We are planning a late May-early June trip to Ireland for next year. We and our two college-age sons plan on doing a fair amount of hiking--Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, hopefully Skellig Michael, and possible others. We know that it's best to plan for rain on any day. What are some of the best types of rain gear as far as keeping us reasonably dry and still having mobility, durability and packability?
Thanks,
Matt
The best rain gear would probably entail a three layer garment of Gore-Tex but this may be cost prohibitive and not the best gear as far as travel goes as it would not be as light or pack as well as some other possibly suitable solutions. I like to check gear I am interested in at Outdoor Gear Lab and Switchback Travel at the links listed below. If there is an REI near you they are a good source of information and you can check out the item in person. There is also information on the REI website about what to look for in outdoor gear, not just the items they have for sale.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/
https://www.switchbacktravel.com/
There are lots of packable waterproof rain jackets at all price points. Costco sometimes has a jacket and pants set for next to nothing. Look for it in the fall, maybe. Come better brands are Columbia, REI and on up from there. Look for a jacket with pit zips so you can have some ventilation while still staying dry. Sierra is a good source for this type of clothing. You just missed a big sale at REI
Waterproof hiking boots/shoes are a good idea, as well. You'll want something with a good grippy sole, of course, for the rocks, etc. The best hiking boots are ones you already own and are comfortable hiking in, of course. A good idea that I have yet to employ is to have a ball cap to keep your hood from flopping into your face.
My GoreTex is from REI, $100. very lightweight, only one layer with a shell but sadly out of stock. Good luck! This may have some useful information?
The best rain gear is the gear that is light and compact enough that you brought it with you, and didn't leave it in the car :-)
I have a "32ºCool" shell jacket that is completely waterproof/windproof with hood. Fits in a pocket - I think it was $9.99 at Costco. It doesn't breath, so you need to unzip when you're going uphill. For May/June, the shell over maybe a fleece over a T-shirt should be plenty. The shell and a fleece are the total of my outer layers. I've carried it for four years in Ireland and Scotland, and I have to admit it was a little inadequate in 80mph horizontal rain on Skye, but we were essentially underwater.
We hiked in very wet conditions in Ireland this year, and were so happy we had rain gear. Luckily you have plenty of time before your trip, so find a few brands/items you like and wait for sales. I bought a Columbia waterproof raincoat (recommended last year by Wirecutter and not expensive to begin with) at Kohls during a Black Friday sale for 50% off. I also found Columbia rain pants that have Velcro straps at the bottom so you can pull them on over your shoes and then tighten them up for 75% off, and a lightweight cirrus down vest from Eddie Bauer at 75% off. The vest was a great addition because the rain and wind can be chilly. All pack small or into a pocket and super lightweight. Love my waterproof Oboz shoes waterproof and a great tread. A baseball cap under the hood of your raincoat enables you to see better. Have fun!
Thanks for your responses and guidance. We browsed the Des Moines Sierra this past weekend, There were some Spyder waterproof shells and one pair of Spyder waterproof pants there that looked like good picks, but we didn't buy anything yet. We will be going to Madison, Wi, this weekend, which has both Sierra and REI. We also have a number of Columbia outlet stores that we shop at in Minnesota. As for footwear, we all have waterproof Keen hikers.
Best way is layers. I have a REI rain jacket with hood that I paired with a Patagonia zip up sweater and then a shirt underneath. It got me through a cold rainy stay in Germany and the lightness of the coat meant that I could fold it up and put it in my bag, if I didn't need it.
Another good source is Eddie Bauer. Just wait for one of their frequent sales with 40-50% off.
You really want a 2.5 layer raincoat (anything else is not going to keep you dry if you get in a downpour like we did two years ago, my sil was soaked, we were dry) , a pair of rain pants and waterproof boots. REI is a great source and right now they have their Coop raincoats on sale.
