*🔗 VIDEO LINKS:* My Hyperlite Pack geni.us/ooHO7 Pack Liner geni.us/rLtbS Arc'Teryx Beta AR Jacket geni.us/fw54O My Beta AR Jacket Review ua-cam.com/video/aqoT-AkIHjc/v-deo.htmlsi=FICCDTst6Vxs6orb Patagonia Torrentshell Pants geni.us/JCYld Arc'Teryx Beta AR Pants geni.us/tFT7P Cleaning your Goretex Jacket ua-cam.com/video/dGGlMyRR_8s/v-deo.htmlsi=xWLHI3JDLhFl4Pfr Layering System Video ua-cam.com/video/J8nB94GR-mY/v-deo.htmlsi=dqz52sdq9_3pMIXA Helinox Umbrella geni.us/UwJQ
Regarding umbrellas. I have a pathological hatred of getting wet but do about half my walking in the Tasmanian mountains, which is a bit of a problem. I've been experimenting with umbrellas for about 20 years. This includes on walks such as Eastern Arthurs, White Monolith Range, and winter Overland Track trips. The best way to keep dry is to use a golf umbrella with fibreglass tines. These can blow inside out in the wind but won't be damaged. Stick a rubber chair foot on the tip so they make a good walking pole. For wet weather, a Bunnings umbrella (about $10) is fine. For hot weather, a silver umbrella keeps you cool and actually reduces the amount of water you need to carry. Umbrellas are great to: - knock the water off wet vegetation - keep your camera dry when photographing in the rain - keep you and your pack dry while having lunch - keep you dry when going to the toilet in the rain, including on Tasmanian outdoor toilets - getting in and out of your tent - protect you from the wind (up to a point). I tried a small ultra light umbrella in the EAs last month and found it totally inadequate, so it's back to Bunnings for the next trip. Note that an umbrella is in addition to a rain coat and over pants; it's not a replacement.
@@jamesmcintosh3832 wow, fantastic feedback! I saw someone with a Bunnings umbrella in the EAs last year which is what gave me the idea. Will give it a try!
Scot here with half a century of experience in similar conditions. Some of my favourite tips. 1) Brynje technical mesh vest base layer. This is basically a string vest, worn next to the skin. Used by Norwegian special forces and on the first ascent of Everest. Cap it with a light, fast-wicking, zipped base layer. It keeps wet layers off your skin and traps pockets of warm air. Undo the capping layer zip and you can dump heat instantly. Wicking Alpha fleece on top if it's cold, then a wind shirt, then the hard shell. The damp gets trapped between the wind shirt and the hard shell. Much the best system I've found. 2) Liner socks. Rather than a single thicker sock, I wear multiple layers of liner socks. These dry FAR more quickly. You can wear a damp pair to bed at night under your sleep socks and they'll be dry and toasty in the morning. Putting damp socks over the top in the morning is relatively painless. 3) If you're wearing gaiters you don't need full-length rain pants. I cut mine short and sew on a draw cord. Much easier to get on and off over my trail shoes, and you can leave the bottoms loose for ventilation in most conditions. Hope you find some of this useful!
@@mowsertas Brynje do wool and synthetic tops. I use the synthetic, which is more durable. On remote trips you can wear it for weeks without it stinking up - at least for me. Or you can wash it in a stream, and it will dry on your body in 10-15 minutes. For the socks, I find Coolmax fabric works best.
This was so helpful thank you! I’m actually looking into purchasing those items now! If you don’t mind me pressing you a bit further… would you recommend any type of thermal base layer under the rain proof trousers? I see Brynje do the bottoms that match the top you were talking about. I’d appreciate any advice you might have!
@@To-ingAndFro-ing Hi Natalie. I'm probably not a good person to ask, because my legs don't get cold in anything short of extreme conditions. I simply wear old-fashioned knee breaches and gaiters. If it's well below freezing I'll indulge in a pair of long socks too. I suspect the Brynje leggings might not be very comfortable, but as I've never felt the need to try them I can't help. If you do use them, you'll have to cap them with a tight-fitting baselayer to trap the warm air - otherwise they won't do anything at all!
I absolutly love the rain. Once out camping i was having beers with friends. After a long session i crawled into my tent and fell asleep. What i forgot to do was zip it up,... It absolutly poured down and i woke in the morning with 2 inch of water inside soaked everything i had. I never noticed with all the alcohol in me, not best idea but what an experience, i walked 3 hrs next morning in soaked clothes till i got back to car. Great experiences
The umbrella is one of the best inventions for backpacking, but for some reason I still can't bring myself to using one. When you think about it, a good backpacking umbrella will shade you from the sun while keeping you nice and ventilated, much better than any hat or sun hoodie. It's wind-resistant so it won't flip inside out in windy conditions. It protects you from the rain as well. Some of them can be mounted on the shoulder harness to leave your hands free while you hike. What's there not to love? And yet... I just can't picture myself trekking with an umbrella.
Poncho. And. Gaiters. Hear me out... A good long poncho keeps your backpack dry as well as your backside. They breathe a ton naturally (duh) but can be tightened up for cold winds as well. They can also be an extra tarp at camp, which is more than convenient at times. To me they're more comfortable to wear than a stuffy jacket, and defo much quicker to deploy when weather turns, plus you can add/remove layers while still wearing it. My Onewind weighs 9oz and cost $30. Gaiters keep your legs below the knee protected from rain, wind, and snow, but if you get a good hunting pair then they also protect from bramble and thorns as well as snakebites. More convenient and comfy than full rain pants, more durable than most, and more useful in more situations (thick brush, snake filled rock fields, stream crossings, etc), especially since you're more likely to put them on. My Kenetreks weigh 7oz each and cost $40. Seventy dollars. Twenty-three ounces. Zero issues. The easy on/off is awesome, the added comfort is nice, but the usefulness and versatility are what make this an excellent system. I've had no problem staying warm and dry in the PNW. Plus peace of mind in rattlesnake country is priceless!
Agree with the poncho. I just completed the Portuguese Camino with 7 days of solid rain with an air temp around 20 degrees Celsius. Rain coats and jackets were too hot and steamed up. Cheap ponchos were the best rain protection allowing far greater air flow around your body.
I remember arriving at the first hut on the overland track some 20 years ago to find a shivering and wet hiker who took off with shorts and a t shirt, no pack liner and no cook ware. He was trying to dry his sleeping bag over the small electric heater to no avail. We made him a hot meal, lots of hot coffee and got him warmed up and new longer clothes on. We sent him back down to cradle Mountain where his mountain bike was stashed. He just needed a plastic bag on a few things and a rain jacket and he would have been fine, plus some way of heating up some water/food.
Yes, I have a few more tips: - When you are looking for a place to camp, look for even the smallest protection from wind and weather: behind a rock, under a "safe"(!) branch with lots of leaves, ... anything that mitigates wind and weather helps! If the rain no longer beats horizontally against the tent because there is a rock in front of it, if it only drips gently because a canopy of leaves is protecting it - all of this makes it easier. - I once stretched a tarp in front of my tent in the wind because the tent was then protected from the wind and rain and because the wind didn't pull on the fabric so much, it was quieter and I could sleep better. I could even open the awning a little and cook in it. - Get to know the geometry of your tent: which side, which corner should you put in the wind, which should definitely be in the lee? A friend once took a cheap tent from a discount store with on a canoe trip: a dome that was much too high with only 2 arches and a tunnel with 1 arch in front of one side as a large vestibule. Because he didn't know better, he put the dome in the wind. The large fabric surface was pushed inwards, the inner and outer tents stuck together and the interior space was reduced by 1/3. Together we turned the tent: The vestibule then stood like a ship's bow (overhead) in the wind (the fact that the wind compressed the volume there didn't matter) and the air suction on the lee side (like an airplane wing) even lifted the tent fabric a little and separated the outer and inner tents from each other. So even this rather unsuitable tent survived the stormy and rainy night well. - If you expect constant bad weather, choose a polyester tent rather than a nylon one! - On a summer hike, I had good experiences with the combination of shorts, rain jacket and rain skirt. In summer it doesn't matter that your lower legs, shoes and socks get wet. But the whole hip area and thighs stay dry, get plenty of air and don't sweat. You can also add thin gaiters that end below the knee to protect you from branches and thorns when you're hiking through undergrowth.
Good info, thanks. Whenever I read or hear that some gear or skill will keep one dry while in a rainy wilderness I think that the person claiming so must never have been in a rainy wilderness for more than a couple of hours. In all of my backpacking and mountaineering trips where I experienced rain, I got wet. It is just a fact that you will get wet if you spend more than a few hours in the rain.
Southerner, here. If the trail you are on is a high point and you get caught in a torrential downpour, watch your feet for an increase in snake activity; they usually flee for high ground and may end up on your trail.
Great video! About the umbrella: there is no need to buy an expensive ‘trekking’ model. My everyday umbrella is just as light. I will take it on a multiday scotland hike very soon, and plan to use it as long as it is not too windy. Should also be nice at camp, if you do have to go out again you don’t have to put on your wet rain jacket.
Thanks for your great videos Mowser. I recently tried out wearing a light cap under my raincoat hood, and found that it's really good for keeping the rain out of my face. Also it became too humid and warm to wear the raincoat on a recent walk so I took it off and draped it over the top of my pack with hood on my head- looks kind of silly but kept me fairly dry! I have just ordered an HMG pack as I think the non absorption of water (and therefore weight) by the pack itself is a game changer. Cheers, Aileen
Thanks so much! I like to wear my cap under my raincoat too! Nice thinking with the draping option too - if it works then looks don't matter! Enjoy the HMG pack, I love mine!
It’s certainly amazing to me that challenging uncomfortable situations that happen when you’re hiking turn into fabulous memories. Glad it’s not just me
@@mowsertas love your channel Mouser. Thanks for the response. Nice to have a local with excellent insight and experience. I’m off to hike the Wild Dogs in the Blue Mountains for a few days tomorrow as a solo so really looking forward to getting in to the bush
At 9.00 minutes you explain very well why I dont wear a waterproof jacket, I don't have own one. I wear the Falketind Octa jacket as first layer. More layers might be Falketind thermo 40 or 60 (zip)hood or Trollveggen primaloft 100 zip hood. I will get wet, but stay warm as long as I'm on the move. I change layers only a few times a day but play with gloves, beanies and buffs a lot. There will be a dry layer in my pack. I am considering an umbrella.
These tips qre all great. I'm also from a wet area with 150 days of rain a year. Learning how to get dry is a way better skill than avvoiding getting wet.
I'll hike at night or in the rain if I have to (why do that to yourself?!?), but IF it's not too cold, I won't put on any rain gear (I figure if I get wet from rain or sweat, what's the difference?). When I'm ready to make camp, I set up my hammock and get under it (I like to hang it kind of high), I designed it with a removable "roof" so I have shelter from rain, snow, wind. If there's only me, I'll change into my dry clothes and hop up,or I can change in the hammock. BTW, if your clothes are just a little damp, they can dry in your shelter.
I find that if I need to put on a rain jacket, I’m going to get wet no matter what. Rain or sweat. Open pit zips or unziping the center only helps but doesn’t fully prevent this even with gore tex. An umbrella is an absolute game changer. Lighter than a rain jacket in most cases and multi purpose. I can still use it in wind driven rain, blocks the sun. Gives some privacy for going #2 in exposed areas and best of all I can have it deployed in 5 seconds and put back in the same time. No need to stop hiking. Ventilation is far superior. Combine with a rain kilt for superior protection. Winter camping is a bit different and would recommend for a shell.
@@NicolaEustaceI use the SMD silver shadow UL. Never flipped, super strong, just used it when going on the TMB with rain and 45mph winds. I brought a poncho but didn’t use it.
Great info. thanks. The only time I’ve taken an umbrella was on a canyon trip in the blue mountains, to wind up my mates. As it happens, it was useful to beat off a red bellied black snake, that had fallen into the very narrow steep canyon, into the water from above, and saw my lilo as an escape pod.
I take a Senz mini umbrella with me. It's shaped so that it pushes down into you when wind hits it. I've had it out in 50mph gusts with horizontal rain and it held up fine. I never go out on the trail without it. It's best when its raining with little to no wind however as not having to wear a hood helps you manage your body temperature better which means you get less sweaty.
An Akubra hat is a game changer for me while backpacking in the rain. wear it in camp and on rainy bits of hiking and it keeps my head and torso warm and dry; no need for an umbrella or rain jacket. At camp in extended rains while sitting in my chair i will wear my rain pants and jacket with my hat and i’m almost completely dry every time. Cheers
Subscribed, just found your site after a wet Tassy trip. When we travel to Tassy from Qld unfortunately, we can't choose the weather, we have been lucky, only one hike cancelled in 2 x years due to severe conditions. I would like a Hyperlight pack, but no back ventilation & narrow shoulder straps put me off.
I hear you on the back ventilation and straps - it's all about finding a pack that suits your needs. I had big concerns when switching packs but it worked out ok for me. Will be testing a new pack next year at some stage too.
Wow man this is the best video I have come across since wild camping. I have been actually doing most of everything you have mentioned and just thought that I was doing it wrong. I did the layering system you mentioned because I thought it was common sense but I was never completely dry. Wearing runners and smartwool socks get your feet wet almost immediately but like you just said you drive very quickly. Most of my wild camping is in England as I live here so you can imagine it's very wet. Since watching this video you made I feel reassured that I was doing most of the things right. I have not seen a video like the way you have made this which explains in detail and straight to the point. Fantastic thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks so much, I really appreciate the comments! It really is hard to stay completely dry. Its more a matter of staying warm so even when I feel a bit damp, as long as i have the correct gear, I know I should be ok. I can imagine it's very wet in England! Thanks for watching!
Thanks! I have seen the Rain Skirt Kilt before! Not sure how it would go in dense wilderness and would probably be no good in that environment. However, on a nice open trail it might work ok! I'd just be concerned about water splashing up underneath 😬
The combination works really well on open trails and nothing can beat the level of ventilation on your legs. I fond them fairly wind resistant as well if you get one with a strap midway.
Lol 😂 😂 😂 It's so much fun tramping here in New Zealand. I'm heading to do TA in October this year. 😅🙆🏻♀️ I have the yellow pack liner from Macpac and it's great. Plus dry sacks. 😁
Best part of hiking (tramping) in NZ is NO SNAKES. Don’t have to keep eyes down on the track all the time, so you can enjoy the spectacular NZ scenery.
Thanks for the share. Very helpful. Yes to the umbrella. I use a GustBuster. Rated to 50 MPH. Not willing to test it at that speed. But, the umbrella helps to keep me dry and is solid construction. My go to gear has always been Buffalo Systems Gear. Keeps me warm and comfortable without having to constantly switch gear and wear layers. My Special 6 Shirt is the best. Buffalo Gear is water resistant. But drys quickly. Same with sweat. It dissipates quickly and can be managed. I am experimenting with Hunters Element Halo Jacket for rain protection too. For me, the Hyperlight Pack wasn’t comfortable. Too much weight was resting on my shoulders than at my hips. For some reason, I could not get the weight to my hips. How did you do it? Are load lifters necessary? Cheers to a safe adventure. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
Thanks for watching. I haven’t seen Buffalo Systems Gear in Australia but it looks like very high quality! I have heard similar reports from a couple of others in regards to Hyperlite packs. I haven’t had that trouble and found it sits on my hips well. When I first purchased the absence of load lifters worried me but I haven’t missed them.
And doing the same in reverse when it's raining when I pack up is great- taking the tent inner down and packing everything up in the dry under the tent is luxury. Might make me slower tho 😊
On my first TMB trail in 2010 l noted that all guides carried an umbrella. I have since always carried a pocket umbrella. The only purpose for a rain jacket is when its windy.
This video came up in my recommendations and I'm super happy to listen to your wisdom. I like your easy style of communication and your knowledge based on long experience is great. New subscriber here. I'm a Ninja Nana Tramper in New Zealand. 😊 Yes I have a small silver Kathmandu umbrella and it's great for sun and rain. I also wear a cap 🧢 to have the peak keep the rain out of my eyes. 😅 I'd love to visit Tassie some time. ✈ 🙋🏻♀️ 🏕️
I can cope with drizzly rain when hiking. What annoys me most is my glasses fogging up, or getting raindrops on them. Torrential rain that brings flash flooding is another issue. I turned back when doing Routeburn due to that and rivers flowing deep and fast as well as the track turning into creeks. Cold wind is also horrid if it is wet. Maybe worse of all, is when there has been no rain for a while and you are in rainforest areas, out come the leeches, so check yourselves people, especially before getting into your tent. I missed a hike up the side of a volcano in the Galapagos due to rain and a forecast of it not letting up. The route was rocky and would have been treacherous to undertake. Instead, we hiked through a lovely forest of giant daisy trees. It was magical, and the rain on the foliage was beautiful. I find hiking in rain easier to deal with in warm climates and locations I must say. I too am tempted to pack an umbrella, for shade in exposed locations, as much as rain protection.
first at all - thank you for your advise! it would be more powerful and clear (especially for not native speakers) to understand all of your advice if you show more demos not just talking 😊
I haven't used their jackets ... yet. I have been into Norrona stores and do like the look of them. In my opinion, they feel and look as good as the Arc'Teryx. I think in the next few months I'll will probably get something like the Trolveggen Gore Tex pro light to test out.
I remember when i went for a three day hike in the rain with my friends, basically everything got wet except for our sleeping bags, which were in drybags. My cheap generic brand rain jacket let all the water in. I would've needed this video then.
My $16 7-11 umbrella has saved me so many times through hot sunny day hike or heavy downpour hikes. It conserves water, energy, and protects you from UV and those umbrellas weighs less than 400gr.
I would probably hike with a third of the weight that you hike with and use this weight advantage to hike slow and not sweat in my 100% rainproof polyurethane jacket. Thats what I did on the throughthike last summer at least. Eventually, everyone wets out, but I am really into minimalism recently so I can do really long days. I would love to come to New Zealand because of the challenging weather. I am used to hiking in the Norwegian Mountains and I would really like the challenge!
I spent some time in Norway last year and cannot wait to get back there! Loved it. I am in Tasmania, Australia - very similar to New Zealand with the weather though!
Make a fitted poncho out of waterproof-breathable material. Connect the back-half across upper stomach with a flat-bungee clipped together leaving the front-half loose and breathable. Don't cheap-out on the materials. Don't make poncho to cover pack. Rain-jacket doesn't cover pack, why would one expect a pack-covering poncho to survive brush? Make the length below shorts (if you mostly wear shorts like this author). People buy some PoS cheap poncho, then complain it doesn't perform as well as Montbell or Arcterix - it makes no sense. Make a well-fitting poncho out of quality materials and it'll keep you dry without sweating because it's breezy inside.
Hey Mowser, I've stumbled upon your videos and you have amazing advice. I know this isn't relevant to the video, but I was wondering if you have heard of Wilderness Equipment from Australia? I'm tossing up between buying the Wilderness Equipment Space 2 from Australia and another tent. I use it in NZ conditions, so similar to Tassie conditions but I was wondering if you had heard of this brand and have any personal or word of mouth experience about this tent
Thanks for watching! Yes, have definately heard of Wilderness Equipment. Great Australian Brand that has been around for years! Their packs used to be really popular amongst the guiding community here back in the day. They have certainly gone off the radar a bit these days though. I haven't seen this tent but after a bit of research it looks like a good option and a good tent. Very similar in design to other tents including one I bought - I have recently purchased a SlingFin Portal 3 which is roomy and looks to be a great tent. A review will come in the next couple of months!
@@mowsertas Thank you so much for responding so quickly! :D On one hand I'm super happy to hear that you will give the slingfin portal 3 a review, although it's a bummer that I can't wait and purchase it after seeing your review because I'll need to buy a new tent in the next few weeks! Can't wait to see your review of the Slingfin Portal 3!
I have a WE Space 1. It's pretty weather proof but I don't like the way the fly sags. I always prop up the ends of the horizontal pole with an umbrella or separate pole. One Planet Goondie seems more solid
"666 likes", I made it "667"--lol Good tip on sprucing up the Goretex w/ water repellent spray. Umbrellas, I own a Hunting/Fishing sun/umbrella HAT. I use it on very hot sunny days and mild rainy days, while walking my dog and playing guitar. It straps to your head, but kind of useless on windy days. Keep dry. 5 STARS! --Van
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's great to hear how you make the most out of your gear. Staying dry while enjoying the outdoors is definitely a win!
We should just start calling 'breathable' waterproof fabric a lie. Whatever is real about a breathability fabric rating it ceases when the material is coated with water. What is that if not a lie. Either it has pit zips or it doesn't, everything else is basically crystal magic talk
*🔗 VIDEO LINKS:*
My Hyperlite Pack
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Pack Liner
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Arc'Teryx Beta AR Jacket
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My Beta AR Jacket Review
ua-cam.com/video/aqoT-AkIHjc/v-deo.htmlsi=FICCDTst6Vxs6orb
Patagonia Torrentshell Pants
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Arc'Teryx Beta AR Pants
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Cleaning your Goretex Jacket
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Layering System Video
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Helinox Umbrella
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Regarding umbrellas. I have a pathological hatred of getting wet but do about half my walking in the Tasmanian mountains, which is a bit of a problem. I've been experimenting with umbrellas for about 20 years. This includes on walks such as Eastern Arthurs, White Monolith Range, and winter Overland Track trips.
The best way to keep dry is to use a golf umbrella with fibreglass tines. These can blow inside out in the wind but won't be damaged. Stick a rubber chair foot on the tip so they make a good walking pole. For wet weather, a Bunnings umbrella (about $10) is fine. For hot weather, a silver umbrella keeps you cool and actually reduces the amount of water you need to carry.
Umbrellas are great to:
- knock the water off wet vegetation
- keep your camera dry when photographing in the rain
- keep you and your pack dry while having lunch
- keep you dry when going to the toilet in the rain, including on Tasmanian outdoor toilets
- getting in and out of your tent
- protect you from the wind (up to a point).
I tried a small ultra light umbrella in the EAs last month and found it totally inadequate, so it's back to Bunnings for the next trip.
Note that an umbrella is in addition to a rain coat and over pants; it's not a replacement.
@@jamesmcintosh3832 wow, fantastic feedback! I saw someone with a Bunnings umbrella in the EAs last year which is what gave me the idea. Will give it a try!
Scot here with half a century of experience in similar conditions. Some of my favourite tips.
1) Brynje technical mesh vest base layer. This is basically a string vest, worn next to the skin. Used by Norwegian special forces and on the first ascent of Everest. Cap it with a light, fast-wicking, zipped base layer. It keeps wet layers off your skin and traps pockets of warm air. Undo the capping layer zip and you can dump heat instantly. Wicking Alpha fleece on top if it's cold, then a wind shirt, then the hard shell. The damp gets trapped between the wind shirt and the hard shell. Much the best system I've found.
2) Liner socks. Rather than a single thicker sock, I wear multiple layers of liner socks. These dry FAR more quickly. You can wear a damp pair to bed at night under your sleep socks and they'll be dry and toasty in the morning. Putting damp socks over the top in the morning is relatively painless.
3) If you're wearing gaiters you don't need full-length rain pants. I cut mine short and sew on a draw cord. Much easier to get on and off over my trail shoes, and you can leave the bottoms loose for ventilation in most conditions.
Hope you find some of this useful!
Hey Scot, awesome tips! Thanks so much. Looking into the mesh as well as the sock system. Sounds like a game changer!
@@mowsertas Brynje do wool and synthetic tops. I use the synthetic, which is more durable. On remote trips you can wear it for weeks without it stinking up - at least for me. Or you can wash it in a stream, and it will dry on your body in 10-15 minutes.
For the socks, I find Coolmax fabric works best.
@@tullochgorum6323 I’m on the Brynje site now. Thanks!
This was so helpful thank you! I’m actually looking into purchasing those items now!
If you don’t mind me pressing you a bit further… would you recommend any type of thermal base layer under the rain proof trousers? I see Brynje do the bottoms that match the top you were talking about. I’d appreciate any advice you might have!
@@To-ingAndFro-ing Hi Natalie. I'm probably not a good person to ask, because my legs don't get cold in anything short of extreme conditions. I simply wear old-fashioned knee breaches and gaiters. If it's well below freezing I'll indulge in a pair of long socks too. I suspect the Brynje leggings might not be very comfortable, but as I've never felt the need to try them I can't help. If you do use them, you'll have to cap them with a tight-fitting baselayer to trap the warm air - otherwise they won't do anything at all!
I absolutly love the rain. Once out camping i was having beers with friends. After a long session i crawled into my tent and fell asleep. What i forgot to do was zip it up,... It absolutly poured down and i woke in the morning with 2 inch of water inside soaked everything i had. I never noticed with all the alcohol in me, not best idea but what an experience, i walked 3 hrs next morning in soaked clothes till i got back to car. Great experiences
sounds like good memories! Thanks for watching AND for sharing!
The umbrella is one of the best inventions for backpacking, but for some reason I still can't bring myself to using one. When you think about it, a good backpacking umbrella will shade you from the sun while keeping you nice and ventilated, much better than any hat or sun hoodie. It's wind-resistant so it won't flip inside out in windy conditions. It protects you from the rain as well. Some of them can be mounted on the shoulder harness to leave your hands free while you hike. What's there not to love? And yet... I just can't picture myself trekking with an umbrella.
Poncho. And. Gaiters. Hear me out...
A good long poncho keeps your backpack dry as well as your backside. They breathe a ton naturally (duh) but can be tightened up for cold winds as well. They can also be an extra tarp at camp, which is more than convenient at times. To me they're more comfortable to wear than a stuffy jacket, and defo much quicker to deploy when weather turns, plus you can add/remove layers while still wearing it. My Onewind weighs 9oz and cost $30.
Gaiters keep your legs below the knee protected from rain, wind, and snow, but if you get a good hunting pair then they also protect from bramble and thorns as well as snakebites. More convenient and comfy than full rain pants, more durable than most, and more useful in more situations (thick brush, snake filled rock fields, stream crossings, etc), especially since you're more likely to put them on. My Kenetreks weigh 7oz each and cost $40.
Seventy dollars. Twenty-three ounces. Zero issues. The easy on/off is awesome, the added comfort is nice, but the usefulness and versatility are what make this an excellent system. I've had no problem staying warm and dry in the PNW. Plus peace of mind in rattlesnake country is priceless!
You make a compelling case with the poncho and gaiters combo-super practical and versatile! Thanks for sharing-Stay safe out there!
I got the STS ultrasil poncho tarp. Brilliant for my setup
I am avid poncho user. Vents. Easy on off or partially on or off when rain in intermittent.
Agree with the poncho. I just completed the Portuguese Camino with 7 days of solid rain with an air temp around 20 degrees Celsius. Rain coats and jackets were too hot and steamed up. Cheap ponchos were the best rain protection allowing far greater air flow around your body.
I remember arriving at the first hut on the overland track some 20 years ago to find a shivering and wet hiker who took off with shorts and a t shirt, no pack liner and no cook ware. He was trying to dry his sleeping bag over the small electric heater to no avail. We made him a hot meal, lots of hot coffee and got him warmed up and new longer clothes on. We sent him back down to cradle Mountain where his mountain bike was stashed. He just needed a plastic bag on a few things and a rain jacket and he would have been fine, plus some way of heating up some water/food.
I have had similar encounters when I used to guide on the Overland. Crazy!
this guy gave us 30 years of knowledge for rain hiking. Well thought out and straight to the point.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Yes, I have a few more tips:
- When you are looking for a place to camp, look for even the smallest protection from wind and weather: behind a rock, under a "safe"(!) branch with lots of leaves, ... anything that mitigates wind and weather helps! If the rain no longer beats horizontally against the tent because there is a rock in front of it, if it only drips gently because a canopy of leaves is protecting it - all of this makes it easier.
- I once stretched a tarp in front of my tent in the wind because the tent was then protected from the wind and rain and because the wind didn't pull on the fabric so much, it was quieter and I could sleep better. I could even open the awning a little and cook in it.
- Get to know the geometry of your tent: which side, which corner should you put in the wind, which should definitely be in the lee?
A friend once took a cheap tent from a discount store with on a canoe trip: a dome that was much too high with only 2 arches and a tunnel with 1 arch in front of one side as a large vestibule. Because he didn't know better, he put the dome in the wind. The large fabric surface was pushed inwards, the inner and outer tents stuck together and the interior space was reduced by 1/3.
Together we turned the tent: The vestibule then stood like a ship's bow (overhead) in the wind (the fact that the wind compressed the volume there didn't matter) and the air suction on the lee side (like an airplane wing) even lifted the tent fabric a little and separated the outer and inner tents from each other. So even this rather unsuitable tent survived the stormy and rainy night well.
- If you expect constant bad weather, choose a polyester tent rather than a nylon one!
- On a summer hike, I had good experiences with the combination of shorts, rain jacket and rain skirt. In summer it doesn't matter that your lower legs, shoes and socks get wet. But the whole hip area and thighs stay dry, get plenty of air and don't sweat.
You can also add thin gaiters that end below the knee to protect you from branches and thorns when you're hiking through undergrowth.
Thanks for sharing these valuable camping tips! It's always great to learn from others' experiences. Thanks for watching!
Good info, thanks. Whenever I read or hear that some gear or skill will keep one dry while in a rainy wilderness I think that the person claiming so must never have been in a rainy wilderness for more than a couple of hours. In all of my backpacking and mountaineering trips where I experienced rain, I got wet. It is just a fact that you will get wet if you spend more than a few hours in the rain.
Depth of knowledge from experience is exemplary and sharing it is greatly appreciated
So nice of you. Thanks for watching!
Yes, I always take my light weight Montbell umbrella. Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for watching!
Southerner, here. If the trail you are on is a high point and you get caught in a torrential downpour, watch your feet for an increase in snake activity; they usually flee for high ground and may end up on your trail.
Thanks for the heads up! It's always good to be aware of the wildlife while hiking, especially in unpredictable weather.
Glad I live where there's no snakes 😏
Great video! About the umbrella: there is no need to buy an expensive ‘trekking’ model. My everyday umbrella is just as light. I will take it on a multiday scotland hike very soon, and plan to use it as long as it is not too windy. Should also be nice at camp, if you do have to go out again you don’t have to put on your wet rain jacket.
Thanks for the tip!
@@mowsertas With a umbrella it will also give you shade in sun i guess.
Thanks for your great videos Mowser. I recently tried out wearing a light cap under my raincoat hood, and found that it's really good for keeping the rain out of my face. Also it became too humid and warm to wear the raincoat on a recent walk so I took it off and draped it over the top of my pack with hood on my head- looks kind of silly but kept me fairly dry!
I have just ordered an HMG pack as I think the non absorption of water (and therefore weight) by the pack itself is a game changer.
Cheers, Aileen
Thanks so much! I like to wear my cap under my raincoat too! Nice thinking with the draping option too - if it works then looks don't matter! Enjoy the HMG pack, I love mine!
It’s certainly amazing to me that challenging uncomfortable situations that happen when you’re hiking turn into fabulous memories. Glad it’s not just me
Absolutely! Those challenging moments really do make the best stories. It's all part of the adventure!
@@mowsertas love your channel Mouser. Thanks for the response. Nice to have a local with excellent insight and experience. I’m off to hike the Wild Dogs in the Blue Mountains for a few days tomorrow as a solo so really looking forward to getting in to the bush
At 9.00 minutes you explain very well why I dont wear a waterproof jacket, I don't have own one. I wear the Falketind Octa jacket as first layer. More layers might be Falketind thermo 40 or 60 (zip)hood or Trollveggen primaloft 100 zip hood. I will get wet, but stay warm as long as I'm on the move. I change layers only a few times a day but play with gloves, beanies and buffs a lot. There will be a dry layer in my pack. I am considering an umbrella.
I love all the Norrona gear. So good!
These tips qre all great. I'm also from a wet area with 150 days of rain a year.
Learning how to get dry is a way better skill than avvoiding getting wet.
Top notch chat. I’ve learned so much. 🙏
Thanks!
I'll hike at night or in the rain if I have to (why do that to yourself?!?), but IF it's not too cold, I won't put on any rain gear (I figure if I get wet from rain or sweat, what's the difference?).
When I'm ready to make camp, I set up my hammock and get under it (I like to hang it kind of high), I designed it with a removable "roof" so I have shelter from rain, snow, wind. If there's only me, I'll change into my dry clothes and hop up,or I can change in the hammock.
BTW, if your clothes are just a little damp, they can dry in your shelter.
I find that if I need to put on a rain jacket, I’m going to get wet no matter what. Rain or sweat. Open pit zips or unziping the center only helps but doesn’t fully prevent this even with gore tex. An umbrella is an absolute game changer. Lighter than a rain jacket in most cases and multi purpose. I can still use it in wind driven rain, blocks the sun. Gives some privacy for going #2 in exposed areas and best of all I can have it deployed in 5 seconds and put back in the same time. No need to stop hiking. Ventilation is far superior. Combine with a rain kilt for superior protection. Winter camping is a bit different and would recommend for a shell.
I think i'm getting on the umbrella band wagon! Sounds great!
I would have thought an umbrella would only work well if it’s not too windy. Haven’t found one yet that didn’t flip inside out in wind
@@NicolaEustaceI use the SMD silver shadow UL. Never flipped, super strong, just used it when going on the TMB with rain and 45mph winds. I brought a poncho but didn’t use it.
Great info. thanks.
The only time I’ve taken an umbrella was on a canyon trip in the blue mountains, to wind up my mates.
As it happens, it was useful to beat off a red bellied black snake, that had fallen into the very narrow steep canyon, into the water from above, and saw my lilo as an escape pod.
😳😳😳😳😬
Thanks Mowser, more good tips 👍
I take a Senz mini umbrella with me. It's shaped so that it pushes down into you when wind hits it. I've had it out in 50mph gusts with horizontal rain and it held up fine. I never go out on the trail without it. It's best when its raining with little to no wind however as not having to wear a hood helps you manage your body temperature better which means you get less sweaty.
That umbrella looks incredible! I may have to find me one! Thanks!
@@mowsertas No worries 😎
Thank you for the awesome video. I love backpacking with my Montbell travel umbrella, and it only weighs 3 ounces!
Thanks for watching! I need to check out these mont bell umbrellas!
An Akubra hat is a game changer for me while backpacking in the rain. wear it in camp and on rainy bits of hiking and it keeps my head and torso warm and dry; no need for an umbrella or rain jacket. At camp in extended rains while sitting in my chair i will wear my rain pants and jacket with my hat and i’m almost completely dry every time.
Cheers
Yep, the good old Akubra! Great idea!
Subscribed, just found your site after a wet Tassy trip. When we travel to Tassy from Qld unfortunately, we can't choose the weather, we have been lucky, only one hike cancelled in 2 x years due to severe conditions.
I would like a Hyperlight pack, but no back ventilation & narrow shoulder straps put me off.
I hear you on the back ventilation and straps - it's all about finding a pack that suits your needs. I had big concerns when switching packs but it worked out ok for me. Will be testing a new pack next year at some stage too.
Wow man this is the best video I have come across since wild camping. I have been actually doing most of everything you have mentioned and just thought that I was doing it wrong. I did the layering system you mentioned because I thought it was common sense but I was never completely dry. Wearing runners and smartwool socks get your feet wet almost immediately but like you just said you drive very quickly. Most of my wild camping is in England as I live here so you can imagine it's very wet. Since watching this video you made I feel reassured that I was doing most of the things right. I have not seen a video like the way you have made this which explains in detail and straight to the point.
Fantastic thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks so much, I really appreciate the comments! It really is hard to stay completely dry. Its more a matter of staying warm so even when I feel a bit damp, as long as i have the correct gear, I know I should be ok. I can imagine it's very wet in England! Thanks for watching!
Lovely upload bud and great topic actually! 👏👏
Thanks so much!
Another great video. Any thoughts on how a Rain Skirt Kilt (in combination with gaiters) would go?
Thanks! I have seen the Rain Skirt Kilt before! Not sure how it would go in dense wilderness and would probably be no good in that environment. However, on a nice open trail it might work ok! I'd just be concerned about water splashing up underneath 😬
The combination works really well on open trails and nothing can beat the level of ventilation on your legs. I fond them fairly wind resistant as well if you get one with a strap midway.
Great timing, I’m walking the Milford in 8 weeks, where it rains more than 200 days each year 😂 wet weather protection is a priority
Good luck with it and enjoy! 😉
Great video, really helped a lot, I took notes! Great group of helpful followers on here too, you’ve a new subscriber!
Glad you found it helpful! Great bunch of subs here! Welcome aboard!
Great advice. Luckily for me it hardly ever rains in NZ
I need to get back to NZ!
Lol 😂 😂 😂
It's so much fun tramping here in New Zealand. I'm heading to do TA in October this year. 😅🙆🏻♀️
I have the yellow pack liner from Macpac and it's great. Plus dry sacks. 😁
Best part of hiking (tramping) in NZ is NO SNAKES. Don’t have to keep eyes down on the track all the time, so you can enjoy the spectacular NZ scenery.
Thanks for the share. Very helpful. Yes to the umbrella. I use a GustBuster. Rated to 50 MPH. Not willing to test it at that speed. But, the umbrella helps to keep me dry and is solid construction. My go to gear has always been Buffalo Systems Gear. Keeps me warm and comfortable without having to constantly switch gear and wear layers. My Special 6 Shirt is the best. Buffalo Gear is water resistant. But drys quickly. Same with sweat. It dissipates quickly and can be managed. I am experimenting with Hunters Element Halo Jacket for rain protection too. For me, the Hyperlight Pack wasn’t comfortable. Too much weight was resting on my shoulders than at my hips. For some reason, I could not get the weight to my hips. How did you do it? Are load lifters necessary? Cheers to a safe adventure. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
Thanks for watching. I haven’t seen Buffalo Systems Gear in Australia but it looks like very high quality! I have heard similar reports from a couple of others in regards to Hyperlite packs. I haven’t had that trouble and found it sits on my hips well. When I first purchased the absence of load lifters worried me but I haven’t missed them.
Lots of great advice. Check out mesh base layer. Really helps with sweat.
Will check it out. Thanks!
Subscribed, great tips. Yep, NOT getting back out of the tent, then nature calls, or here in the US, Bear hanging or bear canisters must be placed.
Thanks for watching!
Geniet van je video’s, Mowser! Wat denk je van systemen zoals Buffalo special 6 shirt?
Ik heb het Buffalo-shirt nog niet gebruikt, maar het lijkt me een geweldige optie. Ik zou het graag eens willen testen!
Great video 👍
Thanks for watching! 😄
The umbrella can also keep the harsh, biting sun off of you, creating mobile shade.
Great video. I put up my rainfly first. This way I have much more room to get out of my wet clothes. Ik put the inner tent in when Im going to sleep.
Great point! Thanks for watching!
And doing the same in reverse when it's raining when I pack up is great- taking the tent inner down and packing everything up in the dry under the tent is luxury. Might make me slower tho 😊
On my first TMB trail in 2010 l noted that all guides carried an umbrella. I have since always carried a pocket umbrella. The only purpose for a rain jacket is when its windy.
This video came up in my recommendations and I'm super happy to listen to your wisdom.
I like your easy style of communication and your knowledge based on long experience is great.
New subscriber here. I'm a Ninja Nana Tramper in New Zealand. 😊
Yes I have a small silver Kathmandu umbrella and it's great for sun and rain.
I also wear a cap 🧢 to have the peak keep the rain out of my eyes. 😅
I'd love to visit Tassie some time. ✈ 🙋🏻♀️ 🏕️
Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching and thanks for the compliment! Tassie sure is a great place to hike. I cannot wait to get back to NZ some day!
I can cope with drizzly rain when hiking. What annoys me most is my glasses fogging up, or getting raindrops on them. Torrential rain that brings flash flooding is another issue. I turned back when doing Routeburn due to that and rivers flowing deep and fast as well as the track turning into creeks. Cold wind is also horrid if it is wet. Maybe worse of all, is when there has been no rain for a while and you are in rainforest areas, out come the leeches, so check yourselves people, especially before getting into your tent.
I missed a hike up the side of a volcano in the Galapagos due to rain and a forecast of it not letting up. The route was rocky and would have been treacherous to undertake. Instead, we hiked through a lovely forest of giant daisy trees. It was magical, and the rain on the foliage was beautiful. I find hiking in rain easier to deal with in warm climates and locations I must say. I too am tempted to pack an umbrella, for shade in exposed locations, as much as rain protection.
It sounds like you’ve had some interesting hiking experiences! Dealing with foggy glasses and leeches can be quite a challenge!
You should come to ROOSEVELT LAKE, Arizona. USA
Can’t wait to get to Arizona!
first at all - thank you for your advise!
it would be more powerful and clear (especially for not native speakers) to understand all of your advice if you show more demos not just talking 😊
Thanks for the feedback! I'll keep that in mind for future videos.
Just starting out، great video
Welcome aboard and thanks!
ik heb in de mouwen van mijn regenjas deelbare ritsen gezet. Dus afritsbare mouwen.. droog lijf blote armen.. lekker fris als het warm is!
Dat klinkt als een geweldig systeem. Bedankt voor het kijken!
Hello, I see you have the Norrona logo on your shirt. Have you had a chance to test their rain jackets? How does Norrona compare to Arcteryx?
I haven't used their jackets ... yet. I have been into Norrona stores and do like the look of them. In my opinion, they feel and look as good as the Arc'Teryx. I think in the next few months I'll will probably get something like the Trolveggen Gore Tex pro light to test out.
I remember when i went for a three day hike in the rain with my friends, basically everything got wet except for our sleeping bags, which were in drybags. My cheap generic brand rain jacket let all the water in. I would've needed this video then.
Hopefully you can avoid that happening again in future now!
The Beta AR is $600 US here in the states. How well does it do in the cold? (e.g. I hike the North Cascades so temps less than 20 F)
It is not an insulated jacket but does offer great windchill protection. Definately need to be layering up and use the AR as you shell.
My $16 7-11 umbrella has saved me so many times through hot sunny day hike or heavy downpour hikes.
It conserves water, energy, and protects you from UV and those umbrellas weighs less than 400gr.
It's amazing how a simple, affordable item like that can be so versatile! Glad to hear it's been a trusty companion for your hikes!
Team poncho and umbrella.
I would probably hike with a third of the weight that you hike with and use this weight advantage to hike slow and not sweat in my 100% rainproof polyurethane jacket. Thats what I did on the throughthike last summer at least. Eventually, everyone wets out, but I am really into minimalism recently so I can do really long days. I would love to come to New Zealand because of the challenging weather. I am used to hiking in the Norwegian Mountains and I would really like the challenge!
I spent some time in Norway last year and cannot wait to get back there! Loved it. I am in Tasmania, Australia - very similar to New Zealand with the weather though!
As far as staying dry in Tassie - is it foolish to attempt tarping?
Definitely not foolish. I’ve seen it done although i definitely prefer a tent. Hammock and tarp a good option in forest!
The more separate bags you have the less efficient becomes your use of space in your pack.
Make a fitted poncho out of waterproof-breathable material. Connect the back-half across upper stomach with a flat-bungee clipped together leaving the front-half loose and breathable. Don't cheap-out on the materials. Don't make poncho to cover pack. Rain-jacket doesn't cover pack, why would one expect a pack-covering poncho to survive brush? Make the length below shorts (if you mostly wear shorts like this author). People buy some PoS cheap poncho, then complain it doesn't perform as well as Montbell or Arcterix - it makes no sense. Make a well-fitting poncho out of quality materials and it'll keep you dry without sweating because it's breezy inside.
Hey Mowser, I've stumbled upon your videos and you have amazing advice.
I know this isn't relevant to the video, but I was wondering if you have heard of Wilderness Equipment from Australia? I'm tossing up between buying the Wilderness Equipment Space 2 from Australia and another tent.
I use it in NZ conditions, so similar to Tassie conditions but I was wondering if you had heard of this brand and have any personal or word of mouth experience about this tent
Thanks for watching! Yes, have definately heard of Wilderness Equipment. Great Australian Brand that has been around for years! Their packs used to be really popular amongst the guiding community here back in the day. They have certainly gone off the radar a bit these days though. I haven't seen this tent but after a bit of research it looks like a good option and a good tent. Very similar in design to other tents including one I bought - I have recently purchased a SlingFin Portal 3 which is roomy and looks to be a great tent. A review will come in the next couple of months!
@@mowsertas Thank you so much for responding so quickly! :D
On one hand I'm super happy to hear that you will give the slingfin portal 3 a review, although it's a bummer that I can't wait and purchase it after seeing your review because I'll need to buy a new tent in the next few weeks!
Can't wait to see your review of the Slingfin Portal 3!
@@bananarama3624 I set it up the other day and first impressions are that it awesome and robust! Cannot wait to test it soon!
I have a WE Space 1. It's pretty weather proof but I don't like the way the fly sags. I always prop up the ends of the horizontal pole with an umbrella or separate pole. One Planet Goondie seems more solid
The Pacific coast of British Columbia can get over 4000 mm of rain annually; I wonder what the natives did to cope without modern gear.
We get similar amounts of rain on our west coast here! Definately would have been challenging in the past!
"666 likes", I made it "667"--lol Good tip on sprucing up the Goretex w/ water repellent spray. Umbrellas, I own a Hunting/Fishing sun/umbrella HAT. I use it on very hot sunny days and mild rainy days, while walking my dog and playing guitar. It straps to your head, but kind of useless on windy days. Keep dry.
5 STARS!
--Van
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's great to hear how you make the most out of your gear. Staying dry while enjoying the outdoors is definitely a win!
We should just start calling 'breathable' waterproof fabric a lie. Whatever is real about a breathability fabric rating it ceases when the material is coated with water. What is that if not a lie. Either it has pit zips or it doesn't, everything else is basically crystal magic talk
Agree. Proof? All the venting options. If it really was, the would not need all the pits zips and such.
On the topic of backpacks; it's really sad that you pay $400+ for a backpack and then have to waterproof it yourself.
Wet socks should spend the night under your clothes on your stomach - and pretty dry in the morning.....
Good idea! I have been known to to keep them on the inside of my thermals that I’m wearing.