Rain gear

[wcasey755]

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.

That’s true, putting in miles probably gets you just as wet trapping the heat in.

Are you running around the panhandle too?

 

[wcasey755]

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.

I get what you’re saying, I really do. However, you’re saying things like “done little reaearch” and being “not prepared” Dude, the question IS research. When you’re researching an area, do you not ask the people who have already been there done that? And it’s February, over half a year until season. I believe that’s the opposite of being ill prepared. From what I’ve learned from my “little research” from the guys on here that were actually trying to help. I need to pack a bit more rain gear. I’m sure you’re a big bad Larry who’s killed a hundred 6 point elk. I’m not, I’ve never killed an elk and I’m going out of state for the first time and doing it solo. It’s pretty lame that asking a question gets that kind of response, when I’m just trying to learn.

 

[justinspicher]

I’ve been up there twice in 2024, for bears. Spring and fall.

I’ve done hunts in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, and South Dakota without a rain jacket.

I’ve also had hunts overseas and haven’t worn a rain jacket there either.

I’m mostly just lazy and don’t want to carry it.

 

[wcasey755]

I’ve been up there twice in 2024, for bears. Spring and fall.

I’ve done hunts in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, and South Dakota without a rain jacket.

I’ve also had hunts overseas and haven’t worn a rain jacket there either.

I’m mostly just lazy and don’t want to carry it.

Dang! I bet you’ve got plenty of stories. I really was trying to avoid buying another piece of gear, But maybe my first time I’ll bite the bullet. I’ve hunted Washington my entire life and rarely use rain gear. But that far from home maybe backup plans are good

 

[35WhelenAI]

Now you've done your research, make the best choice you can. Do you follow people that are lazy or do you follow being prepared?

 

[justinspicher]

I take a tarp, so it’s not like I don’t have anything. If it’s shitty out, I’ll just hang out, no reason to be miserable.

 

[35WhelenAI]

That's an epic thought, take the gear that keeps you dry.

 

[Ross]

The panhandle is known as the jungle for a reason. Many despise it. If you sit out a rain event it may be days and every step where the elk live you are a sponge. You learn to like being sweaty &or wet, or reduce your opportunity for success exponentially.

 

[mtnbound]

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.

Depends on the year, but at the end of September, you could easily see snow in the morning, then have it melt a few hours later, and you get soaked going through the brush. You could also be at the start of the rainy season before the snow starts. I would bring good rain gear.

 

[justinspicher]

If you’re concerned, get a set and take it. If it’s not needed when you get to where you’re going, leave it in your rig.

 

[D_wit22]

Rain gear is equal to cold gear. I always bring it along “just in case” cause it could really ruin your hunt if you don’t have it. I don’t care if the forecast says dry and hot, I still have rain gear and at minimum a puffy

 

[butcherboy]

Get some good rain gear. Take it and either leave it in camp or shove it into your pack if the day looks like you need it. Pretty simple really. I rarely pack rain gear but I only hunt NM and occasionally CO. Lots of times I’m very glad I’ve had it with me. Other options are to pack a lightweight tarp but then you have to deal with all the wet brush after it rains. Another option is to carry a lightweight emergency poncho for those just in case scenarios and then you can skip carrying a rain jacket and pants.

 

[mad_angler]

This far out... definitely buy good quality rain gear. That is not optional.

When you get there and are walking away from your truck, you can decide if you take it or not. If you are going out for the day and the weather shows no chance of rain, you can leave your rain gear in the truck.

If you are going for a few days or there is any chance of rain, take the rain gear. If you don't own it and have it with you, you'll be out of luck...

I would never dream of driving to a 7 day elk camp without rain gear. But there are certainly many days when that rain gear stays in camp...

 

[mad_angler]

... I really was trying to avoid buying another piece of gear...

Quality rain gear is essential in my book. I would put it right up there with good boots and a good pack.

Good gear will last years. Take it when you need it. There will definitely be times when you need it.

 

[LostArra]

but in 2013 in Colorado was a WET September.

All Time Understatement.
We only got a small part of that mess in southern Wyoming but I was soaked for a week with rain gear.
Literally poured water out of my day pack.

It doesn't have to rain for a rain jacket to be handy. If the temp drops on a windy day, that jacket is a life saver