A Question About Outer (Rain) Shells

C

cm_bushman

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Oct 22, 2012
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I'm putting together some camp equipment for use this summer and beyond. I have my tent and sleeping bags, and now I'm looking for my cool/wet weather setup. I know I want to go with wool or down for my primary "unfavorable conditions" layer or to sleep in during cold snaps. For wet conditions I don't want to get expensive down wet (the ultralight jackets I would go for, I don't trust to repel much water), and I know from experience once wool gets wet, you may as well be wearing a lead blanket, so I'm looking for a top rain layer, or even a poncho.

My problem is material selection. I hate synthetics on anything other than a base layer, first and foremost because it is useless around flame (secondly, it holds on to odor like a magnet). I've had one too many miniscule sparks from a camp fire burn gaping holes in my outerwear. So far every waterproof storm layer I have seen is goretex or similar "high-tech" synthetic fiber, with the exception of waxed cotton which is the only choice I see as of now.

So I'm looking for a light outer layer or system that integrates a nice fill down or wool base, that is waterproof (as well as a cheap plastic poncho), reasonably right, and that is reasonably flame retardant, or at least allows me to stand close to a fire without developing deep craters. Price is always a consideration, and I can't really spend more than $200 on such an item, though I would like to see whatever is out there.

Does such a thing exist?
 
I can't think of anything other than waxed cotton or synthetics either...I could wax philosophical about various synthetic waterproof fabrics, but that wouldn't be very helpful. I wonder if waxed wool is a thing? (I'm pretty sure it isn't). So I guess that wasn't very helpful :)
 
I dont you can get a single item with all the benefits and without any cons...

Instead of looking at a outer layer that integrates some sort of filling, why dont you get a wool/down sweater or jacket and a thin wind and waterproof hardshell? When sitting by the fire or hiking around you wear your wool/down. When the weather starts to get windy, rainy and cold you throw on your hardshell to protect you from the elements.

I use such a system myself, and its much more versatile than a single jacket with fill.
 
Thanks guys, I didn't think there were any flame retardant options out there that were comparable to synthetics, and waxed cotton is a little heavy and stiff to pack around just in case. I think I'll end up going with Prop's suggestion and just go for a synthetic poncho or shell jacket I can toss on or off if the weather turns. I have some very thin "emergency" type ponchos that are very light and fold down to the size of a piece of toast. I think these will do until I can do some research and grab a quality light poncho.

Any suggestions here?
 
Some of my favs. are FroggToggs Driduck, GoLite's ponchotarp, a good 'ole military poncho (although not really "light") or a ripstop Atlanco/Tru-Spec poncho.
 
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