[at-l] Hiking in the Rain

[gbenkert@xxxxxxxx (Gregory A. Benkert)]

>Jack wrote:
>As long as it is fairly warm (60's and up) what is the problem with hiking=
 in the rain?

I really enjoyed hiking in warm rain.  There is no major problem with hikin=
g in the rain.  Even at colder temps, the problem isn't so much *HIKING*, b=
ut rather it's more of a problem when you stop hiking what with the potenti=
al for hypothermia.

You do have to be a bit more careful when hiking in wet conditions.  Roots,=
 rocks, grass, mud, leaves all can be quite slippery.

Also, your raingear is really more to keep you warm than keep you dry.  Des=
pite all the ads for "breathable" this or that, you will sweat in your rain=
 gear.  So you either get wet from the outside in or the inside out.


>Does it make for difficulty when breaks and lunch stops are necessary?

Well, at times it can be quite miserable.  At other times it's quite peacef=
ul and enjoyable.  In my case I think it was more my state of mind than the=
 actual conditions.

You will want to organize your pack such that the things you might need are=
 handy.  You don't want to be digging around deep in your pack during the r=
ain.


>Is there a quick way to set up a shelter if one expects to stop in the rai=
n before leaving home?

Probably not.  I think the key is to practice setting up your tent or tarp =
so you can do it quickly.  And to have it near the outside of your pack so =
you can set it up and unpack everything else inside.


>Can a tarp be utilized for shelter without too much trouble or weight?

I used a tarp.  At just about one pound it was quite light.

Big Red

Greg Benkert
gbenkert@fuse.net
GA>ME 2002
www.trailjournals.com/bigred