i have seen these rain ponchos that are made for backpackers (the back of the poncho is made extra large so you can put on your backpack and then put the poncho over yourself and the backpack - cool huh?)
i was thinking of using this with rain pants - anybody used this kind of poncho before? think it would work well?thanks
cheeserTOM
there are a few guys out there making rain chaps out of silnylon. it’s all you need with the extra coverage of the poncho. i am working on making a rain kilt. if all goes as planned i might have them for sale at trail days in damascus, of course you will be on the pct my then.
jerm
I would not recommend a poncho if you’re hiking where it might be windy. During my 2004 hike, I don’t think I saw anybody using a poncho. I used a trash compacter bag to line my pack and a pack cover and I took frog toggs jacket and pants. But in reality, on warm days I’d hike in the rain and change into dry clothes when I got to the shelter because no matter what you wear you will sweat on the inside and very soon be dripping inside and out, even with so-called breathable fabrics.
Rainbow
Rainbow,
Looks like Cheeser is planning to hike the PCT and out west we don’t have no stinkin shelters to go into when it rains. Cheeser, check out the backpacker poncho at this link:
www.goodlingoutdoor.com/poncho.html
I have spoken with the guy that makes these and he notes that the tyvek is saturated with a waterproofing agent and he indicates that he will definitely keep you dry in multiday rains we may hit in Washington in September. I have ordered one and will likely pack it in Washington.
Reality Check
I designed, prototyped and field-tested the “ParCho” which combines the better features of a parka and a poncho with cape-like sleeves. Covers both you and your pack, weighs 7.5 oz. for medium size, and rolls up to the size of a large hotdog bun. With full protection in windy conditions and adjustable ventilation, one hikes comfortably in all conditions without sweating (except, of course, if one would be sweating without wearing raingear at all). A couple dozen long-distance hikers have been happily using the ParCho for the last three summers, including myself (most notably for 2 rainy months on the AT in 2003 when I hiked raining or not and really enjoyed it).
E-mail me and I’ll return a complete, illustrated description.
Sewing plans will be ready in a couple weeks and cost $15 (covers duplicating and mailing costs).
Bilgy