my future is in your hands

Hi everyone! April is just around the corner and true to Portland style, the rain is NOT EVER GOING AWAY. Some days the weather will tease us with a blindingly bright sun, only to whisk that sun away in an instant and pelt us with hail. (No joke, this really happened this past Sunday.)

Anyway, I do own one rain jacket, but it’s a shortie and pretty thin, and… uh… a little snug right now. Winter, hibernation, hot chocolate, blah blah = not as svelte as I was this time last year. So I’ve decided it’s high time to splurge a little and get a new rain jacket – one that will keep my butt dry, and can also be worn over a few layers in case it comes to that.

Now that we live mere blocks away from a mall, I decided that I would head on over this evening after work to see what I could find.

And, well, in classic me fashion I found two. I got a second opinion from Brian, but also in classic me fashion I need a third, fourth, fifth, tenth opinion before I can make a decision on my own. Luckily, I have a blog! With readers! So now I present to you…

The Fabulous Rain Jacket Debate – Spring 2009 Edition

RAIN JACKET #1

Specs

1. by Calvin Klein
2. Cotton/nylon outer, polyester lining
3. Double zipper pulls (can unzip from bottom)
4. Zippered chest pocket
5. Pork chop pockets
6. Detachable hood
7. Snap buttons
8. Optional roll-up sleeves

Pros

1. Longer length = more coverage
2. Duh… it’s CALVIN KLEIN
3. Larger hood (for my huge head)
4. Provides a tad more warmth… I think
5. More professional-looking

Cons

1. $10 more than Rain Jacket #2
2. Maybe not as versatile
3. Not as many pockets
4. No breathable lining

 

RAIN JACKET #2

Specs

1. by Lands’ End
2. 100% nylon outer, polyester mesh lining
3. Inner zipper pocket
4. Snap pockets w/ addt’l side pockets
5. Stowaway hood
6. Bungee cord waist
7. Adjustable cuffs

Pros

1. $10 cheaper than Rain Jacket #1
2. More versatile, for casual and more professional wear (again… maybe)
3. Um… Lands’ End guarantee.
4. More secure pockets
5. Breathable mesh lining

Cons

1. Not as long – not as much coverage
2. Feels thinner
3. Um… not Calvin Klein?
4. White could get dirty more easily

Now… Rain Jacket #2 also comes in other colors. At the store, I only saw True Navy, Fresh Green, and Turquoise Blue other than White, and I tried the Fresh Green and Turquoise Blue on several times before deciding on the White. But now that I’m at home, I’m not sure if maybe I’d rather go for another color. Decisions, decisions!!

Okay so this is where you come in. Vote, vote! Which one do you like better, and why? Or is there another brand/type of rain jacket you’d recommend over both of these?