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Selecting a Rainsuit
Ponchos
Ponchos are a cost effective solution for use below treeline.
Above treeline, in high winds, they can be dangerous as well as very ineffective. In a
long, steady downpour you will get wet from at least mid-thigh down.
Plastic Rainsuit
Can be a cost effective alternative to a more
expensive rainsuit. Plastic is waterproof but non-breathable. You will sweat profusely,
even in moderate temperatures. Not recommended at all for cold weather activities as you
will get too wet from sweating. You want to wear these only while it is raining and try to
minimize your exertion while you're wearing them.
Goretex Clones
Virtually all manufacturers have come out with
their own clone material for Gore-Tex. Most of these work pretty well. I have used an REI Ventana rain parka and pants which have
worked very well for summer backpacking trips and winter backcountry skiing.
Currently I'm using a North Face parka and Marmot Precip pants. In summer
time you're going to sweat no matter what you are wearing. Buy something that is
advertised as both "waterproof and breathable".
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex remains the preferred material but at a
higher price. These materials, and the clones, work due to a semi-permiable membrane with
microscopic holes in the fabric. The holes are large enough to allow water vapor molecules
from your body to pass through the fabric to the outside air. The holes are too small to
allow rain drops to pass through the fabric to you.
Due to the high price of Gore-Tex material, some
manufacturers have brought out lower priced rainsuits made from Gore-Tex but with very
simple designs. I don't think these suits are satisfactory.
Rain Suit Design
The quality of the rain suit design is almost as
important as the material used. I think a well designed clone is superior to a low priced
Gore-Tex suit with a simplistic design even though both cost about the same.
Features to look for in a well designed
rain suit:
Pants must have lower leg zippers to allow
putting the pants on without taking your boots off. This means about a 12" zipper. If
you have to take your boots off to put your rain pants on, you're doomed.
The jacket front zipper
must have dual zipper
pulls so it can be opened from the top or bottom. This allows the bottom to be opened wide
for steep climbing.
It must have an attached hood, preferably one
with a visor or bill, a shroud that can be snugged around your face, and a strap in the
back to pull the hood back if desired to keep it from blocking your vision.
Outside pockets are necessary.
Pit zips and an internal mesh liner for
ventilation.
An elastic waist cord could minimize cold air
being pumped into the parka with motion.
Parka and pants stuff into their own pocket
which becomes their stuff sack.
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