The never ending search for alternative rain gear

Lukes Ultralite makes a Pertex Poncho.

http://lukesultralite.com/pertex-backpacking-poncho

Hi J mags,

Well technically, these already exist. Frog Toggs poncho's. You forgot to add durable to that list of adjectives. :)

Some manufacturers are getting better with applying polyurethane coatings. These don't tend to be super breathable as compared to eVent or Neoshell, but they might do pretty good in a poncho style.

(see http://www.evo.com/waterproof-ratings-and-breathability-guide.aspx as reference and specifically under "Membrane or Coating" section).

Hi Ian,

Thanks for the heads up. Couple of issues though, wish Luke specified which "Pertex" was being used because there are a lot of different pertexes. Also, kind of pricey for a poncho. I wouldn't pay a hundred dollars or more for a poncho unless it was made out of a much more expensive material, like the eVent packa. It's possible that the pertex he uses is on the more expensive side, but if that's the case i would rather make my own and save a bunch of money.

I'm guessing he probably uses Pertex Endurance, which you can get for around 17 dollars a yard–bit pricey.

Jmags wrote, "I am agreeing with your point. I'm saying once you find a cheaper, lighter, breathable, and waterPROOF fabric please let me know."

As per your request, check out Thru Hiker and Pertex Endurance fabric. 16.95 per yard, Pertex Endurance technology incorporates an ultra thin air permeable coating that is highly breathable while maintaining water and wind resistance.
Key specs: Waterproof to 1000mm
Breathability (MVTR) 7000g
Actual tested finished weight: 1.4 oz/sq yd (46 g/m2).

Seems to fit the bill, if you make your own garment. You would need a little over two yards of fabric. Under a torrential type down pour, you probably would still want to wear a water resistant wind jacket underneath though (you could probably keep it mostly unzipped).

Froggs Toggs ponchos aren't cut for backpacking. Stadium and fishing stuff IMHO. A true backpacking poncho should be about 14" longer in the rear and should have some means of tucking up the extra back panel for use without a pack.

A breathable fabric like eVent for making a poncho is just a waste of money. If Pertex comes in a truly waterproof fabric it would be okay, but most of the variants I have read about are low CFM windshirt stuff with DWR, which would make a poor poncho, or the WP/breathable versions like Pertex Shield are just walking the same path as using eVent fabric. Light silnylon works just fine. PU coated nylon works fine too, other than the weight.

You can put all the lipstick on a poncho that you want, but with the open sides and a generous bellows effect, there isn't any problem with ventilation and using a simple waterproof coated fabric.

All a poncho needs is a good hood, the back length as mentioned, snaps or Velcro on the sides, some good tie-outs for use as a shelter and a length of light cord to use as a belt to tame it in brush or wind.

A poncho isn't a sleek stylin' garment but they work. They keep your whole pack dry, suspension and all they have some value as a shelter. You won't get breathable 7 ounce rain gear for $60 in any other form.

"If Pertex comes in a truly waterproof fabric it would be okay, but most of the variants I have read about are low CFM windshirt stuff with DWR, which would make a poor poncho, or the WP/breathable versions like Pertex Shield are just walking the same path as using eVent fabric."

Check out Pertex Endurance. It is water resistant to 1000mm with decent breathability. It works by a air permeable coating, not a membrane. Its about the same weight as Silnylon. About 17 dollars a yard. It would be water resistant enough in all but the most heavy and wind driven type rains, but if you wear a water resistant wind jacket underneath, you should be fine.

My experience with traditional ponchos is that they are fine if there is some wind. When the air is dead still and more humid, i have still gotten quite over warm in them. I think a breathable fabric would help quite a bit.

I'm guessing this is the same fabric that Luke from Luke's Ultralite is also using for his "Pertex" poncho.

My only issue or question is, is how durable is the stuff? I don't know anything about the durability of the coating. Unlike silnylon, you can't just add more coating–it's a more specialized fabric, which will give it a shorter life span.

… with apologies to the Beatles :)

Doesn't work in all conditions.

With a poncho you are probably carrying a super-breathable wind shirt, right?

Wear it under your poncho. I can't explain the chemistry/physics; but sometimes it seems to work like a double wall tent. Not always but in a lot of situations.

Thanks for the tip.