What raingear do you use?

[cfonnes]

When you go backpacking into your favorite high country lakes, what kind of raingear do you prefer.

I am thinking about buying a poncho that is designed to fit over your backpack also, does anyone use one of these?

[skighhigh]

I am big on Patagonia, they have bomber gear (also an outlet in SLC to get some stuff for cheap!). The thing to do is to look at what your needs are and your budget and what is available. Do a lot of internet checking and research.
Ponchos work great to cover body and pack, but remember to wear a gaiters on bottom to keep you dry their. The biggest downfall of a poncho is wind and branches. Jackets and rain pants that are breathable are key to, but then you would need a pack cover or just bag everything inside twice, this tends to be more cumbersome. Go to a shop and check out their selection, Kirkhams or REI is a good place to start, also the Vortex factory store has some nice rain gear.

[ffjones]

poncho for me, and if its raining harder than the water resistant pack can handle, a garbage bag over it seems to work well.

[Sumner Newman]

I have one of those extendable ponchos designed to be long enough to go up over your pack, but personally, I find them more hassle/trouble than they're worth. Most packs are pretty water resistant or tight and I don't worry much any more about getting stuff in my pack wet, unless maybe I'm trekking in a torrential downpour for an extended period. I usually don't do that, though.

I use just a regular well made poncho - I think I got mine at Kirkhams. You also might want to look into gaiters depending on where you are packing or camping, how often it's wet/raining, and how much you like to keep your feet and ankles dry. I've come close to buying a pair of those, but again, have decided I can probably get by without them.

[RipRap]

I've used Helly Hansen(spelling?) for years and it is pretty good stuff. Cost about $150 for a set of backpacking raingear. If you haven't checked it out already, Cabela's has some good suits that suit all price ranges.

For the backpack, I do what other guys do; just use a heavy weight garbage bag. Works just as well as $25 pack covers.

RR

[Cary]

For backpacking, quality and weight means everything. I have a Marmot Precip anorak and pants. Work great and are very light. The poncho is to bulky, and tents to snag everything when going off-trail.

[Sumner Newman]

I think I tend to agree with what these guys are saying above about rainsuits, anoraks, pants and the like. 30-40 years ago when I started backpacking, ponchos were about all that you heard of or were available. So, I've just kind of stuck with them; plus I really haven't b-packed hardly at all for about the last 10 years until last year when I got back into it again. I will probably only take one trip a year though, although last year I did two trips. So, I haven't done and don't do a lot of it. Gear has come a long, long ways over those year, particularly lately. Cary's advice that quality and weight mean everything when b-packing is right on, I think. I remember starting to look at anoraks and pants, but again, never got around to buying. They'd likely be a good way to go, though.

They're also right about the poncho snaggin' tree branches, etc. when you go off trail. That is something I've definitely noticed and do not care for with ponchos.

[Graycliff]

My best waterproof raingear that is inespensive and can come in a variety of sizes and colors..........the lowly garbage bag, just cut a hole for your melon and arms and you are good to go.

However, I use my Red Ledge jacket most of the time.