Rain gear

[Magic City Matt]

What are the best combinations that work for you? I was listening to the new Southeastern Backpackers podcast and heard rylan saying that he uses an umbrella and gaiters. Like so many of the things in backpacking there are like a zillion different way ofs going about it so I wanted to hear what everybody out there does that works for them.

[Rob]

It seems as though it does'nt matter what I try to do I still end up wet! Either from the rain or sweat. The most effective thing that I have tried and currently use is The North Face Hyvent DT jacket and pant. It is very light weight, packs down small (both items actually pack into their own pockets), and is relatively waterproof and breathable. It is fairly inexpensive too. I bought mine a little large so I can layer under it in the cold climates (also acts as a great wind breaker). I think alot of people are just forgoing the rain gear in the warm summer months and just getting wet due to the fact most clothing worn then tends to dry quickly and if you use rain gear you are most likely going to be drowning in sweat anyway. One thing to look for is a jacket that has a hood that allows you to turn your head while not breeching the water tight affect or choke you when cinched up, and I like mine to have a visor so I don't need to wear a ball cap under it. Unfortunately the jacket I have does not have a way to stow the hood or remove it when not in use. Also check for arm pit zips that will help vent if necessary. As for the pant,  I like to have velcro straps to cinch them tight around my ankles. Hope this helps, and I'm interested in what everyone else is doing too!    Rob

[Rob]

BTW, I also use a Sea To Summit Pack cover. They come in Three or four different sizes and pack down to the size of your fist. I've tried to use a Poncho but it doesn't work well in windy conditions. As for the umbrella........ ... Seems like it would have quite a few restrictions, like narrow trails, wind, LIGHTNING, just my humble opinion, may work quite well in other conditions. I have heard of people using them, even on AT through hikes 

[Delynn]

I have been using Frogg Toggs for the past 7 years.  When they are new, they are REALLY noisy; but after a couple of trips, they soften up and are quiet and comfortable. 

[Magic City Matt]

Holy cow,
Delynn... Where have you been man?

[Cuffs]

The rain gear Ive gone thru...

1  Frogg Toggs with elastic cuffs on wrist, hip and ankles. 
PROS: Light weight, waterproof, inexpensive. 
CONS: The jacket waist band would ride up and not cover my sitter.  The ankle elastic would not stay over the tops of my boots, allowing water in.  The jacket did not cover the pants top, allowing water to flow into the 'pockets' which were not really pockets, but slits allowing access to to the pants/shorts underneath.
Review:  HATED 'EM

2.  Marmot Precip.  (Jacket only)
PROS:  Light, fairly breathable using pit zips, fair price if bought on sale.
CONS:  Price, no stash pocket for hood
REVIEW:  Like it so far, but have not tried it in a down pour

3.  Frogg Toggs, different style
PROS:  same as above, this model has no elastic at the waist, wrists or ankles and is longer.  The jacket covers the pants top, to stop the water from running in.
CONS: Noisy fabric.  but several runs thru the washing machine stops this.  The fabric tends to 'pill' at friction points (underarms, knees...)
REVIEW:  Not too breathable, but light and cheap.

4.  Poncho
PROS:  decent price,  dual purpose: covers the pack eliminating the need to carry a pack cover, light weight, the length allows for sitting on wet surfaces without problem.
CONS:  Needs to be paired with gaiters for best effectiveness, wind can be problematic. 
REVIEW:  Good for the price, would not want to be caught in a windy storm in it though.