Rain Gear

[+Hearty Soles]

What do you wear for caching in the rain--I have rainpants and jacket but when you're hiking down a trail it gets pretty warm, some wicking clothes are nice but not waterproof, any suggestions???

[+BBWolf+3Pigs]

Be sure to look for rain wear that's made from breathable materials like Gore-Tex. Be prepared to spend more money for this type of gear.

[+The Jester]

I also use convertible pants and switch to shorts under rainpants to stay cooler. Sometimes I'll swap a long sleeve shirt for a tee shirt. The 'extra' goes in the pack (which also has a rain cover). I figure I'll be damp/wet inside the rain gear - either rain or sweat - but I'll be warm.

[knowschad]

Be sure to look for rain wear that's made from breathable materials like Gore-Tex. Be prepared to spend more money for this type of gear.

 

I have not been impressed with Gore Tex. It might breathe enough when sitting in a deer stand, but if I'm hiking or otherwise breaking a sweat, I get as wet with Gore Tex as I would without it. I don't think there is a better alternative, unfortunately, but there are certainly cheaper options that are just as bad.

[+BBWolf+3Pigs]

Be sure to look for rain wear that's made from breathable materials like Gore-Tex. Be prepared to spend more money for this type of gear.

 

I have not been impressed with Gore Tex. It might breathe enough when sitting in a deer stand, but if I'm hiking or otherwise breaking a sweat, I get as wet with Gore Tex as I would without it. I don't think there is a better alternative, unfortunately, but there are certainly cheaper options that are just as bad.

 

I have a Marmot PreCip jacket that has been pretty good to me. I got it on clearance at REI for $60 (normally $100 jacket). Backpacker Magazine rated it thebest $100 rain jacket.

[knowschad]

Be sure to look for rain wear that's made from breathable materials like Gore-Tex. Be prepared to spend more money for this type of gear.

 

I have not been impressed with Gore Tex. It might breathe enough when sitting in a deer stand, but if I'm hiking or otherwise breaking a sweat, I get as wet with Gore Tex as I would without it. I don't think there is a better alternative, unfortunately, but there are certainly cheaper options that are just as bad.

 

I have a Marmot PreCip jacket that has been pretty good to me. I got it on clearance at REI for $60 (normally $100 jacket). Backpacker Magazine rated it thebest $100 rain jacket.

 

The particular rain jacket that I had in mind when I wrote that is a Marmot from REI.

[+ocklawahaboy]

I just don't generally cache in the rain. It only takes a couple of drops or a damp finger to really start to soggy up the log.

[7rxc]

Be sure to look for rain wear that's made from breathable materials like Gore-Tex. Be prepared to spend more money for this type of gear.

 

I have not been impressed with Gore Tex. It might breathe enough when sitting in a deer stand, but if I'm hiking or otherwise breaking a sweat, I get as wet with Gore Tex as I would without it. I don't think there is a better alternative, unfortunately, but there are certainly cheaper options that are just as bad.

 

I have a Marmot PreCip jacket that has been pretty good to me. I got it on clearance at REI for $60 (normally $100 jacket). Backpacker Magazine rated it thebest $100 rain jacket.

 

The particular rain jacket that I had in mind when I wrote that is a Marmot from REI.

 

I side with KC here... The permeable membrane fabrics work to a degree, but it is often way less than needed. It has to be kept clean, which means not clogged with dirt, crystalized salt from perspiration and such. That means regular cleaning and maintenance.

For ME unless it comes with efficient venting built in as needed in regular rain gear, it isn't worth the money. And if you have the vents, the fabric isn't doing anything anyway. That does not mean that others have this experience. Liquid water stops the transfer of vapour as well. I'll take cheaper, well designed raingear anyday.

 

Doug 7rxc

[+captnemo]

I just don't generally cache in the rain. It only takes a couple of drops or a damp finger to really start to soggy up the log.

+1 plus when it rains around here it RAINS. That doesn't happen very often as rain is pretty rare in my area.

[+Mike & Jess]

If I go out when it might rain, a cheap (dollar store) rain poncho gets tossed into the bag I'm carrying.

If I'm out hiking, I'll opt for my nylon rain coat (also doubles as my spring/fall coat) and my heavier canvas zip away pants. The nylon pants that come with my rain suit doesn't breath enough for warmer weather. They are ok for temps below 30'F.

[+T.D.M.22]

i have military issue Goretex jacket and pants. I find they do get hot after a while-like in a light shower in the summer(when it's still quite warm even with the rain) But I usually use it in the colder months and in the big downpours. Never had a problem with it and I love it.

[+hukilaulau]

I just keep a dry change of clothes in the truck. I don't even bother trying to not get wet.

[+The Jester]

I just don't generally cache in the rain. It only takes a couple of drops or a damp finger to really start to soggy up the log.

Not really an option in the Great Pacific NorthWet - if you don't learn to cache* in the rain, you don't cache around here. I find that a small umbrella works well to keep log and cache box dry.

 

 

*insert any activity here...

[jholly]

I just don't generally cache in the rain. It only takes a couple of drops or a damp finger to really start to soggy up the log.

Not really an option in the Great Pacific NorthWet - if you don't learn to cache* in the rain, you don't cache around here. I find that a small umbrella works well to keep log and cache box dry.

 

 

*insert any activity here...

That's not exactly true. There is a small one or two week window generally every August when there is this obnoxious orb in the sky and you might even consider wearing shorts.

[7rxc]

I just don't generally cache in the rain. It only takes a couple of drops or a damp finger to really start to soggy up the log.

Not really an option in the Great Pacific NorthWet - if you don't learn to cache* in the rain, you don't cache around here. I find that a small umbrella works well to keep log and cache box dry.

 

 

*insert any activity here...

That's not exactly true. There is a small one or two week window generally every August when there is this obnoxious orb in the sky and you might even consider wearing shorts.

 

They call that Wildfire Season, right?

 

Doug 7rxc

[jholly]

I just don't generally cache in the rain. It only takes a couple of drops or a damp finger to really start to soggy up the log.

Not really an option in the Great Pacific NorthWet - if you don't learn to cache* in the rain, you don't cache around here. I find that a small umbrella works well to keep log and cache box dry.

 

 

*insert any activity here...

That's not exactly true. There is a small one or two week window generally every August when there is this obnoxious orb in the sky and you might even consider wearing shorts.

 

They call that Wildfire Season, right?

 

Doug 7rxc

Wildfire will work, but mostly the Fire Marshall's call it burn ban.

[+The Jester]

I just don't generally cache in the rain. It only takes a couple of drops or a damp finger to really start to soggy up the log.

Not really an option in the Great Pacific NorthWet - if you don't learn to cache* in the rain, you don't cache around here. I find that a small umbrella works well to keep log and cache box dry.

 

 

*insert any activity here...

That's not exactly true. There is a small one or two week window generally every August when there is this obnoxious orb in the sky and you might even consider wearing shorts.

I'm not willing to restrict my caching to a two week window every year...

Edited October 20, 2012 by The Jester

[+The Jester]

Wildfire will work, but mostly the Fire Marshall's call it burn ban.

If it's a burn ban, why do I always burn during that time?

 

Generally I just rust...

[+The_Incredibles_]

Must buy raingear

 

Will have to read the replies. We have *tons* of rain here on Vancouver Island. During *winter* it rains approximately every 2nd day. I go caching in the rain all the time and would you believe I don't own a rain jacket?

 

In my defense, I have a fleece-lined jacket which I wear which is thick enough to keep dry *inside* for light rain. Of course the zippers broken so I still get wet on my front.

 

I went out the other day and except for my Gortex hiking boots, got soaked to the bone. Again. Didn't even think to wear my wide-brimmed Gortex hat.

 

Went out tonight to do cache maintenance *in the rain, of course* and got wet again, but did remember to at least wear my hat.

 

I have a little child's umbrella I bring along, but it's to protect the caches, not me.

Edited October 20, 2012 by The_Incredibles_

[+terrkan78]

$2.99 blue rain parka. Sweat like crazy. Kinda look like a homeless person wrapped up in a tarp. But, hey, it's lasted two years now.

[+popokiiti]

The best waterproof jacket I ever borrowed was one of those wax ones. Walked along the beach in Hunter boots (also borrowed) with the dogs, and the only part of me that was wet was my knees and just above. I shudder at the prices of those jackets nowadays.