Well, a really cute girl at the outdoor store talked me into spending $100 (at 30% off) on a sweet new Patagonia M's Rain Shadow Jacket. i figure i might as well get one that should last me a long time. It's 100% nylon, exclusive of trim.

I love this jacket! Very light weight, 100% waterproof, remarkable adjustable hood, underarm vents, taped seams, flap over zipper for extra waterproofing, very breathable and light, durable tear resistant fabric, 2 way zipper, adjustable Velcro cuffs, 2 taped side pocket zippers, low profile.

I really can't think of anything i more i would want in a jacket for this trip, except for the ability to pack itself into its own pocket, and that the hood is not removable. But it rolls up very compact. I might not even need an umbrella with this thing, if only my shorts wouldn't get wet.


P.S.~ It is made in Vietnam. I wonder if i could have gotten it cheaper over there.

Anyone looking for a super light weight durable, breathable rain jacket willing to shell out the extra bucks ought to check out this jacket. I don't know if this is this year model, but it looks something like this (available in different colors):
http://www.campmor.com/patagonia-men...jacket-1.shtml