FROM TIMES PICAYUNE

So here’s what we learned last week that you can use this week:

Kathy Anderson / The Times-PicayuneBring an umbrella. If it doesn’t rain, you can always use it to second-line.

Threads:

– A hat with sturdy, wide brim shields your eyes from the rain. If wearing a baseball cap, turn it sideways over your ear to protect your cell phone on a call.

– Wear a tank top or other light, cotton shirt under the lightest-weight rain gear. It’s still hot out there.

– Look for shorts or pants that can be rolled up (capri pants, ladies!). Wet long pants and skirts are miserable. Clothes made of Gore-Tex — a waterproof fabric that breathes — are a good option.

– Find old shoes that tie or buckle, or make a fashion statement with cute, colorful rain boots. Crocs work OK, but flip-flops only seem like a good idea: When the mud sucks them off, you’ll be digging in the swamp to retrieve them. Yuck!

Kathy Anderson / The Times-PicayuneWear old shoes. Yeah, you right.

All-terrain gear:

– A water-resistant backpack is a must. Make sure your poncho is large enough to put OVER it.

– A knee-length rain poncho. You have a choice between thicker (will last longer and keep out the wind, but it’s hot) and disposable (lightweight and cooler, but it tears easily, so bring more than one). Or stuff some large lawn and leaf bags into your pack. One slit for your head on the bottom edge, and two on the sides near the corners for your arms, and you have a makeshift poncho.

– Resealable plastic bags in several sizes will keep your valuables dry. Slip a change of clothes and a small towel inside. In small resealables, put cameras, tissues and cell phones (you can text through the plastic). Also, you can use the bags for leftovers, if it doesn’t rain.

– A travel umbrella. Debate: Some would rather wear a hat or a hooded poncho to keep hands free for eating and drinking.

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