Rain gear in Washington state (Seattle: house, roofing, military)

[Seasidemel]

I’ve heard people don’t use umbrellas, and I’m glad because I like having my hands free. My question is this, what is the preferred way to walk in rainy Washington weather. Do you use a hood, a hat? And what about coats or rain jackets? Do you just bundle up in a sweater and put a rain jacket over it or do you wear a waterproof coat? Any suggestions on waterproof boots? Thanks for any help.

[jabogitlu]

Good shoes are key. Merrells, Keens, anything with waterproof rating. Xtra Tuffs if you're going out clamming or something. On most days (when it's just gray and misty, not actually raining) I often default to my Crocs as well, since they're super comfy and wear well in the wet puddles.

Lots of folks use umbrellas but most don't. It isn't cold enough here for sweaters (usually) and if you're outside walking around, you don't want all those layers on. My preferred method is a thin acrylic tee shirt, a wool layer (SmartWool is your friend here), and then a good rain shell with a lipped hood.

Also could be a good idea to have two different rain coats, one of which is long to also cover most of your pants if you're dressed up or if it's particularly nasty outside.

[Hemlock140]

We have been here 40 years now. I don't ever use an umbrella, and most of the rain here is light drizzle lasting for days. The hard rain typical in other places is rare. For me it's just a hood. Today, for example, I left the house at 48F and raining wearing a windbreaker with hood, very light nylon. As the weather gets colder I'll switch to a lightweight down jacket, also nylon with hood. I have a longer, heavier, lined jacket with hood that I will use when it gets below freezing. I never use a sweater under a jacket, just long sleeves, flannel or along sleeved tee. Sneakers always work for me except in the snow, and I have waterproof high boots for that. When I took the bus to work and was "business casual" I had to walk a mile from the bus stop to the office. I would carry my good shoes in a backpack and change from the sneakers when I got into the office.

If you wear glasses, look for jackets with a hood having a "beak" that keeps the glasses dry. For me that's the worst part of being outdoors in the rain, having to dry the glasses.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Good shoes are key. Merrells, Keens, anything with waterproof rating. Xtra Tuffs if you're going out clamming or something. On most days (when it's just gray and misty, not actually raining) I often default to my Crocs as well, since they're super comfy and wear well in the wet puddles.

Lots of folks use umbrellas but most don't. It isn't cold enough here for sweaters (usually) and if you're outside walking around, you don't want all those layers on. My preferred method is a thin acrylic tee shirt, a wool layer (SmartWool is your friend here), and then a good rain shell with a lipped hood.

Also could be a good idea to have two different rain coats, one of which is long to also cover most of your pants if you're dressed up or if it's particularly nasty outside.

It sure as heck is cold enough for sweaters, even wool coats, in winter! And a sweater plus a rain shell is less layers than you said you wear yourself. And I don't know how to interpret "it isn't cold enough..for sweaters" in the same sentence as "a wool layer" under a rain shell. Some of this seems contradictory. This may point toward the fact, that the situation actually is more complex than we'd like to think.

OP, how to advise depends on how active you plan to be outdoors in rainy or drizzly weather. Often it doesn't rain hard enough for more than a water-repellent jacket. For heavier rain, you'll want Gore-tex, or equivalent. If you're going to be active outdoors, beyond driving to the store and walking across the parking lot, breathable water-proofing is important. For cold winter days a warm wool coat or long jacket is good to have. If you plan to attend evening events in winter, concerts or other semi-formal events, you'll want a nice wool coat.

So much depends on lifestyle. If you have a little of everything, you can combine layers or do a single layer of whatever weight and level of water-repellency may be required for the weather, season, and occasion. And by the way, fwiw, to answer that all-important umbrella question: I always used an umbrella for heavier rain or thick mist, as did most people I knew in Seattle. It can't hurt to have one in case you need it.

[jabogitlu]

Thanks for your input, Ruth. Intelligent, as always.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Thanks for your input, Ruth. Intelligent, as always.

Well, there are so many potential factors involved (lifestyle, cold tolerance, etc.), that I almost feel like throwing up my hands and saying, "I don't know. Do whatever works", lol.

[Transmition]

I have a thin waterproof jacket that I use for the three warmer seasons if there is going to be rain. It has a hood that keeps the rain off for the most part. I vary the layers underneath depending on temperature and activities. I use a thick coat for winter with a hood.

Rain is typically very light, so a hoodie is fine if you aren't going to be out in it for too long.

[Hemlock140]

The more severe cold rarely lasts more than a few days or a week, and I have no problem going out to get the mail or put out garbage at 20F wearing just a tee shirt. I'm not out in it long enough to bother with a coat.

[mayfair]

Gor-Tex raincoat, waterproof hikers and Seattle sombrero rain hat if you spend any amount of time out on the trails in winter. Rain pants are good when it's dumping rain if you're going to be out hiking more than an hour.

The other option is to stay in when its dumping rain and just go out when its a drizzle and you can get by with a hoodie.

[Lodestar]

I moved to nearby Ft. Lewis to be with my husband when he got drafted. His military group was having a cookout at the lake and when I got up and saw the "rain" I thought that would be the end of going out to the lake.

But he said, no, that out there they don't cancel for rain. They go ahead unless it's really bad. I was so surprised but
I learned to adjust. Got used to ignoring a little drizzle.

I did get pneumonia in a couple of months. Someone there told me that it wasn't uncommon for Midwesterners to have pneumonia upon moving. Don't know if that is true or not.

I do remember playing volleyball outside one New Year's Eve, though. A perk!