Trekking in the rain

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Strezzedoutz
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Joined: Wed Mar 20, 2019 8:14 am
Location: Boston, MA

Trekking in the rain

Post by Strezzedoutz »

Hey everyone,
Wasn't sure if Accessories or Tangents was the correct place for this post.

SInce I commute a lot by foot/public transportation, I was wondering if anyone had any advice to keeping your gear dry? Gear includes yourself, backpack holding music/mutebag that holds music, trombone. When it rains, even with an umbrella, my backpack didnt keep my music dry during the walk to rehearsal.

I'm in the process of looking for a new umbrella if anyone has suggestions there.
I think i'd rather get a rain cover over another backpack.

Thanks!
Small bore Straight: Yamaha-891z w/ Bach 7C/12C
Medium bore Trigger: Yamaha-640 w/ Bach 5GS/Yamaha 48
Trombone Stand: K&M 14995
Mute Bag: Protec Bass Mute Bag
Music Stand: First Act foldable stand
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BGuttman
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Re: Trekking in the rain

Post by BGuttman »

I'd suggest a poncho, which will cover you and your backpack.

Also, look for cases/bags that are waterproof. Vinyl for example.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
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sirisobhakya
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Re: Trekking in the rain

Post by sirisobhakya »

I wrap my jacket around the case, and additionally use umbrella. Looks funny, but it keeps the case mostly dry.
Chaichan Wiriyaswat
Bangkok, Thailand
“Why did I buy so many horns when I only have one mouth…?”
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Matt K
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Re: Trekking in the rain

Post by Matt K »

I have something like this:

https://smile.amazon.com/EDOBIL-Rainpro ... ay&sr=8-25

For my backpack to keep stuff dry. It works pretty well.

If its raining, I use an Eastman case (not the ones that comes with Eastman by Shires, but this one: https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/tro ... um-red.php). I've heard that they're discontinued(??) which is a real shame because they're great hard cases. I just picked up a Protec Max gig bag that indicates that it is water resistant I believe but I haven't tested it because I know the Eastman case works great and I seldom have to be out in the rain for very long.

I've bought multiple of these Umbrlla over the years:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

I keep losing them or forgetting them... I think I'm on #3 at the moment and I've managed to keep it now that I live in Utah where it doesn't rain very much (this spring excepting where it's rained like every other day). It's great because it's vented so it won't blow up or down when its windy. And it's HUGE. You might hit people on the sidewalk on accident because its so large but it does do a good job at keeping your top dry.

If you also need to keep your pants dry, you can get something like these to go over them:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06 ... UTF8&psc=1

I like that pair and got them in a 'large' size even though I'm medium because it goes well over other pants that I might be wearing. Normally when I have a rainy gig, I wear waterpoof boots too and put the tux/dress shoes in a plastic shoebox (89c from Wal Mart) and put that in the backpack.

I also usually wear a larger rain coat on top of it. Something light though so I don't sweat too much. I think it's this one:
https://www.columbia.com/mens-watertigh ... 53#start=0

It's a really large, thin piece of waterproof fabric that fits over other clothes. Even winter coats. So if I'm walking in bad weather, I can put something under it to stay warm. Though at a certain point if it's that bad... taxi/rideshare might be wroth it just so you don't get sick!

When I was taking the public transit to gigs and whatnot, I also used a hand-truck from Harbor Freight pretty religiously. https://www.harborfreight.com/material- ... 62775.html. I bungee corded the trombone and backpack (with the shell on top of it if it was raining). However, where I live, you simply 'dip' your card and then get on the train/bus. There are no turn tables. So the entrances are huge. If you have a turn-table you have to go through... you might not have an easy time of it. But it does make carrying everything substantially easier and you can focus on holding your umbrella in the rain.

I should mention as well that I switched to using a tablet (currently a used Surface Pro (2 I believe?)). Used an IPad 2 prior to that for a few years. It makes a huge difference. I can often scan everything I need to with my phone although I prefer my flatbed if I have the luxury. Makes trekking with all that stuff much easier. They also make waterproof sleeves for those that you can put in your backpack if your'e really worried about it getting wet as well. Might be worth considering.
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muschem
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Re: Trekking in the rain

Post by muschem »

With apologies for reviving an old thread, I was wondering whether anyone knows if the Protec rain cover (https://www.protecstyle.com/RAIN-JACKET ... E.-PB306CT) fits/works for one of the Marcus Bonna tenor screw-bell cases? Is it any better than just packing a rain poncho inside the case and using that?
Mike Shirley

Tenor trombone
Austin Symphonic Band

Bass trombone
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
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