What do you use for rain gear?

[Snow Nymph]

My first jacket was a Sierra Designs. I still use it for day trips. I think the precip was a little lighter, but not much.

I have a separate pack cover that seems to keep everything dry in the rain. I got it from a lightweight site. Good that you got to test it right away!

[calipidder]

Last February I got a great deal on a golite Xirtam jacket. It is 100% waterproof and incredibly breathable. No pit zips, but the jacket is breathable enough I don't need them. There are two vents along the sides - the location of them means they still work well even when wearing a pack. The thing that I like the most about it is how it doesn't feel anything like a waterproof jacket. It's soft and comfortable, not 'crinkly' like most waterproof materials. I chose to get it because of its rather fitted cut, because I wanted a waterproof jacket to use while active that wouldn't flop around (jogging in the rainy season, snowshoeing, xcountry skiing, etc, where all I need is a single warmth layer under the jacket). I have an old one-size-too-big Marmot Precip for layering when I'm sitting around camp in the rain or snow, and it works just fine for that, but I strongly prefer the Golite for everything else.

I bought it for far, far less than retail price, but I've grown to love it enough that if I lost it tomorrow, I'd go and buy a replacement at full retail price without hesitation. ETA: I think they've done some redesign on the jacket this year, so I'm mentioning it in case anyone sees last year's model on clearance anywhere - definitely worth it!

[Snow Nymph]

Lso I'm mentioning it in case anyone sees last year's model on clearance anywhere - definitely worth it!

I mentioned the name of a pair of boots that I loved on a forum, and a year later, someone e-mailed me with a link to sierratradingpost with my boots, and they were 1/4 of the price! I bought 3 prs! Good luck with your jacket!

[BSquared]

So, has anybody *seriously* tried the Ray Jardine umbrella thing? Sounds to me like it would be great as long as the wind wasn't blowing and you didn't need your hands for anything else... What have others' experiences been?

[calipidder]

I mentioned the name of a pair of boots that I loved on a forum, and a year later, someone e-mailed me with a link to sierratradingpost with my boots, and they were 1/4 of the price! I bought 3 prs! Good luck with your jacket!

A friend of mine who I hike with regularly knows how I love love love my various Garmont shoes - she saw them on sale somewhere and sent me a link, I think I purchased all of their womens size 9.5 garmonts they had in stock. I'm well supplied through the next couple of years!

[Snow Nymph]

I ordered 3 prs of the Raichle Mountain Trekkers a few years ago, and can't find them! I know I had at least 2 prs left. One day they'll show up!