Rain/storm and bushwalks

[cajun]

walking home last night in suburbia was like a bushwalk - dodging downed trees and branches. I even startled a kangaroo on the neighbours front lawn.

Some storm that one.

[GPSGuided]

The sky has cleared... Till the next lot of rain.

[digbyg]

They don't help when its raining, but I bless my CLIC reading glasses, mostly hanging just under my chin. They don't fog up, they dont get lost, and they aren't dangling in the way.

[GPSGuided]

Seen friends and colleagues use them and seemed to be pretty neat. Good for reading glasses. Not sure about them as sunnies.

[AlexB]

I've just started bushwalking again after a long break and, well, it's June in central Victoria so it tends rainy just now. I've been making a point of going out in rain or shine (though to be honest, not if it's forecast to be pissing down all day) just because it's good for me to get back in the hang of it. But the added bonus, as so many people have said above, is that it can be just gorgeous when it's wet out, and you don't often see it.

[walkon]

After this week, I'd definitely draw the line short of borderline cyclonic conditions. On numerous occasions I was delighted to be safely ensconced in a lovely dry home.

I've got to say this week that you were referring to above was one of my most fun and memorable weeks walking. I love it when you are tested by both the track and weather conditions. It brings on a real high, something about being in good country in big weather brings it on.

[nq111]

Monsoon season up north is another sight to be seen I guess. Just warm rain.

True, but at times the volume of coolish water running over your body can still chill you substantially - especially if you are up a bit higher and it is cooler and breezier. Nothing like the cold down south, but you could be surprised how cold it can be if ill-prepared. Got to remember the wet season often sees our rainfall at rates per hour exceeding what the south sees in a day. North Queensland can be like standing all day in a cool shower as opposed to Tassie which is generally more like getting misted by freezing water and wind all day.

I'm experimenting with a windshirt for those conditions - I'll still get soaked but so long as I can stop the majority of rain running directly over my skin shouldn't be too bad (it is pretty warm after all). Haven't really had a wet season in these parts for a few years to give this a proper go.

Once the rain actually stops it gets pretty warm pretty quick again though.

My best walking memories all involve periods of rainy, snowy, misty weather. It really adds to the atmospherics, sense of adventure and the hero stories afterwards

[Fr3d]

Planning my first solo hike next month (3 night, 4 days), weather history for the area basically states there more than a 50% chance i'll get rain.
I'm hoping there is rain, will be a good experience to hike in the rain, both to see what it's like and how I handle it.

[walkon]

Planning my first solo hike next month (3 night, 4 days), weather history for the area basically states there more than a 50% chance i'll get rain.
I'm hoping there is rain, will be a good experience to hike in the rain, both to see what it's like and how I handle it.

Just remember to have clothes that are warm when wet and you won't have an issue. Either garbo bag what you want to keep dry or waterproof stuff sacktit. Then at the end of the day you are dry and warm in your tent.
I don't mind rain, snow gums and other smooth bark trees give off the best colours when wet, the leaves are all a beautiful green. Also usually you can't see far so you are drawn into the nature that is close around you, then when it clears for a bit you appreciate the view all the more. Another plus is lots less people venture out in it so more time for yourself.

[Fr3d]

Will be packing sleeping/camp clothes in a garbage bag so they stay dry as well as an eVent stuff sack for my sleeping bag.. Min & max temps can be anywhere between 2 at night & 20 degrees during the day, so will have to see whats happening closer to the day.

Have decent wet weather gear and synthetic jacket for nights , only decision left is whether to hike in shorts and have wet bottom half or pack the rain pants. Want to go as minimal as possible but won't compromise on my own well being.

[Zone-5]

I'm wondering how many of you people wear glasses when bushwalking. Maybe all bushwalkers (except me) are longsighted.
When my glasses get rained on I can't read my map or GPS, nor can I enjoy the views and my camera gets fogged up so I can't show my family where I've been either.

Yep, I'm the same except I put RainX on my RayBan lenses and it gets rid of rain drops and stops fog ups really well...

[corvus]

Will be packing sleeping/camp clothes in a garbage bag so they stay dry as well as an eVent stuff sack for my sleeping bag.. Min & max temps can be anywhere between 2 at night & 20 degrees during the day, so will have to see whats happening closer to the day.

Have decent wet weather gear and synthetic jacket for nights , only decision left is whether to hike in shorts and have wet bottom half or pack the rain pants. Want to go as minimal as possible but won't compromise on my own well being.

Just an aside, Garbage Bags are not totally waterproof,much better to purchase a proper dry bag or pack liner

[Fr3d]

May just stash extra clean clothes with sleeping bag. Sack is more than enough to hold everything.

Has anyone had experience using a DWR spray on a pack, and if so how did it go? Would just spray the body of the pack, avoiding the straps, back pad & waist strap that contacts the body.

[Gadgetgeek]

I've used one of the nikwax products on a pack in the past, although I can't recall which one, and I'm not seeing one thats familiar. It may have been the TX direct (although I know thats not quite the right thing) I don't know that it was terribly effective, it may be that my pack would need a lot more help. Not quite sure, point is, the DWR might help keep the pack itself from soaking up water, but that's still not waterproof. I'd just go with a decent cover, then bag my gear, I do two layers at least, liner then another bag. Often I'll do day clothes in one, and night clothes in another, which gives me somewhere to put damp clothes without risking my thermals (although being wool, its less a problem)