What is the name of a very light, compact jacket for AT backpacking in the Fall and Spring ???

What is the name of a very light, compact jacket for AT backpacking in the Fall and Spring ???

<i>Larry.</i>

What is the name of a very light, compact jacket for AT backpacking in the Fall and Spring ???


I have a Patagonia Dragonfly jacket that weighs 4 oz, like it very much. I think it's called the Houdini now.

Are you talking about a rain jacket or an insulating jacket? Most of the major manufacturers have somehting similar to the Marmot Precip for rainwear. Several manufacturers make a lightweight down jacket for insulation while in camp--Montbell's is nice, Patagonia has a down "sweater".

I have a Mountain Hardwear Jacket I like. There are lighter jackets but I like the way this one is made. Just because something is lighter doesn't always mean it's better. You have to "weigh" the advantages and disadvantages.
My Compressor jacket is 16 oz and has the synthetic down fill. Primaloft. Pretty light, Warm and dries very quickly.

Are you talking about a rain jacket or an insulating jacket? BOTH insulation & rain

Most of the major manufacturers have somehting similar to the Marmot Precip for rainwear. Several manufacturers make a lightweight down jacket for insulation while in camp--Montbell's is nice, Patagonia has a down "sweater".

BOTH insulation & rain

BOTH insulation & rain

On a normal NOBO AT thru-hike, you probably would never be able to hike in an insulating jacket. Even in cold spring weather, you would get overheated very quickly. But you still need rain protection to keep from getting chilled--you're basically trading cold wet rain for warm wet sweat. You would probably be happier with a separate, light rain shell and a separate, light insulating fleece, down, or artificial down jacket. A combo you would only be able to wear in camp. A rain shell also serves as a windshirt (windjacket, windbreaker) and as a light jacket, and to wear when washing clothes.

I would suggest something like this Montbell:

http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=73&p_id=2301226

Stay away from down, down bags rule, but your clothing is your last defense against hypothermia. For a really early, cold trip/thru start I'd add that thermawrap vest in addition to the parka, when it warms you can mail the parka home.

Try the BPL Cocoon

I second the "seperates" reply. The only way to fly!

I'd say the sleeping bag is your last defense. It's way more efficient at producing warmth than any jacket and should always be kept dry.

I'd say the sleeping bag is your last defense. It's way more efficient at producing warmth than any jacket and should always be kept dry.

As long as it isn't drenched, or lost, or burned up.

This spring my layers will be I think..

Royal robbins shirt
Marmot ion windshirt
Patagonia down sweater
Moonstone precip type rain coat

Sandalwood

I have a Montbell down jacket that I just got, and I'm debating on keeping it. I put it on to go out for about ten minutes to set up my tent out back last night in freezing rain, very cold. The jacket was really warm, amazingly warm, but the outside shell got soaked pretty fast.

Has anyone tried, or heard of spraying one of these jackets with something like scotchgard or a waterproof spray of some sort to give them just a little more protection against freezing rain.?

I don't think I could wear one of these and a rain parka over it, would be too hot and extra weight. :)

In the past in cold and wet I've used a Mtn. Hdwr. Expedition weight long underwear, with a Marmot Precip, but that was a warm, but not breathable situation.

Yes I spray my outer shell all the time wto waterpoof if & repeat it afer wash in them. I also find two layers are better in the cold mths., I use 200wg. fleece jacket w/rain jacket.

This spring my layers will be I think..

Royal robbins shirt
Marmot ion windshirt
Patagonia down sweater
Moonstone precip type rain coat

Sandalwood

The windshirt doesn't do anything the rain jacket doesn't already do. Consider leaving it at home.