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1.4oz No-Sew DCF Emergency Rain Jacket

This topic has 10 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 2 months ago by Brian H.

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Oct 16, 2020 at 1:52 pm #3679991

Ryan Perkins
BPL Member

@senatorperkins
Locale: California

Hi there,

Thought I’d share this emergency rain jacket I made for myself.. kind of a silly experiment in how light a rain layer could possibly get.. despite the pit vents this thing does not breathe at all so it’d be a mess to hike in unless the temp is pretty low. I used 0.34oz DCF and PSA only, since I don’t think this material would hold a seam all that well. I based the pattern off of the Patagonia Tropic Comfort hoodie since it was a really simple construction.. made a tyvek version first and altered it a bit then went for it with the DCF. I like how it turned out, though if I had a second shot I’d make the hood a bit deeper. Let me know if you have any questions or feedback!

Oct 16, 2020 at 2:08 pm #3679996

John Dallas
BPL Member

@johndallas

It is great to experiment.

I made a poncho tarp that worked great as a poncho on the 100 Mile Wilderness. It had good air flow. It weighs 4.6 Oz. I did seams similar to what you did. I reinforced tie points.
This does not include weight of stakes. I never tested it on the trail as a tarp. It worked good in the yard. I hope to get back on trail someday and test it out as a tarp.

Oct 16, 2020 at 5:26 pm #3680013

Jimmy Legs
Spectator

@jimmy-legs

Very cool and absurdly light. Would be a nice piece on trips in dry climates with no rain in forcast. Just remember, Chief Sohcahtoa can only calculate right angle triangles ;)

Oct 16, 2020 at 6:26 pm #3680022

Ross Bleakney
BPL Member

@rossbleakney
Locale: Cascades

Cool. Nicely done. I could definitely see using it when the weather is supposed to be good.

For day hikes, I tend to leave the rain jacket at home if the forecast is good (0% chance of rain). Unfortunately, I sometimes space out and don’t put the rain gear in there when its not (10% chance, and things turn sour). This would be way more comfortable than getting soaked, even if it is clammy. It is so light you can stick it in your pack (with things like a space blanket) and keep it there all the time.

Likewise, I never go backpacking without rain gear (even when the weather is supposed to be great) and this could save a few ounces. Nicely done.

Oct 18, 2020 at 12:37 pm #3680180

Ryan Perkins
BPL Member

@senatorperkins
Locale: California

Thanks everyone.. exactly my thinking on the usage. Guess we’ll get some rain in California eventually so I can try it out and see how comfortable it is.

“Just remember, Chief Sohcahtoa can only calculate right angle triangles ;)” – @jimmy-legs

Sure, but any triangle can become a right triangle with the addition of one well-placed line :)

Oct 19, 2020 at 2:20 pm #3680292

Luke Schmidt
BPL Member

@cameron
Locale: Alaska

How about making it out of heavier Cuban? Probably still only 3-4 oz and much more durable.

Oct 19, 2020 at 2:42 pm #3680295

Ryan Perkins
BPL Member

@senatorperkins
Locale: California

Yeah, timmermade makes one out of 0.5oz DCF. I think anything under 1.3oz weight DCF wouldn’t be much more durable, and above 1.3oz you’re looking at 3-4 ounces for the jacket and you might as well get a woven WPB/DWR jacket since there are some in that range. So that’s why I consider it an emergency jacket – definitely not durable enough for daily use.

Jan 16, 2021 at 8:17 am #3694085

todd
BPL Member

@funnymo
Locale: SE USA

I love this project!!!! Great job. And thank you for sharing it!

Jan 16, 2021 at 8:22 am #3694086

Dale Wambaugh
BPL Member

@dwambaugh
Locale: Pacific Northwest

You guys should take a shot at a DCF version of the Hennessy rain cape/tarp

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Rain%20Gear/Jackets%20and%20Pants/Hennessy%20%20Hammock%20Cat%20Cape/Test%20Report%20by%20Pamela%20Wyant/

Feb 1, 2021 at 12:04 am #3696666

John Smith
BPL Member

@jcar3305
Locale: East of Cascades

Nice job on the build. While not likely ideal for rain, it looks perfect for a vapor barrier top for winter camping. Make a pair of pants and socks and you could improve the comfort range of your winter set up by at least 10 degrees and likely more.

Feb 12, 2021 at 9:22 pm #3699142

Brian H
BPL Member

@reno1

That is insane how light your creation is. Taking a closer look, it would definitely fit a need on certain trips.
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