UMBRELLAS - Pacific Crest Trail

imported
#1

sorry if this topic is redundant or has been discussed before.

in yogi’s pct book there is no mention of any hikers who prefered or even used an umbrella as rain gear. i found this somewhat disconcerting as i am/was planning to carry one as my primary rain protection. hmm. It seemed ideal not only because (i assume) the PCT sees less rain than the AT but also to be used as a ‘parasol’ in the desert, to shield me from the sun. however, I can see a problem in not having the wind protection of the rain gear and such.

i wonder what the trailforums community has to say about this gear choice? i wonder if there is anyone out there that used an umbrella through the totality of their PCT hike? What were the disadvantages and advantages? If you used an umbrella, did you find it difficult to combine with your use of trekking poles? Did you only carry one trekking pole?

Any discussion would be apprecitated.

nightfever

#2

Ray Jardine said in his book that his umbrella was a great piece of gear for the PCT, especially for the sun.

0101

#3

I used one, as I do on all trails. It rocks. Give it a try if you can find a light one.

Tha Wookie

#4

wookie – did you use trekking poles with the umbrella? are you one of those people who fasten the umbrella to your pack? i am also concerned about wind protection. did you carry a light wind shirt in combination and if so, how did that work? thanks in advance, nightfever/bill

nightfever

#5

I’m dithering over an umbrella on the PCT as well.

I stubbornly carried one in Alaska, on the Washington coast, and on the Montana CDT, but eventually gave it up. I never ran into particularly brutal sun or terribly frequent rain. Furthermore, the trails were often poor or nonexistant, so I valued trekking poles-- particularly when the trail was wet with rain. That nixed the umbrella option. When I stowed the umbrella on my pack, it frequently snagged on branches. (Again, this was some sketchy trail.) It just didn’t pay for itself.

If there’s anywhere an umbrella would work, I’m guessing it would be the PCT, though. So I haven’t completely written off the possibility.

Eric

#6

I used one hiking stick (a real pole). I would only occasionally fasten my umbrella to the pack. If you had retractable poles, or could find a way to fasten your stick to your pack (like I did when I needed to use an ice axe, using velcro loops), then you would have some options.

The PCT, however, is not like the AT or other super-rugged footbeds. Poles are no where as common out there as the are on the AT. I never have understood what’s wrong with picking up a stick if you need one. Then you can ditch it whenever, who cares? You could even light it on fire and cook your dinner over it.

But if you’re set on two poles then you could always stuff one while using the umbrella.

As Yogi attested in the previously corrupted post several days ago on this issue, an umbrella IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR RAIN GEAR! It just makes life better, in a variety of ways. You NEED a light rain jacket at least. The pants are your call. They usually just collect bits of granola in the bottom of my pack. Gaiters are something I never ever use - and I go through deep snow. You might want to have rain pants in the High Sierras, depending on snow levels.

ok hope this helps, good luck!

Tha Wookie

#7

I used one for a big piece of Virginia one year. It rained and rained and rained. Normally I like the rain, but that year I got sick of it. My maildrop in Waynesboro had an umbrella in it as a joke. I taped it to my external frame and it worked very well, until I fell on it on the south side of Dragon’s Tooth. It sometimes catches on branches but, if you don’t like the rain, I would try one. If I get more than 10 days worth of rain again I’ll be looking for one again.

Blue Jay

#8

I carried poles on my AT thru-hike, and on 2 1/2 PCT thru-hikes. This year on the CDT, I ditched them. Hiking without poles required much less energy. I think if I hiked the AT again, I’d use poles. I would only use them on the PCT or CDT when I was traveling on snow.

I’ve thought about using an umbrella, but never picked one up. Maybe next time.

yogi

#9

Thanks for the input everyone.

Nightfever