I am upgrading my raingear and I want to also upgrade Renee's raingear. I am looking for a lightweight, durable poncho for her as she is still under 70 pounds and primed for a growth spurt. I would have to spend several hundred on raingear, only to have he outgrow it before she get to use it.(We have been through that drill with rain boots, winter boots and hiking boots. How the heck can feet grow that fast?!)

It will see a lot of Alaska type use: Brooks Range, Argo, alders, etc.

What have you guys had good luck with?

Call Kevin at Barney's and get his advice as well.

You used the adjective "best" in your description. I'm sure you know best tends to cost. Barney's pretty much only carries the best.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

You used the adjective "best" in your description. I'm sure you know best tends to cost.

Jim

Jim,

I agree complely! I mentioned "lightweight and durable" but I left out inexpensive. If there is one thing that I have found, it is that when it comes to lightweight/durable/inexpensive gear, you can have two of the three no problem. But getting all three together is simply not possible.

I will check in with Barney's.

You might check some of the backpacking websites.

For a poncho I'd go for lightweight coated nylon. Since it breaths well under it so there's no need for some fancy (and expensive) material. I've had one like this for years and it's held up just fine and does its job.

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

You used the adjective "best" in your description. I'm sure you know best tends to cost.

Jim

Jim,

I agree complely! I mentioned "lightweight and durable" but I left out inexpensive. If there is one thing that I have found, it is that when it comes to lightweight/durable/inexpensive gear, you can have two of the three no problem. But getting all three together is simply not possible.

I will check in with Barney's.

I have been searching for the "perfect" rain gear my whole life.

I do not believe it can be had.

I know it is hard to buy for children as you stated they out grown it fast.

But on the other hand nothing can ruin a child's out door experience faster then poor gear.

It can even be dangerous not having good gear.

Good luck in your search.

Check out Grunden's Neptune line. Not sure if the sizing will work. Good stuff. Helly Hansen's Impertech would be comprable, also good.

I prefer the very lightweight and inexpensive military ponchos that have a summer camouflage (OD green/brown) finish, since one can also unsnap and turn it into a small shelter when caught by the rain on a trail. But in general, ponchos aren't the best for walking on uneven terrain where one may have to step-up to a higher level, because one can step on the poncho and fall.

Now, I would also consider buying a set of Halley Hansen "Impertech (?) rain gear (pants and jacket), that are on the large size instead of ones to fit. In this case, oversized pants and jacket can be very useful on rainy and cold days, since you can wear a couple of warm layers underneath. The last set I bough about 6 years ago cost around $120.00 or so.

Just keep in mind that while the jacket can be larger than her size, the "pants of bibs) can be a little smaller in size since they usually have generous inseams (a little on the long side).

I have both ponchos and 2 sets of the rain gear above. I use the older rain-gear set when "dip-netting" in the Copper River, and the newer one when hunting, since i don't want to smell like a salmon when hunting

Here's a review of several rain ponchos available now:

https://backpackers.com/outdoo...s/best-rain-ponchos/

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
Here's a review of several rain ponchos available now:

https://backpackers.com/outdoo...s/best-rain-ponchos/

I guess I'm just too darn picky. I had seen that review in the past, but it seems like all the ponchos they review were really dual purpose(made to work as a "poncho AND as a life raft". Honestly, I just want an expensively made, standard poncho, constructed of modern light weight/high strength.

It doesn't have to double as a hammock or anything else.

Anyway guys, thank you for all the suggestions!

The search continues!

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
Here's a review of several rain ponchos available now:

https://backpackers.com/outdoo...s/best-rain-ponchos/

I guess I'm just too darn picky. I had seen that review in the past, but it seems like all the ponchos they review were really dual purpose(made to work as a "poncho AND as a life raft". Honestly, I just want an expensively made, standard poncho, constructed of modern light weight/high strength.

It doesn't have to double as a hammock or anything else.

Anyway guys, thank you for all the suggestions!

The search continues!

I assume you meant "inexpensive"?

If so here's one pretty much like I've had for years. They make a kid size version too.

https://outdoorproducts.com/se...=Poncho&type=product

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:

I assume you meant "inexpensive"?

If so here's one pretty much like I've had for years. They make a kid size version too.

https://outdoorproducts.com/se...=Poncho&type=product

I
No, I meant expensive. I’m expecting to pay dearly for something built of high quality materials. Indestructible and lightweight usually comes at a high price and I’m willing to pay for it. We nearly got hit by real weather on or sheep hunt this year and I realized that her safety was too important to risk by relying on cheap rain gear.

I’ll look at the link you posted for Outdoor products.

Thanks again,

quote:

We nearly got hit by real weather on or sheep hunt this year and I realized that her safety was too important to risk by relying on cheap rain gear.

For sure

I just spent 7 days on the Wulik wearing an Arcteryx Zeta. It rained everyday and I stayed bone dry. Nice thing was that the jacket completely dried out in the tent every night.

In high wind situations no breathable product will hold up. The pressure will drive water molecules "backwards" through the membrane. Quite a bit written on this. Grunden, HH, etc. non breathable pieces do not have this issue.

quote:

Originally posted by crane:
In high wind situations no breathable product will hold up. The pressure will drive water molecules "backwards" through the membrane. Quite a bit written on this. Grunden, HH, etc. non breathable pieces do not have this issue.

But the non-breathable fabrics create a sauna situation with even minimal activity.