Rani Gear for NW
 

In August I'm to do some extensive day-hiking in both Olympic and N. Cascades National Parks. I need to purchase rain-gear. my question is: Is it wise to only buy the more expensive "breathable" products, or do traditional rain jackets and pants end up keeping you just as dry underneath? <BR> <BR>I would hate to spend upwards of $240 (LLBean, EMS,etc ) on rain gear for this one trip. If the breathable type is the only way to go, are there any suggestions for a good, but more affordable brand. <BR>Thanks in advance for any advice in helping me stay dry in the NW! <BR> <BR>Dave

Gore-tex is worth the expense, in my opinion. With regular stuff you end up steaming in your own juices. LLBean seemed to be the best prices when I bought some recently. That said, I wonder if it will be as wet in August as you think it will. My understanding is that late summer is the "dry" season in the NW. We had one day of rain in 2 weeks during a trip there a few years ago.

Definitely get Gore-tex or similar, otherwise you will overheat and be wetter on the inside than out! That said, you definitely won't need rainpants for August, the most I would carry for day hikes on the Peninsula would be a Goretex jacket. You might even do just fine with a fleece pullover or vest, as the chances of a steady rain that time of year are pretty small (I once did the Vancouver half marathon in a steady rain wearing a fleece and a baseball cap and I was fine--the rain mostly beaded up on the fleece and didn't soak through, and it kept me warm). In the North Cascades, staying cool enough will be your concern; it will be HOT AND DRY over there, so you'll just want to wear shorts and a T shirt (and carry a fleece or similar just in case). Carry way more water than you think you will need and hike early in the day. Also, the bugs will be an issue over there, so bring insect repellant.

One more thing...you might want to check out REI's website for some deals. They have a clearance site that might have something on sale.

Dave, if you're starting your visit in Seattle, you might want to wait till you arrive and use your haberdashery requirements as justification to visit the flagship stores of REI (known hereabouts as the "co-op") and Eddie Bauer, both of which have vast lines of clothing suitable for the outdoors. The REI headquarters store in Seattle especially is a major tourist destination itself - indoor mountain for rock climbing, outdoor test track for trail bikes, streams, etc. Like the LL Bean HQ in Maine but lots more stuff.

Having spent 5 days hiking on Vancouver Island in the pouring rain - breathable is the only equipment to have. <BR> <BR>Here's a low cost alternative. There's a chain in Canada called Mountain Equipment Co-op (web site www.mec.ca) where your dollars should go much further. <BR>

Thanks for everyone's help--great forum;great info!!-- and a special thanks to Elizabeth (from Canada) for providing a lower cost, Canadian alternative. i'm gonna check it out now!