Rain Gear - Appalachian Trail

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#21

I work SAR in the Smokies region. Easily have hypothermia even in mid summer if you get wet enough. Even a simple large trash bag works when you need it. Had a very personal experience when I was younger involving hypothermia with some friends that I was hiking with. We weren’t prepared, at the time I didn’t have any medical training, etc. 2 in our group of 4 actually started taking their clothes off even the temp was maybe 15 degrees. If you know much about hypothermia, that is a very dangerous sign. Fortunately we all survived but the 2 that were affected didn’t recall parts of our hike afterwards. An once of prevention works. Stay dry and stay safe.

Hands

#22

I going to use the red ledge rain suit. ITs breathable but, after reading these replies i might get what guru suggested. Alright enough procrastnation. finals week is comming up.

Anthony

#23

Has anyone used Walmart’s $20 W/B pants? They’re black, kinda thick and have a mesh liner you could cut out. They have snaps/velcro on the ankles and cargo pockets on the thighs.

I don’t know if the seams are taped or not, but for a durable pair of pants for $20 it’s worth asking you guys if anyone’s used them!

I just keep thinking, “You get what you pay for.”

Jeff

Jeff

#24

Agree with all the post on hypothermia.

You can get in even in mid summer. Best to have raingear and warm and dry clothes regardless of when you hike.

I hike all seasons. In winter, I can pretty much hike in my raincoat with the front open and be confortable unless climbing a mountain with a load in my pack.

As previously noted, the raincoat option works best for me. And I have my raincoat with me regardless of the season. It’s one of my essentials, I will not hike without.

See you out there. :cheers

Maintain

#25

I didn’t carry rainpants till NH and used them in camp to keep warm in Maine. By the time I finished Oct. 25 it was nice to have them. always carried a rain jacket - some cheapo variety and even though I would sweat when wearing it during some storms it was always better than being completely soaked from rain. I did find that a trash bag skirt worked really well as far as keeping me cool and dry. I highly recommend it unless you are of the fashionable sort. although compared to frogtogs I was ready for the runway. either way try different ways of dealing with the rain while you are out there, you may be surprised what works for you. Walking without clothes in the rain worked sometimes and you kept your clothes dry except for socks. It is like rowboat said above, emphasize having a dry set of clothes to put on when you get to camp, that is when wet clothes is the worst.

Poky

#26

I had the Redledge Brand and it did well.It was lite and packed away small. Its not the wet that gets you but more the chill factor and wind. Also Pacific Trail makes Pactech which is not too bad

Virginian

#27

i carried both an umbrella and a goretex rain jacket on the AT. most of the time i hiked with the umbrella and only put on the jacket in high winds or in camp. the goretex jacket was heavy, but i needed it in camp to keep in warmth.

for the PCT, yo-yo and i went to goodwill and he found a goretex running jacket for $5. $5!!! i cut out part of the liner and now i have raingear for the PCT. but i am still bringing my umbrella.

umm, so check out goodwill and/or the salvation army. they might have some good cheap stuff that you won’t feel bad about cutting up or trashing.

zero