Summer is Over and Rain is possible. My latest walk in the rain

[Henridrysuitist]

At last the dry weather is over and heavy rain appears to be on the agenda. I assume others are thinking the same as me. As it happened a few days ago I had an opportunity. I was home alone for the day. With thunder cracking it is time for me to rainsuit up and go for an experimental walk in full view. With high temeratures in the mid to late 20s still present not too many layers are needed.

And so it was with heavy rain now falling down out of the sky and drumming on the roof I donned my air and watertight full non breathable 1980s drysuit which incorporates tight latex rubber neck and wrist seals as well as thick latex feet/socks. I then added normal socks over the rubber suits feet and sucked the air out through the neck seal to vacumn pack my unclothed body. This step alone gives a feeling like no other. The pressure from the air pressing the suit to the body is distracting to say the least. Add to this now restricting layer 2 field and Trek 3/4 length neoprene coated nylon parkas and 2 pairs of matching overtousers in royal blue one pair tucked inside my wellies and over the top of the inner parkas bottom hem and the other on the outside and we have a fantastic combo. With both of the hoods up and the zips fully home to hide the rubber neck seal and to protect from the rain once outside I now prepare to open the door and step out. Before doing that I thought I had better do up the velcro wrist straps and tighten the hoods string and knot these so that putting the hoods down is not possible without undoing the knots or undoing the zips.

It is then that I realise that the noise that all of these clothes are making together is literally deafening. My arms moving up just to open the front door latch are creating a crackling and swishing in a seemingly deafening way. The act of moving about also creates air movement from inside the parka up past my face as air is forced in and out of the jacket each time I move. The aroma of the smooth now warm neoprene rubber coated nylon adds another distraction to the situation. Once outside and before I walk down the drive I realise the rain pelting down and hitting my hood with that loud spattering sound does not even come close to drowning out the noise being made by the 3 layers of heavy duty coated waterproof nylon. Outside our gate the road is deserted and I feel happy to swish/crackle on. I think the rain is going to last long enough to do a full lap of our village and this day there are very few people around outside apart from cars splashing their way along the road which is covered in puddles. I am not sure anyone even gave me a second glance. Perhaps one person walking his dog looked up briefly and smiled but as his hood was up on his goretex parka and probably making its own noise I am sure he did not notice another walker who might have seen a bit too well done up. If I was seen I suppose they might ask themselves why somebody was walking down the road in a royal blue 1990s matching rainsuit. I might select non matching outers layers next time. I had also innadvertently selected some of the noiseiest rainwear in my collection. These Field and Trek suits are made out of heavy and quite stiff coated nylon that makes a loud noise from even minor movement. I am new to walking out and rather concerned that someone might notice. In this village I am pretty safe as we are new and no one knows us yet. Nevertheless it does make your heart race a bit when someone comes the other way.

Returning home for a tour of my garden just as the sun started to come back out I realise how hot and steamy I have got. I am literally squelching within the inner layer drysuit. Removing my totally soaked outer layer to hang up and dry I am conscious that I have been wearing these layers for nearly two hours. The dew of perspiration on my forehead has become a flood but still I am reluctant to put the hood down on my inner parka. The shower will be needed to help clean up from this excursion! I can now see why everybody is so keen on breathable rainwear nowadays. It feels like I have filled the feet with liquid. The feel of the suit pressing against my now wet and slippery skin is something else.

Does anyone else like this feeling. My attraction to wearing raingear is all about the smell, the noise and ultimately that slippery feeling as you wear them for longer. I think I might see if i can find a way of using a timer padlock to lock the suit on one day, perhaps over 4 or 5 layers of gear. That lack of control might create another feeling but I think I am going to have to wait until the colder months.

[Johnnyrbr]

My answer is Oooooooooooh!!!
Sent a PM earlier. Will send another one now I have read this