Wed Jan 18, 2017 @ 18:56

I took a quick training hike today after getting home from work. It's been raining all day, but I figured what better time to test out my cold-weather hiking layers?

Better yet, I found out that my hiking umbrella had just arrived! My hiking shorts were in the wash, so I wore some jeans (i know that's generally a bad idea, but). So, I took off through the neighborhood in my backpacking shirt, rain jacket, fleece gloves, hat, and Houdini wind pants. And my snazzy hiking umbrella. I don't know how I looked but I'm sure it was great.

The (high) desert is only a 5-10 minute walk from our house. I stayed out 2-3 hours and got back when it was getting dark; it was very muddy and wet and kind of cold but I stayed warm and dry, although I'm glad I didn't have to set up camp in the rain. My daypack was drenched, but luckily water bottles don't mind getting wet. I will have to try that again sometime with my hiking shorts and a full pack!

I also love my umbrella and have named it Baron after the character in The Cat Returns.