As the clouds roll in and sunset grows ever earlier in the day, I've been thinking about gear. I personally haven't been out exploring since the summer, and in the past I've not been very well-prepared for snow and/or rain on excursions.

What are some rain-specific equipment items that you carry? I'm thinking of getting some waterproof hiking boots, so if anyone has recommendations that'd be great! I have lots of rain jackets (vancouverite lmao) and some rain overpants already, as well as gloves.

Clothes that retain their heat insulation properties when wet.

There's no use fighting the pacific coast.

Gaiters can be great for walking through grass / shrubs / trees when they're wet. They help protect the lower 3rd of your rain pants.

Proper types of fleece layers continue to insulate well even when wet, unlike cotton. Cotton is basically always a no-no. Wear merino, synthetics (polyester), spandex, fleece, and when you're dry and not moving much, down fill.

I wear a pair of Salomon 4Ds for winter use, they're decently warm so you won't need thick socks if it's cool out or your boots get wet. They're GoreTex (look for this in any shoes you buy) so they breathe okay but don't let water in. Always put your pants + gaiters OVER your boots so water beads down onto the waterproof outer of the boots.

You'll need rubber boots if you're gonna be in water any higher than a few inches (factor in splashing) but for grip, warmth and comfort, gum boots suck.

Take dry spares of socks and under layers depending, a dry bag could be handy (dry backpacks are likely common on the West coast).

.. That's all I can think of for now.

^^^^excellent advice. I didn't appreciate gaitors until I actually got a pair and use them often.

I also dropped a whole bunch of money on a nice pair of gortex pants that tore within about 5 seconds on a rock so learned that lesson. They now look like a patch work quilt. lol

Always, Always, Always have a towel and extra pair of socks with you, at least in your vehicle. I usually prefer a light jacket like a rain shell for warmer times and layer as it cools down, until about 0 or -5c when I start using a winter jacket. I'm not as big on waterproof footwear until you are in cold temperatures, but that depends on the specific situation I'm going into, and each situation needs to be evaluated individually.

I love my Marmot Precip Pants, but I wouldn't wear 'em inside abandonments - just for long wet approaches. Too easily ripped on the kind of crap one often finds inside abnadoned buildings. I simply adore how light & small they pack, while also being able to put them on without taking off my boots; zippers run up each leg, thereby splitting them in half, so easy on/off. I mostly use 'em for hiking & backpacking.

+1 for the merino wool & extra socks recs.

Perhaps put 'em in a dry/stuff sack, while you're at it. Check ZPacks.com for great stuff in that vein. Can't recommend them enough!

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories.shtml

Wool retains its insulation properties when wet.
Gloves, hats, sweaters and socks are especially nice to have.
Get a breathable water repellent suit that fits over your other gear.

Nothing better than ambient heat; hand warmers, chemical (Hothands) or fueled (Zippo) are best.
Small chemical warmers can be used in cam bag to drive out moisture.
Make sure the cam gear is waterproof.
A couple small bush towels in plastic bags for protecting/wiping down cam gear.

Plane ticket to a warm location.

Posted by -Rio- Plane ticket to a warm location.

Gotta be somewhere tropical with places to explore right?

Like the pool bar....;)

Posted by Lola AB Gotta be somewhere tropical with places to explore right? Like the pool bar....;)

Australia~ You can get tickets for <~$1000 and I hear they have the sickest drainz~

Filson tin cloth.