is it waterproof?

“Hello Everyone,

New to backpacking and really got a lot from the content here. Thought I would post this question for you all since I havn't found an answer on the net. I was looking at buying a waterproof/breathable shell since I will be hiking to round lake in the Tahoe area soon and might encounter some rain. I have a waterproof lightweight jacket by sierra designs but i really get uncomfortable in the steam I create : ) Obviously the prices are difficult to smile about when it is for a piece of gear that might just stay strapped to the pack. Last night I was in my closet pulling out my ski gear for the weekend and thought, wait a minute, I might already have what i need. I have an Obermyer shell with a mesh liner(no insulation). I dont know why i didn't think of it before, but I am not sure how waterproof it is. Are all ski jackets snow/waterproof equally? It sheds snow great, but I cant remember being in the rain with it. What would be a good way to test a section for waterproofness other than standing in a downpour (i guess that would be a good way though - might try that too after getting more assurance it could be waterproof).

thanks for the help
paul”

“Try it in the shower. That should give you a pretty good idea if it will keep you dry.”

“I second WK's shower advice, hard to go wrong with empirical evidence.”

“My cheap ski jacket (for the once in a blue moon I actually ski) is water and snow repellant rather than waterproof. Fine for frozen stuff or light rain, but not for a downpour.

I test for waterproofness by putting a section of the material in question over a bowl or skillet. I then pour a small amount of water onto the material, so it pools over the bowl/skillet. If nothing gets through to the bowl in an hour or so, I consider it waterproof enough for my needs.

Another option (one I've read of but never used) is to stand in the shower or in front of a garden hose and see how much water gets through.

Edit - bison and WK beat me to the shower comment.
last edited: 4/12/05 1:59:17 PM”

“If you don't have a shower (I know that sounds stupid, but I didn't have one growing up), Try a garden hose. Have someone aim and fire.

T Mac beat me to the garden hose!
last edited: 4/12/05 2:00:44 PM”

“If you spend enough time in the rain you will soon find that waterproof clothing is a myth....”

“Maybe you need a poncho?
Lightweight, good ventilation, and great for the short summer showers you'll see in the Tahoe area. Makes a good quicky tarp shelter, and is a LOT cheaper than gortex stuff.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=9996340

Here's something I just bought thats working pretty good. Made of Gortex Paclite fabric and about 1/2 the price of regular outdoor gear suppliers:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jhtml?id=0026939922398a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnString=hasJS=true&_D%3AhasJS=+&QueryText=paclite+raingear&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jhtml.22&Go.x=14&Go.y=12&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=paclite+raingear&noImage=0&returnPage=search-results1.jhtml

(yeah, I know thats a long link, but its worth it).”

“Male or Female?”