I am getting ready to take a trip to Europe in the beginning of september. We’re flying into Nice, travelling around southern Europe(well, basically – nice, rome, venice, salzburg, zurich) for 2 weeks, then ending up in England from the end of september (until December). Pretty much everything is taken care of except for my rain gear – this is where I am having MAJOR issues. I’m just not sure what to get. Considering I am spending most of my time in the north, where it rains all the time, I’m not sure what kind of raingear to get that will be compatible with my 2 weeks of backpacking, my several months in rainy England, and my budget. I heard that wearing a poncho is like wearing a sign that says "HEY – I’m a tourist!" so I’d like to avoid that option. I’ve searched the web and a few stores and it seems like the a good, breathable, waterproof jacket is around $100!! Considering how much I’ve spent so far and hoping to still have money left for when i get to Europe I was hoping to spend a little less. I guess my real hope for posting this message is to get feedback from people who have already been there and can fill me in on their experiences. Did you bring an expensive jacket and was it all it cracked up to be, or did you spend less money for a lower quality jacket and how did it work out for you???? please please help!!!