While spring does bring about more sunshine, it can also bring a healthy dose of rain, many times when you didn’t plan for it. Outdoor enthusiasts from the Pacific Northwest are somewhat always prepared for rain, since it dominates much of the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, but the rest of us throughout the US probably don’t live our lives in galoshes. If you do enjoy the outdoors, however, and realize that spring can be a tricky time for weather, you can gather a few of the best outdoor gear accessories to help keep the effects of a sudden cloudburst from soaking through your excitement. Here are just 3 items we think are smart to have in your collection of outdoor gear to help you make it through possibly soggy spring adventures!
Water Repellent
There are all kinds of waterproof pieces of gear on the market, from shoes to tents, outerwear to even electronics, but you don’t have to hit the mall to stay dry on your outdoor excursions. Simply waterproof the gear you already have with an after-market water repellent. There are different types available to treat virtually any type of material you have, including leather, suede, nylon, and knit materials, and you can choose from a spray or a soak, depending on what it is you want to protect from getting soaked. These products work very well, and usually only need to be reapplied every so often to keep the waterproofing working on your best outdoor gear.
Gaiters
People wouldn’t typically consider gaiters to be the best outdoor gear for rainy weather because they’re normally used to keep the snow from climbing up your pant legs. But snow on your clothes eventually turns them into wet clothes, which is exactly what snow and rain have in common. Having a pair of gaiters on hand for when those rain clouds open up can go a long way in keeping your legs and shoes dry. There are a variety of brands and styles to choose from, but they all basically work the same: an elastic or adjustable band goes under the sole of your shoe to keep it in place, and then another elastic or adjustable band around the top to keep it up on your leg. When not in use, simply roll up and throw in a pocket or your pack.
Pack Rain Cover
Whether you’re on a day trek or one that will take you considerably further, a soaking wet pack is the last thing any of us want. Your pack holds everything we’ll need to survive over the duration of our adventure, and that could include extra clothing, sleeping bag, or electronics like cameras and cell phones. While it’s always a good idea to keep your electronics in a separate dry bag, you can help mitigate some of the potential damage or discomfort by having a pack rain cover. This simple item will no doubt become a piece of your best outdoor gear when and if that rain should ever decide to fall. They come in an amazing variety of colors and sizes, so no matter if it’s a small hip pack or a serious backpacker’s pack, there is something out there to keep you covered!
