[pct-l] Packa vs. Parcho

[giniajim]

This is a good summary, well thought out.  Thanks Chuck.  The Packa and Parcho are different animals thats for sure.  I'll have more to say about my Packa after I give it a few good workouts; its only seen limited use to date.  

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: CHUCK CHELIN 
  To: Pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 11:11 AM
  Subject: [pct-l] Packa vs. Parcho


  Good evening, all,



  I looked at both the Packa and the Parcho, and while I’ve never owned the
  Packa I prefer the features of Parcho.  They are much the same creatures – I
  could easily use and be pleased with either -- but they differ in a few
  design details that are significant to me:



  1) The lower skirt of Packa is smaller in diameter than Parcho.  Being loose
  aids ventilation and – significantly -- in the Parcho I can sit cross-legged
  and be totally covered.

  2) The arms of the Packa are relatively narrow and jacket-like, and to
  ventilate they install pit-zips.  I’m not a big fan of zippers anywhere
  because they are prone to fail or wear out, and they add weight where it can
  be avoided.

  3) The Packa’s arms have traditional cuffs which also limit ventilation, and
  it is likely the hand can’t easily be withdrawn into the end of the sleeve
  to keep the hands out of the rain.  If the hand can be withdrawn into the
  sleeve it would be at the cost of grasping effectiveness.  The Parcho does
  not have a snug cuff so ventilation is improved.  Also, a point of the end
  of Parcho's sleeve does a good job covering the hand while grasp is not
  affected.  A sewed-in strap across one’s palm near the end of the sleeve
  keeps the hand coverage in place.

  4) Parcho’s loose, triangular-shaped sleeves allow one’s hands to be quickly
  and easily withdrawn inside the body of the garment.  This provides instant
  accessibility to pockets, belt packs, cameras, pack straps, etc.  I
  particularly value the ability to withdraw and prepare my camera in a dry
  environment. It does not appear that withdrawing one’s arms can be done into
  the Packa, except maybe with some difficulty.

  5) The inside front of the Parcho has two large breast pockets that are
  fully protected from the rain.  I use these pockets for my handkerchief, my
  snacks, and my gloves when I’m not wearing them, etc.  These pockets are
  quickly accessible by withdrawing my arms from the sleeves.

  6) Parcho is easy to put on:  Face the wind, grasp it by the shoulders
  facing forward, swing it above the head while taking 1-2 steps forward, then
  zip it up with hands either inside or outside.  Maybe that can also be done
  with the Packa, but its snugger arms would make it more difficult and
  possibility not worth the trouble.



  I had wanted a Parcho but I didn’t make or buy mine:  I won it in a raffle
  at the annual ALDHA-West Gathering.  The maker, Triple-Crowner Bill “Bilgy”
  Gurwell, generously donated the Parcho for the raffle.  Thanks again, Bilgy.
  Based upon my subsequent good results with Parcho I would defiantly make/buy
  a replacement should anything happen to this first one.



  Steel-Eye

  Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

  http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

  http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
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