Re: Non-breathable raingear.

David,

I had Brawny at trailquest.net make me a silnylon rainsuit last year. Sent in 
the measurements asked for on the site and in a few weeks had a grey silnylon 
top and bottom in a mesh bag. I'd asked about thumb loops, cause I'd had a 
big problem early season with mosquitos eating the backs of my exposed hands, 
when using hiking poles. She added these, no charge.

Only used the set a few times, but with good results. It's well made, and 
hooded. Sizing is good. I take it to the Sierra primarily, and one of the top 
advantages is that I can carry even more minimal clothes (like no other long 
pants) and only wind wear, knowing that I can put on a waterproof layer when 
it is needed, which is rarely and usually for a short time. I can throw this 
over my short sleeved mesh shirt and light hiking shorts, for example. It's 
insurance. Along with a rarely used 8 X 10 silnyon tarp and a bag that will 
work down to freezing, these items are my only last-ditch cold storm survival 
gear. I also pack the MEC primaloft pullover (12.7 oz.), but would like 
change to a lighter down vest.  If I carry long Johns, they are silk or silk 
weight in summer. 

The weight of the rainsuit in mesh bag is 7.8 ounces. I suppose it could be 
used as a vapor barrier suit in the sleeping bag, but this is never going to 
happen. I wouldn't be carrying it deep winter when this could just possibly 
be needed.

The theory is that in light, warm rain, no raingear is needed. It's only if 
it's heavy, cold and blowing that it's really needed. In this case, it's 
important to cover up quickly, before getting soaked, on top anyway. The 
venting and looseness of the trailquest top minimizes overheating, and of 
course if it's cool that reduces it as well. This suit would not be my choice 
for long hikes in steamy hot tropical continuous drizzle. The pants are more 
optional, but I use them for cold dawn starts and occaisional bugwear.

It's amazing how some of that cheap Target and Kmart light nylon gear 
suddenly becomes usable if you have a waterproof outer membrane you can throw 
over it. It allows me to pass on that expensive waterproof-breathable stuff, 
which is in fact rather heavy. But not to worry, there are plenty of 
expensive windshirts available, too.

Best, Todd in Tarzana.