Rain gear

[wcasey755]

So I was a lucky duck that drew for Idaho. I’m planning on going the last two weeks of September. Here in Washington there’s usually minimal rain that time of year . Wondering if I could get away with something like the first lite navigator hoodie that’s water “resistant” and light. Or do I need to get a dedicated water “proof” jacket. First time hunting Idaho so just hoping for some local knowledge. I’ll be hunting the panhandle tag.

 

[MuleyFever]

May depend on how you are hunting. From the truck with changes of clothing maybe. Packing in I would never go without a way to stay completely dry.

 

[wcasey755]

May depend on how you are hunting. From the truck with changes of clothing maybe. Packing in I would never go without a way to stay completely dry.

I’m gonna do multi day trips so that answers it for me! I’ll go grab something

 

[35WhelenAI]

If you want to be part of the great outdoors, you have to prepare to stay dry. Just asking that question is a bit concerning, lol. Why would you EVER not prepare for legitimate conditions that may occur?

 

[wcasey755]

If you want to be part of the great outdoors, you have to prepare to stay dry. Just asking that question is a bit concerning, lol. Why would you EVER not prepare for legitimate conditions that may occur?

Because I haven’t spent any time in Idaho. And I know in my neck of the woods I wouldn’t pack an extra rain jacket and it rains a lot there too. So I’m educating myself ahead of time for a different area. Your rude comment answers the question itself. “Conditions that MAY occur”. Why would I want the extra weight and use up the space in my pack, if it’s going to be 80 degrees the entire time and not rain? I don’t live in Idaho, I don’t have a yearly tracker for their weather. So I asked for a locals opinion.

 

[35WhelenAI]

It's not a rude comment, it's outdoor sense for anybody who has spent time in it... Anytime you prepare for the outdoors whether it's Florida or the great white north, the conditions can vary at any time. The modicum of knowledge folks exhibit with posts sometimes is perplexing. Be prepared.

 

[MuleyFever]

Because I haven’t spent any time in Idaho. And I know in my neck of the woods I wouldn’t pack an extra rain jacket and it rains a lot there too. So I’m educating myself ahead of time for a different area. Your rude comment answers the question itself. “Conditions that MAY occur”. Why would I want the extra weight and use up the space in my pack, if it’s going to be 80 degrees the entire time and not rain? I don’t live in Idaho, I don’t have a yearly tracker for their weather. So I asked for a locals opinion.

When you are really heading out there you absolutely should be prepared for whatever weather MAY occur.

 

[wcasey755]

When you are really heading out there you absolutely should be prepared for whatever weather MAY occur.

That’s exactly what I’m saying. If there’s a possibility, I want to pack it. But if there’s no chance and it’s going to be hotter than hades. I didn’t want to. I’ve never hunted Idaho so I don’t know the climate for the panhandle. That’s why I asked.

 

[MuleyFever]

That’s exactly what I’m saying. If there’s a possibility, I want to pack it. But if there’s no chance and it’s going to be hotter than hades. I didn’t want to. I’ve never hunted Idaho so I don’t know the climate for the panhandle. That’s why I asked.

I get that but what he is saying is that it can rain anywhere and one should be prepared. You know it rains in ID so he is saying you should be prepared for that. I have never gone on a hunt for multiple days and not taken something to stay dry. Doesn't matter if there is no rain in the forecast when I leave my house.

 

[Ross]

Let’s just say you may never be dry in the panhandle…it can literally be a rain forest….as noted be prepared…. I’ve also seen a foot of snow in September…

 

[35WhelenAI]

You're asking a question in February 2026 for an answer that applies to September of 2026 in the western hunting arena. How much more does a waterproof jacket weigh than a water resistant jacket? Honestly. Good luck.

 

[wcasey755]

Let’s just say you may never be dry in the panhandle…it can literally be a rain forest….as noted be prepared…. I’ve also seen a foot of snow in September…

That’s more the information I was looking for. Mid September in my area of Washington is still in the 70s-80s and we are considered a very wet state. Wasn’t sure if that translated or it was different.

 

[cnelk]

Never hunted Idaho but in 2013 in Colorado was a WET September.

I survived with a set of Frog Toggs.
They are always in my pack.

 

[35WhelenAI]

How was that more information than you were looking for? That's the situation you may encounter. Good luck.

 

[wcasey755]

How was that more information than you were looking for? That's the situation you may encounter. Good luck.

Because he wasn’t being condecending and explained that it’s never dry. Not just talking down to me like I’m a idiot for asking about the weather in a place I’ve never been

 

[Geewhiz]

It might rain, it might not. When I go on a multi day pack in hunt in that area I bring a rain shell but also just use it as a general outler layer for wind and general layering. I don’t bring rain pants. You can’t always pack for all the what ifs or else you will have a 200 lb pack. Look at the forecast and pack accordingly, take whatever gamble you wish. I tend to pack on the more conservative side, and it results in a lighter pack. Some time it might come to bite me in the ass but I’ve survived this far.

 

[35WhelenAI]

It's not condescending, to say bluntly that packing a waterproof system should be part of plans for in Western hunting. The question itself shows little research in and of itself. Living in Colorado, my experience is that is the status quo for folks in general. Apologies that my predisposition to folks not being prepared came out.

 

[wcasey755]

It might rain, it might not. When I go on a multi day pack in hunt in that area I bring a rain shell but also just use it as a general outler layer for wind and general layering. I don’t bring rain pants. You can’t always pack for all the what ifs or else you will have a 200 lb pack. Look at the forecast and pack accordingly, take whatever gamble you wish. I tend to pack on the more conservative side, and it results in a lighter pack. Some time it might come to bite me in the ass but I’ve survived this far.

Yeah that’s the main reason I was asking. I’m already planning on forgoing the rain pants to just tough it out with gaiters and good boots. I like to go light as possible. But first time in Idaho it sounds like I should pack for the rain!

 

[justinspicher]

I haven’t carried or used a rain jacket in quite some time, probably close to a decade.

Moving in a rain jacket gets me sweaty so it’s pointless. I’ll just hang out under a tree and wait for it to stop of I have to. I know I’m not going to use it, so I don’t carry it. In fact, I don’t even own a rain jacket.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Another 6 to 8 oz can get you rain pants. Might be worth consideration. What is your goal with respect to choosing what you pack? Staying secure from the elements or saving less than a pound of weight?