Got caught in a sudden storm on the Appalachian Trail near Blood Mountain and my rain jacket failed in 10 minutes

Was hiking a section of the AT last month and the sky opened up out of nowhere. My cheap Walmart rain jacket was soaked through before I could even get the hood up. Everything in my pack got wet including my sleeping bag liner. Had to turn back 4 miles to the car. Now I'm shopping for a real rain jacket but don't want to spend $300 if I don't have to. Anyone have a solid mid-range option that actually works for downpours?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee.cole21d ago

Honestly man, $300 might be overkill but Walmart jackets are basically trash in real rain. I'd grab something like the REI Co-op Rainier for around $100. It's not perfect but it'll actually keep you dry in a storm, and you're not out much if it tears after a season or two. Worth the upgrade imo lol.

ramirez.daniel21d ago

The REI one's solid for the price, just don't expect it to last through a hiking season.