Hikers report no rain gear actually works in the 2020s

[@IceBearHalfwayPoint]

Life is just better when we wake up to a FlatBrokeOutside video! Merry Christmas! 😃🎄

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Merry Christmas to you and thanks again for being a great viewer!

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Good to see another video. Great topic for discussion. Merry Christmas!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Merry Christmas to you as well! And thanks a million for being a subscriber!

[@goodwaterhikes]

Good to hear from you it's been awhile. On my 2022 AT thru hike I used a combination of a poncho with Frogg Toggs modified to work together.

[@armisteadab]

That's a good system. Toggs are the only thing I've ever seen actually breath and wick.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

It's always an honor to have a thru hiker for a viewer! Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for watching!

[@bkbland1626]

I use rain gear for standing around. If I'm going places, I take it off. Rain is cleaner than sweat. Love your stuff, bro. Haven't seen you in a while. Groove!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

I'm glad you like my videos and thanks a million for being a viewer!

[@EsyuDach]

great to see you, bro. Long time!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Great to see you as well and thanks for being a great viewer!

[@daven.7685]

Thank you, I really appreciate the poncho tips, especially the one about unfolding a repacking the emergency poncho. Your work is always helpful and appreciated!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Glad you like the tips and thanks for being a great viewer!

[@FloridaGirlAdventures]

its wonderful to hear your voice again!!! Been your loyal fan since 2015, awesome to see you are still out here you-tubing about the AT, a very Merry Christmas and here's to our 2025 adventures :-)

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

It's great to see you again! Merry Christmas and thanks a million for being a valuable viewer!

[@MrJanaRobi]

More excellent advice ! Merry Christmas .No Bad Days Just Bad Clothes .

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Good point, and Merry Christmas to you! And thanks a million for watching!

[@amiablerogue1550]

I love your ideas. Personally, the thing that has worked best has been rubber, fully waterproof (and unfortunately, non-breathable) heavy weather gear pants, and alternating between a matching synthetic rubber rain jacket if it's heavy rain and cold, or a goretex (I know) jacket or poncho if it's light rain and warm. The rubber heavy weather gear served me right working outdoors, as well as hiking, and the pants are great for walking through low, wet brush.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for watching!

[@abingdonpresbyterianchurch4069]

Once again, a great video. I too am a poncho man. I tie the corners together so I raise the front (as not to trip on it while going uphill) and to keep it down in the back as the pack makes it higher. It also doubles as a tarp when I need one in camp.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Glad you liked the video! Thanks for the tips and thanks for watching!

[@jacobYep-pi5su]

Had to stop what I was doing and listen, nice to listen to a guy who knows his stuff.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for the endorsement and thanks for being a great viewer!

[@danielfegley2735]

Good to hear from you it's been a while. Your videos are not all glamor and happy stories but are far more important . I like that you tell us what we need to have without sponsoring a particular company . Although the rain poncho that was used by the hiker Bad Bat seemed best suited for the job because it had a pocket for the back pack to go into allowing the poncho to fit snug on the body. Some say it's going to be a warm winter. Some say we will have a lot of snow. Whatever it is, have a merry Christmas.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for the kind words and have a Merry Christmas! And thanks for being a great viewer!

[@benjaminthomasson]

Wool clothes and umbrellas.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

I plan to get some new wool pants myself! And thanks for watching!

[@notquiteultralight1701]

FBO!!! Where have you been? Your no nonsense reporting and just the facts delivery have been missed! It’s really good to hear from you! I don’t do twisterbook or slappy face or instaletters or whatever they call all that stuff so it’s nice to see ya again here. Happy New Year!!! NQU

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Happy New Year to you too, my friend, and thanks for watching!

[@frankynodots]

Merry Christmas! Good to hear your voice.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Merry Christmas and thanks for being a great viewer!

[@briargoatkilla]

Glad to see you're still kickin'! I been using the same poncho since Uncle Sam issued it to me in 94. Hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting. Never have needed more unless it's super cold. It is heavy, though.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

When it works, it works. And thanks for being a great viewer!

[@Megalevel95]

Hello Mr. Flatbrokoutside, just wanted to say your videos were a major inspiration for my "2 and thru" hike of the AT in '21 and '23. I found all your advice to be spot on! Thank you!!!

[@Megalevel95]

On my hike, I had a pack liner, a poncho, and an umbrella. I found this combo to be entirely sufficient. I didn't use a pack cover, nor did I try to keep my pack dry with my poncho (like you said, it's soaked from sweat anyways, and anything important is in the nylaflume anyways). The poncho allows for superior air flow, as well as range of motion. Also you get to look like a wizard with the hood up. The umbrella was good enough for 9/10 rains. The poncho was really mostly for when it was cold and rainy. The umbrella doubled for sun protection and wand/sword - also always looks cool strapped to the side of your bag. The problem with rain protection, is you need it to actually stop the flow of water reliably. A solid plastic barrier like a cheap 12$ poncho is the only thing that is going to do this without fail (unless you physically tear it or poke a hole in it). DWR coatings are NOT RELIABLE!!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

It's always an honor to have a thru hiker as a viewer! Glad you found the videos helpful! Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks a million for watching!

[@Balathustrius86]

I think there's a good point to make about the attitudes toward getting on on a section hike vs a thru-hike. During a thru, most people have the time to look at a day of forecast downpour and go, "Nah. I'm staying put today. I'll pick up some snacks at that gas station on the road crossing tomorrow and be fine until the next town." On most sections, you have 2-4 days you've set aside to hike, then it's back to work or whatever other obligations you have. So you have to do the miles or you won't get to your car or shuttle pick-up. Sure, you could arrange transportation but you're losing a whole day of your hiking time and that sucks when work looms on Monday. During my thru, I frequently took a shorter day or zero'd for weather. Whether I just didn't have another soggy day in me at that moment, or wanted to hit a certain section under a blue sky (Franconia!), as long as you aren't on a tight timeline, it's so worth it to prioritize good weather when you need it. (A different story, though, if you're racing a deadline or funding limitations.) During my sections, there's typically an itinerary. But in this light, I could take the limitations of my gear into consideration. Once it got warm I just had an umbrella. I never ran into a day where it was too cold AND too windy to rely on it, but many times people asked me what I'd do if that were the case. My reply was, "Probably just wait it out." It's also worth thinking about how raingear fits into your system. I've never crawled into a tent while wet - because I hammock. Tarp goes up first, then I get to work under that. If I'm soaked, I pull out my little camp towel and dry off before I crawl into the hammock. Edit: I shouldn't overstate, perhaps. I hiked in a ton of crap weather. I left the room to say, "Not today" as an exception.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Congratulations on your thru hike! Your points about thru vs. section hiking are accurate and well taken. As well as your experience with a hammock. And thanks a million for watching!

[@philipthompson5796]

NIce to see another insightful video.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Glad you liked the video and thanks for being a great viewer!

[@xPumaFangx]

He's Alive and will always be kickin!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Let's hope! And thanks for being a great viewer!

[@cannibalmanimal2336]

“way back in the 20th century” subbed 👍🏽

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for subbing and thanks for watching!

[@014D]

Thank you for the idea of tying the ropes to the back side of a poncho. This should help with putting it on.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

You're welcome and thanks a million for watching!

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

Flatbroke! 😃

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks again for being a viewer!

[@jamesbailey9838]

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Merry Christmas to you and thanks for watching!

[@wisenber]

If the lows are going to be above the 40s and my pack is light enough, I've moved to Bedrock (or similar) sandals and carry some "toe" socks. Blisters tend to require heat and friction to form, and pruny feet don't help. The sandals tend to eliminate most of that. Plus, they last a lot longer than you'd think. I've had some 800+ mile pairs that were still serviceable. If I think I'll need the coverage of a poncho, I use my "The Packa" designed by Cedar Tree. Covers your pack, your behind and the tops of your thighs while having giant pit zips for ventilation. Not as cheap as a rectangular poncho, but about a third of the price of anything with Gore-Tex. It doesn't claim to "breathe". It just has a lot of ventilation when needed. If being wet bothers you, hiking anywhere east of the Mississippi probably isn't for you.

[@KathyWhiplash]

I wear custom fit wetsuit socks (neoprene). The ones for scuba don't fit well for hiking so I sew my own. I've never been cold on the river. Fuck the trail. 😆

[@wisenber]

@@KathyWhiplash Neoprene socks and booties have given me some of the worst blisters I've ever had when hiking. Flyfishing in the Smokies in January, they're fine.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for watching!

[@cymbolic_space1832]

I have been saying this for a few years now. There is no such thing as "waterproof* gear outside of fully rubberized clothing. It's better to learn how to deal with being wet than to avoid it at all cost.

[@jsweevil]

In fully rubberized clothing, you will keep all of the sweat inside and be wet anyway.

[@cymbolic_space1832]

@jsweevil oh yeah i wasn't recommending that. I was defining the rule with its exception.

[@jsweevil]

@@cymbolic_space1832 yup just embrace being wet. It's all you can really do. I do use an ultralight umbrella as long as there isn't a lot of wind. I have straps that fix it to my pack strap so I can get a breeze to keep from sweating, and stay fairly dry. Only works when it is a steady drizzle or rain with no wind though, and does nothing to keep your lower legs and feet dry. But that and a frogg toggs rain coat left open can help tremendously. It's also easy to take a break under the umbrella and eat a snack, check your phone, or look through your pack without getting everything soaked.

[@awatt]

Ventile cotton. Just saying

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

That's practical advice! And thanks for watching!

[@RavenBlaze]

Great conversation

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Glad you liked it! And thanks a million for watching!

[@tadghsmith1457]

I tried the nylon sock idea. I didn’t like them. Not only do they stink to high heaven they allow bacteria to fester. After a week of wearing them I had athletes foot for the first time in my life. I’d prefer to risk blisters than a fungal foot infection. Trouble is they say once you get athletes foot you’ll probably keep getting it. It’s back to merino wool for me from now on. Edit: Wet merino wool socks can be wrung out and hung on the back of your pack or hung up at camp or if all else fails put under your clothes and dried against your skin inside your sleeping bag at night. They will be dry, toasty and warm when you pull them on in the morning. That’s how the pros do it.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

FWIW.... Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection. You caught it by coming in contact it. Your choice of socks did not cause it. For a lot more information look up "How to catch athletes foot ?".

[@bkbland1626]

Who would wear the same socks for a WEEK? You're begging for trouble. Get a couple more pair, eh?

[@tadghsmith1457]

@ Having multiple pairs of nylons will only help if you have a chance to wash them or you can carry a fresh pair for each day. Otherwise they just fester. I don’t have time to do laundry on a hike and I don’t want to carry 7 pairs of socks .None of that is an issue with merino socks. They seem to control bacterial growth and can be worn every day for a week without a problem.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Having athletes foot after wearing a certain type of sock does NOT mean the socks caused it. Athletes foot is a CONTAGIOUS fungus. You got it from some source other than socks. Unless you were wearing a pair previously contaminated by someone else. BTW, Washing a pair of socks, while on the trail, isn't difficult. Alternating just 2 pairs is enough for many days of hiking.

[@kevinparker9407]

I'd also add that you are more likely to get athletes foot or thrush if you have high blood sugar, undiagnosed or poorly controlled​diabetes@@oldtimerlee8820

[@Twobarpsi]

Such great advice!!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Glad you liked it! And thanks a million for watching!

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Frog togs is a good one 👍

[@Tom-ub7ti]

I had a coat from them. Keeps you dry for a little while , then the water comes right through. Total crap

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for watching!

[@smd482000]

I got try the 20inch of rope , I was thinking of a rain kilt this up in Maine I got soaked got hyperthermia I spent all day in the shelter trying warm up I had a terrible time my gear just wouldn,t dry out I hung the stuff up in the shelter, umbrella are a pain we did have heracain come ( what left of it got short vid of on u tube) as far as my pack I use a garbage bag in silde of my pack to keep stuff dry my feet trying keep them dry aqua Sox been working for me I tried Sox liners I bought them down when down around uncle Johnny,s glad to hear from you Iam having more trouble with my knees like you we the over the hill gang ! Merry Christmas and happy new year and hike on! Btw you hear about the forest fire up my way a hiker had a spark got a way for them

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for being a great viewer!

[@smd482000]

@flatbrokeoutside6921 thanks have good one merry Christmas and happy new year

[@genelucky4002]

Excellant. As you say, one can tell an experienced hiker.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

I appreciate the kind words, and thanks for being a viewer!

[@susankaempfer8427]

Times being what they are, I’m hearing “reindeer” instead of “raingear.”

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Now that you mention it, it might be fun to hike with a reindeer! You know ... as long as it didn't do much complaining. :) And thanks for watching!

[@susankaempfer8427]

@ hey, if they’re willing to carry their own gear 🤷🏻‍♀️ I know there’s llama trekking and stuff like that 🤔 Maybe there’s a market? 😆 Thanks for the videos, especially the one about hill climbing which put into words what I kept trying to explain to all those twenty-somethings on the trail 😁 Happy holidays!

[@Rwmd953]

My outdoor research gortex keeps me dry. in September i worked out side 10hrs sanding in a down poor not being able to move from my spot as a traffic controller No problem

[@papajeff5486]

SGM looked up, with a sigh, and said, “Sir, you’re not asking the right question”. Mr. Flatbrokeoutside, your point, we’re not asking the right question. “Can anyone make rain gear good for the Appalachian Trail?” is the right question.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks a million for being a viewer!

[@AndreDesdanova]

Obtain large square of thick mil Visqueen. Drape said Visqueen over entire body (making no holes) kind of like a Halloween ghost sheet, cutting it off at about ankle length. Impractical, Yes! But it will keep you dry for sure. Oh, and you should probably tie a belt around your waist to keep the Visqueen from fluttering in the wind.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

No hole for our head? And thanks for watching!

[@AndreDesdanova]

@@flatbrokeoutside6921 No! Just look through the Visqueen, then either stand still until the rain stops or proceed with caution. I've done it. It works.

[@2laughandlaugh]

Good, bad. Hot or cold. Wet or dry. I have never had a " bad" day on the AT.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

That's the spirit we like around here! And thanks for watching!

[@elizabeththompson4424]

same happened to my bicycling.... you SWEAT inside rain gear so you still get WET! especially in warmer weather

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

I can believe that. And thanks for watching!

[@stephenwright3501]

I have only hiked the AT in summer. I use a bivy and a poncho. When it's raining, getting into the bivy and removing the poncho at the same time is difficult, but I do it. I have been hiking (not just the AT) since I was a boy (60 years ago) and this is how I was taught to camp. I get many positive comments from hikers who see what I do, but they don't seem to want to copy me. I think in a previous video you said you switched to this way to save weight.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

I started using a Gatewood Cape, which isn't a whole lot bigger than a bivy. :) Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for watching!

[@oldmango8606]

well said.thanks

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@Jims-VanLife]

I have been hunting back country in the Rockies for many years and have never found anything that will keep you dry. Remember that this isn't trail hiking. You are wading through brush and ducking branches all the time. It's like getting hit by wet mops constantly. If any one knows of alternatives let me know.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Which state? I bowhunted in Colorado once and didn't even see any brush!! Ohio is another story. In another video I recommended against wading through any brush on the AT. The ticks like the brush, and generally brush can be avoided. And thanks for watching!

[@macterrell1]

Maybe it's because of new restrictions on use of PFAS forever chemicals to make clothing resistant to rain?

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

On one hand, I have read that PFAS is in fact highly effective at repelling water. Yet Dyneema is reportedly 100% waterproof. Sil nylon will get wet, but not much water can get through it. We can hope the garment industry will adapt. And thanks for watching!

[@Superduper666]

I prefer my poncho but, if it's warm, I hike without it.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

I know what you mean and thanks for watching!

[@musikerie]

There is NO waterproof raingear that is able to keep dry except for an umbrella

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Yay !

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Good to see you again! Thanks for watching!

[@lindafarnes486]

Oil skins work. But not good for hiking in.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Agreed. And thanks for watching!

[@robertstan2349]

it's all fun getting wet until you add hypothermia to the mix

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

That's a fact. And thanks for watching!

[@S4MBAM]

Bro just go outside and use a rainjacket try it.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Like I said in the video, I tried it. And thanks for watching!

[@inthedirt3224]

its part of the Kali Yuga...in better times rain gear works fine

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

A toast to the better times. And thanks for watching!

[@camojoe83]

That's because these bougie "hikers" these days don't buy real rain gear because of being gram-judged in their reddit hiking posts. Go buy an APECS set and don't worry about the weight. Being dry is more important (if it's actually important to you, some people just want a dry pack and don't care about anything else) than fitting into a certain weight category on your lookatMEdia scratching post of choice.

[@dazykuri]

Yeah I gotta say, we never had these problems back in scouts. Never EVER had my underwear soaked through, what the fuck. I can't help but think the gore-tex revolution and social media has created a race to the (plastic) bottom.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for watching!

[@smd482000]

Oh ps pit zip didn,t help!

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for watching!

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Have to use non breathable raingear

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisftp1312]

[@AndrewDasilvaPLT]

I do not recommend The Trek's site. Their content may be real-world, but is still highly colluded with sponsors and paid posts.

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

That's a good point and I know what you mean. And thanks for watching.

[@jaydee2072]

I just refuse to be outdoors in the rain for long periods of time. Simple as that

[@flatbrokeoutside6921]

Many will agree with you. And thanks for watching!