Bushwalk Australia

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/.

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

requires membership.

Mark F wrote: https://backpackinglight.com/myog_mntn_poncho/ See this link for thoughts and experiences of making one https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/cuben-fiber-mountain-poncho/.

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.

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.