Water water everywhere…

Hehe. I went backpacking this weekend around blood mountain in N. GA and experienced the same conditions with similar results. I always consider damp gear, wet gear, and non-perfect performance of things designed to keep gear dry a very normal and expected part of backpacking. It is why I use synthetic quilts, jackets, etc. I figure my body heat can dry em out without the clumping you get w/ down. You have to have mad skills and a lot of patience to keep gear super dry, especially in ultra humid conditions like we were in this weekend.
I guess osmosis may be to blame. wet air + dry gear = damp gear. Its all part of the adventure. I guess the best way to solve the problem would be to keep your stuff packed up until bedtime in a trash bag.

It was crazy this weekend wasn't it. it went from perfect day to extreme wind and storm by lunch the next day. I agree about synthetics for the south east and it's dampness, but I don't have the money for one right now. It just amazed me HOW wet everything got. I would have assumed it had poured from the looks of the tarp. I figure setting up after the dew point would help keep that dampness down.

Tommy

yesterday morning rain was ridiculous. My GF slipped on a rock and slid about 8 ft. down the trail. It was hilarious, but did leave about a dozen tiny holes in my dri-ducks pants she was wearing. I was surprised they held up like they did.

The dew point thing should help, but in situations like this weekend, it was pretty unavoidable. I have given up on down for insulation though. The GF took my down jacket out in a light rain for no more than 3 minutes, stuffed it in its sack, and next time it came out, it was completley flat and useless. luckily, that was in the car.

I think all the gear I had worked wellconsidering the conditions. I didn't freeze, which was good. I am not ready to give up on down. this is my first trip that I have had this bad of an issue with wetness on down.

Tommy