Working in Wet weather

I know discussions with regards wet weather gear have featured before. But the normal answer for what to do on a rainy day is to stay in and do the accounts, whilst logging onto the LJN / fag breaks / endless cups of tea etc.,Sometimes there is no option but to have to work in it. Particularly when it is endless and finances dictate it. Obviously it depends on job for job but it would be great to know what other people use as little comforts to get them through this.I for one have the occasional dip in a sun shower, 3 minutes only, (I am not one of those orange types bordering on skin cancer concerns), it is enough to really boost the moral.I have a pocket warmer which towards the end of the day I light up and stick close to the chest. A warm sweater kept aside for trip home. A cheap portable gazebo, can sometimes be erected over main work area, when stonewalling or just in an area close by to have a dry cigarette or an undiluted with rain water coffee / tea. Multi vitamins, difficult to ascertain but even if it is just a placebo I swear I endure the winter better as a result.

I'm going to give the Uddermint a go, my feet are always the first things to suffer. Invested in a really good pair of wellies that made all the difference, - although can't shake the feeling the uddermint idea may be a practical joke and I end up highly attractive to the male bovine population.

The resulting mess made from trying to work in the rain is a real pain - an old boy I know always takes a few sacks of sand with him when working on wet days - he rubs it into his hands, spreads on the worst of the ground, etc.,. It does make remediation easier when job is finished thats for sure.

But the best thing is a decent waterproof coat, I recently got a 'Buffalo' top, waterproof with fleece lining what a difference it makes - as Billy Connolly says 'there is no such thing as bad weather - just buy a sexy raincoat and live a little'.

Replies

Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt December 3, 2009 at 10:45pm

UDDERMINT???!! I will check this out!!

Pro Gard said:
Good waterproofs are the key thing, as long as im warm and dry Im happy. I do a lot of mountain walking and wear the same gear to work in as i do when im climbing.

In a strangge way if the job being done is condusive to it then i quite enjoy working in really stormy weather.

One thing I do find usefull is to rub uddermint on my feet before putting my boots on, it stimulates bloodflow and i have warm feet all day even in cold damp haix boots.

Oh and hourly coffe breaks to warm up as well as a flask of soup for lunch.
Kieran Ray December 3, 2009 at 10:59pm

If its a narrow garden sometimes we pitch up a tarp that covers all of you work area, tie water bottels filled up to the eyelets anf thouw over fence bothsides or gazebos if thats more pratical. If its a sudern unexpected down pour we usualy sit in the van for 5 mins then if there is no sign of it leting of put on the water proofs and slog it out. there is not too much we wont do in the rain. We only tend to stop if it will affect the work in a detremental way or just make a complete and utter mess!
vhowe December 3, 2009 at 11:05pm

And also udder cream for dry chaffed hands for those like me who hate wearing gloves ;)
Mark December 4, 2009 at 12:14am

I suffer any disruption...it won't last for ever...the work has not gone away...just been postponed. I have no problem working through a rainy day but just as of late it has been pretty foul and until things dry out somejobs will just have to wait....

Good news is chainsaw, pole saw, hedge trimmers, and lawn mowers are serviced & the van has had a clean out and re organize.....

The back pack blower I picked up recently is good for getting leaves off sodden lawns (when it's too wet for a mower). I also use a felt wide brimmed hat.....not totally water proof but it keeps it off you face and stops it from going down you neck, also being a glasses wearer it allows me to see too !

Stuff at home gets done...although it will have to snow for a while before I consider decorating ;-)

Hang in there
Sustainable Land Management December 4, 2009 at 8:37am

I'm going to give the Uddermint a go, my feet are always the first things to suffer. Invested in a really good pair of wellies that made all the difference, - although can't shake the feeling the uddermint idea may be a practical joke and I end up highly attractive to the male bovine population.

The resulting mess made from trying to work in the rain is a real pain - an old boy I know always takes a few sacks of sand with him when working on wet days - he rubs it into his hands, spreads on the worst of the ground, etc.,. It does make remediation easier when job is finished thats for sure.

But the best thing is a decent waterproof coat, I recently got a 'Buffalo' top, waterproof with fleece lining what a difference it makes - as Billy Connolly says 'there is no such thing as bad weather - just buy a sexy raincoat and live a little'.
Nick Steele December 4, 2009 at 10:16am

There's going to be a rush on Uddermint now - just despached Mrs S to the local ag merchants to check it out!
Ben Jones December 4, 2009 at 10:50am

Nick Steele said:
There's going to be a rush on Uddermint now - just despached Mrs S to the local ag merchants to check it out!

It's good stuff, I've worked on a couple of dairy farms in the past where we used it, and there really is nothing better.

Ben
pete December 4, 2009 at 5:23pm

My partner Karen's right arm was a bit tingly a while back probably from using the power tools, so I thought I'll get some uddermint - Pro Gard's recommendations are usually sound..... she said her arm went blazing hot – then freezing cold with like stabbing pains... worra wuss - some time later I got her to give me an all over body rub with the stuff – ten minutes later I felt like I'd been dunked into a bucket of ice – I couldn't run that hot bath quick enough.

Teisen also do a mint cream for people – Mintease its called and even that they say not to apply to more than 25% of your body at one time.

Uddermint.com Mintease.com
Graeme @ BGS December 4, 2009 at 5:42pm

You certainly know how to treat a lady Pete :-)
James December 5, 2009 at 7:51am

I think someone has mentioned it but get yourself a 'buffalo' top. Quite pricey but well worth it, hard wearing and very warm. Also a company called 'Paramo' do really good outdoor gear, again quite expensive but worth it.

http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/