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Lightweight rainwear means a rain jacket under 13 ounces, rain pants under 10 ounces, and ponchos under 16 ounces. I just made up these standards, but given the choices available, they seem reasonable for now. By the way, the reason I mention weights so often is that I am a lightweight backpacking aficionado. Weight really matters when you are hiking 20 miles in a day, and not resupplying for several days. (You can check out my other site here: The Ultralight Backpacking Site .) I think even for day hiking weight makes a difference though.
I think even for day hiking lightweight rainwear makes a difference. You won't be tempted to leave that rain jacket behind if it only weighs 8 ounces, and a rain protection in the mountains is more than just a convenience. It is a safety item. Also, the lighter your gear in general, the more options you have (lighter things mean you can comfortably carry more things). You can bring that plant identification book, or whatever.
My Lightweight Rainwear
My Frogg Toggs weigh just 7 ounces for the jacket, and 7 ounces for the pants. They are baggy and papery, but the waterproof/breathable fabric has held up through heavy rain, snow, and 50 mph wind at 20,000 feet. After years of use, they have only two duct-tape patches. They really do breath well too. I never get wet inside them.
Nonetheless, I might go with tougher nylon rainwear when I buy again, because some of the new lightweight rainwear can finally compete on weight. I have no real complaints with my Frogg Toggs. It's just that if I have the money, and if they are just as light, and if they work as well, I'd rather have a tougher material. (That's a lot of ifs- maybe I'll stick with my Frogg Toggs.)
Lightweight Rainwear Alternatives
Many hikers carry only a rain jacket, or a poncho, since light hiking pants dry quickly when you are moving. This works well when it isn't too cold. Just don't try this if you are wearing jeans, since they take forever to dry (a good reason to never use them for hiking).
Ray Jardine, lightweight backpacking guru, swears by umbrellas, but then uses them in conjunction with rainwear. I have used them backpacking, but found them more trouble than they are worth. It can be nice to have a roof over your head if it is just a short hike, however.
If it is warm, with little chance of rain, you can bring one of those 2-ounce emergency ponchos. A garbage bag is also about 2 ounces, and is tougher. I've used both, and can say that they are definitely better than nothing. Plastic rainwear is cheap, too. For day-hikes I like that 2-ounce backup in the pack, just in case.
Another lightweight rainwear alternative if you will be backpacking, is to get a good nylon poncho that doubles as a shelter. There are many of these that weigh less than 16 ounces now. Bringing dual-purpose items like this is a good way to keep the overall pack weight down.
If you use anything that is waterproof, but not breathable, be sure to take it off as soon as the rain stops. It (and you) will likely be wet from condensation, and you may have to turn it inside-out to dry it before you put it away.
Waterproof/Breathable Rainwear
Serious hiking any distance into the mountains requires good waterproof/breathable rainwear. If you have used non-breathable plastic or nylon rain suits, you know how wet you can get from your own perspiration. You need something that keeps the rain out, but allows your body moisture to
If you are ready to look at all the options, I recommend you try one of the following suppliers: