View Full Version : Ultralight Rain Gear
Any ideas?
I was considering the Packa, but I don't think my pack can handle the extra bulk. I'm thinking about getting the Zpacks Cuben-fiber pack cover and the Outdoor Research Helium jacket. Anyone have any experience with these products?
Raul Perez
09-24-2010, 20:58
check out antigravity gear:
http://www.antigravitygear.com/antigravitygear-ultralight-rain-jacket.html
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=MTB150&code=GF4
check out antigravity gear:
http://www.antigravitygear.com/antigravitygear-ultralight-rain-jacket.html
Do you gotta seam seal it?
Raul Perez
09-24-2010, 21:37
it comes without the seams sealed.... but I gave it a 5 min shower test without the seam sealing and no water got through which was impressive.
Danielsen
09-24-2010, 21:39
The "Dri Ducks" brand owned by Frogg Toggs is pretty hard to go wrong with. Perhaps a little less durable than silnylon but it is one of the most breathable waterproof fabrics on the market, and you can get it cheap as dirt. May not be quite as light.
Personally, I'm experimenting with just using one of those thin plastic "emergency ponchos" you can pick up for 88c at walmart. If I'm successfully able to use them by being careful and whatnot (I seem to be able to stretch the life of crappy products pretty well) I'll probably stick to using those most of the time in the future, and carry an extra or two for when their trash-bag-like material inevitably fails. They probably weigh about an ounce a piece... $3 and 3 oz. for raingear that works for me (and backups!) might be just what the doctor ordered.
it comes without the seams sealed.... but I gave it a 5 min shower test without the seam sealing and no water got through which was impressive.
Yeah I guess it wouldn't matter as much if your rain jacket isn't seam-sealed. Do you have one?
They don't say how much the Frogg Toggs weigh on their site and the "ultralight" doesn't say its windproof. And one doesn't have a hood. Which is the most popular one amongst thru-hikers?
Raul Perez
09-24-2010, 22:04
The AGG rain jacket is made of silnylon. It's windproof
check out antigravity gear:
http://www.antigravitygear.com/antigravitygear-ultralight-rain-jacket.html
That is cool... I would be on it in the $40 range - $70 is a bit much.
That is cool... I would be on it in the $40 range - $70 is a bit much.
You mean $69.00. :)
Isn't sil-nylon expensive?
You mean $69.00. :)
Isn't sil-nylon expensive?
I rounded up. :)
It just struck me as a lot of money for that piece of clothing. But, there's a guy selling down hats in another thread for $49 so what do I know....
It would be perfect to pair with my ULA rain skirt though..
Six Moon Designs had a cuben fiber rain jacket at the PCT kickoff.
Bags4266
09-24-2010, 23:15
Any jacket in the summer you will get soaked from the inside due to sweat. Unless you aren't hiking go without. When it gets colder, different story. I use a poncho when cold I could still get air circulation to prevent me from sweating. Its a pain though if its windy and tight trails.
Danielsen
09-25-2010, 06:53
They don't say how much the Frogg Toggs weigh on their site and the "ultralight" doesn't say its windproof. And one doesn't have a hood. Which is the most popular one amongst thru-hikers?
I was referring specifically to the "dri ducks" model which is about 6 oz. each for the rain jacket and rain pants. See here for a bit more info:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Rain%20Gear/Jackets%20and%20Pants/Frogg%20Toggs%20Dri%20Ducks/Owner%20Review%20by%20Honora%20Renwick/
They are hooded, as well, and windproof.
I don't have much info on the wider range of "frog togg" apparell, but most of the rest are made with a slightly thicker, slightly tougher material. Therefore they're probably a bit heavier though they are more durable. They also tend to cost more than the $15 you can get driducks for.
If you're looking for something "Dri-Ducky" check out O2 Rainwear at http://www.rainshield.com/. I've got the hooded jacket and wore it through some long, torrential downpours in New Hampshire and Maiine this summer and don't have any complaints.
It's layered so if you get a tear in the outer (yellow) part you'll stay dry at least for a while whereas Dri Ducks are single ply and if you get a rip in those you get wet.
Tears are easily fixed with duct tape.
I was going to add the Dri-Ducks poncho to my pack, but weighing in at 10 oz I could not justify it when I have successfully worn the emergency poncho for years. Yes, they will tear, but one can last a long time. If you are hiking an overgrown trail, one will last a much shorter period of time than the AT. You can easily make the entire AT with two emergency ponchos,
That is cool... I would be on it in the $40 range - $70 is a bit much.A man after my own heart.
Still, I think the AGG does set a good standard to go by...
http://www.antigravitygear.com/antigravitygear-ultralight-rain-jacket.html
4.8oz for XL, sylnylon with hood, $69.
Normally I would settle for something on sale for $30, even if say 10oz. What's an extra 5oz right. But you have to consider the packability also. It is also easier to shake the rain off a lighter shell. Also, I think a 5oz rainshell works better doing double duty as a windshell. Easier to throw on and throw off, so you don't get to clammy when using it as an extra layer when stopping, or when going across a windy section.
So its good to know what is available. I might wait until I need to replace my current gear, which is a 4oz hoodless wind shell, and a 9oz rain poncho/tarp, but I don't think I will settle for anything over 6oz in a hooded rain/wind shell now that I have seen the AGG item. I would even pay the full $69 for it, and I am about as dirtbag as they come. Important piece of kit. I can get by with what I have for now though.
Raul Perez
09-25-2010, 12:30
I have the AGG it packs down nice and small. A nice change from the packa which took over whatever part of the pack I placed it in.
I have a rain poncho/tarp, but if I ever get something like the AGG at 5oz with hood, I may switch to some other sort of a tarp for my shelter. Maybe still just as small and simple, but perhaps lighter and without the hood.
Still thinking about a long shell for winter though. Something full overcoat length, for trudging along in the most extreme conditions. Possibly quilted, maybe double as an overquilt for my sleeping bag. Nothing made that length, except for women maybe, as fashion wear. The don't make them for 6' 200 pound women though. I've checked.
Anyhow, even with the overquiltcoat for below 0F, I would still need a rainshell for 20-40F, and I think the AGG would work nicely. Even as a windshell over a wool sweater in 0F to 20F I think it would serve nicely, along with some sort of pants. Even below 0F. Stuff ices up but it is easy enough to shake ice off. The length isn't really right for that though. You also need a larger size for that though, so maybe in an XXXL or whatever they make it might be long enough to at least cover my butt.
Enough with the wind and rain shells that only cover half your butt. :)
The AGG rain jacket is made of silnylon. It's windproof
I would really be interested to see how it works after walking all day in the rain. I wonder if it would eventually get soaked and take a good amount of time to dry - like a silnylon tent....
So how long is the AGG in their biggest size, XL. I don't mind a jacket that is extra baggy up top, especially in winter, but I see they only go as far as an XL.
Ideally it would reach to just above the hem of my hiking shorts, but I know that is asking alot these days, in terms of styles. Would it at least be long enough to cover to just below the crotch? I am 6' tall, but have long legs, so the back and butt of an average 5'11" maybe.
I would really be interested to see how it works after walking all day in the rain. I wonder if it would eventually get soaked and take a good amount of time to dry - like a silnylon tent....
It is light enough that you just give it a good shake.
It is small enough that you can put it anywhere, even if damp.
Raul Perez
09-25-2010, 12:57
JAK you can probably contact AGG and ask them to make it a bit longer to get the coverage you desire. Obviously it will effect the weight but I dont think you will take that much of a weight penalty.
Danielsen
09-25-2010, 15:05
I was going to add the Dri-Ducks poncho to my pack, but weighing in at 10 oz I could not justify it when I have successfully worn the emergency poncho for years. Yes, they will tear, but one can last a long time. If you are hiking an overgrown trail, one will last a much shorter period of time than the AT. You can easily make the entire AT with two emergency ponchos,
I'm with you on the driducks poncho being overkill, especially given that waterproof/breathable fabric is generally unnecessary on a well-ventilated piece of apparel like a poncho. I still feel their rainsuits are some of the best options on a budget. I did, however, recently order one of their ponchos, albeit for a different purpose, inspired by this cool project:
http://ultraliteskunkworks.blogspot.com/2009/05/super-ultra-light-super-ultra-cheap-pt.html
Any ideas?
I was considering the Packa, but I don't think my pack can handle the extra bulk. I'm thinking about getting the Zpacks Cuben-fiber pack cover and the Outdoor Research Helium jacket. Anyone have any experience with these products?
I'm not sure what you mean by "extra bulk" with the Packa. I used that for the last 6 months on the AT and it was great! Most of the summer, I just used it as a pack cover when it rained (not much). But when it was cooler, the packa worked perfectly and kept both of us dry. Lots of people commented on it and wished they had one.
Red Hat, was the packa as easy to use as the demos on you tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y6Belr3mrA&feature=player_embedded#!)
It looks pretty neat. . .I just wonder how difficult it is to put on...
I'm not sure what you mean by "extra bulk" with the Packa. I used that for the last 6 months on the AT and it was great! Most of the summer, I just used it as a pack cover when it rained (not much). But when it was cooler, the packa worked perfectly and kept both of us dry. Lots of people commented on it and wished they had one.
It looks bulky to a Cuben fiber pack cover and a lightweight silnylon rain jacket. Do the pit zips work?
Chance09
09-26-2010, 07:39
depending on where you're hiking you could always go with one of the tiny little plastic walmart rain ponchos. Could even carry a backup. Folds up to the size of a wallet and can't weigh more than an ounce or two.
I would carry one in the desert stretch of the PCT if i did it again since being wet for extended periods of time isn't likely and i'd probably use one for the warm parts of the warm months on the AT if I id it again. Most of the time when it rained i just took my shirt off and stuffed it in my pack to stay dry and had myself a free shower.
I'm going to use the AGG rain jacket and the ULA rainskirt for the CDT next year. I think that's your lightest combo without dropping big money for cuben fiber anything.
Frogg Toggs are a legit option too. 10 oz for pants and a jacket at around $40 is great. The jacket is quite warm too and provides an excellent wind layer.
Which is the best Driducks suit to get - the Ultra-lite, Duralite, or the Trailpac? And does anyone know if these are sold in backpacking stores along the AT?
"Red Hat, was the packa as easy to use as the demos on you tube"
Obviously I'm not Red Hat, but I bought a size medium eVent version of the Packa from Cedar Tree at Trail Days this year and switched to using that for the rest of my AT thru this year (PA to MA part). It is as easy to use as the demo. Caveat that after taking the rain jacket part off, you can't fully put the jacket back "away" (without taking off your pack), but that turned out to be a lot less of an issue than I had thought it might be, as you can tuck the jacket part well enough away just on the lower sides to keep it from flopping about.
I really like that, the ability to put on and take off the jacket on the fly, and as Cedar Tree pointed out you can also put your arms through the large pit zips and let the sleeves sort of flop when you want some jacket protection and perhaps hood protection but are too warm to have the jacket fully "on".
I used a poncho (actually, Gatewood Cape) on a trip I just came back from, and found a few times that I was using my lightweight (driducks) jacket instead of the poncho due to high wind. I have good experience with ponchos, and usually putting some sort of waist cord in place is sufficient, but not in the rain-is-pelting-horizontally high winds I sometimes had on the moors I was hiking in recently, with the result that my unprotected pack got soaked once (contents of course protected, but a bit of a PITA to have the pack itself literally soaked). There was just no way ponchos would work in those conditions without stopping every 20 minutes or less to re-tuck the loose fabric until the wind inevitably pulled it out again. To be clear, I like ponchos a lot in most conditions, this was somewhat unusual.
I'm pretty sure I'll start the CDT next year with my packa. Picking the "right" rain + wind gear is always about making tradeoffs. I wish the Packa were a bit lighter, but I do like the functionality tradeoffs, particularly having a pack cover when it's too warm to wear a jacket, and the ability to put on and off rain gear (more IMO for temperature than moisture control) easily when I want to. I live in the Pacific NW, where it can just flip flop between "want jacket" and "don't want jacket" multiple times a day.
The Packa is nicely designed gear, including how low the jacket goes (covering upper thighs), and also something that at first bothered me: how loose, large the jacket part fits. Intentional, to improve overall ventilation.
sparky2000
10-06-2010, 09:40
I've just offered u a Gatewood cape 11oz. for a good rain gear and a good tent. Total weight is the first concern of the ultra light hiker. This great poncho and tent is a ultra light choice.
88BlueGT
10-21-2010, 18:18
I apologize in advance in saying that I have not read any of the posts above. I must say tho, go with a packa. you WILL NOT regret it. Promise.
Dan Durston on BPL just made a 1.55 ounce cuben fiber rain jacket.
I'm considering a Packa.
Is this Cuben Fiber rain jacket for sale? Wouldn't be very breathable though,
kayak karl
10-21-2010, 19:19
Dan Durston on BPL just made a 1.55 ounce cuben fiber rain jacket.
a lot have done that. are they for sale?
The one Dan just made is for sale, but he wasn't crazy about doing it for others since it'd cost around $150...which is a heck of a lot better than RBH would surely charge.
Silnylon rain jacket, Brawny Gear, about 4oz.
ULA Rain Wrap, about 2oz.
Each packs down smaller than a hardball. Work GREAT with a light or medium wicking layer beneath, depending on temps.
Nobody mentioned the cheap cheap option. In the summer raincoats will keep you wet from the inside so its better just to be wet and dry off when camping. In colder weather you will still get wet from the inside. So you should realize that the goal of rain gear is to keep you warm and not dry.
I use disposable plastic ponchos which will work pretty good. My best secret is that if you start to get cold take some plastic and rap it around your head or make a liner for the inside and outside of your hat. Sounds stupid but it will warm you up so fast while hiking that you need to be careful about over heating. I call it the suicide warming technique. Without evaporative cooling from your head you will be warm in a flash.
If that doesn't work its either cold enough to be dry snowing (which is wonderful) or its so windy you should seek shelter.
SouthMark
10-21-2010, 20:48
Integral Designs Silcoat Cape, 5 oz. $60.
I should mention one potential downside of the Packa (just to show that I'm not a paid Cedar Tree fanboy or something :-)). In prepping for my trip next year it occurred to me that a Packa and an ice axe aren't things that go together well. For that matter, an ice axe and any sort of pack cover are things that just don't go together.
Similarly, if you like to strap other bulky things external to your pack, such as a bear can or a rolled up foam mattress, just keep in mind that the Packa needs to fit over everything.
My solution for next year is either to bring a Black Diamond Whippet (http://www.rei.com/product/757953) for self-arrest, or just not bother with any sort of self-arrest tool. As I think those will ultimately be the two best options anyway, I'll still be happily using the Packa I think, but --- the "external stuff on pack" factor is something to bear in mind.
kayak karl
10-21-2010, 22:59
I should mention one potential downside of the Packa (just to show that I'm not a paid Cedar Tree fanboy or something :-)). In prepping for my trip next year it occurred to me that a Packa and an ice axe aren't things that go together well. For that matter, an ice axe and any sort of pack cover are things that just don't go together.
Similarly, if you like to strap other bulky things external to your pack, such as a bear can or a rolled up foam mattress, just keep in mind that the Packa needs to fit over everything.
My solution for next year is either to bring a Black Diamond Whippet (http://www.rei.com/product/757953) for self-arrest, or just not bother with any sort of self-arrest tool. As I think those will ultimately be the two best options anyway, I'll still be happily using the Packa I think, but --- the "external stuff on pack" factor is something to bear in mind.
where on a thru hike is this needed? which state?
Danielsen
10-21-2010, 23:19
where on a thru hike is this needed? which state?
Mount Washington, NH.
What, you mean the rest of you don't plan your thrus for the winter? :p
"where on a thru hike is this needed? which state?"
CDT in my particular case, SOBO. Really, it's a potential factor on either of the other two long trails, but I didn't use my axe much on the PCT (Sierras), and at this point I'm thinking of going without any sort of self-arrest tool on the CDT next year. Depends on specific snow pack in Montana in June, exact start date, phase of the moon ...
300winmag
01-10-2011, 23:56
I'd go for the eVent Packa for the most comfortable raintop. Maybe eVent rain pants for really bad weather. Or a rain kilt, but you'll want gaiters with the kilt.
Eric B.
Ultralight breathable cuben fiber rain gear is starting to arrive. As of a few days ago you could buy breathable cuben fiber mittens. I believe someone else is already working on a rain jacket with that material.
For 3 season I use a sil poncho but I have been concidering this http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/raingear/gazelle-ultralite-anorak.cfm It has side, back and pit vents.
For 3 season I use a sil poncho but I have been concidering this http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/raingear/gazelle-ultralite-anorak.cfm It has side, back and pit vents.
That looks pretty nice.
Ultralight breathable cuben fiber rain gear is starting to arrive. As of a few days ago you could buy breathable cuben fiber mittens. I believe someone else is already working on a rain jacket with that material.
I didn't know Cuben Fiber could breath. How does that work?
I didn't know Cuben Fiber could breath. How does that work?
I don't know, but it's not nonbreathable. Javan Dempsey has one more pair of breathable cuben fiber mittens if you want to try a little out. Big Sky International sells a really expensive tent that uses it if you want to try a lot of it out. :banana
Thom from TrailLite Designs is currently field testing his cuben fiber CloudCape and hopes to release it through ZPacks sometime in the (hopefully) near future...It will compliment the already available cuben fiber CloudKilt...
http://www.traillitedesigns.com/area51.htm
Comet Omega
01-14-2011, 17:53
Frogg Toggs are about 9.5 oz for the jacket 7 oz for the pants, but wasn't weighed on a digital scale.
Frogg Toggs are about 9.5 oz for the jacket 7 oz for the pants, but wasn't weighed on a digital scale.
Frogg Toggs or Dri Ducks?
Wise Old Owl
01-14-2011, 20:48
luddite I remember Sgt Rock posting about his packa why not pm him. Toggs & Ducks are more marketed to the golf crowd. Although I do see a few here like them too.
13oz with compact bag... Sea to Summit Poncho
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/1/5/5/2/tent_004a.jpg
Boothill
01-19-2011, 13:21
just ordered a driducks trail-pac rain-suit from stp for $18 with shipping included, tough to beat that deal
boot
sixguns01
01-19-2011, 13:34
Dri-Ducks from Dick's or Sports Authority are cheap, $15-$19, and light as hell. My jacket weighed in at 5.5oz. Lasted me two seasons and have met thru hikers that used one jacket for entire trip. Duct tape patches added a little style.
rockytop7
01-19-2011, 20:08
http://www.thegearlessmachine.com/
this site has sets for $15 and free shipping. pretty good deal.
Thanks for the links. I already have my Dri Ducks. I like them except for the fact that I look like i'm wearing scrubs.
There is also a Dri-Ducks ponco that I have been considering, light compact, plus breathable. I have used frogg-toggs and they do what they say.
topshelf
01-27-2011, 19:58
For those with a packa, what do you do when you are setting up camp or are moving around camp at the end of the day? Do you put the packa on to go use the privy in the middle of the night or when you need to go gab water?
For those with a packa, what do you do when you are setting up camp or are moving around camp at the end of the day? Do you put the packa on to go use the privy in the middle of the night or when you need to go gab water?
I don't own a packa but I do know you don't need to be wearing your pack for it to work.
topshelf
01-27-2011, 20:24
I don't own a packa but I do know you don't need to be wearing your pack for it to work.
well yeah but mainly, what do you do when you are setting up your tent and such in the rain how do you keep you and yourself dry? shoulda asked that.
"For those with a packa, what do you do when you are setting up camp or are moving around camp at the end of the day? Do you put the packa on to go use the privy in the middle of the night or when you need to go gab water?"
This is a valid issue for a poncho tarp but not so much for a Packa, or at least, it need not be. The issue of course is the pack cover part flopping around, getting caught on things, etc. I had considered sewing or gluing velco patches on to sort of tuck up the backpack cover part, but then I realized that I could open a loop in the pack cover elastic cinch cord on top and sort of pull the pack cover part up through that and tighten it, basically to remove a lot of the "flop" out of the pack cover. It works well enough that I have no interest in carrying auxiliary rain gear.
When I'm using a poncho tarp (typically Gatewood Cape for me), I do normally carry a very light (an ounce or two) so-called "disposeable poncho" for use in camp.
When I'm using a poncho tarp (typically Gatewood Cape for me), I do normally carry a very light (an ounce or two) so-called "disposeable poncho" for use in camp.
Thats brilliant!
This past summer I was NoBo(CDT) and had a chance to meet all the SoBo's. It had been raining a lot and I got to see all different types of raingear. Nobody i met was entirely satisfied with their raingear. From the hyper-expensive breatheable jackets to the nylon poncho and umbrella carrying crowd after three days of rain on the trail everyone is equally wet.
Anyhow Batman PCT 09 was the first person i ever saw wearing a disposeable (transparent green!) poncho on the trail. When i saw him on Mather pass i though he was a madman.
Two hikers in particular suggested they do exactly what you said: Carry a cheap plastic poncho. One hiker even suggested he might just drop a disposeable poncho into every other mail drop for his next LD hike. That way if it gets torn you duct tape it until the next maildrop.
I wonder how many cheap plastic ponchos you could get for the price of a top of the line "breatheable" rain shell?
Anyhow I have worn through 2 precips and a generic brand rain shell. Everyone of them works great until the DWR wears out and they begin leaking under the shoulder straps. (Yea, i tried the dryer trick)
I am seriously thinking poncho for the AT.
daddytwosticks
01-28-2011, 07:39
I love those disposable ponchos you can get at Wal-Mart for 2 bucks...weighs maybe two ounces? I always have a bunch of them around the house and in the cars. Always put one or two in my day pack. Many will say they are not environmentally friendly being disposable and all...:)
"I am seriously thinking poncho for the AT"
Iceaxe, there were two issues for me with a poncho on the AT, one of which at least might affect you.
(1) I started early last year, late Feb, and there were so many blowdowns at that point (trail crews hadn't been out much yet) that using my Gatewood cape as both raingear and shelter made me a bit nervous. True, I was pretty much always sleeping in shelters at that point, but one does want a credible (intact) shelter for just in case (!).
(2) But what I suspect affects a lot of people is that a lot of times when it's raining, it's too warm to want to wear a jacket. The AT was the first time that I really appreciated having a pack cover (or as I later switched to, a Packa). In WA state generally when it's raining it's cool/cold enough to be wearing a poncho over body as well as over pack.
Of course you can just use a pack liner and let the pack get wet, but I kind of liked having the cover.
Zeno Marx
02-02-2011, 00:45
Like the way that Packa functions a lot...but at $115?
I'm relatively new to the ultralight industry. Have the costs and retail prices on these fabrics changed, up or down, in the past few years? Is it likely for the price of fabrics to lower with exposure and greater demand for more volume? I'd like to assume the answer is "yes", but GoreTex garments haven't dropped like I thought they would.
SouthMark
02-02-2011, 07:29
Like the way that Packa functions a lot...but at $115?
Marmot Precip - $99, Packcover - $30.
Note that the $115 is the (shipping included) price of the standard Packa. If you want it in eVent, it's worse --- I believe I paid something like $185 for mine in size medium (I bought it in person, no shipping cost).
For someone who hikes infrequently it might not be worth it. If it becomes the go-to gear item for someone spending a lot of time on trail (either in one year or spread out over many), then I think it's well worth it.
Hmm, but whether the eVent option is worth it, I can't say as I've only used that version. A lot of the benefit comes from the venting; I really don't know how much of a help the eVent fabric is, but Cedar Tree was using his on trail both times I met him and he was convinced that it's a noticeable improvement. From my interactions with him, I'm sure that he wouldn't say something like this just to make improve his profit margins (if in fact that would do so) or anything like that.
Zeno Marx
02-02-2011, 14:07
Note that the $115 is the (shipping included) price of the standard Packa.Noted, but that is only like a $3-6 postal expense...and you're paying for it whether they're making it a post paid price or showing it as a separate charge.
Cedar Tree
02-02-2011, 17:30
The price of the nylon Packa is $110 + $5 shipping. I usually lose a little money on shipping, especially if it is west of the MS river. The eVent Packas are $185 + $10 shipping because they weigh just over a lb and cost me more to ship. I love the eVent Packa. But honestly, I can't really tell how much the fabric vents because if I start getting hot, I immediately open up the pit vents.
Thanks for your help Gadget.
Cedar Tree
topshelf
02-02-2011, 21:07
I'm still seriously considering a packa, but i just got a MH Cohesion off STP for 70.00, which is 95.00 off. I could have gotten the Epic for 52.00. I'm super on the fence like others have suggested if I get out enough for a packa, but for a through I'd think so. If only I found a couple hundred dollars in my couch cushions...
The Trail Designs Cloudcape sold by Zpacks is now available. That one is made out of nonbreathable cuben fiber in two different weights, depending out how much durability you desire. Steven Evans also just finished up a breathable cuben fiber based on the thru-hiker.com Liberty jacket pattern.
Singletrack
02-06-2011, 07:22
I would really be interested to see how it works after walking all day in the rain. I wonder if it would eventually get soaked and take a good amount of time to dry - like a silnylon tent....
Yes, silnylon will wet out, if you hike a long period of time in hard wind driven rain. I have had this happen with a silnylon poncho, and numerous times with silnylon pack covers. Not very much fun. And, can lead to hypothermia.
The Packa now uses the same material, that Big Agnes Tents uses for their flys. I am not sure what the water proof rating is, but it is alot better than silnylon, used in many ul tents. The great thing about the Packa, it vents so well, and will not wet out in hard wind driven rain.
The Trail Designs Cloudcape sold by Zpacks is now available. That one is made out of nonbreathable cuben fiber in two different weights, depending out how much durability you desire. Steven Evans also just finished up a breathable cuben fiber based on the thru-hiker.com Liberty jacket pattern.
Man that thing is awesome, it only weighst 2.5oz. If I had a hundred bucks I'd buy it. Guess My dri Ducks will have to do for now.