An Article on Rain Gear

[DavidR]

I just posted an article on rain gear if anyone is interested: http://www.squidoo.com/hiking-in-the-rain . As for myself, I generally carry a pack cover and a light weight rain coat. I just about always wear synthetic pants unless I'm planning on heavy bush with lots of briars. How do you hike in the rain?

[wirerat123]

If it's 70+ I just use a pack cover as I'd rather be wet with water than sweat.  If it's below 70, a light rain jacket and pack cover.

I only wear synthetics or wool when backpacking, so getting wet isn't an issue unless it's really cold.  If it's cold enough to need more than a light rain jacket and pack cover, I'm not out much except on the nicest of weekends.

[southmark]

There is nothing like the Packa for me. I do not wear rain gear to stay dry but to stay warm. In cooler weather I had rather be wet from sweat/condensation than form a cold rain. Of course at my age I get cold a lot easier than the younger crowd.

[DavidR]

I'm with you guys on the heat issue and rain gear. Its amazing how cold it can be outside and how quickily I get hot on the trail. I tend to realy push when I hike though, so it's kind of a workout at times. No matter how I layer, or what I wear, I readjust layers, venting, and such thoughout the day as the temperature changes.

[buck]

There is nothing like the Packa for me. I do not wear rain gear to stay dry but to stay warm. In cooler weather I had rather be wet from sweat/condensation than form a cold rain. Of course at my age I get cold a lot easier than the younger crowd.

I like the concept behind the Packa. Would the Packa cover a Z-Rest attached to the bottom of a pack?

[paul52evans]

Packa is really the best pack cover, i have came across......You have posted quite an informative article. Loved it......


non con forming golf driver

[buck]

Packa is really the best pack cover, i have came across......

I could not agree more and actually can't believe they are not more popular. Also, the man that makes the packa is a pleasure to deal with. I purchased mine after reading the info in this thread

[wirerat123]

Everyone that owns a packa loves their packa, there is a reason for that.  If it weren't a fantastic piece of gear it wouldn't have any following.  The reason they aren't more popular is the lack of advertising, the hardcore backpacker is a small minority, and they are the ones that know about it.  The rest are the yuppie weekend warriors wearing full The North Face gear because that's what their local outfitter carries.

I have a friend that pays about three times what I pay for gear because he insists on North Face gear, and in reality it's not much better than Kelty gear if at all.  Their expedition gear is fantastic, their lower level gear is way over priced.

When I can finally get into more serious backpacking again, a Packa will be in my pack.

[Woody]

Here is my method.

I pack all of my gear in a large black plastic bag (including sleeping pad that acts as pack frame in my Fanatic Fringe UL pack) and one extra plastic bag that can be used as an additional pack cover if the rain is severe (just put my pack in it, pull the draw strings closed, and cut two slits for the pack straps to come out of).

If it is hot I don't wear any rain gear.

If it is warmer weather I just carry my poncho tarp and use it for shelter and rain gear but it is only good for warm weather. The poncho does not keep you completely dry by any means but does keep me from being soaked and is cooler than a jacket. No pants in warm weather (I wear pants but not rain pants...haha).

In cool/cold weather I carry a Dri Ducks rain suit and it doubles as my outer layer for warmth and weather protection. I have used it in rain, snow, and sleet and it works wonderful and I've had no issues with durability yet. It is a balance with this suit though. I wear only the jacket if it is mild out but a cold rain or I may mix and match wearing just the pants and poncho tarp (still use it for shelter in winter since I don't have another UL tarp yet). I only wear the whole suit if it is pretty cool out because I over heat and sweat pretty easily.