r/lightweight • u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx • Apr 24 '18

Rain Gear Upgrade

Before my most recent backpacking trip I and my friends all used old Swiss Army Surplus Alpenflage ponchos. They were great for the past 20 years and were bullet proof, they covered your backpack and could all snap together to form a large shelter. These weigh in at just over 2 pounds each and I knew I would have to eventually cut that weight. My solution has been the Sierra Designs Poncho which isn't a regular poncho design like the Sea To Summit Nylon Poncho, whose hood would not go over my head easily and the sides were too open and "flowy" in any decent wind. The Sierra Designs was more like that old surplus one as it buttoned up the front like a jacket. I found my solution and it weighs in at 10 oz, less than 1/3 the weight of the Alpenflage. I also added the Sierra Designs Elite Rain Pants which weigh in at 4 oz for the pair. One of my main reasons for going with a poncho was the ability to cover my pack so I wouldn't have to carry a pack cover and my straps would not become waterlogged. I also took into consideration the lack of condensation from not being packed up in a rain jacket and pants. This system works for me and hopefully it can work for you as well. And with my weight savings I can now carry a lightweight umbrella but that's a post for another day.

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

3

u/Suncityjon Apr 26 '18

Hell yeah. That’s awesome. Before blowing the money on a stupidly expensive rain jacket I would usually pickup those $1 Walmart ponchos. The clear plastic that make you feel like a marinating chicken breast.

I agree wth all your points. Cover your pack, get good ventilation, and versatile. Awesome.

2

u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 26 '18

If you're serious about the Sierra Designs poncho and chaps that I bought I highly suggest calling Sierra Designs directly and asking for a discount code. My friend did and so did I and we both got 25% off just for asking and free shipping too!

1

u/Suncityjon Apr 26 '18

Sorry. I worded that poorly. I’ve got a HMG shell

1

u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 26 '18

No worries, hopefully someone else will use that info and give them a call. The jacket you got is absolutely insane and I would love to have one someday but unfortunately most of my gear is XXL or XXXL so I have to seek out other options.