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Post by cweston on Dec 19, 2016 19:54:13 GMT -8
Lotso good advice here. I really agree with the points that there are times you're just going to get wet and that the only real defense is to make sure that you have extra dry clothes for in the tent and sleeping bag. Keeping dry in a multi-day downpour is one of the most important backpacking skills I can think of. Not sure I've totally mastered it yet. Yeah--I always carry either a large ziplock or a dry sack that my extra underwear, socks, and baselayers go into. Keeping them (and my down bag) dry is my top priority. I don't put my reserve dry clothes on until camp is made and I have some shelter from the weather. I figure if I have dry baselayers and a sleeping bag, I may not necessarily be comfortable, but I'll be at least be safe. I mostly wear one set of underwear/socks/baselayers on the trail and another set in camp, so the camp clothes can always be kept mostly dry. I *never* expect my inner layers to stay dry when hiking in the rain. I find it almost impossible, in most conditions, to get dialed in so that I'm not getting wet from the rain OR from sweating. Not if the temperature is over 40, anyway.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 19, 2016 21:11:08 GMT -8
I *never* expect my inner layers to stay dry when hiking in the rain. FTFY.
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Post by cweston on Dec 20, 2016 7:25:41 GMT -8
I *never* expect my inner layers to stay dry when hiking in the rain. FTFY. I'm afraid this is over my head. I imagine FTFY means "fixed this for you," but I think I'm missing the point.
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Post by dayhiker on Dec 20, 2016 7:39:53 GMT -8
I looked it up, and fixed that (it) for you is one of the meaning, looking at his post, he crossed out your "hiking in the rain" so I do think that is what he means. Took me awhile to notice he changed a quote , something I don't normally look for, bold underline yes, cross out is ok just took me awhile to notice it.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 20, 2016 8:05:25 GMT -8
FTFY. I'm afraid this is over my head. I imagine FTFY means "fixed this for you," but I think I'm missing the point. Yes, that's what it means. My point is simply that your recommended strategy: I mostly wear one set of underwear/socks/baselayers on the trail and another set in camp, so the camp clothes can always be kept mostly dry. ...applies to virtually all hiking, not just rainy hiking.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Dec 20, 2016 8:42:25 GMT -8
14. Hands are the most exposed extremity during rain and very susceptible to wind, rain and cold. A pair of liner gloves and rain mitts mitigates negative weather conditions. Not sure I've totally mastered it yet. Agree with hikerjerThe 2015 upgrade was acquisition of a Cuben Fiber or Dyneema pack. Last year added the rain mitts. The quest for dryness never ends!
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Post by dayhiker on Dec 20, 2016 9:10:17 GMT -8
Yes wet on trail if need be, long underwear and/or shorts and short sleeve T under rain gear makes a good wet suit, add warmer layers or replace only if cold enough that one will not sweat under rain gear.
I wear hiking pants and shirt in sunny weather though, and I usually only sweat enough to get the shirt damp which will dry in camp, unless the sun is going down.
I have umbrellas and I take them sometimes, esp. on wet dayhikes, they allow me to keep my rain coat open and cut down on sweating, but not really needed.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Dec 20, 2016 9:31:17 GMT -8
The 2015 upgrade was acquisition of a Cuben Fiber or Dyneema pack. I haven't seen how mine does in heavy rain yet, but I'm confident enough from local testing that I didn't bring a pack cover on my last trip. (My sleeping bag and insulation still live in dry bags). For on-trail clothing, I agree: if it rains hard enough for long enough, you're going to get wet.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Dec 20, 2016 10:12:32 GMT -8
if it rains hard enough for long enough, you're going to get wet. I think we lucked out entirely on our Scotland Walking Tour. We could've had days of downpours. That would've changed our overall appreciation for Scotland immensely.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Dec 21, 2016 8:52:42 GMT -8
Rain...a beast that can be tackled a few different ways. My method is to combine as many plausible methods together. I have been known to wear a parka with a Gore-Tex jacket and pant shell underneath. I use a pack cover...and waterproof stuff sacks. I use Gore-Tex gaiters, have waterproof sock liners as backup, and use Gore-Tex boots that have a fresh coat of DWR when rainy season starts. In regards to hands, I use leather gloves with DWR but they do soak through. I hike in terrain with nasty stickers that I won't subject "good" gloves to so instead, I simply wring them out every so often. For me, it works. I've been in sleet/rain/snow conditions with this combination and stayed quite comfortable. I'll bring whatever I have to in order to stay comfortable.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Dec 21, 2016 9:14:09 GMT -8
I have been known to wear a parka with a Gore-Tex jacket and pant shell underneath. I use a pack cover...and waterproof stuff sacks. I use Gore-Tex gaiters, have waterproof sock liners as backup, and use Gore-Tex boots that have a fresh coat of DWR when rainy season starts. In regards to hands, I use leather gloves with DWR but they do soak through. Next time you take a pic to use as your avatar, please consider wearing a few of those items.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Dec 21, 2016 9:30:02 GMT -8
Next time you take a pic to use as your avatar, please consider wearing a few of those items. ....says one naked old man to another.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 21, 2016 9:38:09 GMT -8
I've seen good reviews of the Packa, which looks like a hybrid between a rain jacket and a poncho. Covers the pack, allows for good air circulation, but isn't big and billowy like a traditional backpacking poncho. I'd pick one up if I had an extra $150 or so lying around. Wow--that's very cool. Seems like it would very awkward to wear in camp when you don't have a pack on, though, but I guess it would be fine. (And pretty-much of no value in regular life.) I've looked at that, and been pretty tempted. $150 isn't out of line for light-weight rain gear. Of course, cweston is right that it would be a little weird in camp, but I'm guessing the extra fabric around the back wouldn't be that big a deal. Or maybe you need a belt for camp use? I admit I've been tempted to give on the "breathable" part of WPB. That's because a) none of it is breathable to keep me from soaking in sweat, and b) they seem to be less waterproof than the non-breathable kind. In a poncho type thing it seems like you could skip the breathing part and still be fine. Advantage of a standard parka might be ability to use it as a tarp, except then what do you wear when you need to run out to the loo? And I do wear my rain jacket a LOT as an extra warmth layer, as well as a way to prevent my breakfast from soaking into my down jacket when I make a mess eating
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Dec 21, 2016 9:52:27 GMT -8
....says one naked old man to another. I'm chest up. You're full frontal. (OOC bait) Which brings up a scary question - what are you doing looking under my avatar?
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Post by stevet on Dec 27, 2016 18:05:47 GMT -8
I've been mostly lucky with weather and have never endured enough rain to make me unhappy though I have experience being more and less comfortable hiking in the rain.
Things that make me least comfortable: WTB Rain jacket and pants. I doubt there will EVER be a WTB fabric breathable enough for me that I am dryer wearing them. Water "proof" footwear. These basically end up being pots of water hanging off each foot.
Things that make me most comfortable: A poncho and wide brim hat. (poncho hoods are a waste). A poncho and hat keep the rain off off my core and ventilate well enough that I can continue hiking at a good clip and not sweat out. An elastic cord around my waist keeps the poncho in control in windy and brushy conditions. Mesh trail runners with synthetic socks toe socks. (I wear two pair). Let the feet get wet, let them get muddy. Wade through every creek crossing to wash any residual mud away. The mesh lets the water drain so the feet are always damp, but not sloshing around in pots of water. Dry clothes for changing into when in camp, except my feet. For my feet, once in camp, put on dry socks. And if I need my shoes, slip the feet into plastic bags for the few minutes I need to wear my trail runners. This works for me as long as temps are mid 30's and higher, and that I can always have a dry shelter at night.
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