I know that Seattlites scoff at rain gear, but I moved here from the midwest, so be patient with me.
I am looking for a reasonably priced warmish water proof jacket - preferably longish with a few pockets. Before you say REI, note I did say reasonably priced. Any suggestions?
I'd also like to buy a pair of wading boots.
doodle-doodle
Try Land's End (online outlet has excellent prices, also you can find their stuff at Sears). What you want really depends on what you're using it for. Their "squall" gear says it is good for rain, but IME it doesn't work if you're spending a long time outside in the rain here. I got a fleece-lined rain slicker for around $60 at Land's End several years ago and it has worn very well.
I am a fan of good, quality, proven rain gear. And that means I do go to REI for it. If it doesn't work or anything goes wrong (like with a zipper or something) before it should I can return/exchange it with no questions asked. Easy. REI also has their online "outlet" or sale shop where you can get really good deals on gear. They have lots of rainjackets and other things listed there now for reasonable prices.
trueblue
Member Profile
Although not particularly warm, Costco sells a rain suit (both jacket and pants) around this time of year for under $25 (or at least it was last year). We bought 4 of them a few years ago and bought them in a larger size than we needed so we could wear a sweater or warm coat underneath, depending on the weather. They have worked out well for us and we keep one set in our emergency kit in the trunks of our cars during the winter when it snows just in case we get stuck somewhere and have to walk in the snow (also from Costco, we got some ice grippers that fit over our shoes that included 2 pairs for under $20).
PS. Sorry for using the “S” word in my post.
wren: I'm a native Seattleite and use rain gear and umbrellas because it's NOT OK to show up to a business meeting soaking wet for god's sake. So, if you have the time/patience/energy cruising Goodwill and Consignment stores can turn up some gems. Otherwise I shop LL Bean catalog sales for good raincoats.
squareeyes
Member Profile
While pretty far from West Seattle, I'm a huge fan of the coat/jacket selection at Burlington Coat Factory at the Supermall in Auburn. Incredibly inexpensive and an amazing selection. In the warm weather the coat section is pretty small, but they should be getting the entire center of the store set up for winter now.
If you go, give yourself a lot of time to wade through the selection. It's a mission -- coats and jackets are divided by type, but not size. So go with a specific item in mind like you've described above and you won't be distracted by the other 20 racks of wool, leather, whatever...
There is an Eddie Bauer outlet in North Bend and right now their outerwear is on sale...
i got a raincoat there last year that is both fashionable enough to wear to a business meeting and sensible enough to wear walking the dogs at a very good price.
Oh.. and one thing i don't think anyone has mentioned because we simply assume it here..
you want a coat with a hood because an umbrella is not always convenient for that quick dash between shelters. look for function there too with an inner drawstring that will cinch the hood so it won't blow off.
while hoods are definitely not fashionable in the midwest.. and seldom available there...
they are a necessity here.
In the past, I've found some awesome deals online at Sierra Trading Post. It's been a few years though, so I don't know if they're still as good.
Here's a link to Women's Rain Jackets, if you want to take a look.
Wren, my current winter rain coat is from Lands End (water resistant, but not waterproof). Just bought a new one at the Eddie Bauer outlet in North Bend (another one at the Supermall in Auburn) which is waterproof, but haven't tried it out yet. What I liked about that one was that it had several linings you could buy separately, so you can have a simple waterproof jacket, but then add heavier linings to make it warmer - I'm a big fan of layering. REI can have some good sales on things. I'd also suggest the Burlington Coat Factory that was already recommended - usually lots of choice there. Another place that's pretty good price-wise is Fred Meyer - we go to the one in Burien. Don't know a thing about wading boots though, sorry!
BTW, I think most people here don't shun rain gear since it's such a necessity. It's umbrellas that the locals don't use, and if you've got good rain gear and a hood, you generally don't need them. Haven't used once in the 7 years since I moved here.
It's umbrellas that the locals don't use
And yet our annual fall music festival is called "Bumbershoot". Go figure.
Hi guys (and ladies)
thanks for all your suggestions - West Seattle Blog is the best. Another question - difference between water shedding and waterproof and need for.
Re the wading boots, we're probably pas the low tide wading season, but I'd like to pick up a pair.
Hi ladies and guys
thanks for all your suggestions - West Seattle Blog is the best. Another question - difference between water shedding and waterproof and need for.
Re the wading boots, we're probably pas the low tide wading season, but I'd like to pick up a pair.
For something to wear to work, I like a good rain coat and hat, I like the heavy nylon-ey stuff that's been out for the last few years. Keep an eye on the Rack, they usually have something. I got mine for $65. Best rainhats (best hats in general) are downtown at Brynie Utz at 3rd and Union.
Hardware stores and Army Navy stores can be good for wading boots. (You wear them with heavy socks) Good for the beach and the garden.
Filson is not cheap. But some of it is still made here in Seattle. I saw some tincloth pants at Costco this week. With the wax/oil treatment they are water proof. This was the kind of indestructible pants gold rush miners bought before heading to the Yukon.
I have a filson rain hat that is great. Andrea had one from the 70's that needed the band replaced. I took it in to ask how much to repair it and they gave her a new one.
The costco rainsuit is a great deal though for those times when you do not want to arrive soaked for something important. Folds up and fits in a 8x8 packet
wading boots?
have you looked in marshals/TJMax/Ross/Target/etc lately
wading boots with style are apparently the new it thing
Wading boots? Are you going to a Seattle City Council meeting?
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