Been hiking for years in different Gore-tex items. they’re great if you don’t exert yourself. I’m soaked within an hour of hiking. Thinking about trying a Poncho for more ventilation. Any thoughts?
Randy Man
Rainwear - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
You’ll get soaked in anything you were, ponch or jacket. One thing I learned in '03 when doing a thru and it rained like everday…if it is warm enought just wearn the rain jacket with no shirt underneath…it worked well as the jacket, which was a slim fit to begin with wicked all the moisture away from my skin as it was making direct contact…by the time i took it off at the shelter my skin was mostly dry despite the rain and sweating.
Rain Wear
system
#3
we were out there in '03 battling the rain, too…and let me just say one word : ‘UMBRELLA’!
maw-ee
system
#4
Ah…that '03 crowd. Still complaining about plenty of drinking water on the Trail. 
I kind of like not wearing a rain jacket in the summer. It’s amazing how much better it smells on the Trail when all that stink is washed off the ol’ body by nature.
Stumpknocker
system
#6
I don’t think i experienced a dry day until Va…almost got trench foot and learned a lot about avoiding lightning in the Roan’s.
'03
system
#7
don’t try to fight it! embrace it, play in it, roll in it, party in it, you can’t avoid it or beat it, so don’t even try. it’s all about attitude, the rain is not the enemy. most people usually sweat when they exert themselves, even the best gear can’t stop that. whatever you choose, you will get soaked, either internally or externally, just try to enjoy that crazy weather. it will give you something to talk about for years. happy trails. i’d rather be soaking wet on the trail than dry at work!!!:cheers :cheers
magic rat “03”
system
#8
i have used frog togs etc. but i finally bought a poncho that also covers my pack. one of the best purchases ever for me. like walking in a tent. and great ventilation. would not hike again without it.
pa kettle
system
#9
You’ll still sweat inside of frog togs. They’re also a little fragile and tend to snag (and tear) on overgrowth.
bowlegs
system
#10
Keep it light. Raingear is really to keep you warm, not dry. Sometimes it might be warm enough to hike with no shirt, but other times that rain is cold, temps raw. Ponchos wwork, but no sleeves, so if you hands are swinging with hiking poles, water goes down the arms. Wearing a belt around the outside of a poncho helps. Check out the packa at a website by the same name. Works great! Others: Marmot Precip, Goilte, Dri Ducks.
rambler
system
#11
i hate to get wet.what worked is venting undo pocket zips,place hipbelt under jacket.or go for a rain hat.
oakleaf
system
#12
Agree. I took a Driducks jacket on my thru hike which is made by and is a lighter version of frog togs and it did just fine. Think of rain as your chance to take a shower:)
hoof