Rain Gear

WEATHERING THE PHILIPPINE WILDERNESS

The weather in the Philippine wilderness can be unpredictable, and rain can often catch you off-guard, even on a sunny day!

Travelling in the rain without water protection leads to drenched clothes, a dripping nose and hypothermia woes.

Here are the types of rain gear essential for your Philippine wilderness adventure, along with their pros and cons:

1. RAIN JACKET

A rain jacket is a waterproof and windproof outer garment made of lightweight material. Typically has a front zipper, a hood and sometimes pockets.

• Pros
  • Keeps you dry and protected from waist up.
  • Rain jackets fit much closer to your body, they are less likely to flap around and catch wind.
  • Provides insulation and warmth in cooler temperatures.
  • Some rain jackets come with built-in vents for improved breathability.
  • Rain jackets are stylish. They offer a wide range of styles and designs to suit your preference.
• Cons
  • Due to its limited breathability, it can feel sweaty and uncomfortable in hot and humid condition or when doing intense activities such as hiking.
  • Only covers the wearer from the waist up. You may need extra gear to cover your waist down if you are out in the rain for an extended period of time.
  • May not provide coverage for your backpack. You may need extra gear, such as waterproof backpack cover, to cover your backpack if you are out in the rain for an extended period of time.
  • Can be bulky and heavy.

2. PONCHO

A poncho is a loose-fitting waterproof garment made of lightweight material, typically in the shape of a rectangle or triangle with a hole in the center for the head. It does not have sleeves and hangs loosely to provide coverage.

• Pros
  • Ponchos provide more coverage as they are normally designed to come down to the mid thigh or sometimes even the knees of the wearer.
  • Due to its loose form, ponchos may provide good coverage for both you and your backpack, eliminating the need for a separate backpack cover.
  • Highly breathable due to its loose fitting. You may feel lees sweaty in hot and humid condition or when doing intense activities such as hiking.
  • Lightweight and and can be compressed down to a very small size.
  • Can be used as a makeshift shelter or ground cover.

   

• Cons
  • Due to its loose fitting, ponchos are likely to flap around in gusts of wind or getting snagged on vegetation or obstacles, potentially resulting in tears or damage.
  • May not provide good insulation and warmth in cooler temperatures.
  • May not cover the arms when you are using them.
  • Ponchos may be perceived as less stylish compared to rain jackets due to factors such as their loose silhouette.

An umbrella is a collapsible, portable canopy made of waterproof fabric, supported by a metal or plastic frame. Typically has a handle for grip and a button for opening and closing.

• Pros
  • Offers excellent protection for the upper body, keeping you dry from the waist up.
  • You will feel less hot and sweaty. Umbrellas allow for better ventilation compared to rain jackets or ponchos, as they don't cling to your body.
  • May provide coverage for your backpack in light rains, eliminating the need of a separate backpack cover.
  • Doubles as a sunshade during hot and sunny weather.
• Cons
  • Requires one hand to hold, limiting your mobility.
  • Limited coverage, leaving your lower body and sides vulnerable to rain.
  • Can be difficult to use in windy conditions, potentially flipping inside out. A gust of wind catching your umbrella may throw you off-balance.
  • May be challenging or unsafe to use in steep and exposed trails.

   

4. LARGE PLASTIC BAG

A plastic bag, such as a trash bag, comes in various sizes and thickness. It can be transformed into a makeshift raincoat if a proper rain gear is not available.

• Pros
  • If a proper rain gear is unavailable, large plastic bags, such as trash bags, may also be used as a makeshift raincoat by cutting holes for your head and arms.
  • Inexpensive and easily accessible in emergency situations.
  • Ultralight and can be compressed down to a very small size.
  • Doubles as a makeshift shelter if a proper shelter is unavailable.
• Cons
  • Offers limited coverage and protection from rain.
  • Can easily tear or puncture.
  • Not as sustainable or long-lasting as dedicated rain gear options.

Consider your specific needs and preferences to choose the right rain gear that suits your adventure style and ensures you stay comfortable and dry in the unpredictable weather of the Philippine wilderness.

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