Poncho vs Rain Jacket

“I saw some older threads on this but wanted to get an update on this little debate (that is not a 7 year old post). Any suggestions? I was thinking of a poncho...but then went back to a rain jacket....

Feedback?

Thanks.”

“Think wind !!

Eventually you will get rain and wind
Poncho useless in wind, and dangerous if hiking along edge of cliffs.

Of course the alternative is that a poncho is much more comfortable in hot sticky climate with rain.

Your choice: dangerous versus comfort.”

“Has onyone tried the Packa?
http://www.thepacka.com/
I saw this at trail days and it looked pretty cool. The guy said that they can custom make it to fit almost any pack.”

“glimmertwin - I suggest that you look somemore. I checked using "poncho" for the search. Only one string showed more than seven years since the last post. Other search words could be investigated, too.

I, also looked at your Homepage. Everything is a blast at something such as the current administration, libbies, unions, etc. There were some definite holes in every argument presented. If you are fimilar with "On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill, you will realize that this does not necessarily mean that the viewpoints presented are wrong, but only that they could be wrong and are subject to examination, discussion and debate. The documents presented on your Homepage are definitely one-sided.

BTW, I did not see anything about trips or backpacking. Do you backpack or have other interests that would be interesting to the active participants on this forum?

Well, anyway, it makes for a nice way to slip back into the TT mainstream. Good luck, Sarge.
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last edited: 5/26/07 8:07:22 PM”

“Troll? I have posted other threads and responded to other threads. I don't advertise my page in my threads at all. Just asking for some advice is all.”

“windgirl I also saw the packa at trail days, the guy had me put on the pack and showed me how it worked. I was very impressed at how well thought out it was and it is the one item that I didn't buy that I wish I had now.I've been seriously considering ordering one.”

“yeah, me too. I would like to hear from someone who has used it and see what they have thought. I may just go ahead and buy.”

“I prefer the jacket also, mostly because it doubles as a windbreaker and mosquito protection.”

“glimmertwin - You're correct. You've been quiet and respectful. I apologize. And you are intitled to your own views. Have fun.”

“In the summer, I prefer a poncho.

In cooler weather, I go with a jacket.”

“Take a look at the Driducks rain suit. I only carry the jacket. Weight (size=large) for Jacket/Pants is 7.5/5.3 oz. The full set costs 20 bucks. I only carry the jacket and use it as an outer layer to replace a wind shirt/jacket on colder trips.

I tried carrying a poncho that doubled as a shelter for a while. It proved to be one of those multi-use scenarios where the item was supposed to be a shelter and raingear but exceled at neither task. I found the poncho to be hot and did not breathe (silnylon) and in windy conditions was a pain in the a**. When did the math the new combination I have now is lighter and works better for me.

There are a LOT of poncho people in the SUL world, and more power to them. One of the great things about the SUL domain is the vast spectrum of ways to approach the space. There is your way and someone elses way but really no wrong way. If it works for you then it works, period.”

“I gotta agree with jimmy. I like the pack cover/ rain suit combo.

I have found many times when hiking in hot weather it actually feels good to walk in the rain. So you put your pack cover on and luxuriate in the cool rain.

The jacket also serves as a great VBL when you are a bit chilly.

And Phil...stop being so Darn Grumpy...MAN
last edited: 5/29/07 7:44:04 AM”

“Yeah, if it's a warm rain like in the summer I'll put on a pack cover and just get wet. It feels good and with a good choice of clothing you dry off quickly enough... 20 mins or so.”

“whats SUL???

tell ya one thing - one of the biggest differences between hiking in the Smokies and hiking in the Rockies is the rain! The rain out here is dam COLD and when the storm blows in around 4:00 pm the temp can drop 25 degrees or MORE! I was shocked the first few times I experienced it - when I'd just take the cool rain and enjoy it back in the Smokies, out here you'll get hypothermia if you let yourself get all wet!

one of the many things I had to learn to adjust my thinking on when I moved out here.”

“SUL = Super Ultra Light”

“I have to agree with Roam on this...we got snow one September on the top of the Continental divide.....”

“It snowed in the high country last night! They closed Trail Ridge Road (RMNP) yesterday afternoon due to snow.

But - the temp thing is strictly an elevaton issue - if your not above 6 or 7 thousand feet - its irrelevant.”

“I'm still waiting to hear if anyone has used the Parka? Does anyone who hasn't used it have any thoughts about it? How well does it work?”

“i switched back and forth between an insulating layer with a hood and a hat and layers/jacket combo. in the end I opted for the hat and layers/jacket combo over a hooded jacket because of the versatility of the two separate items. i also found moisture management to be easier with a separate hat/jacket/layers combo. finally, the hat/jacket/layers combo is lighter.

i will add on edit that my rain jacket has a hood... it's just not insulated. i wear the hat under the hood. this is a good example of versatility of the combo.
last edited: 5/31/07 6:22:16 AM”

“I like mult layers better too - at least in the spring/fall. Full on winter I'd prefer a thick lofty down coat with only a couple light layers.”