Pacific Northwest - Rain Capes

I'm looking over a few different Rain Capes for our marvelous winter.

The Carradice seems nice 'nuff but I don't seen any reason to pick it over one of these alternatives.

That leaves the J & G version J&G Cape (http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Rain-Capes.html)
Nice 'nuff looks to be the best constructed but no hood option

The Campmor version Campmor Cape (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10130&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1)
is the cheapest & looks it - unsure of durablity for daily use.

and the CAT version CAT CAPE (http://www.catoregon.org/raingear.htm)
Has an optional hood for an extra 10 bucks

Anyone out there have a reasonable basis of comparison of these, or direct experience with one or the other through a winter?
Anyone have any thoughts on hood vs. no hood?

Here's my thread on the topic:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=4332005#post4332005

I have J&G's rain jacket.
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Waterproof-Rain-Jackets.html

It's works pretty well....I am a little annoyed about the fit, but that's because its a standard fit and I have a long torso. Also, the optional hood you can buy and attach to it, doesn't really attach that well.

But the jacket itself works very well. If you aren't a really long torso (like me) and don't want a hood, it works great. Might be warmer than the cape though.

I've been curious about rain capes for awhile, so decided to go cheap for the first try and get the Campmor one. Should have it in a few days and will give a report on it. Looks like I'll have to wear its hood under my helmet, as the hood doesn't look like it's large enough to fit over it.

The hood doesn't make sense to me...I would worry that when it's under the helmet it would limit head movement and interfere with shoulder checking etc. I got the J&G cape because it didn't have a hood, and I got a separate waterproof helmet cover.

The hood doesn't make sense to me...I would worry that when it's under the helmet it would limit head movement and interfere with shoulder checking etc. I got the J&G cape because it didn't have a hood, and I got a separate waterproof helmet cover.

True.....logic told me I should get the hood with the jacket. First ride with the hood I realized it was dangerous. I lost a LOT of peripheral vision and neck movement with the hood.

The hood doesn't make sense to me...I would worry that when it's under the helmet it would limit head movement and interfere with shoulder checking etc. I got the J&G cape because it didn't have a hood, and I got a separate waterproof helmet cover.

I used a rain cape a few times many years ago. Not only does the hood limit head movement, but it altered what I could hear. There was noise from the rustling of the cape on my ears. That distorted my ability to hear traffic noises the way I wanted to. Also the cape funneled water onto my upper legs and my pants got extra wet.

I have the CAT cape. Works great, hood under helmet or just off. It kept me and my bike *completely* dry on a 60 min ride from nid shin up. Nice venting too.

Also the cape funneled water onto my upper legs and my pants got extra wet.
These capes have thumbstraps to hold them over the handlebars to prevent that, although I find in windy conditions I actually have to grab the hem and hold it with part of my hand on the bars, as the straps have too much slack.

I used a rain cape a few times many years ago. Not only does the hood limit head movement, but it altered what I could hear. There was noise from the rustling of the cape on my ears. That distorted my ability to hear traffic noises the way I wanted to. Also the cape funneled water onto my upper legs and my pants got extra wet.

Thanks Twobikes - you're the only one I've seen with that kind of issue I've seen on this or a couple other spots. - Which Cape were you using?