Lowe Alpine Enduro Rain Jacket - Waterproof (For Women)

I bought this for road walking in the fall/winter.It is roomy enough for a fleece underneath. The color is nice and visible for drivers. The length is sufficient for coverage. The styling is very nice. The mesh interior makes it more comfortable. The collar lies nicely and is not stiff. It is stylish enough to wear to town.

I bought this jacket for my wife to take on vacation, as we were taking a sea kayak trip and they recommended a rain jacket to bring along. She wore it as a light jacket and on the plane and liked it very much. We did not need them on the kayak nor did we get to try it in the rain yet.

I love it, the hood is nice and rolls up into the collar, the whole coat fits into my bag easily so I can carry it around no problems. It may be a little small, I am a 10-12, and petite at 5'2" and the L is good for me, and sits just below my butt. My mother took to using my last Lowe Alpine coat ( a ceramic triple point) so I needed a new one, and this definitely works for me.

So far I've only taken a walk in this jacket (a three mile walk) so I can't comment on it for backpacking conditions. You definitely need to size up. I almost always wear a an x-small (I'm 5'1''). I sent back the x-small and got a small because I felt that trying to layer underneath it might be a challenge. The sleeves also seemed a bit short, and shoulder movement was a little constricted. With the small I have none of these problems. A few features that are nice: Seems to be somewhat reflective, definitely makes you visable. Hood has draw-string cord to tighten around face for a close fit. Is lined with mesh so you don't get as "sticky" of a feeling. Pockets and main zip also have velcro closure. I havn't been in torrential rain yet, so no comments on how the sleeves do with water coming in through the cuffs (main prob with my last jacket). Adjustable velcro closure seems like it will do a better job than just plain elastic cuff.

Despite the "relaxed fit" description, runs a full size smaller. Fabulously featherweight, but can't imagine it providing ANY warmth. Maybe that's why despite the list price it has NO PIT ZIPS. Since I had to return it, can't attest to its breathability or waterproofness, but these may be all that are claimed.

I will use it for transitional season sailing. We get lots of moisture in the NW