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Backpacker Magazine – June 2008
Field Notes: The Latest Word from Our Testers
True-blue reviews on the latest items we've taken out on trail.
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Tags:
- Gear |
- Gear Guide |
- Backpacks |
- Cameras |
- Baselayers |
- Shells |
Backcountry.com Merino Base Layer | Handsanz Germ Gel | Lowepro Camera Case | Lafuma Daypack | Sanuk Camp Shoes | Sherpa Adventure Rain Shell | Shockles Tie-Down Straps | Eagle Creek Duffel
RAIN SHELL
Sherpa Adventure Gear Lekh Packable 3-Layer Jacket
Get no-compromise protection with this durable three-layer rainshell. At less than a pound, it's light and compressible enough (squashes down to the size of a Big Mac) to make our summer packing list, but its all-conditions waterproofness won't leave you wishing for a "real" shell if serious weather rolls in. The Lekh (rhymes with "speck") fended off New England squalls and its proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane breathed fairly well, even when a tester used the shell as a windbreaker on long, sweaty bike rides. Minimalist features include a small sleeve pocket, cinchable cuffs and hem, an adjustable hood, and two roomy front pockets (they'd be better if they were higher, above a pack's hipbelt). The front zipper is waterproof (albeit a bit sticky) and articulated elbows enhance a comfortable, high-mobility fit. Downside: The price is a tad high for this class of shell. Upside: The company donates at least 50 cents for every product sold to The Sherpa Education Fund, which provides scholarships for Sherpa children. $225; 14 oz. (men's small); men's S-XL; women's S-XL. (425) 251-0760; sherpaadventuregear.com.
Backcountry.com Merino Base Layer | Handsanz Germ Gel | Lowepro Camera Case | Lafuma Daypack | Sanuk Camp Shoes | Sherpa Adventure Rain Shell | Shockles Tie-Down Straps | Eagle Creek Duffel
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READERS COMMENTS
I've worn Merino for years and it doesn't get smelly either when wet or from perspiration. Legendary around the world sailor Peter Blake wote if for 40 days/nights without it getting itchy. It does take a bit longer to dry than synthetics, but it's warmer, comfier and isn't made with chemicals. I have a light weight one that's great for summer wear also.
just came back from a wet hike in the adirondacks and find that all rain protective equiptment leaves me sticky or wet,hence i stay in tent or wear fast drying nylon shell of small cost...
I've not tested out an 18 micron merino garment. The one I did wear, left a rash under the hip belt, after wearing it for three hours in the rain. Wool takes longer to dry as well. It's right for some people but not me as I would get too hot in it.
In my personal experience Eagle Creek's duffles are among the very best in design and quality.
At that price I'd rather get an Integral Designs "Thru Hiker" parka of eVent.
Any wool gets HEAVY with water when soaked. (Not to mention smelly).
Thanks, but no thanks. I'll stick with synthetics.
Recently bought this shell while visiting my son in Seattle WA. We went out on hike into mountains and experienced some significant rain on a three to four hour outing, I did get bleed through moisture. I really don't know if that would be considered normal for that kind of shell or not. I really like it and would still buy it. But did have the wetness as I mentioned. This was a long period of significant rain.
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