[pct-l] Rain Gear

[Randy Godfrey]

Just to throw in my 2 cents worth....

I have done a few 8 and 9 day trips here in the North Cascades with my North Face HyVent 2.5L. The jacket weighs 12.8 oz, which isn't exactly ultralight, but it has kept me dry in the rain and wind and is very packable (fits in my outside back pocket). There was one full day of soaking rain that caused some dampness inside but it was probably a breath-ability issue from wetting out. I chose this jacket over the Marmot Precip because the sales person told me the TNF jacket had far fewer returns than the similar weight Marmot Precip. I'm planning to take this jacket on my thru hike unless someone enlightens me otherwise (PCT vets, don't hold back, I'm open to advise from the pros). 

I've been getting away with wearing my Patagonia soft shell pants as my everyday/rain pants but had a humbling experience recently (legs drenched and cold). I think I'll be going back to the dedicated rain pants. Something light.

Randy