if I smack you on the head with an imaginary newspaper now and then. heh.

What are you guessing about?