Written by Chris Eby
Every pacific northwester knows the end of summer means one thing: we will see the big bright ball in the sky less and less as a seemingly endless deluge of rain falls from the sky. While ski season can’t come fast enough in our opinion, that doesn’t mean you have to prematurely end your backpacking season either. Here are some tips to extend your trips.
Trip planning
Sure, it’s drizzling here in Portland, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t snowing at higher elevations. If you want to wait until it’s time to break out the skis to touch snow, consider staying at lower elevations during the shoulder season. Alternatively, if a bit of snow excites you or perhaps you are trying to climb Mt. St. Helens after the permitting season ends (on Oct. 31st), know that this might present additional challenges and require more gear.
Even at lower elevations, with increased rain you might come across swollen river beds and swift moving water. Remember you don’t have to cross the river where the trail takes you. Scout up and down the river to find a more advantageous spot to cross. Perhaps you don’t even need to get your feet wet! If you must cross, know that things can get dicey when water levels reach above your thighs. Brush up on the safest ways to cross rivers. In short, unclip your hip belt and loosen your shoulder straps a bit, face upstream as you lean forward on your trekking poles with bent knees, steadily side step across, angling downstream.
Wherever you decide, make sure to check multiple sources of weather forecasting. We like:
forecast.weather.gov
mountain-forecast.com
windy.com
thegorgeismygym.com/forecast
If you decide playing in the snow will be in your future consider nwac.us for avalanche conditions.
Gear preparation and selection
In addition to the added weather challenges, backpacking in shoulder season will come with its own special gear considerations. It might seem obvious you might need a pack cover and dry bags, but perhaps you also need to wash your sleeping bag to restore its loft or reapply the durable water repellant on your rain jacket. If you find yourself in driving rain an ultralight umbrella in addition to a rain jacket can ensure you stay dry. On the topic of rain jackets, for ultimate ventilation make sure yours has pit zips if things get too steamy. Synthetic fibers in a puffy like the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket will perform better when wet than a down jacket. Gaiters can help prevent water and mud getting inside your shoes. If mud has happened, a small microfiber towel is great for cleaning your legs, and additional pairs of socks like the Darn Tough Hiker Microcrew Midweight can go a long way in keeping you happy. There’s no better feeling than slipping tired, wet feet into dry socks at the end of a long day secure in your sleeping bag.
Gear List
- Sea To Summit Evac Compression Ultralight Dry Bag
- Nikwax Down Wash Direct
- Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-in
- Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking Umbrella
- Enlightened Equipment Men’s Torrid Jacket
- Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Low; Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Mid
- Darn Tough Men’s Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks; Darn Tough Women’s Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks
What to Look for in a rain jacket:
- Waterproof ratings (HH Test) of 20,000mm+
- Durable Water Repellant
- Pit zips are crucial for venting
- Lightweight and quick to dry
- Adjustable hood and cuffs
Overall picks: Outdoor Research Men’s Foray 3L Jacket or Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire 3L Jacket
Best Lightweight: Montane Unisex Minimus Nano Jacket
In the field
Alright, so you’ve gathered your gear and decided to give it a shot. Remember don’t overthink things too much, but here are some final thoughts to keep in mind while braving the elements.
While on the move you will be constantly managing staying dry and maintaining a good temperature. Remember that you want to stay warm but not too warm. Exerting yourself or wearing too many layers will lead to sweat which will keep you wet and cold. Remind yourself that when you take breaks to limit the time or your body temperature will fall. If you do decide to take a longer break make sure to put on static insulation like a puffy to maintain body temperature. Choosing to take a rest while there is a break in the rain is a perfect time to dig through your pack and dry out some gear especially if the sun peaks out.
When you decide to stop for the day, having your tent towards the top of your pack for quick deployment is crucial. Some tents can be set up with their tarp first to avoid getting the inner net wet. Whichever kind of tent you have it’s a good idea to practice setting it up numerous times before you find yourself in the elements cursing the wind. For site selection, watch out for compacted areas or ditches which tend to collect water. Further, be mindful of rivers and waterlines which tend to swell. Avoiding these and keeping within trees for protection is best practice. Just make sure if winds are high that trees and branches don’t look dead and ready to break off and fall on you.
Finally, a double wall tent like the Six Moon Designs Serenity NetTent and Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape Shelter combo is ideal when humidity is a factor. If you are in a single wall tent like the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker and feel like you can get away with it, rolling up your vestibule doors for ventilation can combat condensation from forming within the tent. (Just remember to seam seal this tent at home before your trip!)
Whatever you decide, shoulder season in the outdoors can be a lovely extension of your season. At the very least, it can help test your skills and gain new experience. The right attitude, gear, and preparation will get you through. Just remember there’s no such thing as “bad” weather, just different types of weather!
