Best Rain Jacket under $100 – My Top 3 Choices

No one likes getting wet. When it rains, you shouldn’t feel like you’re stuck inside! Instead, you need a nice warm rain jacket that will allow you the freedom you deserve. Many people think they need to spend a lot of money on a jacket that will actually protect them from the rain, but that isn’t the case.

Best Rain Jacket under $100

You can get comfortable and protective jackets for under $100 and in this article we will look at three of the top options available today in the best rain jacket under $100 category, so you can go out and face your next rainstorm without fear.

Columbia Men’s EvaPOURation Jacket

Columbia is the leading maker of rain jackets, and their Evapouration Jacket is the most advanced model they have. This jacket isn’t just waterproof; it is also packed with features. Made with a nylon shell and Polyester lining the jacket is machine washable, lightweight, and comfortable. Other features include waterproof zippers, an adjustable hood, and Omni-Tech Waterproof Breathable technology that keeps the coat from getting too stuffy. In terms of style, this jacket comes in an incredibly wide variety of colors. There are 22 different color combinations to choose from.

Columbia Men's Evapouration Jacket

The fit of this jacket is very nice. If you’re worried about fitting, you can always order a size up because the jacket is adjustable thanks to elastic drawstrings. You can always tighten it up, but you can only loosen it up so much. You can even fully compress the jacket and zip it into a portable bag that you can easily pack up for any trip where you might encounter rain.

When ordering rain jackets, it’s important to note that they are usually designed to focus on providing protection from the rain. A jacket as affordable and waterproof as the Evapouration Jacket 3 saves money by cutting down on the lining. The jacket is comfortable, but it isn’t particularly warm. If you want to stay warm and dry, you can always order a size up and wear this jacket over something warmer.

If you only look at one jacket, you should definitely check out the Evapouration Jacket 3. It’s a high quality a jacket that comes loaded with all of the features you could want in a rain coat.

The North Face Men’s Venture Jacket

North Face is another leading outdoor apparel brand. These days their products are in demand because of their style and brand name, but they still make products to appeal to the most hardened hikers and mountaineers. This shows in their Venture Jacket, which will keep you completely dry even when the water is pouring down. The jacket is made from recycled nylon ripstop, which means that it is both sturdy and eco-friendly. That sums up the North Face ethos.

The North Face Men's Venture Jacket

If you’re worried about overheating in your jacket, North Face has just what the doctor ordered. The fit is quite nice overall. One thing to note is that the hood is a little smaller than you’ll find on most jackets, which is great for people with smaller heads. There are zips under the armpit that you can pull down to vent the jacket and bring in fresh air while minimizing exposure to the elements. You can also get air flowing by unzipping the pockets and loosening the elastic on the hoodie. They are small details, but they can make you feel more comfortable.

One thing that sets the Venture Jacket apart from its competition is the two-toned color scheme. With this jacket, you don’t have to settle for just one color, and with literally dozens of color schemes to choose from you’re bound to find an option suited to your tastes. Anyone concerned with fashion will appreciate all these possibilities when you compare the Venture Jacket with the other drab options that dominate the market.

North Face makes products for people who care about the environment. Their chosen materials and construction process are both designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. So, if you choose to by North Face’s Venture Jacket, you’ll be protecting the environment as you protect yourself from the environment.

Helly Hansen Men’s Voss Rain Jacket

This jacket is made for serious protection. It’s not just for casual drizzles; it’s become a best-seller around the world because fisherman and sailors rely on this jacket to keep them safe out on the open sea. The jacket is made from waterproof polyurethane and held together with laminated knit backing and micro-welded seams. These construction techniques ensure that water can’t invade through the seams like it can with cheaper jackets.

Helly Hansen Men's Voss Rain Jacket

For extra protection, there are storm flaps and adjustable snap cuffs built into the jacket. This allows you to close down the jacket as tightly and securely as possible when the rain starts pouring down. Since it’s adjustable, you can use this jacket comfortably whether it’s raining or not. The hood can be securely stored when it’s shining out without the added bulk that comes with other options.

In the style department, the jacket comes in four colors. The different options are black, blue, red, and yellow. You’re not just going to be dry in this jacket; you’ll also be stylish. The only real downside is that the sizing can be a little strange, you should probably order a size up. You should also realize that this is specifically designed as a rain jacket, it’s pretty thin, so it won’t keep you particularly warm. It’s made to do one job, and it does it well.

You might not have heard of Helly Hansen before, but they’re not new on the scene. They have been clothing people from all walks of life for over 130 years. Their garments aren’t just backed up by the company’s reputation; all Helley Hansen products are covered by a one year warranty. If you buy this jacket and it suffers from factory defects, you will get it repaired or replaced, free of charge.

Conclusion – Choosing the Best Rain Jacket under $100

Before you make a purchase take some time to look over each of the three options. Buying a rain jacket isn’t just about keeping the rain out, though that’s very important. You also deserve a jacket that fits your style. Each of the three jackets we’ve recommended will keep you dry, but no two look exactly the same. So, as you prepare to make your purchase consider which speaks to your unique, personal style.

Best Gas Grills under $500 – My Top 3 Choices

There’s nothing like cooking over a real gas grill. You can try to cook the same recipe up over an ordinary stovetop but it just won’t be the same. The heat from a good grill works magic, transforming ordinary food into something infinitely more delicious. But you can’t trust your cooking with just any grill, you ned the right one for the job. Whether you’re looking for a grill you can take with you on camping trips or something to use around the home there are too many grills to choose from. We’re here to help.

To write this guide, we looked at the best gas grills under $500 on the market. We examined each option and picked out the best options for experienced grill-masters and aspiring chefs alike. Any of these grills would make a great addition to your cooking arsenal but to help you find the perfect one for your particular needs we’ll look at the three top options and their particular strengths and weaknesses.

1. Char-Broil Professional TRU Infrared 3-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill

This grill has the word Professional in its name, and its design lives up to the title. The sleek silver and black exterior looks like something straight out of a highly modern kitchen.

Getting this is like grabbing the Perfect Grill. The stainless-steel grill is fully equipped with three main burners, a side burner, and an enclosed cabinet. The grill lights up with the push of a button. You can trust every fire to light the right way the first time thanks to Sure-fire Electronic Ignition technology.

Best Gas Grills under $500 - Char-Broil Professional TRU Infrared 3-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill

Anyone who has this grill is cooking with the latest in grill technology. It includes the TRU Infrared Cooking System. This tool is designed to achieve an optimal spread of heat while putting two layers of protection between the mean and the flames. This prevents burning and uneven cooking, ensuring that everything you cook on this grill is done to perfection.

In addition to the three main burners, there is also a lidded side burner. This allows you to prepare side dishes while you’re making the entrée on the main dishes. The covering can also remain in place, so you get double the prep space. We’re recommending the 3-burner model, which comes in well under our $500 budget. But if you’re looking to save even more money you can try their 2-burner option. Just remember that with fewer grills it will take you longer to complete a whole meal.

2. Weber 46110001 Spirit E210 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Looks can be deceiving. At first glance, this two-burner grill looks like it might not be able to cook much at one time but Weber has packed it with so much power and so many features that you can grill up a whole meal at once. The enclosure is big enough for 20 pounds of meat to fit in at once with room to spare. There’s also a secondary shelf grate that rises above the main burner so you can bake your potatoes while you grill your steak. All in all, this grill packs 450 square inches of cooking potential into one compact, stainless steel package.

Weber 46110001 Spirit E210

The Spirit E210 is designed to help cooks get the most of any meat they cook on this grill. This is shown in the grills unique Favorizer bars and grill management system. As any chef knows it’s all too easy to lose precious flavor from your meat. It drips off when the heat turns up and can be lost between the bars of some grills. Weber noticed this and resigned its bars to grab onto drippings and allow them to cook up and waft back into the meat. Anything left is carefully siphoned off into the grease tray and catch pan where they are safely held. This makes cooking and cleaning as safe and easy as possible.

On top of this, all the grill looks fantastic. The stainless-steel exterior and cast-iron grill are all clearly top of the line. The color scheme is a classic silver and black that would fit in out in your backyard or the kitchen of a five-star restaurant. Standing in front of this monument to the art of grilling will make you feel like a chef even when it isn’t turned on and that’s why this features on my list of the best gas grills under $500!

3. Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE

When shopping for a grill the main thing to consider is how it performs, but it’s also worth getting a grill that looks the part. This is one of the first things you’re bound to notice when looking at Coleman’s Road Trip Grill; it looks like the sort of grill you picture in your head when you hear the word. Its throwback design will bring many cooks back to their childhood. This compact and stylish grill comes in blue, silver, maroon, orange, green, purple, black, and the classic red.

Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE

This grills unique selling point is its portable design. This is a collapsible grill that can be set up and broken down in just four quick steps. It weighs just 44 pounds without propane tank, and with its big wheels and handle it’s easy to roll around. Perfect for camping or any other outdoor cooking you might want to do.

Shoppers first notice the Coleman Road Trip line for its portability and style, but the grill itself is more than powerful enough to get the job done. This grill is perfect for cooking for parties of four people. It has two 10,000 BTU burners for a total of 20,000 BTUS of grilling potential. This power is unleashed every time you hit the Instastart ignition and provides an even cook no matter the temperature outside thanks to Perfect Flow technology. It packs 285 square inches of grill into its compact design. Alongside the grill, you can slide out two side tables for cooking prep.

Coleman has been in the business of making stoves for campers for over 100 years, and this expertise shows in models like the LXE. This grill is the culmination of 100 years of research and design. If you want an affordable, trustworthy, and highly portable grill, then this is a smart choice to make.

Choosing the Perfect Grill:

Every cook is different and deserves a grill that will fit their needs. To choose the perfect grill, there are a few questions you need to ask. The first is how many things you’ll need to cook at one time. If you plan on regularly cooking for a large family or parties, then a bigger grill like the Professional TRU Infrared 3-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill from Char-Broil is the way to go. Style is another thing to think about, if you want a more old-school, nostalgic look, then the Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE is a sure bet. To get every drop of flavor from your meat, the Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill from Weber is one delicious design.

What sort of cook do you want to be? What sort of grill do you want in your backyard or at your camping site? All of these grills have something different to offer and that’s why I’ve included them in my list of the best gas grills under $500. Once you know what you want you can choose the perfect grill to make your dreams come true.

Best Belly Band Holster – My Top 3 Choices

If you work for the military or secret services, then as part of your professional responsibilities you will be required to handle and store a gun in such a way that you have instant access to your weapon, always. A Belly band holster is an accessory that helps you do just this.

Your gun stays in place without slipping as you move or run during your daily activity and your holster provides you instant access to your gun. It is an advantage for you if your holster facilitates carrying multiple weapons. Most traditional holsters allow only a single weapon.

You can also carry your car and house keys in your Belly band holster; and other things like credit cards and an ammunition magazine among other miscellaneous items.

I have checked out the features of a few Belly band holsters from different manufacturers and brands and have come up with my top 3 choices.

Best Belly Band Holster – My Top 3 Choices

  • ALPHAHOLSTER BELLY GUN HOLSTER – ABDOMINAL BAND PISTOL HOLSTER (~$82)
  • UNDER TECH UNDERCOVER ORIGINAL BELLY BAND (~ $32)
  • BELLY BAND WITH 2 MAG POUCHES BY PS PRODUCTS (~ $56)

#1 – ALPHAHOLSTER BELLY GUN HOLSTER – ABDOMINAL BAND PISTOL HOLSTER

My choice #1 for the best belly band holster is considered among the holsters ever made. The holster is smooth in design and very functional as you can store various weapons comfortably and use them very effectively. The outstanding feature of the AlphaHolster Belly Band Holster is the ventilation combined with the elasticity. There are no issues if you sweat profusely as the holster is waterproof and will not be affected. You will feel comfortable wearing it as it is made of a light material that gets rid of sweat easily.

ALPHAHOLSTER BELLY GUN HOLSTER - ABDOMINAL BAND PISTOL HOLSTER

The elasticity of the holster enables you to reach your weapon very quickly as you continue wearing it through the day while going about your daily activity. You can draw your gun and replace it as quickly. Your weapon is not scratched or damaged by the holster’s high quality construction.

Pros:

  • AlphaHolster belly holster is very flexible and this implies that you can carry on with your daily activities, while comfortably wearing it.
  • Slightly expensive but worth the money
  • Waterproof and sweat resistant.
  • It is also light to carry and wear
  • You can use it to store different weapons

Cons:

  • When you are seated, the stretchable material of this holster tends to roll and bunch, as it is very thin
  • You need to select the correct size for yourself, to avoid discomfort

#2 – UNDER TECH UNDERCOVER ORIGINAL BELLY BAND

The name of my #2 selection encapsulates stealth and concealment. The UnderTech UnderCover original belly band literally wraps itself very comfortable around your abdomen area. It efficiently does what it is designed to do which is keep your firearm close to your body when you instantly need it. In fact, you will notice no bulge protruding from underneath your t-shirt or shirt.

Very neat, right!

UNDER TECH UNDERCOVER ORIGINAL BELLY BAND

The attractive feature of this remarkable holster is the high level of flexibility and the functionality it provides. Imagine, you can just as conveniently wear it inside a business suit as you can when you are dressed for the gym. That means the UnderTech UnderCover Belly Band is manufactured to be worn in all kinds situations, whether involving work or play. Furthermore, the powerful strap offers a lot of sweat resistance and elasticity for comfort.

You can use this holster to store different weapons and wear it the whole day without moving or adjusting it.

Pros:

  • Under Tech Undercover belly band has additional slots to store extra magazines and other items.
  • It is elastic, and this ensures you are comfortable as you carry out your daily activities
  • It is sweat resistant

Cons:

  • The holster’s larger sizes tend to make your abdominal area look bulkier

#3 – BELLY BAND WITH 2 MAG POUCHES BY PS PRODUCTS

This holster by PS products is my #3 choice for the category of the best belly band holster. It has a simple yet stretchable design, and is made of high quality plastic. This holster has a very secure and reliable Velcro closure. This holster has 2 additional magazine slots, so it is highly unlikely that you will ever run out of ammunition.

Best Belly Band Holster

The elasticity of the holster is very impressive and blends easily to the body contours and clothes, to offer maximum concealment. You get a highly functional and comfortable feeling of your equipment on the body. Irrespective of whether you are wearing a shirt or a t-shirt, your belly band holster is so comfortable that you will not need to adjust it, once your wear it, even if you are doing physically demanding assignments.

Pros:

  • The holster can be used to store different pistols and handguns
  • It can be used as a dual magazine bag
  • Affordable
  • It is very elastic and securely holds your stomach, as well as your weapon.

Cons:

  • You may need to wash the new holster to make the edges soft

Conclusion:

I have considered the following factors before making my selections for my top 3 best Belly band holsters:

  • Material that has very high elasticity and at the same time being durable
  • Quality that will last for a long time
  • Gun holding ability – a holster should hold the gun firmly in place so it does not slip out
  • Size – the size of the holster should match the size of the individual. A bigger size for a smaller individual, will not only feel and look awkward but will make their abdominal region look bigger than it is.

My top choice is still ALPHAHOLSTER BELLY GUN HOLSTER as the best belly band holster because though slightly expensive it is worth the money spent. Also it is sweat resistant and feels comfortable enough on the body to enable me to carry on with my daily activities, without being conscious I am wearing one.

Without a doubt, I would not hesitate to select any of my other two choices in that order, if my top choice was not available for some reason.

Best Indoor Outdoor Thermometer Review

Best Indoor Outdoor Thermometer – My Top 3 Choices

Whether I am indoors at home or in my place of work, at some point in time I do need to step out into the outdoors for various reasons. It is good to be forewarned so I am forearmed, so to speak. I can then try and make adequate preparations to face the vagaries of weather as I carry on through the course of my day – travelling, driving, walking, or running.

How do I know what the weather is going to be like? Sure, I can check the latest weather bulletin on the television or read the relevant section in my morning newspaper but is there a quicker way to get this vital information just before I leave home or office?

Yes! There is an easy way. Check out the display screen of an affordable indoor-outdoor thermometer within your home or office premises and you will have all the weather-related information you need. Below are my top 3 choices for the best indoor outdoor thermometer for the money!

  • La Crosse Technology 308-1412S (~ $44.99)
  • AcuRite 75077 Wireless Weather Forecaster (~ $37.75)
  • AcuRite 02027 Colour Weather Station (~ $49.97)

#1 – La Crosse Technology 308-1412S

Check out the wonderful features on my top choice for the best indoor-outdoor thermometer. The display panel on the 308 seems to be always alive, as its 12 different animated panels keep constantly changing as per prevailing weather conditions. A feature of this device is the trend indicator for indoor and outdoor temperatures with specific and customized alerts that indicate the temperature ranges from the lowest through to the highest. The barometer takes about 3-4 weeks to calibrate itself which implies very accurate forecasts for your specific location of region.

La Crosse Technology 308-1412S

You can plan your day around your weather, by quickly studying the animated colour forecast icons on the display screen. The atomic date and time settings which allow the unit to accurately set itself with the progress of time.

The indoor display looks attractive and can be conveniently placed on a shelf, a kitchen counter or a window of your home or office. Unfortunately, it is not possible to mount this device on a wall.

This device is fun to use, convenient to charge through the USB port on the back panel and very practical in the information it so readily provides. This attractive device comes at a very affordable price of under $50 and is money worth spent for the functions and the accurate readings it provides.

Features and Specifications:

  • Display shows weather icons in different colours
  • Sunny, partly sunny, cloudy, rainy, and stormy
  • Minimum and maximum records for both indoor / outdoor temperature and humidity
  • Backlight is adjustable
  • Indicator for sensor signal strength
  • Temperature alerts
  • Trend alerts for temperature and humidity levels
  • Calendar and battery indicator
  • 200 feet transmission range
  • Temperature range: Indoor – 32°F to 122°F; Outdoor -40°F to 140°Fahrenheit

Pros:

  • USB port for charging
  • Large Colour display
  • Accurate readings
  • Weather alerts and forecasts

Cons:

  • The display device may sometimes lose contact with the outdoor antennae unit

#2 – AcuRite 75077 Wireless Weather Forecaster

My #2 choice is the AcuRite 75007 which shows an icon representing the forecasted weather over the next 12 to 24 hours, prominently on its display. The indoor-outdoor temperature readings on the display ae quite easy to for anyone to read comfortably.

Best Indoor Outdoor Thermometer - AcuRite 75077 Wireless Weather Forecaster

For the initial period of 14-days this device is in a learning mode and analyses to calibrate itself to the specific pressure changes endemic to your local region of area. The wireless outside sensor, which has an inbuilt temperature monitor, and integrated mounting options to facilitate easy installation. It is housed in a weather resistant case for durability and has an effective range to transmit from over 300 feet.

The atomic clock is always accurate, as it is synchronized with the National Institute of Standards and Technologies.
If you are looking for an affordable device worth every cent you pay, then look no further.

Specifications:

  • Wireless indoors / outdoors temperature in (°F and °C)
  • Min / Max temperatures with time and date stamp
  • Atomic date and time automatically set and adjusted for daylight savings
  • Displays both 12/ 24-hour time formats
  • Indoors temperature range (-39.8°F to 157.8°F)
  • Outdoors temperature range (32°F to 139.8°F)

Pros:

  • Jumbo display screen
  • 14-day learning mode for accurate weather prediction
  • Self-adjusting atomic clock

Cons:

  • No humidity or pressure readings, only temperature
  • Can lose contact with sensor occasionally

#3 – AcuRite 02027 Colour Weather Station

My #3 choice shows indoor-outdoor temperature, humidity, barometric pressure with a weather trend indicator, and time and data on its display. The sensor collects relevant weather data including changes in temperature, humidity, and pressure to generate customized local weather forecasts based on a specific set of algorithms.

AcuRite 02027 Colour Weather Station

The AcuRite 02027 has a highly visible colour display containing colour coded icons with three different lighting settings. You can set your light preference manually or preferably use the Auto Dim Mode feature that automatically adjusts the light, based on time of day and the year.

You can mount the device onto a wall or simply place it on a stand or table top. The outdoor sensor has an effective range of 300 feet for transmission and works wirelessly.

Features:

  • Displays weather forecast, indoor and outdoor temperatures, and humidity, as well
  • Shows barometric pressure
  • Stores and displays high and low records
  • Wireless
  • Weather resistant
  • Easy installation process
  • Device works and records temperatures up to -40 degrees

Pros:

  • Colour-coded display is very easy to read
  • Readings are very accurate

Cons:

  • Display may not be very visible at higher angles

Conclusion – Best Indoor Outdoor Thermometer Review

All three of my top 3 choices would serve the purpose of having personal access to a good indoor-outdoor thermometer, but taking into consideration various aspects like the features, display size and colour, price and performance of all three of the indoor-outdoor thermometers my number one choice for the best indoor outdoor thermometer is the La Crosse Technology 308-1412S.