hey there!
i've been learning so much about gear these past few months and am looking forward to hitting the trail in just 7 weeks now.
as for rain gear, i'm debating one of three options: either going with just a raincoat (maybe with gaiters) OR raincoat and rainpants OR raincoat and a hands-free umbrella. have any of you hiked the AT with an umbrella and if so, do you recommend it? it sounds freeing in terms of not getting too sweaty and generally staying dry but if its neither necessary nor practical (with trees, wind, etc), than i'll forgo it. anything you have to add is great- thanks.