[pct-l] rain theory

[waynekraft at verizon.net (Wayne Kraft)]

I have trained all winter for spring marathons a couple of times and have done a lot of running, up to four continuous hours, in bad conditions (upper 30s with wind-driven rain).  I am a little unique because I wear hearing aids and other electronic gear without which I am deaf.  This stuff needs to be kept fairly dry, but a wide-brimmed hat will usually take care of that.  Beyond that, I agree that, assuming you can keep moving, you don't need to keep dry to avoid hypothermia in wet conditions.  But what if something happens,such as injury, to prevent continued movement? What if, despite your best efforts, your gear gets soaked?  What if there is no Starbucks? I don't have answers to these questions.  I still have my Wet Journals (PCT hiker journals during the unusually wet late August weather) if anyone wants them (email me off list). The journals suggest that many were near hypothermic and some were "saved by the bell" by doing big miles to get to a town. 

Umbrellas prevent you from using both your trekking poles, don't necessarily keep your pack dry and are useless in high wind.

Rain suits, Frogg Toggs and the like, are never really totally breathable and don't keep your pack dry.

I haven't used a poncho in years.  They can cover your pack and leave both hands free, but they flap around, get caught on stuff and how breathable are they?

I am thinking I might smear Rogaine all over my body, grow a thick coat of hair and hike without clothes.  Whaddya think?

Wayne Kraft