monster weather rolls through central and northern arizona.  heavy rain in the deserts and boat loads of snow above 4000 feet.  great fun for us and another splendid (yea i said splendid) opportunity to spend all day and night using different pieces of gear;  boots, base, insulation shell layers.
 


mcdowell rains.

during last nights rain storm i was up in the mcdowells hiking laps on my test track.  it was raining hard and the temps were in the low 40s so it was perfect for moderate conditions activity.  severe cold and hot are easier to deal with then something more in the middle because it is too warm to freeze the precipitation and too cold, wet and blowing to go without a shell.  tough situation for a shell that is trying to protect you from the elements while also trying to manage the perspiration which is why it is a good test.  

i was reminded of a couple of foul weather hiking truths.  active ventilation is much more effective when using a more traditional hardshell because the air channels from your sleeve cuffs to your collar opening that move perspiration up and out stay open better.  a shell with less structure tends to collapse and stifle the process.  second, always wear the thinnest long sleeve zip t-neck base layer you can stand while you are humping over hill and dale (sorry dale).  you will stay warm as long as you are moving and the less you have on the quicker the perspiration dries.

todays gear list
tad gear raptor event shell jacket
marmot precip shell jacket
kui chugach shell jacket
arborwear stretch tech pants
rei polartec power dry zip t-neck top (heavyweight)
rei activestretch half zip top
under armour boxer briefs
danner xstsatic socks
yates uniform rappel belt
hanwag mountain light boots
lowa ranger gtx 

i'll let ya'll know how it goes up north.  later taters.