For short hikes (a few days) on the AT, is rain gear necessary? Or can I get away with a water resistant jacket and pack? I figure if it storms for more than half an hour or so, I could always pitch the tent. I really just don’t want to spend any money on rain gear.
Mad Max
That will depend on when you’re going and where. If it’s low lands and hot, no. If you’re headed for Mt. Washington you’ll need more than a rain coat. Most of us just get wet and enjoy it and change into some dry stuff at camp. The exersion of carrying a pack will keep you warm down to the 50’s…if you’re moving. And I always bring a hat any time of the year if I hike in the rain just in case I get cold. Hypothermia isn’t to be messed with and you can get it on a warm day if conditions are right. Get wet and have a wind come up and you can get cold in minutes. You can always pack a mad dasher, $1, just in case something unexpected happens. Like a sprained ankle; good for instant shock, add rain, you get the idea. You should have some kind of warm air layer with you. I kept a trash bag with me while going over Killington in '01. We’d sent all our warm gear ahead and the day before it was 90* and poured rain. That was all fine-had the hat, not a very warm one-the mext moring it was 29* and fricken freezing on the summit. Hat, trash bag. It was just enough for me in that situation. But not for everyone. My wife had her rain coat. You just never know, so be prepared. :cheers
Bushwhack
I found a lite $50.00 rainjacket and $35.00 rainpants suited me for the whole hike. They leaked a bit and I got a little wet but keeping the wind out was key in staying warm. and shorts should dry out pretty fast if they are synthetic.
Virginian
If you look at weather records, it usually rains one day out of three here in the east. So, even for an overnight, I’ll pack along rain gear.
On a budget? Try Frogg Toggs. Light and cheap, at least in comparison to many products on the market.
Peaks