Whitney: Rain preparedness in July

[SanDiego619]

I am considering an overnight trip in the Whitney Portal area (but not Whitney summit) in July. How much should I prepare for the possibility of rain? It seems that I should either not prepare at all, or prepare completely with waterproof clothes, pack cover, and fly. There is no point in preparing halfway because if it rains, I need full rain protection.

I generally avoid backpacking in the rain. If I need to be prepared for rain, what do I need besides a waterproof pack cover, rain shell, waterproof shoes, pants, and rain fly? The thing I want to avoid most is having my sleeping bag get soaked and I freeze or have to try to hike down in the middle of the night.

[M76]

Portable cot, waterproof matches, hand/feet warmers

[jarhead714]

USGI poncho, Gore-Tex trousers and parka, bivy for the fart sack. Willy Pete bag for dry stuff inside your pack or even a Hefty bag will do.

[Garv]

Always plan for rain in that area.

You can check the weather that day when you are ready and take your chances.

I got caught in an unexpected rain on a trip to Ranger Lakes and used a 45 gallon trash bag as a poncho during the hike. It worked pretty well since I also use a wide-brimmed waterproof hat.

The one thing you did not mention above was a nice lightweight waterproof tent.

[SanDiego619]

Always plan for rain in that area.

You can check the weather that day when you are ready and take your chances.

I got caught in an unexpected rain on a trip to Ranger Lakes and used a 45 gallon trash bag as a poncho during the hike. It worked pretty well since I also use a wide-brimmed waterproof hat.

The one thing you did not mention above was a nice lightweight waterproof tent.

I will be checking the weather, I will bring a fly and rain stuff either way I think, then I won't worry about it if I see dark clouds forming.

I didn't mention the tent, but yes, I have a nice backpacking tent and rain fly so that should be fine. I am going to reseal the seams on the fly, the corners leaked a bit last time I used it in wet weather.

I hope it just doesn't rain, but it would be dumb to not be prepared.

[Jeepergeo]

In the Sierra's, the answer is quite simple.

A smart hiker/camper is either prepared to stay dry in the rain OR is prepared to get wet in the rain.

[SanDiego619]

In the Sierra's, the answer is quite simple.

A smart hiker/camper is either prepared to stay dry in the rain OR is prepared to get wet in the rain.

That makes sense. I will prepare to stay dry in the rain.

[SanDiego619]

Now I think my post was really dumb. I asked if I should prepare for rain, then concluded that I should. What a waste of a post.

[AdamVIP]

Sometimes you just need to talk things out.

[M1NM]

Sometimes you just need to talk things out.

CalGuns is a lot cheaper than lying on some guys couch for $150 an hour chats.

[Garv]

What a waste of a post.

Naw, you made me want to think out where to BP next month.
Maybe a campout with the dogs as well.

thx

[SanDiego619]

This is a random question, but when I clicked on the Camping, Hiking and Outdoor Activities subforum I only saw the stickies there, and not this post. Is there a setting I can change to show old posts? It seems like inactive posts disappear. It may be a forum setting but if it is a user setting where is it? I tried to look around but I don't see anything.

Thanks for the tips, I bought a 2.5 pound backpack and raincover and some DWR and seam sealant for my rain fly so I should be ok if it rains on my trip.

[Garv]

This is a random question, but when I clicked on the Camping, Hiking and Outdoor Activities subforum I only saw the stickies there, and not this post. Is there a setting I can change to show old posts? It seems like inactive posts disappear. It may be a forum setting but if it is a user setting where is it? I tried to look around but I don't see anything.

[SanDiego619]

There it is!! Thanks!! I don't think I'm old, but maybe this is a sign that I'm getting there