I’ll be traveling soon to San Diego County, although I haven’t decided on the exact date. I may be encountering rain and I am packing my rain clothes. Rain. Here’s what I’ve learned about working and hiking in it.
Rain coats are typically never long enough in the back. When you hunch over they ride up and let your back get wet. If you have a light backpack on underneath your raincoat, the back of the jacket will ride up even more.
Rain pants are great and necessary but in heavy rain or if you are doing a great deal of exertion, most slide down. Constantly. Suspenders, yes suspenders, will fix almost any sliding but otherwise well performing rain pants.
Waterproof bib overalls are a good choice for heavy rain. They rise up high in both the front and the back and they have suspenders over the shoulder to keep them up.
Most rain gear bought at REI or other outdoor stores feature fairly lightweight materials that rip easily. Only the most expensive rain gear from outfitters like Cabela’s stand up to actually working in the rain. Like kneeling down on rocks and hammering away on same.
Many highway road crews used to use rubberized canvas clothes. That bright yellow stuff. Bulky and heavy, it got the job done and resisted tears. Most yellow rain gear today, though, seems to be PVC based. That might be acceptable if the PVC is thick enough.
Something I haven’t looked into is marine clothing. Probably pricey.
I won’t write about waterproof boots. No model has been comfortable for me while remaining waterproof. Lightweight wool socks keep feet tolerably comfortable while wet, as long as temperatures are moderate and not anywhere close to freezing.
With luck, rain will be light for me, requiring equally light rain clothing.
Book details:
