CELL PHONE: Rain gear for hiking

Sunday 15 July 2012

Rain gear for hiking

Weather shouldn’t change your plans, just what you’re wearing.” My dad used to say this on backpacking trips when it was raining…or snowing, and we were looking at a day of 15-plus miles over a high pass. Having grown up backpacking all over the Sierra and California, I can appreciate a rain jacket that keeps the weather off, but also keeps interior moisture out.

Gone are the days of wrapping yourself in that oversized, heavy, rubber rain slicker to venture out into inclimate weather. Today’s selection of rain jackets boast multi-layered high-tech “waterproof breathable” fabrics that are designed to allow air circulation within the jacket, while still maintaining complete waterproofing. The idea is that the rain will stay out and the air heavy with your vaporized sweat will be able to circulate out of the coat. That’s the idea at least.