Rain, Rain, and more Rain

6/25/2014

It was a day full of rain. The mountain was pretty quiet for most of the day. Around 2 p.m. we started seeing wet hikers making their way into the lodge. Some of you were asking about trail safety in case you are caught in as storm while hiking. If Chris and I find ourselves in the middle of a storm, we always try and make it to lower area. You want to steer clear of tall trees, mountain tops, and exposed areas. We then look for a rock outcropping or an area that is somewhat covered. The next thing you want to do is squat with your heels touching. If you can squat on your daypack, sleeping pad, or rock that is ideal. If you can squat without touching the ground that is also ideal. If you were to catch a ground current, the idea is for the current to go up one leg and down the other, without traveling through your main torso. You want as little contact with the ground as possible. Chris and I were caught in a storm the last time we came back to work. The first thing we did was keep hiking until we came to a low area in the trail. We were between two ridges. We took cover until we could tell the main part of the storm had passed. I hope this information helps you stay safe while hiking.

Today is starting out the same way. It is currently raining at the lodge. We heard a forecast calling for 50% chance of rain. If you are hiking up, don't forget your rain jacket or poncho. It will make for a much more pleasant trip. We will have hot chocolate waiting for you.

doug y link

6/25/2014 01:55:08 am

Interesting advice on when being caught out in a storm of a severe nature. I believe that there are many differing opinions on what to do and probably all have a degree of merit and are useful. This is certainly a good subject to investigate further. I often wonder about people on their way to and from the lodge when a big storm rolls through because I've seen so many that are ill-prepared and thus miserable and subject to more dangerous developments. I, too, enjoy a thunderstorm, but of course there are limits to that. As for rain gear, my rain suit is always within quick and easy reach, sometimes attached to the outside of my pack. G'day

Missy

6/25/2014 02:10:21 am

Rain gear is the one thing we've had some trouble finding for our pack. We only hike during our visit to G'burg each fall. Any help anyone can give as to where to find, good brands, etc would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Barbara Allen

6/25/2014 03:33:51 am

Have you thought of using a lightweight umbrella. Some hikers use the Golite or other brands made for backpacking. I have one myself. No rain gear that I have found will keep you completely dry when it rains hard or for a long period of time. I have used the Marmot Precip Rain jackets for years. They can be found online or at outdoor stores. If you can take your time to look you can find a good price sometimes. I found my last one for $49. Main thing is carry a dry shirt or something to put on when the rain stops or rather when you reach your destination because as temperature drops especially with gaining elevation you can become chilled when wet. I like to use synthetic clothes as they will dry on your body from the body heat if you suffer thru being cold for a short time while the clothes begin to dry. The one time I ever had trouble with hypothermia was on the way up to the lodge. Got caught in a storm and was soaked. I knew I should turn back but my lady friend insisted on going on and I gave in. Never again. By the time we reached the lodge we were soaked and the temp dropped and we did not have anything dry to put on. Tim, who was manager then, gave us dry t-shirts and put us in a cabin under blankets and we recovered but it was not pleasant. I am glad he was there or else we were in really big trouble. This was on a day when it was 95 degrees or more when we left the car so always be prepared and follow you instincts or knowledge. BTW some people use ponchos but I find the wind blows them away from the body at times and you still get wet. Also when wearing raingear when it is warm you will be wet from sweating but no matter I still recommend some sort of protection and never leave without it no matter the weather or the forecast. Happy hiking!

elktonbrant

6/25/2014 04:31:01 am

My wife and I have a mishmash of raingear. Our jackets are REI. Her rainpants are Marmot. My rainpants are Columbia. There are multiple places to find quality (and lightweight) rain gear. Two places where we have had luck with multiple gear purchases are REI (in store and online) and the NOC Store in Gatlinburg. Make sure the rain gear is designed to provide air circulation. In other words, the 2 dollar ponchos will ultimately make you wetter from sweat than the rain would have in the first place. We also have "duck back" covers for our backpacks. These are rain covers that cover just our backpacks so our gear stays dry as well. They fold into a very small space, and there have been times we have used those but not our main rain gear.
Finally, you'll find that you'll use your hiking rain coat more than you do a regular one because it is much more comfortable than a traditional rain coat!

6/25/2014 07:20:53 am

Missy: Barbara Allen and Elkton Brant have given excellent advice on the rain gear. They're right on every aspect and detail. I will add only that I never get stingy when I spend on my hiking gear, and in the long run the extra expense will certainly pay for itself !

Sharon S

6/25/2014 04:08:57 am

Thanks for the bad weather advice. The picture is stunning. Wish I had a necklace like it. Nature is truly the best artist!

ric

6/25/2014 07:27:45 am

all the info is very good and accurate, rain coat, poncho, and mont bell trekking umberella, usually hike with 2 of the 3. one question that has bugged me for sometime - in thunder storms, how far behind ones self should you drag your aluminumn hiking poles? do the poles really present a hazard?

6/25/2014 12:19:02 pm

Aluminum poles are a VERY poor conductor of electricity. That's why we use it to cook, because the heat passes right through it! Aluminum poles are the least of your concerns. Having a 5-iron hoisted to the sky (think the preacher in Caddyshack) would be a more significant concern!

tomk in SC

6/25/2014 01:22:35 pm

Aluminum is a great conductor of electricity. For some years it was used as a substitute for copper in homes. Unfortunately, over time, a thin layer of oxidized aluminum (think aluminum rust) would form at connections and the oxidized aluminum did not conduct well and they would heat up and start fires. Aside from that thin oxidized layer, aluminum conducts electricity quite well. Aluminum is used to conduct electricity via buss bars in factories that operate at higher voltages. The wire problems happened at low voltages like 120/240V. Aluminum poles and sailboat masts both make great lightning rods. Any oxidation will not have any effect on a strike other than to ensure the pole goes molten at the oxidized point of contact. The heat/cooking/conductivity argument makes no sense in physical science, physics, or material science. At then end of the day, unless you are on an exposed ridge or proximal to a direct strike, the poles are not likely a factor.

Patricia

6/25/2014 07:33:50 am

I've heard, that Frogg Toggs rain gear are another choice. They are sold at Walmart; are breathable, and are not as expensive. Also, always carry an extra pair of socks. These have come in extremely handy on some of my hikes, and backpacking trips.

Scouter188

6/25/2014 07:54:22 am

The reason for squatting with your feet together is actually twofold: first, you obviously don't want to be the tallest target around, but second, if you are near the strike, a voltage gradient is created along the ground (extremely high at the strike point, dissipating to zero at some distance away). Keeping your feet close together minimizes the voltage difference between the two, and less voltage difference means less likelihood of severe injury.

ken

6/25/2014 08:58:40 am

what an awesome photo...was that taken with your phone ?

6/25/2014 12:20:32 pm

Allyson takes her pictures with a full-fledged digital 35-mm camera (like a Canon or Minolta... she talked about her camera in a post some time ago). That's why she always gets such good results!

norman

6/25/2014 02:25:29 pm

she has also said some of her pictures have been taken with her smart phone!!

Vickie

6/25/2014 10:22:20 am

Thank you very much for the advice on being in thunderstorm. I am going to combine info for a safe trip. ( hopefully ). This site is full of wonderful insights and tips for a great time in the Smokeys. Hike on friends :)

RJnLA

6/25/2014 12:38:59 pm

frogg toggs were mentioned earlier. I don't have a clue how well they would work while hiking,probably as good as any I would guess. Here in the hot and humid flat land of L.A. (lower Alabama) they are the best thing going to keep in a boat for daily pop-up storms while on the water. They are lite,breathable and can be rolled up and take up very little space.

Steve

6/26/2014 12:25:47 am

Just ask Doug Y, he knows

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Rain, Rain, and more Rain

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