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Greg from Glen Burnie, MD on 3/11/2015 12:39:08 PM:
Ok guys I have been slowly gathering the necessary equipment for my July 3,4,5th ride down the C&O. I am getting tight on space and will need to have a handle bar bag or use a camelbak bag (which I do not want to wear).

I have no clue or if it is even necessary, summer rain gear. Any thoughts or ideas on this? I would obviously love perfect weather.
 
Anonymous on 3/12/2015 9:40:30 AM:
If it rains on you that time of year it should be a warm rain so what happens is you wear the rain gear to stay dry but you sweat underneath it so you are still wet. I only use and did use rain gain once I was off the bike and I was glad I had it. That being said, try Frogg Toggs rain gear. Its super light, breathable and I got the pants and bottoms for $20.00
 
Anonymous on 3/12/2015 9:46:39 AM:
Add.......I meant to say tops and bottoms. The whole set only weighs ounces.
 
Paul A on 3/12/2015 10:32:58 PM:
Mount a water bottle on your bike and that should be enough. You'll be passing water pumps every 5 or 6 miles at the hiker/biker campsites.
 
John Aulbach on 3/14/2015 6:52:33 PM:
Water is important. Along the C & O, there are pumps at the hiker/biker campsites and towns where water is available at convenience stores. If the ground is pretty soggy, the water quality at the pumps may be in question. My preference is bottled water.
 
Greg K from Chicago on 3/17/2015 4:38:01 PM:
I spent two glorious days on the GAP and three days of rain on the C&O that only ended when I was about thirty miles from Washington. Light rain gear will work for a few hours and keep you from getting soaked but water will find its way in and make you miserable eventually. On the plus side since you'll be under trees it's a uniform drip. It's also very loud.
 
Paul A on 3/17/2015 11:44:02 PM:
The important thing about biking, or hiking, in the rain is to stay warm enough. Like Greg K. said, you'll eventually get wet. Also at all costs, keep a set of clothes to change into and your sleeping bag dry at all times.
 
Rick from Grafton, Va on 3/18/2015 5:01:02 AM:
I'm a long time backpacker (35 plus years.) Also thru hiked the AT. Been bike packing for close to 29 years. Typically I do without rain gear UNLESS the temps are colder. In any conditions, wearing any manufacturers rain gear, regardless of the cost you will get wet. I wear synthetic clothing that allows me to dry out quickly. I do favor the Marmot Precip Rain Jacket. When I do wear it it seems to keep me drier/longer without that "clammy" feeling. As stated make sure your spare gear is protected so that after making camp you can change into warm/dry clothing. Most people tend to carry their tent and sleeping bag attached to their rack in stuff sacks. If so I suggest that you double bag your sleeping bag or have panniers that are waterproof and large enough to carry your bag inside. I use a 20 degree down quilt so it does pack very small. I always use down bags and very rarely have any problem with wetness. Also, I'd do without the rain pants. Unless your on the small size the pants will constrict and make for uncomfortable riding. Feel free to email me and I can share a lot of info about being comfortable/safe during a multi day ride.- athiker80 at cox dot net
 
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