Leaking raingear - Is there a lightweight solution?

A place to chat about gear and the philosphy of ultralight. Ultralight bushwalking or backpacking focuses on carrying the lightest and simplest kit. There is still a good focus on safety and skill.
Forum rules
Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.

Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg

Re: Leaking raingear - Is there a lightweight solution?

Postby Mark F » Fri 31 Aug, 2018 2:31 pm

Having been through several/many raingear iterations over the years it is apparent that the Achilles heel of wb rainwear is the dwr treatment that rubs off remarkably quickly. The unfortunate part is that the presence or absence of the dwr is not noticeable until the jacket wets out. For this reason I am moving back to a properly waterproof non-breathable poncho type with good ventilation. I have tried the smd Gatewood Cape and found it very good - it ventilated well, kept the pack dry and was perfect for wet lunch breaks but a bit too flappy in strong winds and scrubby conditions. I found on bpl that Roger Caffin had designed a more shaped poncho/jacket offering excellent ventilation, covering the pack but far less flappy https://backpackinglight.com/myog_mntn_poncho/ (unsure whether if this link is accessible without membership) and I am in the process of building one. I've scaled Rogers pattern and now debating the fabric. See this link for thoughts and experiences of making one https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/cuben-fiber-mountain-poncho/.
"Perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to remove".
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Re: Leaking raingear - Is there a lightweight solution?

Postby Warin » Fri 31 Aug, 2018 3:35 pm

Mark F wrote: https://backpackinglight.com/myog_mntn_poncho/ (unsure whether if this link is accessible without membership)

requires membership.
That is accessible.

Simple ponchos have the arm area open - like a sheet thrown over with a hole for the head.
I think this is what the later article talks of as 'flappy' in that the unsecured sides blow about. Could always put zips on them - that would keep the front free of zips and sewing and sealing .. for all except the head.
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Re: Leaking raingear - Is there a lightweight solution?

Postby Lamont » Sat 01 Sep, 2018 6:09 am

Hey Mark, I am right for a rain jacket myself, but I would love to see a pic of your poncho when you finish it! Can you put one up in this thread? Cheers.
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