SHEZONE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY

- Gear -

15/3/2019

The longer days and return of chirpy birds are starting to evoke ideas of spring. However, spring doesn't only mean new blossoms and warm days. It also means R.A.I.N. We know that many of you probably don't mind the idea of trekking in a summer downpour but in the spring, when temperatures can be more reminiscent of a mild winter day, getting wet often rhymes with getting cold. Not ideal. But, the good new is, you don't need to let the rain get the best of your outdoor adventure plans. Here are 6 pieces of gear that can make the difference:

1. Backpack liner
Most backpacks are not waterproof, even if they are made with waterproof fabrics, because the stitching used to sew them together creates several tiny holes in the fabric that leak water unless the manufacturer seals them with seam tape (and that's not common practice). Using a waterproof backpack liner is the solution to keep all your kit and food dry. You can either go for a large liner that lets you stuff all your things into it or use a system of smaller waterproof pouches. I use the multiple pouch system when I am trekking over several days so as to order my kit or when the rain is very heavy. That way when I'm opening a pouch with fewer items it reduces the chances of water leaking into ALL my gear when rummaging for a snack or an extra layer.

** TIP ** Check out my "Low-cost Backpacking Gear Hacks" blog post for an easy backpack liner option that you can use and is budget-friendly

2. Rain poncho
It's not particularly pretty but a rain poncho is damn performant to keep you and everything you are wearing dry. Ya, even that backpack! And at the end of the day, that's what you want. So go ahead, throw on that huge rain poncho you can stuff into the outer pocket of your pack (for quick access) over your head and within seconds you and your backpack are protected. For those with an ultralight gear tendency (have no idea what that trend is? No worries, I'll write a post about it soon enough) using a rain poncho also means you can reduce weight as you don't need to carry both a backpack cover and an outer waterproof layer. Win-win. Not sexy but win-win.

3. Gaiters
Gaiters are worn over the bottoms of trousers and the top of your boots or shoes. The idea is to protect you from water, snow, dirt and even pebbles getting into your footwear. They come in different lengths and material but for spring hiking when you can come across wet snow as well as downpours, consider getting a mid-calf to knee length pair made of waterproof material.

** TIP ** Gaiters are also very useful when snowshoeing in the winter as they'll offer waterproof protection to a lighter weight and breathable hiking trouser you can opt to wear in milder conditions or when you know you'll be doing a fair amount of ascension and getting warm.

4. Baseball cap
This is THE best piece of equipment to keep the rain from continuously dripping into your face when trekking. No seriously, it really is. Enough said.

5. Rain pants
We often remember to protect our upper body with a waterproof jacket and completely omit to do the same for our lower part. An affordable pair of rain pants work a treat. They are light to carry and can also be used in case you need to protect yourself agains chilly winds.

** TIP ** Unless you've invest in a pair of synthetic waterproof fabric rain pants that are permeable to air and water vapour, it's best to wear rain pants only when you need the protection. They don't breath and will keep moisture close to your skin. A sure way of getting cold when you stop moving or air gets chillier.

6. Umbrella
Did I say an umbrella? Sure did. When all else fails, a big old umbrella is still a hikers best friend. But of course, this is not a solution for windy or stormy weather.

Some of these can be used whether snowshoeing, hiking, cross country skiing or even mountain biking to name but a few. Have other gear you don't go without if there's rain on your adventure horizon? Let us know which and why they make it into your pack.