Mounted search and rescue

[Pennbo's <pennbo@verizon.net>]

I'm with Irv on this one for the most part. However it really depends on 
how much rain you are talking about. A seasonal wetting two or three 
times a year? Or a soaking daily for months on end? Whether you intend, 
or will need, to use your equipment occasionally or frequently will be a 
contributing factor in any decision.

We get summer thundershowers in the afternoons during at least one month 
of summer. Usually warm but quite heavy downpours. I've tried rain 
slickers modeled after my Aussie slicker- OK, durable, but HOT. I've 
tried two piece yellow rain suits- tough to move fluidly in the saddle 
and binding in the legs. No gear protection. For me an extra long, heavy 
duty poncho works best. I can: adjust it to allow air flow, cover my 
saddle and gear with it while riding, belt it in if it's windy, use it 
for temporary shelter if necessary, cover others with it if needed, and 
it also folds up quite small and is 'squishable' to fill weird spaces in 
my saddle bags. I have some very nice personal gear that involves 
multiple layers but it doesn't always ride with me in the summer. My 
poncho just stays in my gear- usually rolled around the inside of my 
cantle bag with the other gear stored on top/inside it.

Evaluate your terrain, environment, and needs and factor it all into 
your decision.

Chris Pennington


> Thought I would request ideas on rain gear.  Our group is in the process purchasing rain gear for all the members.  Our requirements are:  
> 1.  Tough
> 2.  Bright and reflective
> 3.  Suitable for riding
> 4.  And not a budget breaker
>
> Chuck
> KVMSAR