Rain Gear Options For Backpacking

[@ericthemidget9685]

Make a belt of shock cord and line lock. Place over the poncho at the waist. It will prevent your issues of seeing your feet and blowing open. Plus it encompasses the pack nicely

[@trilbyarnold3341]

I use a frog tog rain suit, (pants and jacket.) I plan to open the underarm and attach either snaps or velcro for pit vents. I've done that with the pants, works great. I also carry a light weight poncho folded over my gear so I can quickly cover my backpack or lay down the poncho for setting stuff on out of the wet, I also use it as a floor mat in my large vestibule and I can shelter myself quickly with it while digging out my rain suit. I'm an 81 year old small woman still backpacking and hiking, even though I'm still recovering from a hip fracture a year ago.

[@rootsontrail]

I love the modifications you made for ventilation. I hope your recovery continues to go well. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@perrycoate5016]

I'm a weekend warrior. I go when there is a low chance of rain, so I take the lightest solution since I don't expect to use it. My choice has been the UL Frogg Toggs poncho.

[@tomb7901]

I like long length rain jackets. They're a hybrid of jackets and poncho . Best of both worlds.

[@jbro4779]

Very well done. You touched on everything I have also considered when analyzing which type of rain protection would be best. A rain jacket makes me sweat so much it's pointless to wear it except in heavy winds (so you really need to carry one for emergency) when you can't use an umbrella or a poncho. But, an umbrella and/or a poncho is great around camp or walking in downpours.

[@wandering_not_lost]

Here in the UK rain is almost always accompanied by wind so the umbrella would be of limited use although I can see the attraction if the conditions were suitable. I've always worn jackets and have had lots of different ones. I bought the first ever GoreTex jacket from Mountain Equipment in the late 1970's which cost a fortune, and I've had many more GoreTex jackets. I actually prefer eVent as I find that it's more breathable than GoreTex. I've also got a Paramo jacket which is good in most conditions but lets water through if it rains hard enough. I've just ordered my first ever poncho as I'm planning more long hikes and I like the idea of the one item keeping me and my pack dry, so here's hoping that it will be up to expectation. Thanks for the video which was very useful.

[@blackboardbloke]

At nearly 68, I no longer do long distance backpacking, but I did so for 30+ years, and I carried jacket with two military ponchos for most of them. Jacket for a windproof and light to medium rain, medium to heavy rain, sling a poncho over. One also makes a rapid shelter small tarp (and emergency shelter in an emergency or to make shade on open ground to get out of the sun in very hot weather to avoid heat exhaustion). The second poncho was to make a fully enclosed shelter in cold or foul weather or to make a bigger tarp shelter when studded together. Trekking poles double up as shelter supports. Heavier than bigger than your poncho, but more robust and covers legs to below the knees, arms to the wrists and completely over the backpack. In the '90s I went for a lightweight umbrella designed for trekking, and soon started using it in hot weather as well, rather than a baseball or brimmef hat, to keep the sun off and get the most cooling air to my head. My advice is to take all 3 if you're backpacking and want shelter that's wearable and is more flexible than a tent. The umbrella also makes a wind shield for a stove, a partial door in a wedge ground tarp shelter.

[@rootsontrail]

Great feedback. Thanks.

[@blackboardbloke]

@@rootsontrail If you go to my channel, my most recent video is from last September when I got away for a break after lockdown restrictions were lifted. Probably not available where you are but I modded a cheap, but decent quality lightweight (about 10.5 ounces) poncho by putting more side poppers (only below the wrists before) and putting a lightweight fold up aluminum pole that I had made up to make a diagonal single hooped side entrance shelter. I use this type of shelter with a lightweight bivvy bag for overnighting on a two or three days hike. Of course, to use as a shelter easily, a poncho has to have grommets/eyelets for staking down or guying out. Using the hooped pole, it forms half of a domed Alpha Tent (Google Alpha Rubicon) poncho pole system. The dimensions of a NATO standard sized poncho are aporox 65" X 90". This size is the best, in my opinion, as it will cover your backpack and come to below the knees. I wear gaiters so the only part that gets wet is my knees when it flaps about. Good for all but the coldest weather, and like you I usually wear long shorts as legs dry out the fastest.

[@gud2go50]

Great review!😊

[@jimvick8397]

I've gotten to the age where I prefer durability and reliability over other factors. I roll with a OR Seattle Sombrero and a Boreal Anorak Titan Poncho for rainy weather down to 40 degrees, with under armor cold gear as a base layer. It's worth noting I'm also a huge guy, so my options are limited to a true fitting 4XLT. If you are a big guy and if you are looking for something versatile for 3 season or winter, I can't say enough good things about the Columbia Lhotse 3 in 1 4XLT where the shell can be worn independently as a rain shell albeit fairly loose... The the Boreal Mountain Loden Anorak in 4XLT is also awesome. Right now my big middle finger to any weather loadout (meaning I know the weather is going to be shit and I don't care I'm going to the mountains) is Boreal mountain Loden Anorak, Boreal mountain Titan Poncho, Boreal Mountain Ushanka, OR Seattle Sombrero, Smartwool Balaclava, OR Alti gloves. I've tested it out, and can layer the Balaclava, Ushanka, and Seattle Sombrero all at the same time if necessary... For footwear, La Sportiva Lhotse boots and Mountain tools insulated Supergaiters (these are so awesome)... But anyone reading this probably knows all this...

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I've had a great experience with the Snugpack poncho. Longer, much more material to cover your backpack and has arms with thumbholes. Hood is well fitting and also a velcro map pocket in the front.

[@rootsontrail]

I'm a big fan of Snugpak gear. Before I switched to a quilt, I was using one of their lightweight sleeping bags as my summer bag for camping.

[@donnydread7631]

I’ve always been a fan of the large military rain poncho, but I’m waiting for my big pack to come to try with it. Thanks for your input.

[@kene3431]

Lots of options for ponchos. Some are bigger in the back to cover the pack, and the front. They can also be used as a tarp. I live in Missouri which is an ancient word for "rains all the time". I find ponchos, when used properly, stop the rain the best.

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Generally I prefer a more heavyweight poncho. It is such a versatile piece of kit: ground sheet, tarp, emergency bivvy, awning to your tent. The very lightweight ponchos are a bit naff and super flappy.

[@Querenciatv]

Awesome Video! Thank you for sharing. Can't wait to see more content 👍

[@rootsontrail]

Thank you for watching.

[@bestillonthetrail234]

Great comparison Roots! I liked using the umbrella on the trail and preferred hands free. I agree that having a rain jacket also is a good idea and had the cheap Frogg Togg rain jacket and like you said, it was good for warmth when windy and cold. Since I started late, the umbrella was perfect on rainy days especially on the hot days.

[@rootsontrail]

Thanks for sharing your experience, PTL. I appreciate hearing from folks like you who have truly tested their gear on a thru hike. Happy new year and God bless you and your family.

[@develentsai3215]

My tarp for my hammock is too short if I set it to a rectangular shape so I use my poncho to cover my tarp to act as an extension to my tarp and tarp door so I can cover my hammock fully:) nothing beat a poncho, I can use it as gear sling, ground sheet, hammock chair!

[@Kevinschart]

Before I had a rain jacket I was a poncho guy, mainly because I didn't know any better. And hiking with other people it was always the same story. My arms were wet but everything else was mostly dry. Meanwhile everyone else in my group was in their wetted out rain jackets, wondering what went wrong. IMO, I think the poncho is a great option when it's warm. But the rain jacket breathes better in cold temps, and also provides a better shell layer for warmth when the weather drops.

[@ryaniam22]

Yes here in Canada I wear a goretex rain jacket for when there is pretty much no chance of rain at all which is ironically the only time goretex is breathable. Goretex or other rain jackets are really good to wear from -5 to -20 celcisu as a windbreaker which allows your underlayment to be much more effective and less bulky. For actual rain always wear a poncho. Maybe an open rain jacket AND a poncho over it but seriously a poncho nearly always does as well or better in serious prolonged rain.

[@packback123]

use two hydration clips on your pack strap. easy on easy off umbrella set up with much more versatility in movement and coverage.

[@rootsontrail]

Great suggestion. Thanks

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

Never seen a backpacking brolly before. Here in Australia the humidity issue is a biggie. Unless it is very cold you tend to sweat buckets in anything less than a mega-buck top line garment. Consider a heavier poncho material, like the cloth Polish/East German ex-military items.

[@blackboardbloke]

A brolly in hot sun saves having to wear a hat, allowing maximum possible air circulation to the head, so worth having.

[@drahculia3579]

Ponchos need to be twice as wide at the shoulder, to ensure arm coverage. And a foot longer at the front/ankles, and two feet longer at the back for backpack and back-of-leg coverage.

[@ulperformance4087]

So, buy yourself an Anorak that meets your needs. Ponchos not only flop about in the wind distracting and reducing concentration, but also get caught on shrubs, etc. creating potential tears. They are also used for tarp shelters but lack sufficient surface area to prevent wind, cold wind, rain and snow from entering. Fortunately, the umbrella doesn't require being h.eld in a hand in your case A fall with one hand is not enjoyable unless you can throw the umbrella away from you when falling.

[@foggs]

I'm yet to use a poncho successfully. It's either too windy or the trail is too overgrown. They have their place but I prefer a jacket. Also rain pants add a surprising amount of warmth

[@rootsontrail]

Yeah, the wind definitely affects the poncho and umbrella options. Jackets are hard to beat in windy conditions.

[@mulatokudzava7797]

Only a poncho can be used to build a little shelter, if necessary...

[@kene3431]

or a bivy bag or ranger roll. 2gosystems has a nice option.

[@Errcyco]

I had to live in the woods in Virginia for two years and I’ll never not have a good rain jacket after that. I’ve always had a Patagonia and in the 20 years since then I’ve only had to get three and the first was just cause I have to a friend and wanted a new one. Second was to big after I lost weight. New one is perfect.. Patagonia Slate Sky

[@mulatokudzava7797]

@@Errcyco Thanks for sharing your experience! I wonder - did you enjoy living in the woods in some way, or was that pure suffering?

[@SeniorHiker77]

Very nice review. I always get wet no matter what method I used so I started using the superman cape method. I'll try to explain put the rain jacket hood on then take the sleeves and tie around my chest. Since I get wet anyway at least I have flexibility. I wish there was a perfect solution. Happy New Year

[@rootsontrail]

Superman cape sounds good to me. Trail hero, enforcing leave no trace principles wherever he goes!⚡️

[@seakyle8320]

tried the euroschirm handsfree?

[@aaronfuentes5919]

Umbrella for the SUN benefits. That heat is brutal. I would like a lightweight blackout umbrella, but a little wider.

[@tomnoyb8301]

Most Ponchos suffer from 1) one-size fits all, 2) poor materials, 3) No arms. What if there were a poncho that fit, was made from expensive wpb (waterproof-breathable/eVent) material and had arms? So this author made his own. Cut exactly to the knees, UL buckle the back-half of poncho around lower-chest, so it can't flop around. Worn under backpack shoulder-straps, neither front nor back flies in one's face. Utilizing 50k-breathable 1.2oz/yd^2 dyneema (dcf). #3 zippered-on hood is removable; head-hole is likewise zippered for waterproof tarp/groundsheet usage. (more...) Front-half Kam-Snaps up the sides, as most ponchos, but since the back-half is secured-to-torso, front-half doesn't waft-around, blocking views, while retaining poncho airiness and comfort. Backpacks waist-belt can secure under or over poncho's front-half, depending on temperature. If it hot, leave front loose and airy outside the backpacks waist-belt. If it's cold, waist-belt around both front and back half's of poncho. Arms Kam-snap out of the way when not needed. Whole thing (XXXL) weighs 7oz. One wonders why some manufacturer hasn't made something like these in small-through-XXXL, just like jackets? Everyone knows the biggest gear-fail in hiking is rain-gear. Montbell, EE and Zpacks make UL rain-gear in the $300 range and Arcteryx, HH and others make $600 solutions. Frankly, they all suck. Yes, they are best in class, but best in class sucks. And what about ponchos? All are rubber or fly-weight garbage-bags. Not a single one thought-through.

[@BeeBop1029]

Yeah this actually sounds great! I’d like to make one. Did you use a template or design (so that I could see details) or did you design in your head?

[@tomnoyb8301]

​@@BeeBop1029 - Used a rectangle for the body, full-sheet (can't waste that $60/yd dcf/wpb fabric). Used hood pattern from a Ripstop-by-the-roll jacket pattern. Flat-zippered the head-hole (14", more if you want chest ventilation) and encircled that hole with another zipper for the hood. Both #3 waterproof zippers. DCF no longer available, but RbtR now has wpb nylon at nearly the same weight (1.4oz/sqyd). They have bungie flat-band for the belt/tie. And Kam-snaps. Another foot or so of arm cut at appropriate angle completes the poncho (Kam-snapped down as needed).

[@narendrabagusadiyaksa1880]

I prefer poncho cause I live in tropical country where breathability means livability. But for gnarly hikes I use my jackets cause I found poncho sometimes tangle my steps when going uphill

[@oliveribasta5929]

Great video✌️

[@johnhart5876]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. As for me frogg toggs is never an option. I've never had a pair last more than 2 weeks. But thanks again. 👍👍

[@somehappenings246]

Does the frogs togs poncho wet out?

[@rootsontrail]

Not so far. The coating on it is kind of like rubber, so it seems more water resistant than regular rain jackets, although not as durable or tear resistant.

[@eduardocastellanos9197]

I think Frogg toggs tends to be a bad choice. Try a larger/durable military poncho, they’re longer, those snaps won’t unsnap as easily and you can tie the front to your body so you can see. All this at the cost of the weight and size.

[@simon6703]

I saw the Superman cape comment. I thought of using my tarp as a cape, wrap around deal. Already with you anyhow but may require some modification to fasten securely. Anyone ever try this?

[@royandergoogle3012]

Very little reference to the effect of wind on the different options.

[@edwardenglish6919]

6 Moons Gatewood Cape

[@Chris66able]

Jacket wins in every situation. All these videos are the same you all compare a really crappy jacket to your poncos or umbrellas. A good well vented jacket with pit zips, light weight, decent hood, does the job much better..For your legs wear either a rain kilt or DWR trousers..

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Alles zusammen Poncho Jacke Schirm mit Regenhosen Seal Skins Socken 650 Gramm .. unschlagbar

[@RussellCambell]

Set up camp before it rains

[@dayhikingforoldies9792]

Have you considered reviewing The Packa? www.thepacka.com

[@rootsontrail]

I was definitely interested in checking out the Packa a few years ago, but was turned off by the ordering process. Orders were processed via email, which I didn't feel was very secure. Have you tried one out? What are your thoughts?