Traveling with a Traveler

A comment by Jonathan in the “Three Things I Can’t Live Without” thread reminded me that Marmot makes a longer version of their excellent Precip - the Traveler. I can see putting this over a wool sport coat and being very comfy in the winter. Might be long enough to keep your bottom dry on a wet bench too. Now I know what I want for Christmas.

Comments

[Alan Birnbaum]

On most people, I think this jacket will hit several inches above the knees, so it's several inches shorter than the Rohan Hilltop Jacket I acquired while in London, but on the other hand, likely about five inches longer than a Precip. The fabric is also lighter, generally a good thing for the light traveler. A further alternative is this LL Bean jacket, at $70 Regular length, $80 long:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/56534?from=SR&feat=sr

This is their Trail Model Rainwear, Coat, in Tek2.5, probably a membrane coated fabric similar to the Marmot fabric. I think there is a brief thread concerning this jacket from several months ago.

[Jonathan]

What an honour to be quoted on the blog.
The jacket was quite hard to find, including on Marmot website. It seems Marmot updated the model this year and is available again for purchase.
Alan, I agree that the Traveler jacket stops above the knees. II was in Rohan London store 2 weeks ago, and checked the Hilltop jacket. It is a bit longer, yes, but much heavier than the Traveler (no figures, sorry). The red-coloured model was discounted, half price. Unless you work on a ship or as firefighter, this red was not an option for me. On top of that, as I just bought 3 of their shirts, the shopping bag was already full...

[Alan Birnbaum]

"Hilltop jacket...is a bit longer...but much heavier than the Traveler (no figures, sorry)."

I bought my Hilltop from their London store in a bluish-gray dark tone, very adaptable for travel, save as noted it's a heavier jacket, mine in XL is 32 oz. versus 20 oz. or less for the other options noted from Marmot or LL Bean or even that very nice Nau Succinct Trench (which alas costs as much as the Rohan.)

http://www.nau.com/mens/categories/jackets/succinct-trench-005M01.html

which does come in a darkish neutral Carbon, but which arguably might be a better choice for the urban "light traveler;" see separate thread on this garment, which is another example of the "technical raincoat." Actually, I bought my Hilltop a lighter and more packable alternative to the even more expensive Barbour Border waxed cotton jacket, for rural to even wilderness usage on "adventure" trips anywhere in the world.

Ultimately everyone's choice will end up somewhat different, depending particularly on WHERE and WHEN and how OFTEN one might need the jacket/coat. The fiscally efficient, of course, will start with the LL Bean version, then consider if the additional cost of the others is worthwhile for them.