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daristar
Member
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Hi,
So any recommendations for clothing to buy/look for that's suitable for hiking during rainy weather? Previously I've restricted my hiking to spring/summer/early fall. My new hiking buddy though likes going all year (and hey rain never hurt), and well I don't really have a lot of rain orientated gear.
TIA
Daristar
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Total Posts: 17 | Joined Oct. 2003 | Posted on: 9:33 pm on Nov. 9, 2003 | IP
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ksharkey
Member
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I'm in a similiar boat. Trying to get into shape means that I'm hiking 2 or 3 times a week. Can't let rain stop my training. I got DRENCHED last Friday, so I'm also looking into raingear. After much research, I've decided that lightweight waterproof/breathable garments are the only way to go. But the jackets at REI start around $99, with a nice one going for $125. Add the pants and you're looking to spend at least $200. To me, that seems to be a lot for my day hiking needs. At least until I loose a few pounds, get into better shape, and can fit into something 2 sizes smaller. I found there are some much cheaper options at Any Mountian (about $80-$90 for a shell and pants). I figure they'll do for now. If you run into any better deals, let me know!
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See ya!
Kitty
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Total Posts: 3 | Joined Nov. 2003 | Posted on: 9:02 pm on Nov. 17, 2003 | IP
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Tom C
Member
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I Hike with an umbrella when there is a threat of rain or is raining. I large umbrella when it is already raining, and a retractable smaller one that fits in my back pocket when there is a chance. I don't do that if read the forecast and find out about possible thunder and lightning.
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Total Posts: 152 | Joined July 2001 | Posted on: 3:31 pm on Nov. 23, 2003 | IP
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danmitch
Member
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It all depends on how much rain you are willing to hike in - and how wet you are willing to get.
If you won't be out long, just wear the right synthetics and don't worry about getting a bit wet. Just be sure that you can get back to a warm dry place in a reasonable amount of time.
If you really want to stay out in the wet weather I think you'll have to consider some of the more effective (and costly) solutions, such as decent Goretex gear. You can save some money by watching for sales (frequent at REI), buying online (if you know what you are looking for), and avoiding the most expensive versions of any particular company's gear.
However, skimping on quality in raingear is likely to seem like a poor economy when you are out on the trail, soaked and freezing.
Dan
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Dan Mitchell
http://outside.danmitchell.org/
http://www.talusdancers.org/
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Total Posts: 5 | Joined Nov. 2003 | Posted on: 10:37 pm on Nov. 30, 2003 | IP
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brcrabbe
Member
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Excellent thread.
I'm in a similar boat; I've already got a waterproof parka, and I'll soon have waterproof shoes, but I'm not sure about what to do about keeping my lower body dry.
My question, in light of the fact that I already have a parka that covers me down to my thighs, is...
Should I get some rain pants or can I get away with using some waterproof knee-high gaiters?
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Total Posts: 7 | Joined Sep. 2003 | Posted on: 7:24 pm on Dec. 10, 2003 | IP
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JaneHuber 
Administrator
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All the replies so far are excellent. I bought a hooded rain jacket at REI 3 years ago, and it has served me well. One nice feature is vents under the armpits, to cool things down when you're puffing uphill in the rain.
As for other speciality rain gear, I have none. Well, that's not completely true, I have a pair of waterproof boots, but my feet get so hot in them that I usually just wear my everyday boots. I've found that when I must cross creeks in winter and spring the water level is often so high that I just take my boots off and wade across. I guess I learned that the hard way on a hike at Mount Diablo's Donner Canyon, when, with my boots on, I plunged through a stream that (surprise!) came up to my mid-calves. Squish squish.
If you plan on hiking exposed trails in wet weather, or through woods on narrow, vegetation choked trails, rain pants might be suitable. I usually stick to the woods during the rain, and since my jacket nearly reaches my knees, I stay pretty dry, but if the trails are narrow, moisture on understory shrubs will likely soak your pants.
In really wet weather, I sometimes keep a change of pants and socks in the car, and slip into them at the end of the hike. This plan came in handy that time that I fell into a cow sinkhole at Mission Peak and was covered in mud from mid thighs down.
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Total Posts: 178 | Joined Mar. 2002 | Posted on: 2:03 pm on Dec. 14, 2003 | IP
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Joe
Member
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I bought a set of Kmart raingear a few years ago, and they have served me well. Multiple days of backpacking in rain, and the gear kept me dry enough. My set has a mesh liner on the inside to help with ventilation. But condensation on really wet days is inevitable... just wear layers underneath.
A lightweight rain gear set that folds up small is a must-have!
If its not gore-tex, just spray it with scotch guard a couple times a year.
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Total Posts: 2 | Joined Feb. 2004 | Posted on: 10:36 am on Feb. 10, 2004 | IP
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Joe
Member
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I bought a set of Kmart raingear a few years ago, and they have served me well. Multiple days of backpacking in rain, and the gear kept me dry enough. My set has a mesh liner on the inside to help with ventilation. But condensation on really wet days is inevitable... just wear layers underneath.
A lightweight rain gear set that folds up small is a must-have!
If its not gore-tex, just spray it with scotch guard a couple times a year.
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Total Posts: 2 | Joined Feb. 2004 | Posted on: 10:39 am on Feb. 10, 2004 | IP
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daristar
Member
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For Christmas my sister got me a Land's End waterproof wind breaker. It works really well, although it's not the most breathable jacket in the world. However since my other option is a heavy ski jacket, the wind breaker has been a godsend.
I'm planning on checking out what REI and Any Mountain have, hopefully they'll be having a sale soon too. 8)
Daristar
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Total Posts: 17 | Joined Oct. 2003 | Posted on: 8:28 pm on Feb. 22, 2004 | IP
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abelaye
Member
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I hear that those army surplus rubberized ponchos are good to have for hiking in rainy weather. Haven't actually tried one myself yet, but I plan on buying one in the near future for precisely this purpose.
-- anthony
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Total Posts: 13 | Joined June 2003 | Posted on: 8:48 pm on Mar. 6, 2004 | IP
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abelaye
Member
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I hear that those army surplus rubberized ponchos are good to have for hiking in rainy weather. Haven't actually tried one myself yet, but I plan on buying one in the near future for precisely this purpose.
-- anthony
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Total Posts: 13 | Joined June 2003 | Posted on: 8:48 pm on Mar. 6, 2004 | IP
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ksharkey
Member
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I don't think those poncho's are the best solution. They don't breath. Yes, it might seem like a good idea to get a cheap poncho because in a fix, you just want something to keep you from getting soaked. I tried one and I was hot and sweaty. And by the time I made it back to the car, I was drenched anyway. Not exactly a tight fit.
I did, however, get a REI Ultra Light Jacket for Christmas and it seems to work pretty well. The fabric isn't as breathable as I had hoped, but being able to unzip it under the arms seems to do the trick. I haven't had to wear it in a downpour yet. But for the average drizzle or shower it seems like a good choice.
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See ya!
Kitty
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Total Posts: 3 | Joined Nov. 2003 | Posted on: 7:34 am on Mar. 7, 2004 | IP
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s35pilot
Member
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Campmore Red Ledge rain gear is highly rated at backpacking gear test.org. I personally like the cheap emergency poncho (light and cheap) or a gram-weenie silicon nylon pullover. Both are light and work well.
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s35pilot
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Total Posts: 4 | Joined Mar. 2005 | Posted on: 4:56 pm on Mar. 27, 2005 | IP
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tedschram
Member
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GoreTex is probably the best raingear. There are other technologies that come and go, with mixed reviews.
DWR clothing seems to work pretty well but I've had garments fail in serious downpours.
YOu want to make sure that you're not exerting too much during the downpour because then you'll sweat inside your jacket and it will be just as wet inside the jacket as outside!
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-Ted
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Total Posts: 8 | Joined Oct. 2006 | Posted on: 2:05 pm on Oct. 11, 2006 | IP
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Bay Area Hiker Discussion Board
Rec's for rain gear
