I for one LOVE hiking in the rain. I think it is very calming, unless of course it's an all out thunderstorm, that can be a little much, but for light rain or even a moderate shower, I love it. I just use a backpacking poncho I bought a long time ago from REI. Probably not the lightest thing on the market these days, but it works just fine for me. It compresses into it's own little bag and the whole thing is made out of ripstop nylon. It's big enough to wear with a large backpack and it still drapes down a little below my knees. I wouldn't trade it for anything...