Comments on: To buy or not to buy rainproof pants

By: Daniel Mohler

Daniel Mohler — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:42:18 +0000

I find myself checking Compass Points every single day…you post great info and inspiring pics/videos so often!! Thanks Dave. In my experience rain pants played a very small role while thru-hiking the AT and will play a pretty much non-existent role (at least until I get to Oregon and Washington) when hiking the PCT. I carried a very breathable pair of Patagonia Rain Pants about 60% of the AT and realized one day that the only time I ever wore them was when I was in a laundry mat washing the rest of my clothes. And I did use them to lay on the ground under my sleeping pad to serve as like a groundcloth. The next day I dropped them in a hiker box (I’m sure some excited SOBO hiker grabbed them and probably carried them back to Springer Mountain – using them just as little as I had). What I do is just make sure my 100 percent nylon hiking pants have a DWR coating, and have a high end parka, and invest money on keeping the rest of my gear dry…Sil Nylon Pack Cover, Garbage Bag Liner, and individual dry storage bags for the important gear in my pack. When it’s raining I am content with getting a little wet and having the knowledge that when I get to my campsite I’ll have a 100 percent dry base layer and down sleeping bag. But, you hit the nail on the head when describing that the decision is based on your comfort zone…I’m a warm hiker/sleeper and try and limit the extra clothing (which is often the heaviest group of items in a pack) to save on weight.

By: Wasatchmax

Wasatchmax — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:59:55 +0000

I think rain pants are a necessity if your going to be anywhere that you could get soaked. Nothing worse then chaffing:) Rain pants are an essential piece of mountain gear!

By: Dan Szczesny

Dan Szczesny — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:55:27 +0000

Hi Dave,
I think you nailed it about location… when I’m climbing in the Whites, unless it’s winter, I sweat and usually don’t need rain pants until the ridge. If it’s summer and the rain is warm, I don’t need them at all. I’ve found them to be most helpful in the spring or fall in valley hikes – lots of distance, below tree line, mud etc. I’ve yet to find a really good pair that breathes nicely. The closest I’ve come is my current pair of Helly Hansen pants. They have a nice zip from cuff up to calf with mesh underneath.