Jackets
Quality construction and high-quality materials are a must. With rain jackets, you usually get what you pay for and the more expensive brands such as Arc'teryx will do a better job of keeping you drier. Gore-Tex Pro Shell is a great waterproof material and though it is one of the most talked about, there are many others. Patagonia's H2No and Conduit laminates used by Mountain Hardwear are also good.
Jackets should be long enough, have adjustable cuffs, hemlines and hoods as well as seam sealed zippers and zipper garages to keep water out of every possible nook. Pit zips are a must for ventilation. Hoods that also fit ski or climbing helmets are helpful, even if you don't ski or climb because these hoods are big enough to provide a brim. Only wear rubber (Helly Hansen makes rubber gear) if you will be in constant rain and not very active.
Pants
How your rain pants function depends a lot on their design and partly on what they are made of. The best rain pants are easy and fast to get into. Ones that have an adjustable elastic portion on the waist and three quarter length or full side zips are the best to have. When it starts to downpour you want to be able to whip out your rain pants, zip down the length of the sides and step right into them without taking your shoes off. Materials should be similar to those of your rain jacket; waterproof and breathable. The side zips are also great for ventilation. Only wear rubberized pants when you are going to be somewhere that is raining constantly. These barely breathe at all and unless you are just standing there or walking very slowly, you are going to be wet from your own sweat on the inside of the pants.
Other Gear
When preparing to hike or backpack in a region that is likely to see some rain, pack gaiters, a hat with a brim and a small laminated tarp for cooking under. Line your backpack in a heavy duty white trash bag to keep its contents as dry as possible. Pack covers help protect your bag from the outside. Sea to Summit makes pack covers in all sizes. Gaiters will help to protect your boots from getting wet as well as the bottoms of your pants. A water-resistant or waterproof hat with a brim is nice too; especially if you have glasses so the rain drops are kept off your lenses.
Article Written By Naomi Judd
Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.
