Italy in October - rain pants ?

Hey Fischer,

Are you bringing a rain poncho too? Those are pretty lightweight, fold into its own pouch.

Last year we were in Genoa in Mid-October and had a day or 2 of rain. We walked several blocks to a restaurant for lunch and back, and my jeans were soaked through. And that's not even hiking! Given your plans for hiking, and that you already have the rain pants, I'd say--bring them!

The rain pants will do you no good unless you either head out of the hotel wearing them or carry them with you. I guess rain is probably more predictable in Italy, even in October, than in western France and Scotland. I had to prepare for the possibility of rain every day on my (summer) trip this year. I practically lived in a pair of 97% nylon slacks that shed rain pretty well, though they were not waterproof. On chilly days I added a pair of merino-wool long johns underneath. My rain jacket was shorter than mid-thigh length, and my legs basically stayed dry the entire trip. I may have been lucky, but I had quite a few really rainy days, and certainly encountered rain on others.

I'd be inclined to toss the rain pants in the bag.

I always take e rain pants if I am going to be hiking, including in the Dolomites. It has rained every single time I have been there.

I never put them on or carry them with me for walking in the city. I do carry my good rain jacket. If it is raining hard enough to get our pants wet below the jacket, we might duck into a bar or store for brief shelter ( good time for an espresso or gelato). Or we keep going and then go back to our hotel to change.

I will be in Italy at the same time and do plan some hiking/walking in Lake Como and Cinque Terre. I am bringing rain pants which pack into a small pocket (REI outlet). I can't get a sense if you are mail or female, but my plan on days that we will be outdoors and hiking, I will wear leggings with a short sleeved tunic (top that goes to high hip). This way I will be able to easily slip on rain pants when needed. We spent a day hiking/sight seeing in the South Dakota badlands, that ranged from mist to fairly heavy rain. We are happy we forged on with the day's plans in spite of the weather, but my daughter did the leggings/rain pants and was the happiest in the group!

Rain pants are one thing - they are so lightweight, I'd bring them when in doubt - but how about shoes if you plan to hike 'rain or shine'? Do you have waterproof shoes? Matters more than pants to me.

I always wear a nylon type of pant (no jeans or cotton pants) that when they do get wet, they dry quickly. These type of pants are also good in the cold weather and are comfortable. I get them at Lululemon. Costco often has travel type pants that work. I've noticed that Target also has something similar. Have a great trip.

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. This forum is extremely helpful!

Because we do not want to let possible rain hinder our fun and explorations during this trip, my wife and I decided to pack our rain pants, along with our raincoats and waterproof shoes.

I think you made the right choice. We almost always bring our rain pants and I consider it a good trip if I don’t use them. Like you, we usually plan several days of hiking on our trips. They are light and don’t take much room.

Hi Fischer! Will you and your wife be part of The Best of Italy beginning on 10/11? If so, my husband and I are also part of that tour. I can.not.wait!

Moonheadsc, we are on a different tour staring Oct 2 in Varenna. Like you, we are looking forward to this adventure, during which I will turn the big 6-0. Can't wait for the trip...but could happily wait another 10 years for this particular birthday :)