Approx. 2oz rain jacket – like an emergency rain jacket that is not disposable

[Diane “Piper” Soini]

I used 7D MTN silnylon and a waterproof zipper from RSBTR. I used the LearnMYOG alpha raglan sweater pattern and just put the front piece on the fold with a little extra for the zipper, then sliced it up the middle. French seams. Came to about 60 grams.

The fatal flaw is probably the mesh pit gussets. The mesh gathers and holds water. I may just cut the mesh out and add snaps to close up the pits if needed.

I have not seam sealed it. Some shower tests didn’t seem to leak, but I think I’ll probably seam seal the upper seams so the weight will go up a little.

I just wanted to make the lightest full zip rain jacket I possibly could.

[Tim (Slowhike) Garner]

Wow! Just over 2oz!

That’s great, makes me wish my sewing skills were better.

[Bill Budney]

Outstanding, Diane.

Sometimes ventilation is more important than 100% waterproof — maybe try it in the rain before removing the mesh? It’s an interesting experiment.

[Haakon R]

I’ve just made the leap and slowly learning to sew.
Already considering buying the LearnMYOG alpha raglan pattern, so something like this could be a project a bit further down the road. Thank you for sharing the idea!

[Diane “Piper” Soini]

I seam sealed it (I hope). I diluted the silicone greatly. It did not add significant weight. I also added snaps to the pits so I can try closing them if too much water collects in the mesh, or cut them off if they do nothing. I can also just cut out the mesh entirely. As I think about it I’m not sure why mesh is needed. I’ve worn this walking around town and it’s not too far off from a wind shirt. I wore it on my scooter and it puffs up, so no using it for misty scooter riding. I’m pretty happy with it.

[Jan Rezac]

The weight is impressive. I wonder how long such a light fabric remains waterproof – a long-term report would be highly appreciated.

Long time ago, I made a poncho out of one of the first 20D silnylons available. It worked well on a first week-long rainy trip, but started to leak badly the next time I needed it. I hope the fabrics got better since then.

[Terran Terran]

I like your hat collection.

[Terran Terran]

You might get a new trail name. Spiderwoman. I’d compare that to my Pertex shell. Taped seams. But it’s 4.6 ounces. Actually 5 ounces in its sack.

[Diane “Piper” Soini]

I like your hat collection.

So many hats. You can’t even see them all.

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