1. Choose Breathable Rain Gear
No one wants to backpack in the rain, but sometimes it sneaks up on you. If you've ever been caught on a mountain during a downpour, you know how it can drench you and everything you own in seconds. Stay dry and comfortable with rain gear made for backpackers. While waterproof gear is your first consideration, breathability is an important element to consider, too. Rain jackets and pants need to keep you dry on the outside while pulling sweat away from your body on the inside. Gore-Tex was a big name in rain gear fabric for a while, but look at backpacking rain gear made from new, lighter-weight materials.
2. Take Simple Cover
As the most basic piece of rain gear, a poncho gets high marks for simplicity and limited weight. If you're going out in a light summer rain, a nylon poncho can cover you and your backpack with ease. Air circulates from underneath so that you can stay cool. However, if wind accompanies the rain, which is common, you'll find a poncho whipping around close to your face instead, which makes it hard to see or stay dry. Look at weather forecasts for your destination before depending upon a poncho as your only piece of rain gear.
3. Enjoy a Comfortable Rain Suit
The idea of a comfortable rain suit may sound ludicrous to people who conjure images of school bus yellow rain slickers, yet comfort is possible with newer rain suits by RainShield and Frogg Toggs. The papery thin material works amazingly well in downpours. Furthermore, you don't have to worry about water seepage through needle holes with Frogg Toggs because of the unwielding construction method that binds layers without sewing. If you've been carrying around a Gortex suit, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the excellent waterproof coverage of a Frogg Togg at a fraction of the weight.
4. Wear Trail Gaiters for Dry Feet
When you're suiting up to stay dry, don't forget gaiters. The nylon bands fit to protect the vulnerable ankle and foot area. Wet grass and puddles all find their way to your hiking socks, sneaking up under your pants or down into your shoes for a very uncomfortable feeling. Gaiters slip on easily with a cord lock that allows you to adjust the tension for a secure and comfortable fit. Weather conditions play a role in the type of gaiters you need. Snowy conditions require different gaiters than a hike through wet grass.
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