Rain Gear Poll

[Ridgerunner]

I usually take a breatheable jacket and pants. My jacket has a visor built into the hood. I tried a set DriDucks and FroggToggs but was not happy with their performance as the pants tore and they did not keep me dry. I was pretty much damp but not soaked and far from dry. I have been thinking about switching to a poncho for it's versitility.

[realityguy]

I'd have to vote for "all of the above"..depending on where and when I go and how much the monsoons are going to affect the hike.

Wintertime I might take a lightweight SD jacket over layers,roll-up pants that fit in the pocket of itself,and the Goretex "cape" I made(or one of the ponchos I have.. for emergency gear).If I have to sit in the rain,I'd probably string up the cape or poncho overhead with the jacket and rainpants on.Also an appropriate hat..whether it be a goretex baseball cap or the filson wool with the drop earmuffs..under the hood of the jacket.If I expect it to be colder and wetter..I'd probably use the REI rainsuit..but I try not to hike in that type of weather.I don't mind wet or cold..just avoid those together.
Yeah..I did pick up a couple small-packing umbrellas for the wife and me..don't recall if we ever used them..good for rain or hot sunny days though.

[ConnieD]

My only "rain jacket" is from bicycling: it is translucent plastic with an open mesh at the sides and under the arms. It is longer in the back and has a "mandarin" collar. I use it for hiking, only for a contingency of rain.

I rely instead on my modified poncho, much like The Packa, and a ground sheet I supplement with a DWR and no-see-um netting bivy. If I anticipate rain, or the brush may overhang the trail, I take my homemade SilNylon Equinox Half Moon Chaps.

If I anticipate "brush-crashing" I take my Exped Rain Chaps.

If it is really cold, I use my long gaiters with my poncho wrapped around me.

I have sewn-in a cord to gather it in at the waist and at the hem line.

I am considering a cagoule with a long zip in front and handwarmer pockets.

[zelph]

Combo, full plastic coating, head to toe. My mama told me to always have protection from the rain

Hahaha 2 years ago I went without and got soaked to the bone. Half way up a ravine, down pour got me good

took me a forever to make it the rest of the way up. Inches at a time

[sudden]

I voted for jacket and pants. Which is jacket and waders if I'm fishing.

I tried ponchos but the coverage is not there. Splashing rain or dew covered plants defeats a poncho.

[ConnieD]

Maybe you should have a look at the Cedar Tree "The Packa"?

It is an effective design.

Maybe you would call it a "jacket"? I see it as a "modified" poncho.

[cadyak]

warmer weather - poncho tarp + rain pants...serves as raingear and packcover. (warm weather=smaller pack)
cold weather- lightweight rain top and bottoms with a trash compactor bag as a pack liner
REALLY Cold weather- bomber alpinist jacket + waterproof snowboard pants with the same pack liner.

[zelph]

waterproof snowboard pants with the same pack liner.

I'll have to look into those items..................thanks!!!!!

[Ridgerunner]

Does anyone have an y experience with the Packa that ConnieD mentions? I looks like a viable option

[zelph]

No me! I agree, looks doable but I don't travel in the rain. I quicly go to ground as soon as I smell or hear thunder/rain. Not true............2 years ago I got caught in a cloud burst while I was going up a steep ravine. I stopped half way up and waited it out. I was able to keep my body out of the rain by crouching under an overhanging tree. It was sticking out at a 45* angle. My pack got drenched After the raine stopped, I began the long trek up a very muddy deer path leading up to the top of the ravine.