Staying Dry While Geocaching
We lucked out with dry weather over the weekend for our latest round of geocaching. Picked up a few finds, which is always nice. It hasn’t always been that way though.
Early on in our geocaching adventures, we’d go out rain or shine. I particularly remember caching at night in the pouring rain just to get a first-to-find. I mean, really. Again, I wanted to touch on the subject of being prepared while out geocaching.
Oftentimes, we are out in the field in a remote park, my kind of geocaching. In the event of rain or snow–like the snow that’s on its way today and tomorrow–it pays to make an investment in a waterproof jacket. Basically, you’ll find two types on the market, the coated and the membrane types.
Coated types are just as the name implies, coated with some kind of substance to make them waterproof such as Berghaus jackets. Many varieties are available on the market. The advantage with these jackets is price. You can find the inexpensive coated rain gear at Target or Wal-Mart. You can also pay a lot more for other types if you prefer.
Membrane jackets include the familiar Gore-Tex products. This type of waterproof jacket has the advantage of breathability. If you’re hiking up some tough terrain to grab that next cache, this feature becomes very important to you. It’s also a concern for safety.
Many of us enjoy winter caching, with those elephant tracks leading you to the cache. However, working up a sweat and then taking off a coated jacket that has trapped the water vapor sets you up for hypothermia. It’s not just an advantage in winter weather though.
During spring and summer months, it’s hard to put on a jacket even if it’s pouring. A coated jacket will leave you feeling uncomfortable. A membrane jacket,however, breathes. The difference is clear. While the investment is greater, it’s worthwhile considering a membrane jacket.
When you’re out in the field caching or just enjoying a hike on the trails, it’s important to prepare. Wearing comfortable hiking boots and a waterproof jacket are just two ways you can make your experience a more enjoyable one.
I think I prefer the membrane jackets to the coated ones, perhaps because I do a lot of hiking myself and coated jackets just make me sweaty and uncomfortable whereas I can wear the membrane ones all day long and not feel gross at all. True, they can be expensive, but they’re worth it – they last years and make your outdoor trips so much more enjoyable!
March 31st, 2009 at 6:57 am[...] I’m finding Geocaching blogs everywhere. I need to read up on my outdoor wear more. Check it. I dig a caching adventure in the [...]
April 1st, 2009 at 3:53 pmI totally agree! I am more than happen to pay for quality. Since the weather looks to be heating up, i am thinking of buying the menbrane jacket also- i am heading to the Lake District this summer and the only thing i need is a new jacket!
cheers for the advice and the video was so helpful
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 am