Backpacking Rain Gear

There is nothing more uncomfortable then being wet when in the wilderness. Wet clothes makes the cold colder and the hot, just miserable. But when in the mountains and back trails, storms will blow in with little notice. It is recommended that you always pack some form of rain/wet weather gear even for short hikes. If you have followed other advice in the section, you will already have dry socks to put on to reduce foot sores and blisters.

There are three primary classes of hiking rain gear you should consider.

A) An over the backpack rig which when worn will cover your backpack/sleeping bag and other gear you are carrying. A draw back to this style is that it is over all larger to carry when packed away and can be harder to get positioned if you don’t have a hiking partner to assist you.

B) A normal rain suit which will keep you dry but do less so for your gear. However most backpacks are already water resistant. Sleeping bags when packed in their compression pouch or properly rolled up will also resist water. It will be necessary to remove your pack and generally any gear you have, put on the rain suit and the get back into your backpack harness.

C) The classic Poncho. These simple cover everything like a blanket with arms is among the simplest to work with. Personally, it is recommended that you select either A or B above plus include a poncho in your backpack/fanny pack all the times. If left folded in the original store packing, they are extremely compact. They make great emergency supplies for medical, to give to someone less prepared, or as part of a temporary shelter from rain/wind/snow.

It is personal choice between the over all rain covering and the normal rain suit. What one person likes, another might despise. You should personally look at both before making a decision.

A few items to review to give you some ideas on what to consider when it comes to visit a store and start stocking up on supplies.