QuestionWeather sealed lens for hiking: is the XF 16-55 II overkill on an X-T30 II?

Hi everyone, first post after reading here for a week or so. I hike most weekends in Gatineau Park and I'm planning a longer trip to the Adirondacks in October for the colors. Current kit is an X-T30 II with the 18-55 kit lens.

I've been reading about weather sealing and now I'm worried that a light rain or heavy fog will kill my lens, since the 18-55 isn't sealed. I've been looking at the 16-55 f/2.8 II because it's WR and apparently a lot smaller than the first version. A few things I can't figure out. First, if the X-T30 II body itself isn't sealed, does a sealed lens actually help, or is it like wearing a raincoat with no hood? Second, is the 16-55 II going to feel unbalanced on a small body? Third, should I be looking at a different body as well? I really don't want to, because of budget.

I'd rather get this right once than buy twice. Sorry if these are obvious questions, I've tried searching and found conflicting answers.

I own the 16-55 II. It's a good lens and it's wasted on a body that isn't sealed. A rain cover costs £15 and a bit of drizzle won't kill an 18-55. Spend the money on the trip. If it really pours, put the camera in the bag and enjoy the walk. I've had an unsealed lens out in Dales weather for years and it's still going.

mfrost said:

a bit of drizzle won't kill an 18-55

That's reassuring, thank you. When you say rain cover, do you mean the full sleeve type or the kind that just goes over the lens? And does fog count as drizzle?

Speaking as someone who basically lives in fog... a hotel shower cap and a microfibre cloth in your pocket will get you through most of it. Fog's mainly a problem for condensation when you go from cold outside into a warm car or tent, so pop the camera in a zip bag before you go inside and let it warm up slowly. The Adirondacks in October sound lovely, by the way!