Thanks for the “no nonsense” review of your rain gear. You make it clear that rain gear, like other gear has a lot to do with personal preference. Thanks for video. Will be looking forward to the next one.
I did get something out of this! I've never thought of using the backpack cover as a down sleeping back feet end cover to protect it from moisture (it happens that the wall of my tent gets some moisture there and often times I did get the feet end a bit wet). Gonna give a try, thanks!
There's a big industry built around the promise of breathable fabrics. But it's based on marketing hype - there is no waterproof fabric in the known world that will cope with your sweat when you're working hard in humid and temperate weather. Venting is the answer, together with the right kind of base layer.
Agreed it's all shenanigans. The venting is why I loved the poncho so much. The pitzips on that ems jacket were great too but the poncho was by far my more preferred option. Found in hotter weather it was just better to get wet but in colder weather i found wearing my micro grid fleece underneath usually helped mitigate sweat and keep me relatively dry.
Here's the thing. The real answer is about having a clothing system and using it skillfully, together with realistic expectations about what's achievable and what you have to just suck up if you want to be out there. But you can't wrap that up in a simplistic marketing message, so you get the snake oil promising a brain-dead solution if you just stump up the big $$$. Here's the best thing I know on the web, by someone who really walks the walk. Clear thinking. check out his writing on the soft shell hype as well. andy-kirkpatrick.com/articles/view/the_truth_about_breathable_waterproofs
A few years ago I made a rain kilt based off of Joe Brewers video on Backcountry Banter. I did make some minor changes. Easy to make and I love it. Light weight, smaller than my fist when rolled up, lots of ventilation. After the rain stops I keep wearing it for a while. Keeps the cold wet leaves from slapping my legs. I have had some looks though.
Yes I did, The Kilt is not just some unless Scottish invention. It probably rains a lot there, plus in a two hour shower it could provide you with 5 ltrs of water. I am recommending you for a Nobel Prize for Highlandon.
Careful with that. The Zpacks one is very see through. Though, I suppose, if that is your intention then.....? Let em fly hahaha couple other companies make solid black ones out of silnylon though! No see through problems there!
great! thanks for sharing! i was wondering what can i use instead of rain pants which are basicaly plastic 100% and make you sweat like sauna. and the pancho is great idea. i will use them. great video!
Good stuff man! I totally agree no rain jacket is really breathable but good idea with the poncho. Don't beat yourself up either i carry a pack cover too and use it for numerous reasons. I may try out a rain kilt at some point too. We all like to be lightweight but certain items i feel i cant skimp on and i admit some of the items i use are considered luxury. To each his or hers own! LOL..Sounds like an epic trip! The AT is on my bucket list for sure! Hike on!
Ya I really liked having the rain kilt around. Especially on a thru hike. That thing saved me in the really cold rain. Sucks getting drenched in cold rain. Its one thing when its super warm out but that chilled rain will do ya dirty. If you really want the AT plan and do. I have no regrets. Besides not doing it again yet haha
I have the same EMS jacket and it’s been fine. Most of my hiking takes place in the Whites. I am a bit of a oz. counter but went with this jacket as it’s a bit more substantial.
I thought about doing similar. I have a pair of the Toggs pants thats been sitting in a bin would be nice to do something to them haha. Hope they work out for you John!
Funny looking up frogs toggs reviews for this exact reason. Got a North Face venture and I sweat like a demon I don't even bother with it cause I get saturated underneath. It works great in the winter but from spring to fall it's beat. I'm getting one this week. You told me exactly what I needed to know.
Great vids! One thing, imho, is the pack cover. I, too have had comments about mine. My response, during hunting seasons, how much orange (pack cover) are you showing, and, it has too many other uses. During breaks, especially in tick country and rainy (I live in Florida) ground it is a great mat for the pack, and sometimes me. I always hang my pack at night, and it's a great see cover. Too many times and other uses, I would never leave without it.
I feel you! I used mine also when hanging my pack up in say a shelter or something I would put the cover over to keep any potential critters out, or at least make it a little more difficult for them. Its definitely good for other uses than keeping rain out. At 1.5oz its essentially a no brainer for me!
I brought a Helium2 on my thru of the AT this year as well and used it the whole way. I was never dry in it but it did keep me warm while wet. Thinking of just switching to wind jacket and an umbrella.
Had a similar experience with my Helium 2. I was thinking same system actually. I picked up an umbrella from Gossamer Gear, I have a Patagonia Houdini I may try it out with or just try the Helium again but completely unzipped. Will see what happens!
This is the first vid of yours I’ve watched. Very well done, informative and most importantly you seem very transparent about your experience with gear. I got here by searching hikers’ experience with frogg toggs. I have a top and bottom, they are outsized to fit over layers but I’ve barely used them. At the price, I was convinced they couldn’t possibly be effective in prolonged exposure ie walking all day in continuous rain. I live in the Deep South, so most of my hiking is three season excluding summer. I especially like hiking in the coldest of winter, so overheating and sweating profusely is less of a concern. So, here’s the question. Since my rain jacket has essentially died, I’m considering replacing my system with the frogg toggs and an umbrella. Are they really that effective and will the umbrella be necessary?
I think you will be perfectly fine with just a frogg toggs if you are going with the frogg toggs jacket. If you are going with just the poncho I think you will be mostly fine as long as you are not above tree line or in really windy exposed areasa often. That is the only time I had an issue with the poncho. The jacket is a solid performer for the money, but not the most durable. But in general I think the Frogg Toggs should suffice well. Thanks for watching Keith!
Regarding pit zips, after years of backpacking I've come to the conclusion that they really don't make much of a difference - if you are exerting yourself in a "breathable" rain jacket you are going to sweat and experience interior water, pit zips or not. Yes, armpits sweat but so does the upper back, a lot. Plus the rate of evaporation via the pit zips cannot keep up with the sweat production. Any jacket zipped up, regardless of any venting mechanism is going to leave you wet inside.
Good call on carrying a pack cover my friend. On my thru I didn't have one and wish I had. My Arc Haul began leaking after three to four months. When back home I wanted to know why it didn't hold up. Sleuthing the internet I found Dyneema X Gridstop fabric (used on the Arc Haul) has a Polyurethane backside coating (pack inside) and DWR finish on top (pack outside). Like all PU coatings and DWR finishes they eventually wear out. I had a Cuben pack liner so luckily nothing important got wet, but it sure was annoying when the pack 'wet out' and felt a little heavier every time it rained. To be fair a full thru-hike is an awful lot of miles though, and at least the pack was still functional if not waterproof. Cuben packs are usually pretty worn after a thru-hike too. PS- I was able to restore the waterproofing (water-resistance) of my Arc Haul after the hike. It seems to be as good if not better than new again. If you're interested how I went about it, I can post it.
the inside lining of my pack started to wear away too. I was unaware of the outter DWR but it makes sense. I was going to retape the parts that came undone but Zpacks actually repaired the pack for me extremely well. My arc haul review is finished. Should be out this weekend! Did you retape the seams inside and just respray with DWR on outside?
I didn't re-tape the seams as they were still in pretty good shape. Sorry for the lack of brevity, but here's how I went about restoring the water-proofing. Materials: * Revivex Pro Cleaner (wash) * Revivex TentSure Tent Sealant (pu) * Revivex Durable Water Repellent (dwr) 1. Preparation * Remove everything that can be removed from the pack; i.e. hip belt, support netting, bars and rods. Enclose shoulder straps in plastic and seal off ends with rubber bands. * Turn the pack inside out. * Soak pack 2 hours in a solution of rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and water. I used 12 oz alcohol, a couple squirts of Dawn dish soap, and about 5 gallons of water. The ratio is not critical per the Revivex video I watched. Luckily the pack's original seam tape was not adversely affected by soaking it in this solution. * Scrub the pack with a soft brush to remove any old PU and water rinse. * Soak pack 5 minutes in a solution of Revivex Pro Cleaner following the product instructions. Rinse and allow 24 hours to air dry. 2. PU inside * Apply thin coat of TentSure Tent Sealant (PU) to the inside of the pack. Using a 1" foam brush press PU into the fabric and overlap it onto the seam tape by 1/8"-1/4". * Allow 24 hours to air dry. * Apply a second thin coat of TentSure Tent Sealant. * Allow 24 hours to air dry. 3. DWR outside * Turn pack rightside out and spray it with Revivex Durable Water Repellent. * Allow 48 hours to air dry
Nice! It doesn't seem over complicated either and nicely detailed instructions. I am sure people will find this useful. Not quite sure where my packs water resistance is currently at but maybe worth doing it to mine. Appreciate it the knowledge!
you can test your packs water-proofness by forming a bowl shaped depression on the outside and puddling some water on the fabric. After 10 minutes check the inside for moisture.
You just made me think of rain chaps. I don't think they exist. I think I will make some. I like the ponch but the bottom of my legs get wet. So there. I just invented rain chaps. Like gaiters but a bit better
how about the sea, to summit, or go lite..and the Gatewood Cape....rain cover, for you and your pack, and is a shelter....the first two....more like a lean to...and the third is more, of a traditional tent.....it provides ample ventilation so sweat is not an issue....three functions....one piece of equipment.....and about 12 oz of weight....and saving space, in the pack....
I actually had the mytrailco (go lite rebranded) poncho tarp and I picked up the gate wood cape as well over their last holiday sale. Sold both as to not keep access gear around as I was heading out to the PCT this year which unfortunately did not happen. I actually vastly preferred the layout of the gate wood over the mytrailco one
Hey, Chris! Thanks for the rain gear advice. Did you use the rain kilt on the entire AT even up in NH/ME? Also, how useful was the iPad for editing videos? Was it worth the weight or would you just use your iPhone in the future? What editing software did you use? Thanks!
Yup had it with me the whole time. I hike in NH regularly and keep one with me at all times. Worked out great. The zpacks one was nice as it zipped the whole way so if it was windy it wasnt blowing all over the place. I would definitely just use an iphone at this point. Only perk of the ipad was the larger screen. Used imovie but Lumafusion is arguably the best ios editing app. I made a video about the camera gear I took on the AT too somewhere on the channel
great vid. you mention sweating a couple of times and this is my biggest concern trying a section or thru hike. have you done a vid on how to deal with that?
I have not done a video on it unfortunately. There is honestly no way I found to really combat sweat besides being wet 😕. Even with great ventilation when you are still working hard on the trail you will still sweat. Having pit zips or the air flow of the poncho help make it a little more comfortable but unfortunately there is no way to really stop it. Thanks for watching!
Even if I were rich I wouldn't pay $50 for a pack cover on general principle lol. Got one from Dutchware for $22 that still comes in at under 2 oz. Good info, thanks
I actually picked up a gatewood cape around Nov 2019 and was going to use it this season. But was supposed to headout to PCT and ended up selling it :/
I sweat in general walking across a room haha. In rain gear im always sweating but the poncho offers some impressive ventilation. Kept me quite dry from rain and minimally sweaty!
Hey Chris, may seem like a silly question but was your trash compactor bag scented or unscented. I can only find the scented ones and am worried about critters.
I had to use a scented one after my original compactor bag got a hole in it. The smell goes away after a bit and I didn't have any problems with animals.
Yep, I can confirm the smell goes away. However, I just bought clear liners from Gossamer Gear and the dimensions seems to fit my pack better. Two for $5. I think MLD sells some too.
Mine was not scented. The one I got was Husky brand. There is a little bit of a plastic smell to it (for obvious reasons) but I never had critter issues on the trail for what its worth. As Huy said you can also look into the plastic liners Gossamer Gear sells. I tried to pick up a set recently but they were sold out at the time.
Hiking in the rain sucks..you get hot and smelling like a wet dog when the water goes through it..oh well such as walking in the woods in soaking rain..great video man..i use mine as a shell in the winter sometimes ..
Truth. When it got to the point in the summer where you didn't really need to worry about cold I typically just walked in the rain coatless. I probably should've mentioned that at some point in the video. It's a great option and kind of like a free shower!
nah the one I am using is a compactor bag - like the one seen here www.amazon.com/Hefty-Trash-Compactor-Bags-GAL/dp/B002BXRGQA not sure if you are from the USA but they appear to be more commonly used here. Contractor bag could work too but are usually wider than needed and probable heavier too. I guess you could cut the length down to size though. Trash, compactor, or contractor in all honesty all 3 will work for what is needed in this case
I'm doing some research and considering buying this poncho. I just need to ask, though: How large was your pack, and then how large are YOU? I've heard some reviews saying this poncho isn't good with covering both a larger person (like myself) as well as 40L packs. EDIT: "This poncho" being the Frogg Toggs.
Im 6ft about 220lbs. Pack was pretty large. It did an ok job of covering me and most of the pack. But did not fully cover the pack. You would definitely still need to use a liner in backpack. I would also recommend a rain skirt or pants as water drips down and will just get your pants soaked
I usually keep them in a water "proof" stuff sack. Sometimes I will double it up with a ziploc. May backpack was also pretty water resistant, I also use a plastic liner bag and a pack cover. As far as electronics go esepcially with all my camera stuff I take multiple layers of protection
Wait you used a compactor bag and pack cover!? Pshhhhh. Only joking.. I used the same on my PCT thru. I’m contemplating on a pancho for the CDT.. 🤔 Andy aka Olive
I also had a variety of dry bags. Ultralight blasphemy for sure haha. I really liked having the extra protection especially with all the electronic gear. I probably would not take the Zpacks pack cover next time. I ordered a medium and it didnt actually fully fit the Arc Haul. I am more than likely going to order one of dutchwaregears pack covers. around 2oz and $26 shipped to my door. Buddy of mine picked one up and its perfect for a pack like the arc haul or the granite gear VC 60 ive been using lately. I loved the Poncho on the AT. My worry would be stuff above treeline but maybe carrying a wind jacket with may work out well for that on the CDT. I would also probably add some sort of shock cord waist band for heavy wind areas personally. Poncho life is legit!
Theres no such thing as a waterproof backpack, it can be water-resistant, but cant be waterproof, because it would put so much weight because of the material, and u would have to carry few kg more on your back.
Thanks for the “no nonsense” review of your rain gear. You make it clear that rain gear, like other gear has a lot to do with personal preference. Thanks for video. Will be looking forward to the next one.
I did get something out of this! I've never thought of using the backpack cover as a down sleeping back feet end cover to protect it from moisture (it happens that the wall of my tent gets some moisture there and often times I did get the feet end a bit wet). Gonna give a try, thanks!
There's a big industry built around the promise of breathable fabrics. But it's based on marketing hype - there is no waterproof fabric in the known world that will cope with your sweat when you're working hard in humid and temperate weather. Venting is the answer, together with the right kind of base layer.
Agreed it's all shenanigans. The venting is why I loved the poncho so much. The pitzips on that ems jacket were great too but the poncho was by far my more preferred option. Found in hotter weather it was just better to get wet but in colder weather i found wearing my micro grid fleece underneath usually helped mitigate sweat and keep me relatively dry.
Here's the thing. The real answer is about having a clothing system and using it skillfully, together with realistic expectations about what's achievable and what you have to just suck up if you want to be out there. But you can't wrap that up in a simplistic marketing message, so you get the snake oil promising a brain-dead solution if you just stump up the big $$$.
Here's the best thing I know on the web, by someone who really walks the walk. Clear thinking. check out his writing on the soft shell hype as well.
andy-kirkpatrick.com/articles/view/the_truth_about_breathable_waterproofs
Ya, but Gore-Tex Shakedry is pretty damn close
Ya could just sit the rain out in your tent.
Tyvek chem suit is the best for staying dry and it's cheap, who cares what you look like, you'll be the only one dry and comfortable in a rain storm!
A few years ago I made a rain kilt based off of Joe Brewers video on Backcountry Banter. I did make some minor changes. Easy to make and I love it. Light weight, smaller than my fist when rolled up, lots of ventilation. After the rain stops I keep wearing it for a while. Keeps the cold wet leaves from slapping my legs. I have had some looks though.
Awesome jacket. Keep warm when needed and let her know to get the fuck out when needed. Quality bag.
Really enjoy your intelligent factual reports.
Thank you for frog Tog poncho advice.
The frogg togg poncho was pretty solid! Still have this one in my gear box!
By God. I live in New England. And yes I agree rain gear is not something to skimp on. Well said well done. Thanks
Yes I did,
The Kilt is not just some unless Scottish invention. It probably rains a lot there, plus in a two hour shower it could provide you with 5 ltrs of water.
I am recommending you for a Nobel Prize for Highlandon.
I'm definitely getting one of those skirts, I'm gonna thru hike the PCT this year and I'll be free balling all the way to Canada!!!!
Careful with that. The Zpacks one is very see through. Though, I suppose, if that is your intention then.....? Let em fly hahaha couple other companies make solid black ones out of silnylon though! No see through problems there!
great! thanks for sharing! i was wondering what can i use instead of rain pants which are basicaly plastic 100% and make you sweat like sauna. and the pancho is great idea. i will use them. great video!
Good stuff man! I totally agree no rain jacket is really breathable but good idea with the poncho. Don't beat yourself up either i carry a pack cover too and use it for numerous reasons. I may try out a rain kilt at some point too. We all like to be lightweight but certain items i feel i cant skimp on and i admit some of the items i use are considered luxury. To each his or hers own! LOL..Sounds like an epic trip! The AT is on my bucket list for sure! Hike on!
Ya I really liked having the rain kilt around. Especially on a thru hike. That thing saved me in the really cold rain. Sucks getting drenched in cold rain. Its one thing when its super warm out but that chilled rain will do ya dirty. If you really want the AT plan and do. I have no regrets. Besides not doing it again yet haha
Thanks for the heads up on the EMS jacket. It's exactly what i was looking for.
its a solid jacket. On sale right now too I believe like $50!
I have the same EMS jacket and it’s been fine. Most of my hiking takes place in the Whites. I am a bit of a oz. counter but went with this jacket as it’s a bit more substantial.
Thanks again Chris, another well done and informative video, great ideas for rain protection
Thanks for tuning in!
So I cut a pair of Frog Toggs and made knee length rain shorts that are the length of the kilt
I thought about doing similar. I have a pair of the Toggs pants thats been sitting in a bin would be nice to do something to them haha. Hope they work out for you John!
Man u put out some great vids... thank you
Thanks sir! Appreciate it! Good luck on the trail this year too. Adventure of a lifetime awaits. Will hopefully check out your videos!
ChrisGoesOutdoors thanks brother for your support
I like it keep you from getting sick too put some in the stores too now ok
Great review. Happy Holidays to you
Thanks Mary. Same to you as well!
Good information as usual Chris! Keep the vids coming.
Thanks! Was able to record and edit a few more this weekend. Hoping to knock out a few more while I'm at it!
Funny looking up frogs toggs reviews for this exact reason. Got a North Face venture and I sweat like a demon I don't even bother with it cause I get saturated underneath.
It works great in the winter but from spring to fall it's beat. I'm getting one this week. You told me exactly what I needed to know.
Great vids! One thing, imho, is the pack cover. I, too have had comments about mine. My response, during hunting seasons, how much orange (pack cover) are you showing, and, it has too many other uses. During breaks, especially in tick country and rainy (I live in Florida) ground it is a great mat for the pack, and sometimes me. I always hang my pack at night, and it's a great see cover. Too many times and other uses, I would never leave without it.
I feel you! I used mine also when hanging my pack up in say a shelter or something I would put the cover over to keep any potential critters out, or at least make it a little more difficult for them. Its definitely good for other uses than keeping rain out. At 1.5oz its essentially a no brainer for me!
Great Video. I think ULA makes the Rain Skirt also. Yes, just checked,
Can also get them from Enlightened Equipment, Yama Mountain Gear, Anti Gravity Gear, & Mountain Laurel Designs to name a few more!
I have the larger ULA and it's 2.7 oz. with integral stuff pouch. Great design and excellent piece of gear.
3f makes a good cheep one 9 bucks on aleexpress
SO HELPFUL! Thank you!
My pleasure Brad!
I brought a Helium2 on my thru of the AT this year as well and used it the whole way. I was never dry in it but it did keep me warm while wet. Thinking of just switching to wind jacket and an umbrella.
Had a similar experience with my Helium 2. I was thinking same system actually. I picked up an umbrella from Gossamer Gear, I have a Patagonia Houdini I may try it out with or just try the Helium again but completely unzipped. Will see what happens!
This is the first vid of yours I’ve watched. Very well done, informative and most importantly you seem very transparent about your experience with gear.
I got here by searching hikers’ experience with frogg toggs. I have a top and bottom, they are outsized to fit over layers but I’ve barely used them. At the price, I was convinced they couldn’t possibly be effective in prolonged exposure ie walking all day in continuous rain.
I live in the Deep South, so most of my hiking is three season excluding summer. I especially like hiking in the coldest of winter, so overheating and sweating profusely is less of a concern.
So, here’s the question. Since my rain jacket has essentially died, I’m considering replacing my system with the frogg toggs and an umbrella. Are they really that effective and will the umbrella be necessary?
I think you will be perfectly fine with just a frogg toggs if you are going with the frogg toggs jacket. If you are going with just the poncho I think you will be mostly fine as long as you are not above tree line or in really windy exposed areasa often. That is the only time I had an issue with the poncho. The jacket is a solid performer for the money, but not the most durable. But in general I think the Frogg Toggs should suffice well. Thanks for watching Keith!
Regarding pit zips, after years of backpacking I've come to the conclusion that they really don't make much of a difference - if you are exerting yourself in a "breathable" rain jacket you are going to sweat and experience interior water, pit zips or not. Yes, armpits sweat but so does the upper back, a lot. Plus the rate of evaporation via the pit zips cannot keep up with the sweat production. Any jacket zipped up, regardless of any venting mechanism is going to leave you wet inside.
Good call on carrying a pack cover my friend. On my thru I didn't have one and wish I had. My Arc Haul began leaking after three to four months. When back home I wanted to know why it didn't hold up. Sleuthing the internet I found Dyneema X Gridstop fabric (used on the Arc Haul) has a Polyurethane backside coating (pack inside) and DWR finish on top (pack outside). Like all PU coatings and DWR finishes they eventually wear out.
I had a Cuben pack liner so luckily nothing important got wet, but it sure was annoying when the pack 'wet out' and felt a little heavier every time it rained. To be fair a full thru-hike is an awful lot of miles though, and at least the pack was still functional if not waterproof. Cuben packs are usually pretty worn after a thru-hike too.
PS- I was able to restore the waterproofing (water-resistance) of my Arc Haul after the hike. It seems to be as good if not better than new again. If you're interested how I went about it, I can post it.
the inside lining of my pack started to wear away too. I was unaware of the outter DWR but it makes sense. I was going to retape the parts that came undone but Zpacks actually repaired the pack for me extremely well. My arc haul review is finished. Should be out this weekend! Did you retape the seams inside and just respray with DWR on outside?
I didn't re-tape the seams as they were still in pretty good shape. Sorry for the lack of brevity, but here's how I went about restoring the water-proofing.
Materials:
* Revivex Pro Cleaner (wash)
* Revivex TentSure Tent Sealant (pu)
* Revivex Durable Water Repellent (dwr)
1. Preparation
* Remove everything that can be removed from the pack; i.e. hip belt, support netting, bars and rods.
Enclose shoulder straps in plastic and seal off ends with rubber bands.
* Turn the pack inside out.
* Soak pack 2 hours in a solution of rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and water. I used 12 oz alcohol, a couple
squirts of Dawn dish soap, and about 5 gallons of water. The ratio is not critical per the Revivex video I
watched. Luckily the pack's original seam tape was not adversely affected by soaking it in this solution.
* Scrub the pack with a soft brush to remove any old PU and water rinse.
* Soak pack 5 minutes in a solution of Revivex Pro Cleaner following the product instructions. Rinse and
allow 24 hours to air dry.
2. PU inside
* Apply thin coat of TentSure Tent Sealant (PU) to the inside of the pack. Using a 1" foam brush press PU
into the fabric and overlap it onto the seam tape by 1/8"-1/4".
* Allow 24 hours to air dry.
* Apply a second thin coat of TentSure Tent Sealant.
* Allow 24 hours to air dry.
3. DWR outside
* Turn pack rightside out and spray it with Revivex Durable Water Repellent.
* Allow 48 hours to air dry
Nice! It doesn't seem over complicated either and nicely detailed instructions. I am sure people will find this useful. Not quite sure where my packs water resistance is currently at but maybe worth doing it to mine. Appreciate it the knowledge!
you can test your packs water-proofness by forming a bowl shaped depression on the outside and puddling some water on the fabric. After 10 minutes check the inside for moisture.
You just made me think of rain chaps. I don't think they exist. I think I will make some. I like the ponch but the bottom of my legs get wet. So there. I just invented rain chaps. Like gaiters but a bit better
how about the sea, to summit, or go lite..and the Gatewood Cape....rain cover, for you and your pack, and is a shelter....the first two....more like a lean to...and the third is more, of a traditional tent.....it provides ample ventilation so sweat is not an issue....three functions....one piece of equipment.....and about 12 oz of weight....and saving space, in the pack....
I actually had the mytrailco (go lite rebranded) poncho tarp and I picked up the gate wood cape as well over their last holiday sale. Sold both as to not keep access gear around as I was heading out to the PCT this year which unfortunately did not happen. I actually vastly preferred the layout of the gate wood over the mytrailco one
Nice video 👍
Wiggys Ducksback Best Rain Gear Bags ect...
I’ve tried ponchos in the past and they whip around and rain funnels in the wide sleeves so much that they are pretty much useless for me.
great video. thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Hey, Chris! Thanks for the rain gear advice. Did you use the rain kilt on the entire AT even up in NH/ME? Also, how useful was the iPad for editing videos? Was it worth the weight or would you just use your iPhone in the future? What editing software did you use? Thanks!
Yup had it with me the whole time. I hike in NH regularly and keep one with me at all times. Worked out great. The zpacks one was nice as it zipped the whole way so if it was windy it wasnt blowing all over the place. I would definitely just use an iphone at this point. Only perk of the ipad was the larger screen. Used imovie but Lumafusion is arguably the best ios editing app. I made a video about the camera gear I took on the AT too somewhere on the channel
And that just touchs some of the uses of a pack cover
great vid. you mention sweating a couple of times and this is my biggest concern trying a section or thru hike. have you done a vid on how to deal with that?
I have not done a video on it unfortunately. There is honestly no way I found to really combat sweat besides being wet 😕.
Even with great ventilation when you are still working hard on the trail you will still sweat. Having pit zips or the air flow of the poncho help make it a little more comfortable but unfortunately there is no way to really stop it. Thanks for watching!
Even if I were rich I wouldn't pay $50 for a pack cover on general principle lol. Got one from Dutchware for $22 that still comes in at under 2 oz. Good info, thanks
Haha I can't really argue that one. Dutch ware one probably would've been a better choice cost to weight ratio wise!
get a golite....or gatewood cape.....rain cover...pack cover, shelter....for about 12 ozs....
I actually picked up a gatewood cape around Nov 2019 and was going to use it this season. But was supposed to headout to PCT and ended up selling it :/
I can see you wearing a regular wool kilt.
Thanks!
Are you still using the EMS thunderhead or have you found something better now
I did soak myself with Vaseline only
I just picked up some of those ponchos, I seem to sweet in everything else. They look pretty open, did you sweat with yours?
I sweat in general walking across a room haha. In rain gear im always sweating but the poncho offers some impressive ventilation. Kept me quite dry from rain and minimally sweaty!
Hey Chris, may seem like a silly question but was your trash compactor bag scented or unscented. I can only find the scented ones and am worried about critters.
I had to use a scented one after my original compactor bag got a hole in it. The smell goes away after a bit and I didn't have any problems with animals.
Yep, I can confirm the smell goes away. However, I just bought clear liners from Gossamer Gear and the dimensions seems to fit my pack better. Two for $5. I think MLD sells some too.
Mine was not scented. The one I got was Husky brand. There is a little bit of a plastic smell to it (for obvious reasons) but I never had critter issues on the trail for what its worth. As Huy said you can also look into the plastic liners Gossamer Gear sells. I tried to pick up a set recently but they were sold out at the time.
The best thing about a poncho is you can shit privately with it
Hiking in the rain sucks..you get hot and smelling like a wet dog when the water goes through it..oh well such as walking in the woods in soaking rain..great video man..i use mine as a shell in the winter sometimes ..
Truth. When it got to the point in the summer where you didn't really need to worry about cold I typically just walked in the rain coatless. I probably should've mentioned that at some point in the video. It's a great option and kind of like a free shower!
I think you meant "contractor" bag lol
nah the one I am using is a compactor bag - like the one seen here www.amazon.com/Hefty-Trash-Compactor-Bags-GAL/dp/B002BXRGQA
not sure if you are from the USA but they appear to be more commonly used here. Contractor bag could work too but are usually wider than needed and probable heavier too. I guess you could cut the length down to size though. Trash, compactor, or contractor in all honesty all 3 will work for what is needed in this case
I'm doing some research and considering buying this poncho.
I just need to ask, though: How large was your pack, and then how large are YOU? I've heard some reviews saying this poncho isn't good with covering both a larger person (like myself) as well as 40L packs.
EDIT: "This poncho" being the Frogg Toggs.
Im 6ft about 220lbs. Pack was pretty large. It did an ok job of covering me and most of the pack. But did not fully cover the pack. You would definitely still need to use a liner in backpack. I would also recommend a rain skirt or pants as water drips down and will just get your pants soaked
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors got a name for a rain skirt or pants - how i can search for. thankyou :)
Is the Appalachian trail similar to the " East-West/ West- East Canada Full on Hiking Trail ??
What backpack did you carry?
Nice job great info👍
Thanks Teddy. Appreciate it!
have you tried rain chaps
I have for years with a poncho
I have not, I have actually been reconsidering some rain pant options. Been looking at the montbell versalite pants
take time to demonstrate the wearing of this equipment...
How about hiking with electronics?
I usually keep them in a water "proof" stuff sack. Sometimes I will double it up with a ziploc. May backpack was also pretty water resistant, I also use a plastic liner bag and a pack cover. As far as electronics go esepcially with all my camera stuff I take multiple layers of protection
Wait you used a compactor bag and pack cover!? Pshhhhh. Only joking.. I used the same on my PCT thru. I’m contemplating on a pancho for the CDT.. 🤔
Andy aka Olive
I also had a variety of dry bags. Ultralight blasphemy for sure haha. I really liked having the extra protection especially with all the electronic gear. I probably would not take the Zpacks pack cover next time. I ordered a medium and it didnt actually fully fit the Arc Haul.
I am more than likely going to order one of dutchwaregears pack covers. around 2oz and $26 shipped to my door. Buddy of mine picked one up and its perfect for a pack like the arc haul or the granite gear VC 60 ive been using lately.
I loved the Poncho on the AT. My worry would be stuff above treeline but maybe carrying a wind jacket with may work out well for that on the CDT. I would also probably add some sort of shock cord waist band for heavy wind areas personally. Poncho life is legit!
Theres no such thing as a waterproof backpack, it can be water-resistant, but cant be waterproof, because it would put so much weight because of the material, and u would have to carry few kg more on your back.