D
Deleted member 3000
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With a 15# Osprey Hornet 42 pack, I took the Packa out for a test in the rain.
Good parts (comparison to the Altus Atmospheric):
1. The hood is less irritating than the one on the Altus. I have to wear a cap with the Altus to keep the visor from dropping over my eyes.
2. The pocket is very useful.
3. It is a bit lighter than the Altus, but not by much.
4. My pack stayed dryer because it was protected from perspiration evaporation by being in its own compartment of the poncho.
5. It is waterproof, as is the Altus.
6. The zippered underarm slits provide excellent cooling without letting rain in.
7. It has a little extension in the back to protect against heel spray, and allow a sitting mat when taking a break in the rain.
8. The grey color is not nearly as obnoxious as the red, blue, and green offered by Altus!
Negatives:
1. It is too short by a foot. Gaiters or rain pants are probably a necessity, eliminating the weight advantage over the Altus.
2. The elastic and drawstrings on the wrists are harder to slip out of than the velcro on the Altus.
Other factors:
1. I perspire heavily, so I was as wet on the inside as the outside. That is a problem for me with rain suits and the Altus as well. Those who do not perspire will find the Packa quite comfortable.
2. It is easy to put on and off while still walking, as is the Altus. It drapes over the pack nicely when the rain stops like the Altus.
3. Pack straps are accessible for those little adjustments while walking.
Good parts (comparison to the Altus Atmospheric):
1. The hood is less irritating than the one on the Altus. I have to wear a cap with the Altus to keep the visor from dropping over my eyes.
2. The pocket is very useful.
3. It is a bit lighter than the Altus, but not by much.
4. My pack stayed dryer because it was protected from perspiration evaporation by being in its own compartment of the poncho.
5. It is waterproof, as is the Altus.
6. The zippered underarm slits provide excellent cooling without letting rain in.
7. It has a little extension in the back to protect against heel spray, and allow a sitting mat when taking a break in the rain.
8. The grey color is not nearly as obnoxious as the red, blue, and green offered by Altus!
Negatives:
1. It is too short by a foot. Gaiters or rain pants are probably a necessity, eliminating the weight advantage over the Altus.
2. The elastic and drawstrings on the wrists are harder to slip out of than the velcro on the Altus.
Other factors:
1. I perspire heavily, so I was as wet on the inside as the outside. That is a problem for me with rain suits and the Altus as well. Those who do not perspire will find the Packa quite comfortable.
2. It is easy to put on and off while still walking, as is the Altus. It drapes over the pack nicely when the rain stops like the Altus.
3. Pack straps are accessible for those little adjustments while walking.