Rain Pants Needed?

[pontoon]

If I'm hunting in weather that's in the 40s-60s let's say, do I need rain pants? I plan to have a waterproof hardshell for layering purposes and as rain protection. I haven't ever really had rain pants but I'm wondering if I should get them and bring them. The upside of not bringing them is I would save weight and money as the ones I'm looking at are not cheap. However, if rain pants are really needed, I will bring them.

 

[twall13]

That depends on the place, time of year, and type of hunting you plan on doing. Some places like Utah and Colorado will rain on you in the fall, but it's typically just a short thunderstorm in the afternoon. Alaska, or Washington and you might get rained on solid for 10 days straight. Do you intend to hunt through the rain, or hunker down under a tree or in your tent if it rains? Do you have decent gaiters? Are your main pants a soft shell fabric with a DWR coating or a wool? For me, all of those things would come into play in determining if I need to bring rain pants. I'd also check the weather just before leaving but you obviously need to have rain pants for that to matter at that point. Give us a bit more information.

 

[pontoon]

It's the Sierras in California in the fall. Temps might be 40-60 degrees. If the rain is going to be persistent, I will hunt in it, assuming it's not a thunderstorm. The pants won't be waterproof.

 

[307]

I learned the hard way to have rain pants available. Hunting in Wyoming this fall, where it "never" rains I didn't think they were necessary and for the rain/snow that was coming down from overhead, it wasn't. However, the frost, dew, and snow on the tall grass I was hiking through completely drenched my pants up to mid thigh in very short order. Luckily, I was not backpack hunting so I could change clothes and get things dried out but it was a lesson I won't forget. IMO, have the rain pants with you.

 

[twall13]

307 makes a good point. On a backpack hunt I've always taken them just in case. Day hunting not necessarily. On a Colorado Mule Deer hunt last year I was glad I had them for a reason I wasn't expecting. I ended glassing in an area for longer than I thought I was going to be there and even though it wasn't raining, the wind was whipping pretty good and at 40*, the wind cut right through my pants. I put my rain pants on to block the wind better and warmed right up. If I had been hiking it wouldn't have been a problem but sometimes you need to spend the time glassing so it's nice to have the extra wind block in addition to rain/snow protection. Most of the time the DWR coating on my pants and a good pair of gaiters takes care of a light rain or dew from the brush but if the sun never came out I'd get wet eventually. Some guys can live with being a little wet better than others. I don't care for being wet but if I know I'll have a way to dry out quickly then I'll deal with it for the weight savings.

On a side note, if you are getting rain pants, make sure they are easy to get on while wearing boots (full side zips). Otherwise it becomes such a pain to put them on and take them off that I end up just getting wet and living with it. It would likely be the same for you in California where you'll see rain on occasion but it likely won't last for days. It always becomes a debate of whether or not it's worth the time to get them out and put them on.

 

[elkyinzer]

When I'm backpacking or backcountry hunting, whether at home in PA or out west, a pair of Marmot Precip pants are always with me. They are $50 bucks...sure there are better and lighter out there. They work well in anything short of monsoon conditions, stuff into a softball size pocket, and I don't have to baby them around brush and thorns at that price. It's cheap insurance for me as I hate being wet. But if your hardshell is going to duplicate that, I see no need.

 

[pontoon]

Thanks guys I will keep the rain pants in the packing list.

 

[jmez]

I always take them. I hate being wet. That said, if rain is sporadic in your area no need to spend a lot of money on them. A reasonably lightweight pair will be fine. If you are going to Alaska don't skimp.

 

[tttoadman]

Check out these from Outdoor research. They are relatively quiet. They seem pretty durable. I have been pretty happy the few times out with these. I did get wet under these once, but I think it was wicking from other places after being in the rain all day. The 3/4 zips make it nice for venting and pants pocket access without getting "undone". I like that these are available in an earth brown. These were just on Steapandcheap for $113.
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-...ferralID=4c3e8cd5-d039-11e5-ba1d-005056941669

 

[IdahoElk]

Kuiu Chugach have been great for me

 

[pontoon]

I'm probably going to get the kuiu ultra nx which are very lightweight and hopefully made with something comparable to goretex pro.

 

[ljalberta]

I have no experience with the kuiu ultra nx, but I know some other pairs of ultra-lightweight rain pants are fantastic for sitting around, but usually don't hold up too well if your charging through some bush or rough terrain. I'm not sure the sort of terrain your hunting though, so they may be perfect for you.

 

[pontoon]

Yeah I don't know either, I just moved here. From what I've seen the Sierras are a little less brush-filled than some places. In any case I have a hardshell Arcteryx Alpha FL which is just slightly heavier than the kuiu ultra nx jacket, and it's strong enough for me, so the ultra nx is probably about the same. Part of the reason the ultra nx is lighter is that it doesn't have pockets. The alpha fl has one.