UL rain gear

Have you considered a cape for the top? I switched to an ID SilCoat Cape and recently had the chance to use it in some substial rains. Depending on your size the weight is 3.5 oz for a small and 5 oz for a large. Added benefit is that it can be used as rain cover for your pack (if the pack is relatively small) while wearing it. Absolutlely waterproof and the ventilation is great.

im tall 6'5". have a Z55 pack but look ing to get a catalyst.
how long is the large?

on another note there is a catalyst that is my size up for sale on this site. is there any way of knowing that the guy is reputable. i just feel funny giving money to a stranger and hoping to get the pack i want…

i live in so cal so a cape sounds good as most of my hiking is in fair weather. will be doing 2 10 day trips to the sierras this summer tho

Info on Cape: http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=824&CFID=7378347&CFTOKEN=43005992&mainproducttypeid=1

Emily-

You mentioned being in SO Cal…ideal for Rain Wrap. Just be comfortable with the idea of gettting your socks and shoes wet if it does rain, 'cause the Rain Wraps are about mid-calve in total length.

Also…if you need a middle man in the purchase of the FS Catalyst, let me know. You can send me the $$$, the seller can send me the pack, and when they both arrive I can forward to each person. Contact me off-list if that is helpful.

I would go with a cape (AKA poncho) unless you want the rain jacket and pants to do double duty as wind and bug protection. For that, I would recommend a set of the O2 or DryDucks rain gear. Just keep in mind they are very fragile.

After researching multiple articles, gear lists, and posts here, my new summer rain setup is a Sea-to-Summit sil-cordura poncho tarp (over a Patagonia Houdini when necessary). The S2S tarp is nice and long for poncho use, and will be additional storm protection for my gear and weatherproof bivy in tarp mode. A shock cord waist belt controls flap and the Houdini provides wind/drip/spray protection or short term protection during tarp setup. No rain pants for summer conditions in Idaho and Montana, just low stretch gaitors to help keep socks and shoes somewhat dry. Will bring WPB rain pants for spring/fall use when snow and cold are more prevalent.