Pack rain fly or not?

[CMF]

Planning on packing in up to 4 nights at time in SE NM. I'm running the Metcalf and Wife is running Exo 4800. Do I need pack rain fly's for either or both? I was originally planning on not packing a fly and having spare clothes in dry bag, but they pack so much better with the clothes loose. I do have the quilts in an eVent dry bag and considered packing them loose too, but don't want to risk them getting wet.
I ordered a fly on Amazon for 15$ that said it was 3oz, but it came in at 6oz, so thinking about the jimmy tarps (2.5oz)if I do get them.
If there is a good thread on this already, please share, but my search came up with very little.

 

[sodaksooner]

Wouldn't fret 3 ounces. A wet pack will weigh a lot more than that. I don't count ounces so not sure how much my opinion matters though!!!

Surely weighs less than a dry bag if you take that out.

 

[Dos Perros]

Rain jackets and rain flys are trailhead decisions for me (based on weather forecast). I have carried neither the last three years. I think if it's raining when you leave the trailhead you put it on, or if the forecast calls for plenty of rain pack it. But if forecast is dry and you have room in your shelter I'd leave it at home. If you get a pop-up rain storm you'll probably hole up in that time anyway.

 

[adamantine]

I have one and have never used it, better to have and not need though.

As guy above said, if there are just passing thunderstorms no jacket or pack cover (when you say rain fly that's usually the term for a tent BTW). Just use your tent fly (proper term use) if that passing shower gets really bad and you need to chill for a while. Usually a thick pine tree will do just fine.

That said, the one time you show up and there is a multi day storm you'll probably want the jacket + pack covers

 

[Rob5589]

There was another thread around and it seemed the pack covers weren't favored by most and dry bags were preferred. So I bought an Exo dry bag for my 3500. That way everything inside stays dry and you don't end up with multiple lumpy bags.

 

[akpredator]

Wouldn't fret 3 ounces. A wet pack will weigh a lot more than that. I don't count ounces so not sure how much my opinion matters though!!!

Surely weighs less than a dry bag if you take that out.

Ounces equal pounds....and pounds equal PAIN!!



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[Krell]

"Newbie" here just trying to get my 10 messages in but I usually always carry a pack cover. Small lightweight, usually never use but worth it to have to keep gear dry inside if needed.

 

[Felix40]

Are you are talking about the guadalupes? If so I probably wouldnt even bring rain pants. Just a jacket would be more than enough in my opinion.

 

[CMF]

Ounces equal pounds....and pounds equal PAIN!!

Exactly

Are you are talking about the guadalupes? If so I probably wouldnt even bring rain pants. Just a jacket would be more than enough in my opinion.

Lincoln NF. What about rain pants there? I was thinking I'd decide based on the forecast for the week, but could I expect any all day rains or would it just be isolated events that come and go?

 

[CMF]

Are you are talking about the guadalupes? If so I probably wouldnt even bring rain pants. Just a jacket would be more than enough in my opinion.

Lincoln NF. What about rain pants there? I was thinking I'd decide based on the forecast for the week, but could I expect any all day rains or would it just be isolated events that come and go?

 

[mastercaller70]

wet pack with wet gear inside weighs more than the rain fly.

 

[Felix40]

Lincoln NF. What about rain pants there? I was thinking I'd decide based on the forecast for the week, but could I expect any all day rains or would it just be isolated events that come and go?

Its been raining/hailing every day for about an hour in the LNF. That may change but I would want the extra protection.

 

[backcountrymuzzy]

I always bring a rain jacket but leave gaiters and rain pants as a trailhead decision usually. SG packs seem to be pretty waterproof so I haven't even bothered buying a pack fly

 

[Blacktail_Packer]

Rain pants are still on the need to buy list. But I’ve been using my tent fly as a sun shade and plan to carry it as a shower cover, until I replace my tent with a tarp, but I also have a pack fly and rain jacket that will at least make it to the trail head for consideration.

 

[mcseal2]

Sometimes if rain looks very unlikely I pack just a GoLite poncho/tarp that is built to fit over me and my pack. It is a pretty multi-purpose item and not to heavy for what all it can be used as.

My Kifaru rain cover fits a much bigger pack than I have, but I like it that way on wetter hunts. I've used it over my legs on long glassing sessions to block wind. I can put it over my pack with only a 6" or so hole left uncovered when laying my pack in the bottom of a wet boat. It's a few ounces that are worth it in wet environments.

Like others said, if I'm in a fairly dry area and there isn't rain forecast I tend to take just the poncho. If there is much chance of getting wet I pack more.