"Jarmo Hurri" wrote in message
...

Hi all!

My current rain jacket is starting to be in a pretty bad shape and it
also takes a lot of space, so I need a new one. Since I often travel
light (with just a relatively small backpack), I have been thinking
that maybe the best option for me would be to get what I think is
traditionally called a shell jacket: a rain coat with very little
functionality that fits into a small space (no pockets or other gizmos
ala wading jackets).

//snip//

I guess it depends on exactly how you plan to use it. I keep a Helly Hansen
shell in the back pocket of my vest which I use only when fishing - not
usually while hiking. It wads up into a very small space. I can put up with
a good bit of rain without it, but when I need it it fits over my vest so
there's plenty of room underneath it and breathability is not that critical.
I can also take it out of the pocket and put it on quickly without having to
remove the vest. It doesn't have pockets or velcro. It has strong elastic
wrist bands that keep most of the water from running down my sleeve when I
cast.

Somebody gave me a fedora-style hat last Christmas. I put off using it for a
long time because I thought it made me look too much like I stepped out of
an Orvis catalog, but it does a great job of keeping the rain from running
down my neck. And in hot weather I soak the hat in water and it does a great
job of cooling.

--
Bob Patton