News You Can Use-Rain Gear on the Cheap

Dear Trekkers and Parents,

​Rain gear for Philmont can be one of your most important gear decisions, so let me help you out. First of all, Philmont REQUIRES a rain jacket AND rain pants as your rain gear ensemble. This is because of the severe drops in temperature that often come with rain,sleet, or even hail conditions. I have experienced all three and was thankful that I was packing both. It will be this simple-show up without and you will be purchasing them at the Tooth of Time Traders before we hit the trail! Way too risky! Another great piece of advice if you already have rain gear that you might use at Philmont-make sure it is just that-rain gear, and not a wind jacket, and make sure before you go. A fine young man had to purchase a set at a backcountry commissary on our 2013 trek. he learned, sadly, the hard way, when it counted. We were just grateful and amazed that the option even existed and even presented itself at his critical time of need! Secondly, please make certain that your rain gear is both waterproof and breathable. Sounds silly I know, but true as many rain gear makers coat their garments with a water repellant application that can require replacing from time to time. For mine, they just slam wore out and I had to replace them earlier this year. Why not a poncho, Mr. Brown, you say? The Dickens, I say! Ponchos do not give you the severe weather protection you will want, trust me on that! Secondly, along with the rain and a dramatic drop in temperature, comes you guessed it-WIND! Wearing a poncho is like setting sail! Another piece of advice when selecting rain gear, look for a rain jacket with pit zips and rain pants with full or 3/4 zippers on the sides of the legs because you will get toasty in strenuous activity wearing rain gear, even though they "breathe". 

A great alternative to more expensive rain gear are Frog Togs rain suits. Not so durable, and sporting no pit or leg zips, they should likely last for the entire trek, yet are inexpensive, lightweight, and breath well. A lot of thru hikers on the AT carry these. That tells you something. They can be had at Wally World, Bass Pro, Dick's, on line and perhaps a host of other places. Great deals can be also found for decent rain gear on the outlets. No need to shop full retail, but I do recommend sticking with proven performers like Marmot, REI, Outdoor Research, and Sierra Designs just to name a few. Be sure to read reviews before you plunge. Personally, may I recommend the Marmot Precip rain jacket and pants? These are the ones I just replaced after years of proven and dependable service. I have heard great things about the Outdoor Research line as well. Besides the REI outlet, my favorite outlet to find a wide selection of rain gear is Sierra Trading Post. Again, please sign up for their Gear Mail feature to receive additional coupons for an even better deal. 

This is one piece of gear you will want to nail down before our first training gig in April. Remember April showers bring.....don't let it bring misery!

Lastly, timing is everything as they say. It is indeed true with your gear purchases. First off, PLEASE do not rush out and buy everything on the gear list! Put another way, For Heaven sakes, spread it out through the spring and summer. For our first training experience in April, we will be training at an overnight location that we will drive to and from and will use as our base. We will not be backpacking, but we will be hiking, so you may want to consider purchasing your hiking boots by then. Since we will not be backpacking, so you do not have to purchase your pack by then, but don't let a great deal pass you by. I do recommend that you have decent rain gear by the time of this trip. Trekking poles, a 2 L hydration bladder, a day hike bag, might be some other good gear choices for this trip, but not absolutely necessary. We will be using liquid fuel backpacking stoves, though,  and will chow down on a freeze dried supper and other backpacking fare, so you can get a good taste of it, pardon the pun. This fall, you will need to be more fully equipped,  as on our fall training trip, we will be backpacking! Yay!

I hope that you find these tips on selecting rain gear news you can use. As always, if you have any questions, please do not help to contact me. 

Mr. Brown