View Full Version : Raingear on the trail.
Hopping John
05-29-2014, 11:48
I've found that I get just as wet from sweating inside a poncho as I would w/o one from the rain. Is there any benefit to wearing rain gear?
Personally I only wear Rain Gear in the colder months, November through Early March even then it just a rain coat and Gaitors the rest of the year i don't wear rain gear but i do carry a light weight rain coat for extra layering on the cool nights and early mornnings.
Hopping John
05-29-2014, 11:55
Thanks! That helps :)
And NO their is no Benefit to wearing rain gear or not, it's all personnal preference.
The main benefit of even nonbreathable rain gear is that it prevents the cold rain outside the rain gear from sucking body heat away from the warmer moist/wet layer inside the rain gear, thereby preventing hypothermia.
Odd Man Out
05-29-2014, 12:09
Here's an article you might find useful. Bottom line - you will get wet. The objective isn't to stay dry but to stay warm.
http://sectionhiker.com/why-you-should-hike-in-the-rain/
Hopping John
05-29-2014, 13:28
Thanks OMO!
FarmerChef
05-29-2014, 14:33
I agree with QiWiz and OMO. In the warmer months I just use a disposable poncho to cover me and my pack during quick rainstorms. But in the winter I carry along the Toggs to protect me from getting wet and chilled. Though, before putting it on, I'll usually strip off a layer or two to prevent them from sweating out. If I know I'm going to sweat like crazy under the poncho/raingear I want as little to get wet as possible while at the same time staying warm. In my experience, an unvented top stays pretty toasty, especially when climbing hills.
Ricky&Jack
05-29-2014, 14:37
a little bit side tracked, but if youre out on the A.T. (or pretty much anywhere) and its supposed to pour like crazy for the next 2-3 days, do you still hike and setup/breakdown in the rain? or do you take a few zeros? (or do you look for the nearest motel/hostel for a few zeros?
or hike on? I've been curious as to the most common outcome of hiking in pouring rain
FarmerChef
05-29-2014, 14:52
a little bit side tracked, but if youre out on the A.T. (or pretty much anywhere) and its supposed to pour like crazy for the next 2-3 days, do you still hike and setup/breakdown in the rain? or do you take a few zeros? (or do you look for the nearest motel/hostel for a few zeros?
or hike on? I've been curious as to the most common outcome of hiking in pouring rain
Technically, this is a thread in the LT section. But...the answer is "it depends." I've suited up to go walking in the rain but I'm a section hiker and have a deadline. A thru with no place to be at a particular time might choose to zero or at least hike to the next town and get a warm bed to sleep in. It all depends.
rocketsocks
05-29-2014, 15:20
...and then there's the old adage.
"No Rain, No Maine"
in other words, if you want to get to Maine, you'll eventually have to hike in the rain.
Deer Hunter
05-29-2014, 15:44
...and then there's the old adage.
"No Rain, No Maine"
in other words, if you want to get to Maine, you'll eventually have to hike in the rain.
Your avatar scares me. :)
rocketsocks
05-29-2014, 15:50
Your avatar scares me. :)
it is a little dark.
...all fixed:D
Deer Hunter
05-29-2014, 17:04
it is a little dark.
...all fixed:D
Thanks. Much better. No nightmares now. :)
Here's an article you might find useful. Bottom line - you will get wet. The objective isn't to stay dry but to stay warm.
http://sectionhiker.com/why-you-should-hike-in-the-rain/
that is a site I booked marked thanks
Something I do if it's cool but isn't too-too cold is to keep my dry top and dry rain jacket accessible and just get wet.
When I stop and get under cover I put on the dry top and dry rain jacket and get warm and dry pretty quick. Generally speaking unless we're talking hypothermia weather as long as I'm moving I'm good, even if it's pouring.
On the AT, I find the unbrella hat to be all I need unless it starts to get cold.
I've long ago gotten used to hiking in the rain and getting wet. It's inevitable. I embrace it. Have even learned to enjoy it.
However, I feel that doesn't necessarily mean I need to be wet in all types of conditions or every time it rains on every hike. Not every hike is an AT hike. It doesn't rain the same way in different geographical areas or at different seasons. Rain patterns can and do change based on these factors. Where and how you're hiking plays into this too. For example a light rain or afternoon short duration but perhaps heavy rain at elevation while on the Colorado Tr in August at a higher elevation is different than those all day rains sometimes lasting consecutive days one might encounter in the Pacific Northwest or say thru-hiking the AT in Virginia during typical thru-hiker season or being wet for perhaps days in the Quebec back country when even during summer the nights(and sometimes days) can be downright chilly. I take these factors into consideration when opting for rain wear/a no rainwear system. In general IMO most multi day overnight hikers are best served most often by carrying, intelligently using, and expanding on the use of some form of rain protection.
Personally, I feel the term rain wear/using rain wear can lead to misconceptions as it leads to the ideas like it's used just when it's raining or it will keep you bone dry. In my mind and apparel/kit system I view rain wear in a broader sense. It's something that adds to me being warm for the reason QWiz stated, even if I do get damp or slightly wet, but also is worn dry sleeping in it to add warmth(sometimes using a rain jacket and rain pants as an impromptu VBL like addition to my sleep system), and as a wind jacket to again keep me warm. An UL sub 7 oz highly breathable rain jacket for me is a multi conditional multiple use piece. Others have different systems that can work equally well staying warm.
If you eliminate the rain wear and do get drenched be sure you are able to stay warm which can be complex to accomplish. This is worth consideration and experimentation before encountering back country weather conditions faced with no rain wear from the onset. IMO this even applies to summer hiking as temps and exposures can easily change keeping in mind to not narrowly focus on answers here based solely on summer AT rain conditions or the character of the AT. This probably is even more critical in backcountry Canadian weather conditions. IMO, if you don't do this you are setting yourself up for trouble like creating a very real greater risk of hypothermia or being absolutely drenched multiple consecutive days in a row while long distance or on multi day backpacking backcountry treks. Either situation isn't so great. With no rain protection, even if that rain protection doesn't keep you absolutely bone dry, it can lead to greater problems.
I need to rethink my rain gear after my experience on the Colorado Trail. I used the OR Helium II jacket and Dri ducks pants. While moving, I never had issues staying warm as I produce enough body heat at my pace on most terrain and I don't expect my rain gear to not wet out from perspiration. But what bothers me is that the helium wet out after 30-45 minutes of sustained rain even when stationary (in camp or waiting out a downpour). As a result, I couldn't use my down parka layered under my rain jacket in camp. In fact the only way to stay warm while not moving was often to set up camp and get into my sleeping bag. I found that out the hard way getting really chilled waiting out a downpour only to have to set up camp to avoid getting into dangerous territory wrt hypothermia. As for the pants, the dri ducks are actually quite serviceable but not durable. They were in shreds by the end of the hike, the victim of small shubs that often encroached on the trail. But the were super cheap and repairable with duct tape.
It definitely was the Helium II? The OR Helium II was new? and it still wet out? in only 45 mins of sustained rain?
If yes to all four questions thank you for the feedback. I was wondering about these exact things.
It I'd definitely the Helium II. I did treat it with McNett prior to the trip but the DWR may not have been fully restored for some reason. I did use it almost every day and I'm not sure how long the dwr should last without retreatment.
The jacket was not new, over a year old. I used it on the JMT last year but only had a little rain on that trip.
I've read mixed reports of the OR Helium II Pertex Shield + 2.5 L wetting out even when new. I'm trying to get a feel for the jackets capabilities without purchasing it.
My GoLite Tumalo finally gave up the ghost and I replaced it with a "Mountain Hardware Dry-Q Evap Capacitor" here: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountain-hardwear-dryq-evap-capacitor-jacket-waterproof-for-men~p~6383m/?filterString=s~mountain-hardware-capacitor%2F&colorFamily=03
$160 at Sierra Trading Post, then 30% off with coupon code "SFB73114" which is good until August 31st.
Here's a review: http://www.activegearreview.com/running/running-clothing/mens-running-apparel/mountain-hardwear-capacitor-jacket-review/
Drybones
08-29-2014, 22:52
Cold weather I take a light rain jacket, as much for a wind breaker as a rain jacket. Warmer weather (>40*) I use a poncho, never had a problem sweating in a poncho, just throw it back to ventilate. The poncho worked about as well as possible hiking in mountains where there's no wind on one side and you sweat hard and then come around to the other side and there's a 40 MPH wind freezing you.
No on days off due to rain...........I find that I wind up hiking more miles on rainy days in that sitting around for an hour break in the middle of the day just doesn't happen, or taking as many breaks to enjoy the views, a nice sitting rock, whatever.
As for getting damp, I often wear my rain jacket against bare skin, I stay warm and my tee shirt (merino wool) does not get soaked - from the outside or the inside.
My GoLite Tumalo finally gave up the ghost and I replaced it with a "Mountain Hardware Dry-Q Evap Capacitor" here:http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountain-hardwear-dryq-evap-capacitor-jacket-waterproof-for-men~p~6383m/?filterString=s~mountain-hardware-capacitor%2F&colorFamily=03
$160 at Sierra Trading Post, then 30% off with coupon code "SFB73114" which is good until August 31st.
Here's a review: http://www.activegearreview.com/running/running-clothing/mens-running-apparel/mountain-hardwear-capacitor-jacket-review/
Yeah, my one GoLite Tumalo bit the dust being lost in the mail as a warrantied return. The seams where the arms attached to the main jacket body on the back blew out despite it being an XL and a bit loose fitting on me. Other than that it was still in premo condition. The Tumalo was well worth it in many respects since I bought at a steep discount at a GoLite Outlet on sale($65) in price, length of use(I got more than 4500 miles/5 thru-hikes of mine), and in use(it functioned nicely in all day rain even though I did reapply a WPing agent at some pt), and it had some good features(NOT a UL feature limited rain jacket)
I looked at the MH Capacitor(read that review) and Plasmic as a replacement but instead went with the Montbell Versalite in XL at 7.3 ozs(my scales). I like that it has similar specs as another rain jacket I have, the Marmot Mica, but with pit zips. I thought the price on the MB Versalite was agreeable too buying mine for $90 at Eastern Mountain Sports where I then applied a $20 coupon/Gear Dollars and applying a EMS merch credit I had. The MB Versalite has been working out shweet in cooler all day rain conditions.
Around the same time the Eastern Mountain Sports Airflow w/ 2.5 L Event DVL w/ pit zips(unusual for a Event jacket) went on sale at $119.99 and couldn't resist pulling the trigger. I'll wear that on really constantly rainy hikes when I'm not being such a gram weenie. Haven't any experience with it yet though.
If you're ever out in the Reno area you might consider stopping in at Sierra Trading Post. About two yrs ago they moved into a much larger location and have plenty of low priced limited quantity/sized and close outs not listed on their website.
Come back and report your field trials with the MB Capacitor. I'll do the same with the jackets I just bought.
I'm going to miss the Tumalo double zip feature. I really like the adjustable cuffs too as well as the brim that didn't flop into my face.
The seams where the arms attached to the main jacket body on the back blew out despite it being an XL and a bit loose fitting on me.
That is EXACTLY what happened to mine. Right arm.
And... I also almost pulled the trigger on the Versalite. I suspect that both jackets will do the job equally well and that neither will disappoint.
It definitely was the Helium II? The OR Helium II was new? and it still wet out? in only 45 mins of sustained rain?
If yes to all four questions thank you for the feedback. I was wondering about these exact things.
My OR transfer hoody wets out also.
As I'm looking at a high end puffy, I'm researching the best way to minimize the weight and pieces to carry.
I want to carry a puffy and rain jacket/softshell. The puffy seems delicate/fragile for bushwhacking so a durable cover is needed.
I currently own
set of Frogg Toggs
set of Stearns non breathable rain jacket and pants.
Poncho packcover
OR Transfer hoody (it too wets out within an hour of steady rain and is comparatively heavy)
pair of thin running/wind pants.
a set of gaiter
I'm thinking the puffy and the poncho pack cover and maybe the wind pants and gaiters as the best combination for wet 40 degree backpacking. I seem to run on the cold side when stopping or in wet weather.
Any comments or tips?
To be used in the Long trail/Vermont area.
Thanks
Rolex
fastfoxengineering
09-17-2014, 16:32
When I hike in the "warmer" months I usually don't wear any rain gear while hiking. It's just not needed for warmth. Which is "kinda" the purpose of rain gear to begin with. To keep you warm. I don't ever bring rain pants with me. Never found a use for em. YMMV. I always bring my rain jacket with me.
I'll throw my rain jacket on if I'm close to camp and it begins to rain. Just so I stay dry. Close enough to camp where I won't sweat profusely under my rain coat. I will also wear my rain jacket if I need to setup/takedown camp and its raining. I also sometimes throw my rain coat over my pack if it starts raining and I forgot to close up my compactor bag liner in my pack. I also use my rain jacket if I'm in camp, nice and dry, and its raining, and then I gotta take a leak in the middle of the night. Why get wet, if you don't have too? I also use my rain jacket as a windbreaker or if im cold.
I won't go hiking without my rain jacket in my pack. But my recommendation would be to go with a light rain jacket shell over a heavier, bulky, insulated rain jacket. I personally use a Marmot Mica as of right now. Well worth the 7oz's even though I don't use it everyday. If you need insulation, there's much better systems to stay warm when wet. Merino Wool comes to mind.
When I just thru hiked the LT last month. I went SOBO. It rained the first 5 days and didn't break 50 degrees at all. I was glad to have my rain jacket. Rain pants never crossed my mind.
I think my favorite use for my rain jacket is as stated above. When I'm in my hammock/tent/shelter and I gotta go to the bathroom while it's raining out I can just slip my coat on and go do business. When I get back into my shelter I take my rain coat off and I'm not soaking wet. That's nice when your crawling back into your sleeping bag.
Of course, this is just what I do. I met a bunch of people who sent home their rain gear during the warmer months on the AT in order to lower their pack weights.
One of my goals is to be able to have a light pack weight and never feel the need to send something home because it's too "heavy" or not "needed". So a light rain jacket like the Mica or Helium II fits the bill. I wish I could justify Cuben Fiber rain gear. But, the costs keep me from going in that direction.
Regards
Another Kevin
09-17-2014, 16:49
What fastfoxengineering said. You will get wet. Rain gear is to keep you warm in ice-cold or wind-driven rain.
I use rain pants, but only when it's blowing a gale or freezing cold. I think the last time I wore them was a trip back around the start of the year when it was about 29 degrees F and freezing rain the whole dratted time. My crampons got a workout, too. I got back to my car with a good half inch of ice on my pack cover.
Wülfgang
09-20-2014, 14:39
Agreed that rain gear's primary purpose is to keep you warm. Getting wet in heavy or prolonged rains is a foregone conclusion.
I use a full-featured MontBell rain jacket, but I'm still a bit "damp" after a heavy soaking. For pant I use a ULA rain kilt (2.5 oz!) because I don't like soaked pants, and I also use eVent rain mitts if it's cold because wet hands will quickly lose dexterity and that is not good.