Rain Pants vs/ Windpants

For a number of years I have used nothing but REI Sahara pants. During the monsoon and early fall I will add a pair of DryDucks or Frogg Toggs. I also carry expedition weight long underwear for sleeping.

I use the Campmor Ultralite Extension Poncho/Tarp.

Add a cord lock on the hood.

A belt salvaged from a pair of REI Sahara pants is inserted in both rear tie outs. After putting the poncho on I reach around, unbuckle the belt and buckle it over the poncho in front. I think that this solves most of the traditional poncho problems. You can adjust the amount of air circulation by adjusting the location of the tie outs.

You still have access to shirt and pants pockets. Walk with your hands on the shoulder straps and they stay warm and dry.

At a presentation at the REI Denver Flagship store earlier this month, Golite’s Coup said something like: “If you need to carry rain pants in Colorado, you’re paranoid”. O.K., so call me paranoid. If there is much rain in the forecast and I’m staying on trail, I’ll bring along a pair of Dri Ducks(3.7 oz.). If I’m going off trail or on trails that I know are not maintained, I’ll carry an old pair of Lowe Adrenaline pants (7.5 oz.). Like Richard, I mostly just wear REI sahara pants(12.8 oz.) and forget about the rain pants. I’ll also pack a pair of lightweight poly bottoms(4.5 oz.) for sleeping or for wearing under the REI pants if it gets too cold while walking.

…so I hike in convertible shorts with zip-on legs that I carry in my pack. I use the leggings on the very rare occasion that I want some wind protection, or more often, for bug protection. I find that if it’s raining and I’m hiking I have no issues with my legs getting rained upon. If I am expecting temperature variations that drop below 40, I’ll carry a lightweight pair of silk long john bottoms. I hike with them under the shorts in extreme cold weather or moderately cold weather with rain. They wick, dry extremely quickly, and keep my legs warm in camp.

I hike primarily on the east coast of the US.