Rain Coat

[Jared]

Should I be bringing a rain coat? My night coat is wool, so it doesn't react well to significant rain. What are the chances that it'll rain enough this year that I'd want a waterproof coat?

[FIGJAM]

Garbage bag poncho!

[The Bee]

Wool maintains its insulating properties when it's wet. That's how sheep stay warm in the rain. You'll be fine.

[Jared]

Wool maintains its insulating properties when it's wet. That's how sheep stay warm in the rain. You'll be fine.

Yeah, but it smells like wet sheep. I suppose unlike on the West Coast, I don't have to worry about it drying the next day...

[Eric]

I have an "emergency rain poncho" in my kit. It's been unused since I put it in there in 2005 (not sure if it even unfolds anymore). I doubt you need more than that, but you can always check the weather the day before you leave to get a better idea of what to expect.

[Bob]

In '98, I was the only one on the entire desert who brought a raincoat AND a pair of rubber boots. Came in handy when we had two inches of standing water.

[CornMan]

I found one of my rubber boots. I'll hobble I guess.

[dragonpilot]

I'm not venturing outta my tent if it rains. This won't be exactly like "Singing in the Rain."

[some seeing eye]

Rain is rare. It's an opportunity to seek shelter and chat with new friends.

The primary value of a rain parka is thermal. It can get very cool, less than 50F. You want an emergency layer. May not be stylish, but outdoor clothing is common and accepted. Bring it.

[swampdog]

according to legend, in the monumental rain of '98 you couldn't move. Playa dust doesn't turn into nice squishy mud when wet, it turns into gluey slippery slime. If it rains, you want to sit tight. So I'm told.

Thus endeth the reading from the book of 98.

[theCryptofishist]

YEah, but for how long. two days of holding your pee might get a bit much.


And is anyone else seeing this and thinking of condoms?

[swampdog]

Fishy, that's what gatorade bottles are for.

[theCryptofishist]

Gatorade bottles are for condoms?

Wow. I am confused.

[swampdog]

heh.

[Bob]

The 1998 rain event became absolutely ghastly and septic after only a couple of days. Took two years to clean up, and you can still see the mud tracks etched in the playa. So yeah, bring a raincoat. And a bucket or two.

[timcat]

I am glad I brought a rain coat in 2010 as it rained on Monday. I could have easily made due without it but it ended up working out as a pretty sweet and immediate accessory. A moment of Playa magic then occurred when the double rainbow dazzled the city! So yes, in my opinion, bring a rain coat, just in case.