Hi,

I will be traveling to Yosemite Memorial Day week and am looking for advice on what kind of rain gear to pack.

Here's my dilema. I already have a spring jacket from Columbia that is weather resistant and has some lightweight warmth. Is that water resitant enough, or maybe too hot for hiking once we get going? The other alternative is to buy a waterproof breathable jacket that is very lightweight. I just don't want to spend another $100 on a jacket if don't have to, but I also want to be dressed right so I can enjoy the hikes.

We will probably hike the Mist trail and a few others. I tend to max out at 5 miles so I imagine we won't be gaining much altitude. A sales person said the Mist Trail can give you a real soaking and I would be miserable with what I have.

I would really appreciate any advice. I've never been in the mountains, and am having a hard time judging what to bring since spring can be so unpredictable.

Thanks!!

We seem to be back to normal weather patterns in CA now, Mist trail will be a pleasant way to cool off. T-shirt and shorts is what you will find most people wearing. Just make sure you have decent shoes to handle the wet and slippery rough stone steps. And wear sunscreen and carry water.

You most likely won't need rain gear at all. Yes you will get a lttle wet on the the Mist Trail but it really is just a heaving mist. By the time you get there it will feel great and you'll dry off real quick. By the way the weather should be great next weekend, it may get a little cool in the evenings though. Have fun.

Hey, Ellbee, we're going to be there too! If you're worried about rain (and I've been there in the past when that has occurred), they sell rain ponchos for $5.00 at most of the stores there, including the grocery store at Camp Curry and Yosemite Village. They're lightweight, pack up tiny, and are easy to slip in your backpack.
Have a great time! I can't wait!

I agree with Surfergirl, just buy a cheap rain poncho if you need it when you get to Yosemite. It looks like you should have some nice weather on Memorial Day weekend.

I've been on the Mist Trail at this time of the year and just got a little wet and other times I would have been drenched if I didn't have the poncho.

Ask the ranger what the conditions are, they usually know.

Utahtea

Get a can of Scotch Guard water repellant and spray your jacket. They also sell waterproofer at athletic shoe stores (Foot Action has one that works really well). I use this sort of thing on my jackets and I say nice and dry in our wet Seattle weather.

Thanks for your advice on the raingear!

Can't wait to go!