[pct-l] Raingear

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good morning,

*I don’t believe Cedar Tree’s advertising that says Packa is the world’s
only full coverage backpacking rain parka.  Maybe they should say, “…
world’s only full-coverage backpacking parka that is currently commercially
available …” or something along those lines.  I think the 13 ounce Packa is
the second-best such rain garment after the 8.8 ounce Bilgy Parcho.
http://www.questoutfitters.com/10JuneParChoSewRedFileSz%20%281%29.pdf*

*As far as I know Parcho is currently only available made from Bilgy’s
plans.  As much as I dislike sewing SilNylon, if anything happened to my
Parcho I would sew a replacement myself.*

*Parcho has several attributes that have proven useful to me, including:*

*The large, loose arm sections make it very quick and easy to get one’s
hands inside the Parcho body to gain access the two large inside breast
pockets, or to pants, jacket, or pack pockets; all while the hands are
inside out of the rain.  I find this to be of particular value when
preparing the camera for use.  When ready I can then poke the camera out of
the Parcho and keep it dry under my hat brim.*

*Another feature that I find useful is the ability to sit while the
Parcho’s skirt covers my legs and knees; even when I sit cross-legged.  I
can – but don’t have to – sit without actually sitting on the Parcho’s
fabric.*

*Rather than having a traditional sleeve cuff, the Parcho arm sections are
very loose for good ventilation, and there is a grip-strap for the hand to
keep the end of the sleeve covering one’s hands/gloves.  That glove
covering makes an amazing difference in hand warmth, particularly when
poles are in the hands.  The large arm sections obviate the need for heavy
and aggravating pit-zips.*  http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=265651

Stay dry,  <http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=265651>

Steel-Eye

-Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09/