Philmont Rain Gear Recommendations

[Derek H]

I’m looking for rain gear recommendations for scouts and adults (jacket and pants) for our 12 day trek expedition 614 of 2022.  I keep hearing about how much rain there was this past summer so wanting to get some quality gear.  No Frog Toggs please.

[John O]

Our 2019 trek I used a North Face rain jacket with an Enlightened Equipment rain wrap/kilt… it rained every day but my gear never reached saturation point and also had a few good hours of dry during day in the South country so it wasn’t an issue.

for our 2021 trek, my North Face had dried out so despite your req, I used a FT UL2 with my EE kilt and a Zpacks UL Umbrella… I loved the umbrella even more so in the sun of the North country this time.

[Thomas P]

I went on a 12 day trek this past summer, and got some of the rain you are talking about. We had the worst lightning storm of the season (according to the staff) while camped at Urraca… that was intense.

I used a Gossamer Gear umbrella, a DCF rain skirt and a Lightheart Gear rain jacket.

The umbrella saw the most use, since it’s so easy to deploy and put away. It also probably saved one of our scouts from heat exhaustion on the last day as we hiked down from the Tooth under full sun.

The jacket was more useful while setting up camp (setting up a tent while holding an umbrella is inconvenient to say the least). The big thunderstorm at Urraca was also fairly chilly, so I was gladly used my rain jacket then.

In nearly every condition that we saw, the rain skirt was better than rain pants. The one exception was walking through a wet meadow, but I don’t think the rain pants were much of an advantage even in that situation, since your shoes get soaked either way.

If you’re really trying to reduce weight/redundancies, you could pick between the jacket or umbrella. I had already made my peace with the fact that Philmont is not an ultralight, high mileage, hiking-focused trek. Even though we had one of the “super strenuous” treks, the itinerary’s mileage was only 66 miles over 11 days. I brought a 16 oz chair, a light fleece plus a puffy, and both the rain jacket and umbrella. I still had the lightest pack in our crew by far. If I was doing what I would consider to be a high-mileage trip (where the vast majority of my waking hours are hiking), I would have pared things down.

[Derek H]

I keep hearing how the rain umbrellas were very helpful for rain and sun.  I’ve also considered a rain kilt but it sounded like they weren’t advised as some scouts were near hypothermia on the higher elevations with cold, wind and rain.  I have a shakedown trip planned in January so I’m trying to get my rain gear dialed in and also want to provide some guidance to our crew as I’m the lead advisor.  I’ve been researching rain jackets and I’m seeing ranges of $100-$400.  I’m thinking a 2.5 or 3 layer jacket is the way to go for the crew along with rain pants.

[Brad P]

For scouts, Frogg Toggs are a good budget option. I took a rain kilt in 2019, but only used it briefly. Rain pants make more sense because the afternoon rains can drop temps. The rain pants keep you fully dry and are good for warmth, too.

[Robert Spencer]

Derek, umbrellas and rain skirts are a good option, but just to make sure you were aware of some reliable jackets at a reasonable price:

OR Helium – very lightweight, cult favorite among thru hikers.

Marmot Precip – nothing fancy, but gets the job done.

Patagonia Torrentshell – 3L but also heavier compared to others.

Montbell Versalite – more expensive, but very light for the features.

All of these offer their own version in a rain pant and all are a nice step up in durability and fit compared to Frogg Toggs.  More expensive and probably better shells are out there, but for scouting I would keep it simple. For the adults or those willing to spend more you might check out Ryan’s article on rainwear and ventilation.

https://backpackinglight.com/shoulder-season-layering-backpacking/

[Bruce Tolley]

I used a 2.5L Goretex Paclite jacket that has now been discontinued with Froggs Toggs pants. I could have used Froggs Toggs top and bottom.

I own an older OR Helium jacket but consider it for short showers, not the 3 or 4 hour downpours you get at Philmont.  It always feels like I am wrapped in plastic when I wear it.

The OR Foray Goretex paclite jacket would be the current equivalent of the jacket I used. OR seems to be running discounts on the jacket right now.

If you want to save money, look at Red Ledge. Our crew arrived a Philmont 2 days early to acclimate at Basecamp and greeted by a Noahic rainstorm.  Some of the Scouts found their rainwear was inadequate and upgraded to various Red Ledge products available at the Philmont store.  After Philmont, many of them continued to wear the Red Ledge parkas for snow camping and other outings. Seemed like excellent and very cost effective gear. Much better than Marmot Precip! Available at several web stores. https://www.redledge.com/collections/best-sellers/products/mens-and-womens-thunderlight-jacket

I use a rain kilt for summer backpacking myself but used rain jacket and rain pants at Philmont since that is what Philmont specifies as appropriate and wanted to set an example. The Scouts are always learning even when we are not teaching. And as mentioned above, on a really cold night, you can wear the rain pants as an extra layer if needed.

Unless the raingear is brand new, the DWR should probably be refreshed before arriving at Philmont with Nikwax or an equivalent product.

[Derek H]

Thanks Bruce for the link to Red Ledge.  This looks like a great option for the Scouts.  I’m always looking for quality gear at a good price for the boys.  The adults (OK me) may want something higher end.

[Bruce Tolley]

@ Derek.  Yes. I am still wearing the higher end rain gear I bought for Philmont.

[Ryan Jordan]

Take a look at the new model (2021) Marmot Precip Eco. Good price – $100. A very breathable (high MVTR) fabric. Pit zips. 9-12 oz (depending on size). Great hood. I really think this one’s an underrated sleeper in the budget category.

[Bruce Tolley]

@ Ryan. Thanks for the recommendation.  When my son started Scouts years ago, I bought Marmot Precip pants and parka for him and for myself.  (After all, a Scout is thrifty!) After barely one year of use, the fabric started to delaminate.  It is good to hear that Marmot has come out with an improved product. Any reports on from long term use in the field?

Cheers.

[Enyaw]

I bought a Marmot PrecipEco for Philmont and was really disappointed.  Thing wetted out in ten minutes first time using it.  Luckily I. Had a sunbrella, which was super handy to have. Though I brought it for the sun, used it more for the afternoon showers, which was essential since my rain shell was no good. Back to Marmot…usually love their stuff- decent gear, reasonable prices.  Didn’t like the Precip.

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