Non-Breathable Rain Gear

I lost interest pretty quick in WPB rain gear because of cost and other issues but I occasionally still carry my lightweight jacket and a pair of MYOG sil pants for overnighters or weekend trips where the weather is almost guaranteed to be precip free. We took that combo to Utah recently and it shed a few snow squalls nicely with the jacket doing double duty as my wind jacket. Got so cold at night I wore the sil pants too :)

Wanting something for trips with much more precip I went with a 20D Packa and used it on a very rainy ADK hike last year and I was very happy with it. One thing that I really like is that it keeps our packs dry. After dumping our packs we like to store them at the foot of our duplex and by keeping them dry no fear of water draining onto the floor at night. Also they hang pretty low on us so we didn’t feel the need for extra coverage below, at least in warmer weather. They vent like crazy and after replacing all the heavy bungee cord with lighter they are 8.32 oz.

When using the Packa I would carry my shelter on the outside of my pack so you don’t have to remove your rain gear to access the shelter while its raining. Although that may be a bit tougher if you don’t have a partner to help you like I always do.

What do I use that works? An umbrella or a poncho.

I have an old GoLite Chrome Dome umbrella that recently protected me from three days of rain on a five day trip. No problems with sweating, good wind block, easy to store in a side pocket, easy to stash short term at the bottom of shoulder strap. My lower legs and feet get wet from rain – but they’d get wet anyway from wet grass, etc. I quickly got used to carrying an umbrella with one hand, swapping hands from time to time. “Hands free” umbrella schemes are a good idea in theory. In practice, I move the umbrella frequently to match the prevailing rain direction. I usually wear a Patagonia Houdini wind shirt for short-term rain protection when I need both hands. An umbrella also provides shade on hot sunny days. The “chrome” part is overrated. Several companies that cater to lightweight backpackers sell light, compact umbrellas, including the Chrome Dome under other names.

My other option is a silnylon poncho. Much more breathable than jackets. My poncho is big enough to cover me and the pack. A bit more hassle to manage than an umbrella, especially getting it off and on. Since switching to an umbrella a couple of years ago, I haven’t used the poncho. I’ll take it on day hikes when the forecast is iffy.

— Rex

Many people including me are happy with WPB.  Not perfect but best over the range of conditions I experience.  Yeah, sort of expensive.  2.5 layer WPB tend to wear out quickly.

Dri Ducks are pretty good and cheap