Crossing the Bridge in Rain Gear

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Marmot Mountain International's Monsoon ($239) is a reinforced rain jacket with a Gore-Tex laminate and ripstop/mesh nylon lining. It has a strength of detail and durability gained from Marmot's background in making mountain equipment.

REI, Recreational Equipment, Incorporated, is one of the largest manufacturers of outdoor clothing. Their Switchback Parka ($185) has a Gore-Tex laminate and is half-lined with mesh. It is a sturdy piece of equipment and, as the least expensive rain jacket here, points out that comfort doesn't come cheaply.

Because a good raincoat is a serious investment, you should be serious about choosing it. Be certain that it is crossover gear—that it is useful in several ways, for several sports or times. It is not too much to ask of these jackets that they keep you well while you are sailing, hiking, skiing, or going to the comer for some oat bran. But also be certain that you do not expect magic. No foul-weather gear without a power supply (NASA is good at these) can keep you dry by itself; you must help. For the best vapor dumping in a cold rain, you should have a hydrophobic layer (like capi-lene underwear) next to the skin, an absorbent layer beyond (a cotton flannel shirt would do), and an insulating layer between you and the outer skin (wool or synthetic pile). Keep your rain gear clean and oil-free; pay attention to the garment care tags the manufacturer takes the trouble to put on them. Also, zipper failure is all too common, usually the result of grit in the teeth. So blow the zipper slider clean once in a while.

It is still raining on the bridge in Ohashi. The most serene member of the scene seems to be the waterman, poling his raft. He may be humming under his hat. Water vapor goes though his cotton smock and into the grass rain stole easily. His legs are bare. The bridge pilings, still a gray pattern to him, are not a difficult passage. I believe I would like to put on my Moonstone jacket and my Black Diamond pants and join him.

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