RAIN GEAR

You are gonna get rained on. No doubt about it. Having the right gear and being comfortable in it can make all the difference between a miserable day or a nice change from the ordinary.

Your choices are pretty basic:

Rain jackets

Not full coverage but a good option. Add a rain kilt or rain pants and you have the ultimate in flexibility. Be sure to invest in breathable jackets with zippered armpit vents to allow some degree of comfort while you are exerting yourself. Also a great wind stopping layer on days when it may not be raining but high wind makes staying warm a challenge.

Rain Poncho

Offering more coverage than a jacket, a rain poncho can keep a pilgrim almost completely dry. High quality ponchos are made to cover the hiker and pack so no need for extra rain covers on your backpack. Beware of lower quality ponchos that are too light to stay put in high winds and are no more help that a trash bag. A poncho that ends up over your head most of the time isn’t much help keeping you dry.

Rain Pants

Worn with your rain jacket, a good set of rain pants can keep you much drier in high wind than a jacket alone or a poncho. Look for breathable material and a roomy cut that allows you to wear anything you desire underneath.

Rain Skirts and Kilts

Skirts and kilts are becoming more and more common in the hiking and Camino community. Lighter and more breathable than rain pants, these options can make for a less swampy day on the trail.

Gore-Tex Socks

Waterproof and breathable, Gore-Tex socks are a fantastic addition to your rainy day gear. Worn over your regular hiking sock(s), they add superior waterproofing without adding additional bulk and should not affect the fit of your boots. Good quality socks from companies like Rocky can last for years and thousands of miles. Well worth the investment