Light, packable rain coat/shell.
What is a lightest, most packable rain coat/shell you know of that still keeps you dry? Well, at least when you are not sweating too much that is.
....forgot to mention it need not supply much, if any insulation.
Marmot Precip is a nice one. You can find good sales now and then on the web. Just got my wife one for $42 from Steap and Cheap. Retail is $99.
I sweat in any shell when hiking even most winter days. They can be good for camp but a poncho that also covers your pack is the overall dryest alternative.IMHO
Multifunctional:
1. Raingear(ventilated)
2. Packcover(even while accessing pack)
3. Tarp
4. Bivey
5. Ground cloth/UnderQuilt/Wind block/Privacy barier
2nd on the precip. Not the best or worst but for the money (I paid about $45 on sale) a decent multipurpose shell. I use it for golf too.
frogg toggs
northface triumph 5oz.
ok, it's not the most packable, but packs down pretty well. Definately light weight. What I love is that it keeps me dry & keeps me from sweating much.Originally Posted by Big Dawg
lightest shell
The Patagonia Houdini has a great rep for being one of the lightest and breathable @ 3.7 oz (not sure what size that weight is for)
Its on sale on their website for 75$, but only in sizes xl and xxl
I use a nylon anorak shell with 1/2 can of water repelent sprayed on it. Okay for light rain/ all day drizzle, but not heavy T-Storm down pours. For that I'll use my Tyvke ground cloth as a poncho and wait it out.
"Your eyes will be opened to a world full of beauty, charm, and adventure"
What about rain pants. How necessary are they for a late March hike in NC. Would I be miserable without them? Sorry for hijacking the thread.
I saw "Dry Ducks" rain set at a Gander outlet the other day. Seems to be made of Tyvek type material. Very light and should be breathable and dry.
Boliche
I've used Dry Ducks on and off for a couple of years and like them, and finally saw a set of Frogg Toggs in person a couple of days ago. The two are similar, but while I didn't weigh them, I'm pretty sure the Frogg Toggs are heavier than Dry Ducks, FWIW.
Personally, I'm with Compass on the benefits of a poncho, particularly in the case that this also serves as your shelter. Couple that with a light, unlined wind shirt and IMO this is in most conditions a superior combination than a traditional rain shell.
In terms of rain shells --- unless perhaps you go for an eVent jacket (?), I suspect that lots of off-the-shelf backpacking lightweight jackets will work fine, but I've not sampled many.
I love the OR Zealot so much that I bought two of them. 8oz for a shell that I end up carrying more then using and it packs to the size of a softball. They quit making it, but I've seen it on some websites on sale.
Red Ledge Thunderlight. They're totally comperable to marmot, except they're dirt cheap. I love their slogan:
"Functional, Affordable clothing, for those who exist in reality."
up over the hills, theres nothing to fear
theres a pub across the way with whisky and beer
its a lengthy journey on the way up to the top
but it ain't so bad if you have a great big bottle o'scotch
Dri Ducks are made by the FT folks they are a cheaper, thinner, less durable version of FT's.
I like a sylnylon poncho in warmer months...covers me, the pack, and provides nice ventilation.
Me too, I plan to try a Dri Ducks poncho this May.I like a sylnylon poncho in warmer months...covers me, the pack, and provides nice ventilation.
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