CraigVIC wrote:Did the staff have any insight on what sort of pack weight you could carry with the zeolite jacket Lamont?
Craig I was going off this-
"Harness the performance of GORE-TEX when you’re on the trail with our Zeolite Men’s ShakeDry Jacket. This includes water and windproof qualities, plus breathability and super quick drying – you can literally shake your jacket dry. It’s abrasion resistant when wearing your run vest or pack."
Does this mean you will have a warranty-don't know for sure?
Seems to be sold like the Caldorado and the Hyperair (which Zapruda has used I believe with a UL baseweight) and the Norvan as running jackets. But all have been used with an UL load by UL walkers. It's why I was interested to be compared a bit with the Zeolite.
I think if you are going to load any of these with a baseweight of more than about 4 kgs and total of 8-9 (?) walking weight you might be best looking elsewhere.
The only jacket I have seen in recent times which are/have some backpack compatability were the Columbia Outdry Ex Featherweight-sold as backpack capable (Vale) and the new Montbell Peak Shell.
However, the Peak Shell states (Zapruda if you see this-correct me if I'm wrong) in their blurb words to the effect -if you are going to try and use this every day for weeks/months on end-you might be best to look elsewhere. Seems to be suggesting more infrequent/but will work very well when you need it type thing but that it's lifespan under a backpack may be restricted/limited?
Jackets like these-as long as the conditions suit-watch the bush and scrub-work as wind shirts as well. Gets cold chuck it on.
My COEF is excellent in rain or wind but I have a three layer GTX Marmot Nano AS for tougher times.
And as I alluded to earlier the staff are well meaning but gormless.
I would also think if you are using a waist belt on your rucksack there would be less sliding on the back fabric and the weight would be eased somewhat from the shoulder fabric.
If Zapruda has some hours on his MB (Z ?) -and the DWR is holding up, that seems also to be a valid option-but not permanently WP as such.
I would avoid all the other Katman rain jacket options myself.
What sort of weight were you thinking?