Stay Warm and Dry with Cotopaxi’s Rayu Rain Parka for Women

I have a love-hate relationship with raincoats when I’m on the road. Jackets that do their job well can be big and bulky and take up more room in my suitcase than I’m willing to relinquish. That said, being wet and cold when you’re traveling is a sure-fire way to ruin a valuable day off.

Cotopaxi’s Rayu Rain Parka—Packable Peace of Mind

Recently, I’ve been testing the Rayu Pain Parka by Cotopaxi. What initially attracted me to the waterproof shell was its extended length. The parka stretches down to my mid-thigh (I’m 5’7” and wear a size medium) and offers more coverage than the typical rain jacket. The shirt-tail hemline gives it a bit more pizazz than a straight hem.

The Rayu Rain Parka is made with 100% recycled polyester and a breathable mesh lining. Zip pockets plenty big enough for a cell phone and a small wallet are built into the front of the jacket, not the side. That’s not a deal-breaker for me, but I know it bothers some folks. An added flap provides an extra layer of waterproofing.

The hood does not tuck away, but it is adjustable in the front via two sets of cords with plastic locks. In addition to a full-zip front, there a handful of Velcro closures.

Gear that Does Double Duty

There was a great deal of rain in the forecast when I was packing for a recent trip to Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji . I wound up getting very lucky weather-wise, but I was happy I brought the park along as it served me well as a post-scuba diving layer. I wound up donning the jacket for three days on the water, and only once was rain the reason I pulled it out of my bag.