Based on the positive review of the Montane Featherlite H2O (http://tinyurl.com/2co9ud) I thought it might be interesting to make a hybrid garment. I was thinking of taking the top of a Propore (Rainshield O2) rain jacket and combining it with the Montane (hoodless) jacket. I figure I could cut the arms and mid section off of the Propore jacket thus creating a very short hooded vest, if you will.
If things work as planned, I could see the following advantages:
1) Very lightweight — I might be able to shave off an ounce or two from the weight of my Propore jacket.
2) Quite waterproof — The Propore (which is plenty waterproof in my experience) would be covering the wettest sections (head and shoulders). There would be double coverage in parts of the shoulders (depending on how I cut it).
3) Quite breathable — My understanding is that the Montane jacket is substantially more breathable than a Propore jacket. Is that true?
4) Fairly durable — I figure I am much more likely to tear a Propore jacket in the arms than in just the hood and shoulders (and a tear in the shoulders is just a small loss in redundant protection).
5) Flexible — I could wear each piece separately, thus allowing me to wear the Montane jacket when it is just windy (or buggy). This would, in effect add to the durability.
Before I get started (and buy a Montane jacket) I have a couple questions and would like general comments as well. The first question is whether the Montane jacket is substantially more breathable than a Propore jacket. Second, where can I buy a Montane jacket (mail order) in the U.S. (I know someone listed a web site, but I can't seem to find it).
