UL Wet/Cold Gear

imported
#1 
									I'm preparing to transition my section hike from summer into the fall which is typically one of the most wet seasons here in the mid-atlantic. I and my family will be working on 250 miles of Virginia including the Shennies and points south.

By now, we’ve got our summer gear pretty well nailed down and downright comfy but, even though I’ve done considerable research, I’m having a hard time sorting through the best options for rain gear. I’ve looked at jackets, ponchos, the whole gamut and see positives and drawbacks. As UL hikers it narrows the field down even further. Plus, while I’ve been happy to slap a cheapo wal mart poncho on in the summer, I might not be so willing when it’s 45 out instead of 75.

We feel reasonably confident with regard to the cold aspect, switching out or augmenting bags, layers, etc. But cold AND wet can turn a fun hike into a miserable one at best and a life-threatening one at worst.

Would anyone here mind offering tips from their experience? Thanks!

									_Chris_
#2 
									I had luck with Dri Ducks rain gear--the older version (they have newer stuff which is very heavy in my opinion)

Breathed reasonably well, shed water, lightweight, but not as durable as the traditional gore-tex type jacket.

Other than dri-ducks, I like ponchos. You can wear bulkier clothing underneath and a poncho (cheap one) can easily double as a ground cloth. East to brush off debris. Downside is they flail around in the wind unless you lash it to your body.

I used a poncho this past April when I went from Springer to Pearisburg in April. Plenty of cold days, some rain. I was fine. It was an el-cheapo PVC poncho (the hood neck area tore when I put on one day but otherwise it held up fine).

I never use rain pants, usually I hike enough to stay warm and if I want a pants layer I just my use light weight pertex pants (montane brand).

With rain gear, my only focus is like yours–keeping my core dry and thus warm. I give in to getting wet everywhere else.

									_Jason_
#3 
									Hi Chris, I just finished the JMT where we experienced everything from 90+/sunny days to 30-40 deg wet periods (including an afternoon snowstorm), with a starting morning of low 20s for our Whitney summit. I consider myself a "lighter" but not UL - base weight of 14 lbs. I agree with most in not needing rain gear typically while hiking, but on downhills, around camp, eves, & some mornings I was very glad to have my Arcteryx Beta SL rain jacket (Goretex Paclite @ 11 oz). Though I think the Marmot Precip jacket is worthless, I swear by their full-(double) zip pants. We had a number of occasions where the combo of wet/cold required the rain pants. Having 2 zips allows controlling airflow. More importantly, however, is keeping everything in the pack dry (especially clothing & bag). BTW, the only downside to Arcteryx is the price - I waited two years to finally get one 50% below retail - worth every penny. (I assume you've had enough experience to know where your "miserable" line is with respect to rain & temp.)

									_trek-or_
#4

Ive never hiked with them but when I use to do landscape work in the early spring with heavy rain --- wed take a large contractor garbage bag cut the bottom off and where it like a skirt- tied with a rope as a belt… the bag would extend down to below the knee and gave plenty of room to walk, bend, kneel etc… Worked great, was light and cheap… Wear it with gaiters and you`ve got a nice UL rain outfit.

									_ken_
#5 
									I second what Ken said. I used a rain skirt made from a garbage bag on my last hike and an LL Bean light weight rain jacket. I used a garbage bag with a pull sting on the top that doubled as a belt to tighten the skirt. My shirt would get damp from sweat in the rain jacket but my shorts were always nice and dry when I got to camp. With gaiters the skirt also kept water from running down my legs and kept my feet much drier.

									_Big B_
#6 
									Polartec is putting out a new fabric that looks like it will be the best waterproof breathable fabric on the market. Rab, Marmot, Westcomb, and some other brands are using it. It is supposed to be movable like a softshell and waterproof like a hard shell. It is said to be more breathable than event. When I buy a new rain jacket I'm getting one in this fabric.

									_Matt_
#7 
									The amount of times that I wore the wrong attire.Great question Chris!I have spent some time working on this as well,mixing and matching adding and hocking items as my comfort level improved.I think I've found what works for me.The whole system (if you will)is based on the wicking principal,just like how we keep our feet dry,by using a inner liner sock.My gear is not that different from summer gear,base layer(Under Armour shirt)very tight fitting,very tight.I use this when its raining it prevents that awful clamy feeling while wearing my EMS Thunderhead rain jacket with under arm pit zippers.Next,longsleve polyester shirt any brand,though not to loose fitting,we want it to wick from the layer below so it should be in contact for maximum effect.Then my fleese vest,and on top of that EMS mercury (puffy )jacket which has "Primaloft ONE"for filling.Ok! so all that said,after working up a sweat and then hanging out idle at 48 degree temp was toasty and dry.I will continue at lower temp,but looks promising thus far.I also like Ken's garb (scottish trash bag and gaiters),I wonder if I can find one in plaid maybe 3M makes one .Good luck brother see ya down the road. 

									_kneepaw_
#8 
									for the lower half,what else EMS Thunderhead rain pants on top of under armour running tights,when its cold.just shorts in the summer,after all "Whats a little     Rain"...MAINE 

									_kneepaw_