Because a lot of (cycling) jackets / hardshells seem to forgo the hood, I may want to buy one separately.

Anyone experience? Tips? Brands?

Looking for something waterproof (as I want heavy rain protection), something that WORKS: good adjustment etc.
Maybe something that goes over a helmet but I guess that's a matter of size.

Thx

Also interested in recommendations. I have tried a few hooded rain jackets and not found one that fits well either over or under a helmet and lies flat enough against the side of my head to avoid affecting my vision and not ballooning from the wind. A cycling cap under my helmet does a reasonably good job in light rain, but for the occasional down pour it would be nice to have better protection.

Shower cap for your helmet?

I use a wool Buff to keep warm in the winter, which isn't very bulky under the helmet and generally can be worn so that it won't obstruct vision as well. Plus, bonus face protection when you wear it as a balaclava. I use the lightweight one linked above because it was what they had two years ago, but they offer a midweight one now that I'll need to pick up; then I'd probably be comfortable (at least around the head) into the low 20s.

For waterproof/resistant head coverage, I got nothing. I don't have hair so I usually just roll with it.

I have a rain cover for my helmet- works like a dream, helpful in cold as well- keeps wind out and head warmer

I bought one of those from a recommendation here. Maybe it was from you. I wore it just about every day this winter, on and off the bike. It is one of my best clothing purchases this year. It is extremely thin, and it's amazing how it's useful in a huge range of temperatures. You can use this as a hat substitute. I use it as a scarf substitute most of the time. Sometimes I'll wear a hat and then pull the Buff over my head and around my jaw. I look like I'm wearing a hijab. It is immensely comfortable.

Also, this raises a point about waterproof hats and hoods. I think it's better to wear something that isn't waterproof but is comfortable when wet, and there is nothing better than merino wool. I get wet, but I don't get cold.

Try looking at non-cycling specific brands, there are a lot of good ones out there which are suitable for cycling...Brands to consider are: North face, Under Armour, Adidas, Nike ,Columbia.

there are helmet covers with a caped back to keep the water off your neck..



The hooded sweatshirt is very popular where I live, as is the Parka with a hood..

wearing a baseball cap helps the visibility, when turning your head.




...

There are helmets with snap on abs covers, awesome in inclement weather

Thank you all for your input!

Perhaps a rain hood isn’t the right solution for me after all, now that I have given it a bit more thought.
I don’t have a helmet yet but will eventually so a helmet emergency cover maybe.

Meanwhile, I like your Buff suggestion for it’s versatility.