Why bring rain gear? If there's one thing that I've learned since I started backpacking (and in my regular life), its - NEVER TRUST THE WEATHERMAN. If anything, when the weatherman says, "No chance of rain at all!" Bring your rain gear. If they say that it definitely will rain -well- Use common sense.

What kind do I get? Ponchos are great except when it's windy. Then they blow around and get you very wet. I just use a wann'a-be GORE - TEX™ jacket. You also want to bring a pack cover. They have more uses than just a pack cover for the rain. I use mine to keep my stuff from blowing away at night. That way I don't have to repack my backpack when it's pitch black. You really don't need rain pants unless you are really expecting it to rain a lot. I don't have any personally.