old polyester pants and rain paints.

[sloopjonboswell]

i figured i could cut the pants into shorts once it gets warm. the rain pants are polyurethane outer and nylon lined. is polyester ok for backpacking? i know it melts and can be a fire hazard..other than that does polyester hold heat like 'capeline'? dry well on the trail. just wondering

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

The male dino wears woven polyester shirts and I wear woven polyester pants. While they aren't as warm as capeline, they are hydrophobic (don't hold water) and that makes them good for thru-hiking because they dry fast.

[sloopjonboswell]

the rain pants say 100% water-proof, should i take them too?

[stuco]

Polyester is fine. Dries fast and if it's waterproof what else do you need.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

On waterproof pants - I have some Frogg Toggs (breathable & waterproof), but I rarely use the pants and then mostly for extra warmth in camp & wind protection whenever needed. The problem with totally waterproof clothing is that when you hike, you get hot and sweat - and the sweat and heat can't get out very well even in breathable fabrics. By the time it gets cold enough to be able to wear waterproof pants comfortably while hiking, what is falling is snow instead of rain.