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Re: [at-l] Umbrellas

I have never used an umbrella while hiking the AT.  I have never even
considered it, because:

Rain, on the trail, comes from two sources, directly from the sky and moreso,
indirectly from the leaves on trees and bushes during and after a rain storm.

At many places along the AT the shrubs, scrub oaks, berry bushes, and low
trees grow over the trail to the point that you have to break them off, step
on them, or brush them aside with your arms or walking stick to pass.  How
would you do this while holding an umbrella?  You would have to close the
umbrella and put it in a protective cover to get by. In the process you would
get wet from the water on the leaves,etc.

You will find when you push your way through overgrown areas that branches
and thorny bushes and plants will be tearing away at your clothing and skin.
 I can imagine what would happen to a fragile umbrella.

If you carry a walking stick and an umbrella, you have no free hands.  If you
carry two walking sticks (as many do for balance), you have to give up one
stick to carry an umbrella.  A walking stick is a good idea if you are
carrying a 30+ pound pack, and especially if you are balancing along one of
the many slippery, "rocky outcroppings" along the trail during a rain storm.

Using an umbrella limits forward/upward vision during a heavy rainfall.  I
have missed shelter signs and other important signs in this situation,
because signs are usually placed high up on trees to prevent tampering, and I
tend to keep my head down to keep the rain off my face during a storm.

Two other alternatives: (1) find a dry place (shelter,etc.) and wait out
heavy storms and make up the time later.  (2) Use no rain gear at all, (in
warm weather) get wet, then dry off at the next shelter and put on dry
clothes and dry the wet ones overnight if possible.

You won't find umbrellas listed amoung the "Rain Gear" in major hiking
catalogs and suppliers.

I do use a pack cover and everything (that can be damaged by water) in the
pack is in a plastic protective bag.  Everything!

I have never seen a thru-hiker with an umbrella, and I doubt that anyone who
starts a continuous thru-hike or a section hike with an umbrella, finishes
with it.

Lastly, cliche from a hiker I met on the At, "Rain before 7 (a.m.), clear by
11 (a.m.)."

Big E




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