A place to chat about gear and the philosphy of ultralight. Ultralight bushwalking or backpacking focuses on carrying the lightest and simplest kit. There is still a good focus on safety and skill.

Forum rules

Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.

Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg
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zpacks update rainshell

Thu 26 Jun, 2014 6:38 am

ZPacks update rain jacket design..... get rid of bunny suit white for , black

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/wpb_jacket.shtml

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Thu 26 Jun, 2014 3:11 pm

I really like my white one. Breathes very well and is very very light.

K.

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Thu 26 Jun, 2014 9:30 pm

I really hate my white/greyish one. Whilst it is waterproof, breathes well, and is extremely compact, and does everything it is meant to, it stands out like a dogs balls if walking along a river fly fishing. The black one would be so superior for trout fishing.......however, I am off to Kiritimati bone fishing next week, where everything is white/grey/blue, so my current Zpacks jacket may find a niche. But I'd rather have a black one...or ideally camo green.

A

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 8:32 am

The black one looks nice. But everyone asks WT *$&# is that when I put my white one on..........Any it's workes very, very well. I have a 36" zipper so I guess inbetween the 32 & 40" option. That feature alone makes it a standout for me. 40" zip would be great. Awesome material, uber light weight, knee length coverage and pitzips..... all for a possible 200ish grams. That's about as good as it gets for track/open country walking IMO.

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 8:36 am

forest wrote:The black one looks nice. But everyone asks WT *$&# is that when I put my white one on..........Any it's workes very, very well. I have a 36" zipper so I guess inbetween the 32 & 40" option. That feature alone makes it a standout for me. 40" zip would be great. Awesome material, uber light weight, knee length coverage and pitzips..... all for a possible 200ish grams. That's about as good as it gets for track/open country walking IMO.

How does it go for abrasion resistance to pack wearing?

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 8:47 am

Mines been fine. Used it a bit lately trail running with a 4-6kg hydration vest on, so less weight, but more bouce so I'd guess similar wear.
Can't fault it.

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 9:08 am

a 107g rainshell

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/product-re ... 11976.html

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 9:31 am

Strider wrote: How does it go for abrasion resistance to pack wearing?


I may have an older version, I've found there's no functional compromise from rubbing, however, the shoulders and hips have large grey patches, it definitely looks well used.

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 11:30 am

Its obviously a top shelf rainshell, but $45 shipping for 400g.. nah

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 11:50 am

GPPJ wrote:Its obviously a top shelf rainshell, but $45 shipping for 400g.. nah

I asked Joe about this when having some stuff shipped once, it's because of the insurance they put on orders over $100. If you ask they can ship for around $15, if anything happens in the post you're out of luck though.

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Fri 27 Jun, 2014 11:51 am

use a mail forwarding company, they get disounted rates on shipping....

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Sat 28 Jun, 2014 9:45 pm

Whilst the black would suit my fly fishing needs, how long before we get a red/orange version as well.

My "white/grey" jacket has been great. Über light. Very breathable and waterproof and tiny, but just not the right colour for my activities, which are largely fly fishing and snow camping.

Might chuck some $ towards a black one.

A

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Sat 28 Jun, 2014 9:49 pm

andrewa wrote:Whilst the black would suit my fly fishing needs, how long before we get a red/orange version as well.

One each of white, black, red and orange models. That's 4 x US$250 to zPacks! :mrgreen:

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Mon 30 Jun, 2014 8:07 am

I do like the look and sound of these. with pit zips and the longer zip its getting up to $300 + postage though.

I guess I can only spend it once.....

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Mon 30 Jun, 2014 8:43 am

gayet wrote:I do like the look and sound of these. with pit zips and the longer zip its getting up to $300 + postage though.

I guess I can only spend it once.....


I've never been attracted to pit zips. Just something else to chafe, rub, and cause problems.

As regards the length - did you do the length check as suggested by Joe on the web site ? I did the check and the standard jacket, on me, would be hang down lower than it appears to in the photos and would be comfortably below the pack hip belt (ON ME)

There you go Gayet - how much did I just save you :lol: I'm still mulling over a purchase/not purchase decision :D .

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Mon 30 Jun, 2014 9:29 am

I guess with better breathability the pit zips are less needed. I am close to 6ft in old money and prefer a jacket that keeps my bum covered. Standard length jackets are just a bit short for what I prefer. So yes you have saved me the pit zips and I thank you! :-)

But I think I'll still go with the longer zip with the benefit of opening both ends.

Edit: Just placed the order. Hang the expense. Probably saved half a kilo
Last edited by gayet on Mon 30 Jun, 2014 9:50 am, edited 1 time in total.

Re: zpacks update rainshell

Mon 30 Jun, 2014 9:32 am

i havent found a rainshell that was better off without pit zips. has to be pretty cold before you dont overload them with sweat. event isnt that great for breathability... you can still easily overload it with sweat
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