Editor’s Note: Our Buy section is your trusty instalment of recommendations for useful and delightful things. This community-sourced list—which we publish once a month—is designed to save you from unreliable online reviews and glorified Insta ads. You can count instead on the collective wisdom of our wise and experienced subscribers:) This month’s theme: everything you need to deal with monsoon ick.
Outerwear to keep you dry
Uniqlo: Ruchika recently purchased a lightweight parka from Uniqlo which she’s happy with. It is practical and lightweight, and does the job for Ruchika.The price range is anywhere between Rs 3,000 - Rs 7,000.
Wildcraft: Many of our subscribers vouch for Wildcraft. Hiral finds the windcheaters “accessible and trendy”. For Pradyumna, the windcheaters are “super ventilated, so you don’t feel trapped wearing it”. The prices range from Rs 2000 - Rs 4000.
Quechua: This brand from Decathlon is popular for its reliability and value for money. Bhoomika says that the standard windcheater is pretty sturdy and multi-purpose. Nidhi finds it really practical because “It is lightweight and folds into its own pocket, thus saving space to keep in your bag”. The prices range from Rs 1000 - Rs 3000.
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Timberland: Sourabh highly recommends these for heavy rains–saying, “you can use it for rain as well as woollens for really cold weather”. It’s priced at 79.99$ (approximatrely Rs 6,500).
Urbanic: Advisory editor Arunima uses this windbreaker jacket with a hoodie because “it’s comfy and cute and inexpensive.” It costs Rs 1690.
Rab Downpour Plus: This is a splurge that’s perfect when you’re battling the elements. Mayank says this jacket is “good for wind and rain and also for the cold, good for trekking in slightly harsher environments.” It costs between Rs 16,200.
Footwear for soggy weather
Woodland: This rugged and reliable brand is well-liked. Mayank says the shoes keep out the water and the sandals dry very quickly. Sourabh has “walked through flooded roads and rivers” with Woodland’s leather ankle boots. He has used his pair for over seven years and it is still going strong. The shows and sandals range from Rs 3000 - Rs 7000.
Crocs: Many folks wear Crocs throughout the Monsoon season. Nayani finds them to be “easy to clean”--while Shubhi says they’re very easy to walk in. Ruchika sticks to Crocs Clogs because they’re durable. Nidhi specifically recommends these sandals, which are “perfect for Mumbai’s monsoon” and very comfortable. The prices for Crocs range from Rs 2000 - Rs 7000.
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Havaianas: Ruchika also recommends this Brazilian brand because the sandals are very lightweight and “great to pack for a holiday”—especially by the beach!
Plastic chappals: Lol, Priyanka advises all of us to get a classic pair of plastic chappals because “it’s waterproof”—duh!
Protection for your devices
Kipling: Ruchika recommends their entire water resistant range. Yes, this stuff is expensive, but they’re “exceedingly durable and practical.” Prices for their backpacks range from Rs 6000 to Rs 15000. But, there are some great discounts available right now.
Wildcraft: We have many fans of this adventure company. For Pradyumna, any of the Wildcraft waterproof bags are a great buy and perfect to protect your expensive electronics. In his experience they’re “super water resistant” even in heavy rains. These range from Rs 2000 - Rs 4500.
Fur Jaden: Bhoomika recommends from Fur Jaden because its bags are waterproofed, anti-theft, have multiple pockets—plus a separate laptop compartment. It costs Rs 1,799.
