Saturday, October 15, 2011

Rain protection quest

In the endless saga of trying to stay dry in the Pacific Northwest rain, I've just made another purchase, because these two (Fred and Diane) had an advantage over me in the second half of last week's hike: jackets made from eVent fabric. In this picture we are all dry and not wearing any rain gear, because the first half of the day was pretty darn perfect hiking weather. However, the second half was another story. I had a raincoat and poncho with me in that backpack, and before we had returned to the cars, I was drenched from one end to the other. Fred and Diane stayed relatively dry. She's wearing rain pants in this picture, which she wore from start to finish, but when the rain began she put on her eVent jacket and stayed dry. Not only from the outside rain, but she also didn't sweat so much that she got wet inside from trapped perspiration. I know, I know; this is what Gore-Tex is supposed to keep from happening, but I've never had a raincoat that really worked as advertised. The eVent fabric is designed differently, and they explain here about how we sweat. I read the specs and went to REI to purchase a very pricy raincoat.
Maybe I can try it out here in the shower to see if it works. No, I suspect I'll have plenty of chances coming up soon. This is REI's Kulshan Jacket. I had to order it from the warehouse so that I didn't have to choose the neon lime green one, the only Medium in the store. It's got a nice hood and there's enough room underneath for me to add a fleece lining. I read the reviews and most people liked it, but some weren't happy with the zipper. I mentioned that to the salesperson as I checked out, and he told me he thinks that was last year's design. The good thing about REI is if I don't like it, or if it doesn't work as advertised, I can take it back and get a full refund. Other reviews of the fabric were very positive.

I'll let you know how it works in future posts. I didn't think I would ever be anxious for more rain, but...
:-)

24 comments:

  1. nice...i like REI, we used to have one when i lived in NC...none near here now...sounds like you got a good one there...will def comein handy on your trips...

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  2. This sounds like a great purchase and one which will allow you to brave the elements!

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  3. You look quite cute in your raincoat and I'm sure it will keep you nice and dry when the need arises but I'll be looking forward to hearing all about it. Did you get the pants too??

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  4. Out of curiosity...do you ever worry about bears and such? Are you prepared in case?

    I'm feeling quite envious of those beautiful mountain views. We lived in Wyoming for a while and I do miss the mountains and their breathtaking views.

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  5. OK DJan, I agree with Serena - we hear about the mountains and photos of GLORY, however, what kind of wild life do you see and have you ever come across a bear? Please enlighten us with a story or two re: wildlife
    Thanks ever so much in advance, right Serena :)
    p.s. nice jacket - I'm going to check those out for our elements of Bay of Fundy n beaches.

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  6. Given the weather you seem to have, you should be able to check out your new jacket almost instantly. However, given the vagaries of the world, you may have started a drought.
    Lovely photos and post as always.

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  7. I'll stick with my old gortex. I like it. I'm one who perspires a lot and it's the only thing I stay dry on the inside.
    However I'm always open to something new.

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  8. Well DJan, I am quite sure you will get your money's worth on that jacket. I hope it works for you, yet, if it doesn't, REI is great about customer service! Let us know how it works, ok?

    Serena voiced something I've wondered about too. It seems that you are often in pretty isolated places. I know there are usually a group, but have you seen bears, etc???

    Just curious! I'd be kind of scared. :)

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  9. Isn't new gear exciting? I love the pictures of you! We don't have REI near here; the closest one is a couple of hours away. I did see one on a trip recently and thought of you:)

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  10. That's not necessary in Hawaii. And my trips off-island are usually during warm weather with very little rain. Loved that 1st pic -- it's so clear and vibrant.

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  11. That is a beautiful jacket. I think it will work well for you and will certainly be worth the investment. I think I would be looking into getting some of those pants too.

    I'm so far behind on reading blogs, I hope i haven't missed too many of your adventures. Keep on trekking.

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  12. Love that pic of you in he shower with the new purchase, hood and all. Hope it works!

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  13. I'm a big fan of REI and I miss having one nearby. I went over and looked at the specs on this jacket and it looks really nice. I still have my old Gore-Tex jacket and it serves me well however.

    I'm betting you will get to try your new jacket very soon.

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  14. Hope the jacket works well for you. Like you, we buy from REI but we do it online. We just got a bunch of socks from them and I got some things for hubby for Christmas that I am saving to wrap closer to then. You look good in that blue.

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  15. I think the neon green is hot! But, seriously, thanks for the info as I'm in the process of looking for such a jacket. Let me know how this works and good luck. BTW, you have the warmest smile!

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  16. Wow! They even have gloves and socks and sleeping bags! I'd be looking into the pants, socks, and gloves! You will put them to good use. It would be worth the investment, that's for sure.

    Now that others brought it up...I remember you seeing mountain goats (?) once, but have you guys ever run into a bear or anything else big?

    When we were kids and hiked in Glacier National Park they told us that if you make enough noise the critters usually have plenty of warning and move away to avoid you. There had been a deadly bear attack the week before we arrived, so my Dad shook a can with rocks inside on the hike till he drove us all crazy--ROFL!! Is that true, though? Is that why you don't see many animals? They hear you coming?

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  17. Nice to see you there DJ in that raincoat! I'll wait for it's really effective, I think I need that raincoat knowing that rains battered us a lot and I'm lazy to bring umbrellas that raincoat would be handy for us here. Thanks for that.

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  18. This is perfect timing as I'm in the market for a new outdoors coat. I love the picture of you in the shower with your mischievous grin!

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  19. Love the color! I have had Gortex jackets that work well, but I have not given them the ultimate test of hiking ten miles up hill in the rain like super hiker you do.

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  20. So nice to talk to you again. I've been away at my other website and now hope to do both when I can. I hope you get a chance to check me out over there too.
    You are such a dedicated hiker. I took up a lot of walking over the summer, but I'm very fair weathered about it. When it gets cold and rainy I stay inside!

    Nina
    http://over50andhappy.com

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  21. I hope you bought some rain pants too..you are worth it! Beautiful color! :)

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  22. You are still going strong and seem to be enjoying it. Don't stop. Once you stop, it is nearly impossible to start again with the same kind of dedication. I used to walk, with my dog, Autumn Eve, 1/2 mile around our block each morning. When she died in 2006, I gave up walking. Now I can barely make it from the living room to the dinner table.

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  23. Thanks for the lovely comment. And I feel the same way. I'd be happy to hang with you in all ways...except rainy hikes!

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  24. I miss REI and other such big outdoors stores! Nonexistant here in Spain... we just have the big Decathlon sports stores, which carry things for just about any sport under the sun so they don't have much of a selection in each category (and it's mostly their own brand which isn't always reliable). *sigh* I go a bit crazy when in countries like the UK, US or New Zealand and find myself in a big hiking store! :p

    Looks like a cool jacket! You should have tried it out in the shower ;o)
    Rain... now there's one thing I won't miss from my Belgian hikes! Very little chance of that here in Alicante.

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