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Hey Folks,
After spending this deer season mostly dry to move into a soaking wet Elk season I started thinking about how important it is to be and stay dry in the outdoors. Staying dry becomes vital if you plan on being in the wild for more than a day (for hunting, hiking, or SHTF). So I thought we could put together a thread on tips for keeping yourself, and your gear, dry and ready to go.
Here are a few of my own observations to get started.
CLOTHING:
1. Avoid cotton in the wet months. Once cotton gets wet it stays wet and has zero heat retention. Stick to wool, synthetics, or a blend. I like to wear military surplus wool pants when out hunting. Not only do they keep me warm and shed water but they are virtually silent when walking and brushing up against shrubs.
2. Boots. These should be waterproof and breathable. We're in the PNW. There is nearly a 100% chance you'll either get rained on or have to walk through some water. Wet feet are no fun. I recommend boots that go up to the shin so you can walk through small streams without worry.
3. Gloves. Frozen and wet fingers make being outdoors miserable. I like wearing gloves when outdoors as they protect my hands from both the elements and prickly bushes. In the summer I wear the mechanics gloves but in the rainy months I use waterproof gloves. Be aware that some gloves are labeled as "weatherproof"...this just means they block wind and some light rain but will absolutely soak through in a downpour.
4. Rain gear (gortex ect). This material is generally pretty loud and "wooshes" too much for my liking. However in a downpour it's what you want to stay dry as even good old wool soaks through. I've found that wearing an old military BDU top over my Carhart jacket deadens the "wooshing" sound.
CAMPING:
1. Mud room. Have a dedicated space that you can take off and hang up your wet gear. This can be as simple as a tarped area. In a downpour it's no good crawling into a dry tent with wet equipment on.
2. Waterproof everything. I put all my gear (both what I carry while hunting and at camp) in waterproof containers. This can be as simple as a trash bag. Even my sleeping bag always has a gortex bivy cover. You never know when a tent or pack may spring a leak and the last thing you want is a wet sleeping bag.
So what are your tips and tricks to staying dry on the hunt and in camp?
After spending this deer season mostly dry to move into a soaking wet Elk season I started thinking about how important it is to be and stay dry in the outdoors. Staying dry becomes vital if you plan on being in the wild for more than a day (for hunting, hiking, or SHTF). So I thought we could put together a thread on tips for keeping yourself, and your gear, dry and ready to go.
Here are a few of my own observations to get started.
CLOTHING:
1. Avoid cotton in the wet months. Once cotton gets wet it stays wet and has zero heat retention. Stick to wool, synthetics, or a blend. I like to wear military surplus wool pants when out hunting. Not only do they keep me warm and shed water but they are virtually silent when walking and brushing up against shrubs.
2. Boots. These should be waterproof and breathable. We're in the PNW. There is nearly a 100% chance you'll either get rained on or have to walk through some water. Wet feet are no fun. I recommend boots that go up to the shin so you can walk through small streams without worry.
3. Gloves. Frozen and wet fingers make being outdoors miserable. I like wearing gloves when outdoors as they protect my hands from both the elements and prickly bushes. In the summer I wear the mechanics gloves but in the rainy months I use waterproof gloves. Be aware that some gloves are labeled as "weatherproof"...this just means they block wind and some light rain but will absolutely soak through in a downpour.
4. Rain gear (gortex ect). This material is generally pretty loud and "wooshes" too much for my liking. However in a downpour it's what you want to stay dry as even good old wool soaks through. I've found that wearing an old military BDU top over my Carhart jacket deadens the "wooshing" sound.
CAMPING:
1. Mud room. Have a dedicated space that you can take off and hang up your wet gear. This can be as simple as a tarped area. In a downpour it's no good crawling into a dry tent with wet equipment on.
2. Waterproof everything. I put all my gear (both what I carry while hunting and at camp) in waterproof containers. This can be as simple as a trash bag. Even my sleeping bag always has a gortex bivy cover. You never know when a tent or pack may spring a leak and the last thing you want is a wet sleeping bag.
So what are your tips and tricks to staying dry on the hunt and in camp?
