8 Lightweight Jackets, Coats and Accessories to Help You Stay Dry During Vancouver Spring Showers

I don’t know about you, but I really hate arriving at my destination all sweaty from wearing the very thing that was meant to keep me dry. Dressing for the weather in Vancouver at this time of year can be hit or miss, but I do think we can finally get away with swapping out our insulated parkas in favour of something more lightweight. For me, it’s also a welcome excuse to shop the fresh spring colours in stores right now.

Below are some breathable coats and jackets that would be great for these warmer grey days, plus some weatherproof accessories to pair with them.

Credit: Canada Goose

Canada Goose Kitsilano Jacket Arctic Florals

This A-line raincoat comes in multiple bright colours reminiscent of springtime blossoms. Water and wind-proof, it’s light enough for warmer temperatures but roomy enough to layer up if you need to. Plus, just in case the colour isn’t vibrant enough, there’s a reflective panel for visibility on the back. $750, canadagoose.com

Credit: Rains

Rains Long Jacket

This unisex long jacket comes in eight different colours right now, but I really like the cool metallic lustre of this one. It features concealed venting in the back, adjustable cuffs, an elegant fishtail hem, and snap-button closures. If you’d like, you can also grab this colour in the shorter style. $150, rains.com

Credit: Patagonia

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L City Coat

This waterproof three-layer shell coat from Patagonia is the trench-inspired version of the Torrentshell 3L Jacket. It has all the same features (including the useful ability to stuff into its hand-warming pocket) but in a stylish, full-length cut. $285, patagonia.com

Credit: Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx Norvan LT Hoody

Featuring a breathable GORE-TEX shell, the Norvan LT Hoody is both water and wind-proof. Its fitted, minimalist silhouette isn’t bulky, so if you’re the kind of person who likes trail running in the rain, you can do so comfortably without restricted movement. $500, arcteryx.com

Credit: Lululemon

Lululemon Cross Chill Jacket RepelShell

The Lululemon Cross Chill Jacket has made it to one of our rainwear lists before, and for good reason. This slim-fit running jacket is made with breathable and stretchy waterproof fabric. It has a cinchable hood, reflective elements, and of course like most Lululemon jackets, it also has thumbholes. This lovely indigo colour is new and very cute for spring. $198, lululemon.com

Credit: Hershel

Hershel Survey II Backpack

Don’t forget to protect your stuff! Hershel’s weather resistant backpack has a matte TPE coating and is made from post-consumer water bottles. Inside there’s a 16” laptop sleeve, hidden zipper storage, and a mesh organization pocket. $119.99, hershel.ca

Credit: Westerly Goods

Westerly Commander Umbrella 

This umbrella from Vancouver-based company Westerly Goods is the quality umbrella we all deserve, with a solid maple wood handle and fibreglass reinforced frame. Reliably sturdy, it isn’t going to break or be prone to bending against heavy winds. The downside is that you probably won’t want to leave it inside a store vestibule. $99.99, westerlygoods.com

Credit: Canada Pooch

Canada Pooch’s Torrential Tracker

For the dog that hates the rain! This rain jacket by Canada Pooch comes in many sizes, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that will fit them. In addition to looking adorable, it also has reflective trim to keep your furry companion safe when there’s low-visibility. $42, canadapooch.com