Re: Questions about Jackets vs. Poncho
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2015 12:07 am
Greetings oldranger
The reason I use a Goretex rain jacket (Northface) is simple: It does a lot more than just keep off rain. When camp is set and I'm walking around exploring, or if I stay up to watch the stars, the jacket provides protection from wind and cold. That's a very useful benefit that an open poncho doesn't provide.
You've probably gotten pretty skilled with using a poncho in the rain, so that works for you. It's not so easy for everyone to utilize a poncho effectively. When I do have to hike in the rain, I try to slow my pace way down to avoid sweating as much as possible. I use the pit zips and am careful to regulate my temperature with a minimum amount of clothes on top. I've been able to keep moving, at a pretty slow pace, and stay fairly dry through some very steady rain. That's the compromise and adjustments which I make to use a jacket.
Note: I've been looking at the Patagonia M10 for a year now (awesome backpacking jacket), but am too cheap to spend the $$$ while my old Northface gear still works fine. If you would like to give me $379 for some useful advice, I will buy an M10 and provide you with a gear review that could help with your decision. I'm just a helpful person, I guess.
Incidentally, you're lucky to have a wife who is so adventurous and likes the outdoors.
Peace.
The reason I use a Goretex rain jacket (Northface) is simple: It does a lot more than just keep off rain. When camp is set and I'm walking around exploring, or if I stay up to watch the stars, the jacket provides protection from wind and cold. That's a very useful benefit that an open poncho doesn't provide.
You've probably gotten pretty skilled with using a poncho in the rain, so that works for you. It's not so easy for everyone to utilize a poncho effectively. When I do have to hike in the rain, I try to slow my pace way down to avoid sweating as much as possible. I use the pit zips and am careful to regulate my temperature with a minimum amount of clothes on top. I've been able to keep moving, at a pretty slow pace, and stay fairly dry through some very steady rain. That's the compromise and adjustments which I make to use a jacket.
Note: I've been looking at the Patagonia M10 for a year now (awesome backpacking jacket), but am too cheap to spend the $$$ while my old Northface gear still works fine. If you would like to give me $379 for some useful advice, I will buy an M10 and provide you with a gear review that could help with your decision. I'm just a helpful person, I guess.
Incidentally, you're lucky to have a wife who is so adventurous and likes the outdoors.
Peace.