Jakpak, water proof jacket, sleeping bag and tent

[Tony]

This might be interesting to some Bushwalking.com members who are interested in lightweight gear http://jakpak.com/our-story/ it is a water proof jacket, sleeping bag and tent all in one. It is an interesting concept.

For those who are interested and members of BPL, they have recently done a review http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... eview.html.

Tony

[Son of a Beach]

Interesting concept. When they say jacket, tent & sleeping bag, do they really mean jacket & bivvy bag? From what I can tell from a quick look at the pictures and specs, it's more of a bivvy-bag than a tent/sleeping bag.

It's certainly a novel idea and could be handy for some locations. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who uses this to sleep out in the rain, anywhere.

[Tony]

Hi SOAB,

This is the first model it is not even released to the public yet, I expect some improvements in time. I have just printed off the BPL review, will read it tonight, the BPL rating is only 'average' I will post some more info tomorrow.

Tony

[ninjapuppet]

interesting concept.... but i cant see myself using one. even the bright flouro colour itself, looks a little..... ?

[Tony]

After reading the BPL review, it appears that the JakPak still needs some development but I still think it has some potential.

The yellow JakPak that was reviewed was one of three models, the company also make a lighter nylon version and camouflage version. The yellow JakPak is made of polyester with a Urethane coating, This proved to be water proof but did not breath which made the jacket uncomfortable to wear while walking, the bivy also did not breath which made it clammy to sleep inside. It rained a few times while the reviewer was sleeping inside the JakPak and while he mostly stayed dry some water leaked it the join between the bivy and jacket which would make it not suitable for very wet climates.

The jacket was also not very comfortable to wear, even though there are some adjustments it was difficult to get right.

The reviewer suggested that the Jakpak was not suitable for backpacking, it was more suitable as cold wet climate hunting gear. The detailed review can be found on the http://www.backpackinglight.com


Tony

[Son of a Beach]

I reckon it would be great for watching the football during the winter (which I think was one of the manufacturer's suggested uses). Not that I'm a real sports fan myself, but I can imagine it being really handy for that sort of thing.

[blacksheep]

[Franco]

Blacksheep
Thanks for nothing. I went to the Macpac shop in town today and nobody knew anything about that.
Anyway, does it come in blonde ?
Franco

[blacksheep]

Blacksheep
Thanks for nothing. I went to the Macpac shop in town today and nobody knew anything about that.
Anyway, does it come in blonde ?
Franco

sorry Franco- they are still in development..Are you interested in being a product tester? ( I'll see if there is a light and fast version for you..)

[Franco]

In the name of science I hereby volunteer to test the first blonde prototype. Come to think of it due to my lack of that kind of testing this century, I'll take any prototype...
Franco

[Liamy77]

Damn i knew Macpac had a good reputation.... but thats taking cutomer "service" way beyond the competition!!!!

I would offer to test too but "she who must be obeyed" .... well, when she found out... lets just say i know what would happen but she would have to sew em back on first?!