[pct-l] Insulation layer

[John Abela]

Hey Melanie,

If you want to ditch your heavier rain gear - yet still want a bit of
protection for a possible surprise shower, Joe from over at ZPacks.Com just
released a 3.4 oz (and a 2.5 oz!!!) just released something that might be of
interest to you.

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/cloudcape.shtml

He describes it this way: the CloudCape is a cross between a poncho and
jacket.

Cuben fiber... yes... breathability... no... super light... yes. short
sleeve (huh??)

None the less, I bought one.

I have been using the "Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket" which is the
lightest rain jacket I have been able to find at 6.8 ounces. (Never been a
poncho fan, though many are trying to convert me) But I think that this
CloudCape has a rather nice potential for exactly the situation you are
describing. You might not need the 15+ ounces of a full gear set, but still
want something that will help keep your body core temp stable. That is kind
of how I see this. He just released it a day or two ago, I placed the order
for mine yesterday, and hope to get is soon and give it some testing.

John


On Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 8:47 AM, Melanie Clarke <melaniekclarke at gmail.com>wrote:

> Dear Mango,
>
> Thanks, I am nervous about leaving my down jacket behind but I have this
> exact same experience, I just don't use it or seem to need it.  I only plan
> to do the Southern CA section to Hwy 58 anyway.  I get really heated when I
> hike.  I hike in just a fleece jacket down to 30 degrees, sometimes shorts
> even.  Then I have a nice bag and tent when I stop to sleep.
>
> How much does it rain in Southern California, Diane or anyone???  I lived
> in So. Cal for about 6-7 years and I never remember it raining past March.
> In my ultra-lite dreams I'm thinking that I'm even going to leave the rain
> gear behind and wrap myself in my tent fly if it does start to rain.  (I've
> gone over the tarp vs. tent in my head and the tent still wins out).  I like
> to be in a tent with a fly when it rains, but that's just me and I can
> double the fly as a rain poncho.
>
> Is this advisable?  I would like to hear both sides of this argument.
>
> Melanie
>
> On Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 7:14 AM, Jim & Jane Moody <moodyjj at comcast.net>wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Axel,
>>
>> Here's another option - carry additional base layers and a windshirt
>> instead of a down jacket, which would have very limited use.  Last year I
>> carried a set of silks, a smartwool top and Cap 2 bottoms, my standard
>> long-sleeve hiking shirt and convertible hiking pants, a windshirt, and
>> silnylon rain pants and parka.
>>
>>
>>
>> At KM I sent myself a heavy snow jacket with heavy fleece liner and hardly
>> used it.  I did put on the liner once, but I could have gotten by okay
>> without it.
>>
>>
>>
>> When you're hiking you rarely need anything besides the hiking shirt and
>> pants - maybe silks and rain gear.  You can start out in the windshirt, but
>> you'll warm up within 30 minutes and take it off.  When you stop, put the
>> windshirt back on.  In camp, put everything on until you're finished setting
>> up, eating, cleaning up, etc.  Then get in the bag.
>>
>>
>>
>> With really warm outer wear, you'd be carrying extra weight for use only
>> for short duration at the very beginning and end of the day.
>>
>>
>> Mango
>>
>>
>> > > I was wondering if i could have some recommendations as to what kind
>> of
>> > > > insulating jacket to use (weight/materials). I've heard a lot about
>> > down,
>> > > > even though it becomes relatively useless when wet. Any opinions are
>> > > > appreciated, but to narrow things down, I'm trying to go for the
>> most
>> > > > reasonable price possible.
>> > > > Thanks and happy trails!
>> > > > -Axel
>> >
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