Best Hiking Rain Gear - Not What You Expect
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- Here's what's worked well for me over the last few years of hiking in rainy and wet conditions.
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When it comes to hiking in the rain, I've learned a thing or two about keeping dry and comfortable. Let's start from the ground up. Instead of relying on pricey GORE-TEX boots, I've found regular breathable trail runners paired with neoprene socks to be surprisingly effective. They let my feet get wet without sacrificing warmth, and they keep pesky debris at bay.
Now, onto headgear. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm Hat has been a game-changer for me. Its wide brim not only shields my eyes from rain but also prevents water from trickling down my neck. Plus, it's compact enough to stash in my pack until needed - perfect for sudden downpours or a bit of shade.
As for rain shells, I've put quite a few to the test, and the Enlightened Equipment Visp stands out. Sure, it's a bit on the pricier side and lacks pockets, but its lightweight and breathable design make it worth every penny. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option with added convenience, the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell is a solid choice.
When it comes to staying dry from the waist down, I opt for the REI Co-op Trail Rain Pants. They're simple, effective, and easily slip over my existing attire thanks to the elastic waistband. And for those torrential downpours, I turn to my trusty Frogg Toggs rain suit - affordable and reliable, though not the most breathable.
Now, let's talk about unconventional rain protection: hiking umbrellas. While they may seem impractical in windy conditions, models like the Six Moon Designs Rain Walker offer durability and a comfortable grip. Paired with a water-resistant pack and protected electronics, I'm equipped to navigate even the soggiest trails.
Lastly, a word of appreciation for your support. None of the gear I recommend was handed to me for free - I've invested in each piece to ensure its quality and usefulness. So, if you're considering any of my suggestions, using the links on my gear page helps support my efforts to provide honest reviews and practical advice. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and remember to stay safe out there on the trails.
What gear do you use that I should check out?
The Senz storm umbrellas. Great for outdoors while walking in higher temps.
@@johnnl hadn't heard of that one, will check it out
I recently got the Montbell Umbrero and I LOVE it. It functions as both a hat (for shade in the sun) and a small umbrella for rain. It's also super light and super breathable since it doesn't hug your head. It's a bit silly looking but that's part of the appeal for me haha. I used to carry a UL umbrella with me for shade and rain but it was a little too fiddly and prone to wind. I pair this with an emergency disposable (but I reuse it) poncho and that's all the rain gear I need. I prefer ponchos because you can put them on without taking off your pack, they cover your pack, and they're much more breathable compared to rain jackets. Not for everyone though, sure.
Thanks for not wasting our time. Short simple and informativ. Perfect.
Rain hat: I bought the OR Seattle (Gore Tex) rain hat like 2 yrs ago. I was only indended for hiking, but it has become my choice also for commuting etc on rainy days and also snow (Scandinavia). Keeps your head 100% dry, folds down quite small, I can wear a beanie under it during winter, and a huge benefit if you’re wearing glasses as it keeps raindrops/snow away from them. On the expensive side, but a clear recommendation.
Thanks for letting me know, will pick one up and check it out 👍🏻
Another vote for the Seattle Sombrero. I have the waterproof one, that has a light fleece lining, for cold temps and then the non waterproof lighter one for sun.
Love the suggestions!!
Thanks Hiking Guy!
You should try a rain kilt.
Good job
I have a Eddie Bauer Storm Baseball Cap. I like to wear it under the hood of my rain jacket instead of a regular ball cap that would soak through when wet. I also carry a couple of vinyl coated paper clips to hold the cap bill to the hood in strong winds.
I use a series of dry bags and trash bags in my pack to keep things that shouldn't get wet from getting wet. For a rainshell, I've had a decathlon Quechua full zip rain shell (their $25 version) for several years and it has been phenomenal. It's held up great with anything from backpacking to sitting in the bleachers for kid's athletic events. Good breathability built in too!
Will check out the Quechua, thank you. Lots of CZcamsrs were talking Decathlon a few months ago, was probably paid. I tried a couple pieces of their gear after that and it was okay but nothing great. Nice to hear a real recommendation, thank you.
@@Hikingguy I also use one of their (Decathlon's - Quechua is one of their house brands) backpacking chairs, a set of trekking poles, and 50 l packs. All are very good for the money but none are world beaters in terms of features or weight (The chair normally costs $60 and weighs 1 kg for example). I bought those pieces when I was first starting out and have been happy enough them that I haven't needed to change them out for one of the more expensive brands yet. Saves me money to spend in other places 🙂
My strategy for light rain at least is not to keep the water out but to wear stuff that still warms you even when soaked (the neoprene socks mentioned here follow the same principle). Icebreaker has (or had?) so-called merinoloft jackets that not only are very lightweight and can be packed really small, but that keep you somewhat warm even when wet. My innermost layer is going to be wet anyway thanks to sweat.
I adore my UV umbrella so much I have two of them; one for backpacking that clips on for hands-free and one full size for urban walks. Works great in all conditions. The travel edition is a bit heavier than the umbrellas you mentioned but it really holds up in the wind.🌿
Thanks for posting that - is the brand UV? Will check it out.
Looks a lot like my loadout. I like the Seattle Sombrero by OR for light weight rain hat, but if I'm out for a weekend and don't care, I have a great waxed canvas Filson that just fits so well and looks too good to leave at home.
I lke the rain shell stuff by either Zpacks or EE, but I think EE is a bit better, and if I'm expecting a lot of rain, I'll take the rain mitts too and a hiking umbrella (don't even know what kind I have I've had it so long)
I use an Ultra backpack by ULA now. I did used to use both a liner and a pack cover - the pack cover isn't really meant to keep things totally dry so much as it's meant to prevent MOST of the pack fabric from absorbing a ton of water weight. But with Ultra or DCF, that's not really an issue, so now it's just a liner for me.
I ususally just put my map in a ziploc and yes, I always work with a paper map as backup except on a couple trails that I've hiked so many times I never need one.
As a gram counter I have a Zpacks rain jacket and it works fine but going forward I will probably get something a little more heavy duty. Only one pocket is a bit much and the material is super thin. I live on the east coast and rain is a way of life.
The reflective umbrellas I have had a one ( actually 2 ) I purchased when Go Lite closed up shop , many , many years ago. They were half price and after all these years the one is still going strong and the 2nd one is set aside as a spare. Funny thing about water prof footwear , being water proof it keeps water is as well as out. My go to hat when hiking or canoeing is a Tilley Air Flow.
Will check out the Tilley Air Flow, thank you
I love my Darn Tough blister free socks. I use them with regular Brooks Cascadia and yes my feet get wet but Cascadia are great at expelling water and sock keep blisters away and stay warm. As far as my light weight new love, Rainrunner jacket from Janji. It has a ventilation flap all around the back and front. It keeps the rain out and allows ventilation because we all know that there is no such a thing as breathable waterproof jacket. I also always now carry foldable, lightweight gortex mittens to keep my hands dry and warm in addition to carrying thin liner gloves that I always use during cooler summer or even when hot with my BD Z poles with adjustable height. I always wear Velcro adjustable baseball cap by Brooks or Adidas to keep the rain or snow off my glasses. My new addition this year is Rudy Project Rydon with RX docking system trifocals extra active brown transition lenses with silver flash mirror coating. Those work well for depth perception and for sun as well as working well for winter with snow in a dark or bright sun. Glasses are wrap around type and as far as I know those and Oakley are the only one that make strong RX lenses in wrap around sport type of glasses. Docking allows to switch to normal lenses if one wants to use contacts with different non RX color lenses
I do the same things with the mittens and it works great. And didn't know about the Janji, will check it out, thanks for the tip!
❤. That was great. Thank you.
If not too costly, please look at OV’s new Vario rain jacket. You may like it as well.
Thank you will check it out
Frogg togg rain jacket. Yeah its cheap. But very low cost and it works for the very little cost and pretty warm.
Yea I've had a good experience with it, works as advertised, it's just when you have a big climb and you sweat, the inside can get as wet as the outside. I live with it - overall it traps in a bit of heat too and works well when it's chilly and wet.
Consider using a rain poncho that you can just throw over everything and a bonus is you don't have to take your backpack off to put it on.
Yea poncho is a solid move. I've even used the old trash bag on occasion as well.
Thanks for sharing these. My hunt for a good gortex hiking boots landed on Altra Olympus though the Topo is good too.
I’ve not never thought about the neoprene socks and wonder if it works with a staple teva. I’ve tried waterproof socks by sealskin and good.
Love how you mention the backpack cover doesn’t work and instead use liners inside. Problem is, the shoulder strap gets wet and soggy and not a good feel.
Yea depends on the backpack for the shoulder strap getting soaked. Some don't (prob closed-cell foam or something). Overall the downside is that the pack gets wet with the liners, but after a long day with the cover, the pack gets wet anyway and you can't get in and out. Best solution is probably just the Ultra-based (or similar) pack.
Thanks for the tips. One question, though - don’t you get blisters when you let your feet get wet?
I wear wide toe box shoes and haven't had blisters when my toes get pruny, but I carry some Leukotape just in case. If I'm going long I wear the socks and that probably helps a bit too.
I’d be interested in the Epic water filter bottle. I was on a trip with a guide trained in search and rescue. The Epic filter was easy and safe. Just fill the water bottle and sip through the straw. The filter is in the bottle.
Will grab one and check it out. I've used other ones like Lifestraw and they were okay, but I like the simplicity of screwing the Sawyer onto the Smarwater bottle. Will check out Epic though, thanks for the recommendation 👍🏻
I finally got tired of DWR wearing off and the material wetting out. Tried everything multiple times to redo the DWR. Couldn't get anything to work.
Bought a raincoat from AntiGravity Gear. It is made from same material as tarps. Has huge pitzips and two-way front zip. Works great.
Reading your webpages you mention renting gear from REI. In Calif only San Diego and four of the Central Calif stores will still have rentals. That changed in Jan 24. Sports Basement is now the only place in LA Basin I know of that rents tents/packs/bags/pads. They are also in Central Calif. You know, where they say Northern Calif because they can't read a map.
Thanks for pointing that out about the rentals. I didn't realize that all those stores stopped renting. Some buddies rented from the local REI in Tustin last fall, so didn't even know they were going. Will share with the community, thank you.
@@Hikingguy They were either shipping the rental stuff off to other stores or selling it. We went in and bought a bunch of the used snowshoes for use in the OCBSA HAT Winter Backpacking class. The manager said the sleeping bags pretty much were not sellable as they had the proverbial stuffing knocked out of them.
Sports Basement is in what used to be the Fry's off the 405 and Euclid. They are opening another in Long Beach this summer. They look like a serious REI competitor.
@@DavidS-ei5ry Good to know, thank you. I've got a buddy who loves Sports Basement and recommended it as well. Will swing by there, even though I"m sad that Fry's is gone, won't hold that against them 😊
You should of been a Model Cris 🙂
Poncho,Nylofume,usually does the job fine.
hahah yes, a model in bizzaro world!
I go with Haglöfs for rain jackets. Not sure if you can get them in the States. Not cheap but awesome rain coats.
Hadn't heard of them but see that they sell on the website to US - will check them out, thank you.
What about precipitation?
Can you make a review of crocs sandals footwear
Good tip, will check out the hiking Crocs, didn't know they existed
Great ideas.
My experience with neoprene socks has not been great. They slide up just enough that my toes get crammed against the front of the sock, causing discomfort. Any thoughts?
SealSkinz don't do that, and they have been comfortable for me (but expensive). I'd like to get neoprene to work, but don't know how.
I do like WPB shoes/boots though, in addition to the socks. Maybe it's just where I hike. Currently Topo Terraventures.
Also agree about Visp. It's the best UL WPB.
Finally, a folding rain hat! Gonna try that one.
Thanks for the great stuff, as usual.
I haven't used SealSkinz in a while, I tried them years ago but had sweat and blister problems. Worth a revist though, thanks for mentioning that.
And I didn't experience the neoprene ride up, but with feet / shoes it's so variable based on the person. I'd try it with socks underneath and see if that does any better. Start with a light and then a mid-weight.
@@Hikingguy I will experiment with liners. The only clue I have is that the neoprene socks do not stretch (SealSkinz do). I had the same toe-cramming problem with bread bag socks.
What’s WPB?
@@outofreach714 Waterproof/Breathable
@@Hikingguy thank you so much, wasn’t expecting such a quick reply 🙏🏻
Do you have any trouble with blisters when you have wet feet so much of the time ?
With my wide toe box shoes I haven't had any problems, but I bring some Leukotape just in case I need to tape it over but haven't had to use it. Longest day was about 18 miles in the rain (in PNW).
@@Hikingguy Thanks for the response 👍
The visp raincoat is the most ridiculous purchase for price IMO. $250 for a rain coat. Let it sink in..