View Full Version : rain gear
please tell me the most light weight rain gear i can use on a through hike starting mid march, where do i find it.
i am new to all this, and am trying to find out how to lessen my load
You really don't need rain gear. There is none lighter. . .
-dirtnap
Just Jeff
11-03-2006, 22:50
DropStoppers from www.backpackinglight.com (http://www.backpackinglight.com) or a poncho.
Blissful
11-03-2006, 23:21
Just look down the list in the gear forum and you'll see the thread on frogg toggs, etc. There has also been a thread on marmot precip as well as packa I think. You can do a search for those threads to help you.
You might want to take a look here:
http://www.bigskyproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=15&HS=1
I have the Drop Stoppers Micropore. Very fragile. I have been using Marmot Precip for several years. Not too breathable, but have great pit zips and are very durable (not extremely light, either).
<a href="http://www.golite.com/products/NS_proddetail.asp?number=AU1551">golite virga</a>
<a href="http://www.orgear.com/home/style/home/apparel/apparel_shells/apparel_shells_storm/55130">outdoor research zealot</a>
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-03-2006, 23:35
Welcome to WB, drg. I personally prefer a poncho because it breates well; covers my pack as well as me; our two ponchos used together form a solid emergency shelter for storms; I can use it as a privacy curtain to change clothes or go potty; and it makes a nice windbreak. The downside to a poncho is does not protect as well from wind as jackets and can get in the way on steep up-hill sections.
bulldog49
11-04-2006, 00:16
You won't need one for the summer months, but I highly recommend the Patagonia Specter jacket, weighs only 6 oz but is very comfortable and water-proof in cool weather. :D
Footslogger
11-04-2006, 00:17
I would suggest that you carry a rain jacket of some sort but not rain pants. Just wear quick dry nylon pants and let them get wet.
I carried a FrogTogg jacket on my thru in 2003 and it served me well. These days I have a silnylon pullover with a hood that weighs about 6oz. It's probably all I'll ever carry again.
'Slogger
You really don't need rain gear. There is none lighter. . .
-dirtnap
With a March start, there will be some cold and wet days. Better have good rain gear in you expect to be out in that type of weather. As other posts have indicated, popular brands of raingear include Frogg Toggs, PreCip, and Red Ledge.
Ponchos don't provide much protection when it's windy.
Paul Bunyan
11-09-2006, 23:18
I would suggest that you carry a rain jacket of some sort but not rain pants. Just wear quick dry nylon pants and let them get wet.
I carried a FrogTogg jacket on my thru in 2003 and it served me well. These days I have a silnylon pullover with a hood that weighs about 6oz. It's probably all I'll ever carry again.
'Slogger
I actually thought the frogg togg pants dried faster than nylon pants, buts that's just my own perspective.:)
I like my Packa:
http://thepacka.com/
covers me and my pack, can be worn like a cloak, arms in or out of the sleeves. Can be worn as a pack cover when rain is forecast, and when rain starts, it can be slipped on without rmoving the pack. Only downside is that is is a little tricky to take your pack of and leave the packa on (take arms out of sleeves first. Upside is that ALL your pack stays dry, including the packstraps. When they get wet, the pack gets heavier. Also, the packstraps are not rubbing on the shoulders of your rain gear, which quickly makes them less water proof.
When it is chilly, I also carry lightweight rain gear
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/drop_stoppers_rain_gear.html
about ten and a half ounces per set. handy when it is cold at camp even if not raining, and to wear while doing laundry. In theory I could wear the pants with the Packa, but in practice I just let my legs get wet. Can't keep your boots dry anyway, so why worry about legs?
Cedar Tree
11-10-2006, 07:38
http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Packa-Total-coverage-for-Hiker-and-Backpack_W0QQitemZ130045875196QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1 37007QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Thanks Frosty,
CT
Footslogger
11-10-2006, 09:46
I can also vouch for the Packa. Didn't have one for my thru in 2003 though. On top of keeping you dry it adds a windproof layer that actually cotains a bit of body warmth. In hot and humid conditions that might not be a good thing but out here it's a god send. Last year I got caught in a freek squall while hiking in the mountains. Temps dropped 15 - 20 degrees and the rain came on fast. After donning my packa I was able to keep on hiking and kept reasonably warm.
'Slogger
dsg,
March and April in Georgia are usually cold and wet. They have a delightful tradition called the Easter Surprise - some time in the first two weeks of April.... After a few balmy days during which you will wish you had brought sunscreen because the UV rains through the bare trees, precipitous temperature drops will precipitously follow precipitation. IOW you will get wet, then cold. This kills fools in the Smokies. All kidding aside.
Until you get past the Smokies, it is prudent to carry at least a good w/b jacket and maybe w/b rain pants. I like cheapo w/b stuff such as Micropore, Frogg Toggs, O2 or Durafab (my favorite). A complete set weighs 12-13 ounces and replaces the windshirt. I use these with a poncho/cape because I really don't like being wet and cold.
After the Smokies, I lose the pants and keep the jacket for general rain/wind/bug protection. This stuff breathes well enough to use it when the bugs are bad. I keep the poncho/cape because it is also my hammock fly. I use it for rain gear instead of a jacket in warm weather - or just use my skin suit.
You won't need one for the summer months, but.....
Well, I guess that depends on where you are and the weather... you can get hypothermic any time of year.
DawnTreader
11-10-2006, 11:17
driducks from Gossemar Gear sans the pants... jacket still kickin' proabbly the lightest you'll find