After trying all kinds of different rain jackets I’ve finally come to the conclusion that for me the best kind of upper rain wear is a traditional mountaineering cagoule. I like the ventilation it provides and the protection the length gives, such as when you are hunkered down, waiting out a storm with your legs drawn up inside. With the hem drawn up you can use it while climbing and and you can throw it over your back for covering a small pack. I rarely need to wear rain pants.
I’ve been using a non-breathable version I found a few years ago here in Japan, but when cinching up the waist while wearing the pack it gets mighty wet inside from all my sweating. I’ve been seeking a breathable version that would work better with mountain walking, especially here in Japan where it is very humid.
I can’t find properly blousy cagoules anywhere, not even the old Kokatat version (which is too heavy and narrow for drawing up my legs inside). MontBell also makes one, but it, too, is too narrow. Hilleberg’s Bivanorak, which I tried on about three months ago, is much too big and volumnous. What I’d like is similar in design to the 1972 Chouinard catalog ( http://climbaz.com/chouinard72/ch_page60.html ) version. If there is no possibility of buying a ready-made cagoule I think I might just make one myself, but I wonder if it is possible to get eVENT fabric for individuals? And would anyone know of a good cagoule pattern with a good hood and sleeve design?
I’d appreciate any leads. Thanks.
