- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via Gebennensis (2018)
Via Podiensis (2018)
Voie Nive Bidassoa (2018)
Camino Del Norte (2018)
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Hi, just an another poncho, but so expensive ....
and, Furthermore, the Packa cannot be worn as intended (i.e. over the backpack and backpack straps) ; See
rgdsReview: The Packa jacket/poncho || A for innovation
It successfully protects from precip and expels trapped heat & moisture. But I struggled with its fit and was annoyed by unrefined trims.andrewskurka.com
I agree it is expensive, I just like the concept, and as I already have a poncho that flaps in the wind like a bat's wings, I was looking for an alternative.
Now as for the comment it cannot be worn as intended, to be fair, I'll quote the entire sentence from the reference:
the Packa cannot be worn as intended (i.e. over the backpack and backpack straps) if sharp or oversized objects are attached to the exterior of the backpack, such as a trekking pole, ice axe, or snowshoes.
Well I certainly won't be attaching trekking poles, let alone an ice axe or snowshoes on my backpack when waking in Portugal, and I have a 44L backpack, so I reckon it can be worn as intended.
I purchased THE PACKA for my 2018 Camino. Wasn't sure which was the best option, so I called the fellow who designed and invented it. Took his advice. No complaints. Kept me warm on top of the mountain when it was windy and cold. Kept me dry during four days of drizzling rain in Santiago. The real beauty of this garment is the ability to put it on and take it off without removing your pack. That, alone, made it worth the cost. I secured it in a stuff sac that I attached to the outside of my pack. If I needed it, I reached for the sac without removing my pack. The garment tends to run a bit on the large size, so I ordered a small (F, 5'4", 140#, Osprey Lumina S 60L pack) and it was perfect. The garment is plenty light weight. I never experienced heavy rain during my walk, so I cannot speak to that, but I can't imagine how anyone could be disappointed in this product. I do not recall sweating while wearing it. I think it is the perfect choice. The dual two-way zipper works well. The pit zips are there if you choose to use them. The tail is about 8" longer than the front and sides of the jacket. All of the seams are sealed. The part of the jacket that fits over your pack is a different material from the rest of the jacket and seems impervious to water. There is one large pocket on the right side. To keep the weight light, the inner side of that pocket is mesh. Tension cords at the hood, wrists, and along the bottom of the jacket allow for as snug a fit as you care to have. The jacket fabic covers the front and pocket sippers.Good morning/Good evening,
I am thinking of buying The Packa (http://www.thepacka.com/) for my upcoming walk on the Caminho Português.
I would love to hear from forum members here who have bought one.
What is your feedback?
Also, what fabric option did you choose? I like the 15d silicone coated nylon (silnylon) because it is lighter, but I have heard it can "mist" through during a heavy downpour. And I would otherwise get the 30d sil/pu coated nylon because it comes in red, which would give me greater visibility.
Thank you for all your suggestions/comments/recommendations!
Buen Camino, Bom Caminho, Bon Chemin!
Everyone has their method, mine is to use waterproof stuff sacks of different colors. The contents stay dry rather than risk the whole pack.Good morning/Good evening,
I am thinking of buying The Packa (http://www.thepacka.com/) for my upcoming walk on the Caminho Português.
I would love to hear from forum members here who have bought one.
What is your feedback?
Also, what fabric option did you choose? I like the 15d silicone coated nylon (silnylon) because it is lighter, but I have heard it can "mist" through during a heavy downpour. And I would otherwise get the 30d sil/pu coated nylon because it comes in red, which would give me greater visibility.
Thank you for all your suggestions/comments/recommendations!
Buen Camino, Bom Caminho, Bon Chemin!
Hi @AJGuillaume
I was about to buy one today .. I’m near Sydney and heading off in 3 weeks.
However the shipping cost put me off.
I think I’ll wait until my next trip to USA and get it over there.
If you know another source ., I’d appreciate it.
Annie
I copied this from the packa site today
US shipping is $8.00 and international shipping is $38.00 for one.
US shipping for two Packas is $10.00 and $42.50 international
Those freight costs from the US to Australia are the pits! And not being able to easily return something makes it difficult. I have tried a prototype of the Packa but the one I tried was too short for me, and a bit too tight fitting. So I'm sticking with my old oversize Altus.
I have had a Packa for a few years. Used it on 2022 & 2023 Caminos. Overall an excellent product. It is a bit short; but being 6'5" most things are a bit short. If you have questions - tele the owner. He was very helpful and directed my wife and I to the correct offering. Cheers, BKGood morning/Good evening,
I am thinking of buying The Packa (http://www.thepacka.com/) for my upcoming walk on the Caminho Português.
I would love to hear from forum members here who have bought one.
What is your feedback?
Also, what fabric option did you choose? I like the 15d silicone coated nylon (silnylon) because it is lighter, but I have heard it can "mist" through during a heavy downpour. And I would otherwise get the 30d sil/pu coated nylon because it comes in red, which would give me greater visibility.
Thank you for all your suggestions/comments/recommendations!
Buen Camino, Bom Caminho, Bon Chemin!
Thanks. Which did you get, 30d sil/pu, 15d sil/pu, or the breathable?I have had a Packa for a few years. Used it on 2022 & 2023 Caminos. Overall an excellent product. It is a bit short; but being 6'5" most things are a bit short. If you have questions - tele the owner. He was very helpful and directed my wife and I to the correct offering. Cheers, BK
Bought mine in 2018 with whatever choice was available at the time. It's a drab greenish color, about which I care not at all. A size small fit me and over my 60lt Lumina pack perfectly fine. Light mist / rain each of the several days I spent in Santiago. Wore it each day. Stayed warm and dry. Hood with rigid bill is nice. Did lots of research before the purchase. Decided it was a great deal more functional than a standard poncho which can get caught in the wind and blow all over. The length was fine. If I were to lose mine, I'd purchase a replacement immediately without a second thought to any other garment.Good morning/Good evening,
I am thinking of buying The Packa (http://www.thepacka.com/) for my upcoming walk on the Caminho Português.
I would love to hear from forum members here who have bought one.
What is your feedback?
Also, what fabric option did you choose? I like the 15d silicone coated nylon (silnylon) because it is lighter, but I have heard it can "mist" through during a heavy downpour. And I would otherwise get the 30d sil/pu coated nylon because it comes in red, which would give me greater visibility.
Thank you for all your suggestions/comments/recommendations!
Buen Camino, Bom Caminho, Bon Chemin!
It doesn't have the "hump" that is preferred to allow ample room for a backpack to go underneath. Possibly it could still be used, but would hike up in the back. In addition, the video looks like it is more slim fitting in the upper back area, so doubt it would accommodate the pack and would be very ill fitting, if it worked at all.It’s called Rainkiss.
Is it soooo much to ask that the camino worthy ponchos be remotely good looking???It doesn't have the "hump" that is preferred to allow ample room for a backpack to go underneath. Possibly it could still be used, but would hike up in the back. In addition, the video looks like it is more slim fitting in the upper back area, so doubt it would accommodate the pack and would be very ill fitting, if it worked at all.
It's very attractive, but I give it a thumbs downfor the Camino.
I think it is very nice looking and trendy, but you have 20+ replies from seasoned Camino walkers who have offered good brands that would serve you well if/when caught in rain.Is it soooo much to ask that the camino worthy ponchos be remotely good looking???
If there's a good return policy buy it and see if it works for you. Otherwise check out the AltusIs it soooo much to ask that the camino worthy ponchos be remotely good looking???
Just a jokeI think it is very nice looking and trendy, but you have 20+ replies from seasoned Camino walkers who have offered good brands that would serve you well if/when caught in rain.
I will. It’s just I interesting that so many folks, rightfully so, recommend colorful ponchos yet they mostly seem to be black, gray, green, navy, or for some reason neon blue or green or red. There is no middle of the color spectrum it seems, all extremes! Just an observationIf there's a good return policy buy it and see if it works for you. Otherwise check out the Altus
I checked the specs of the Rainkiss, and at 250gm/8.82 ounces it's lighter weight than the Altus or the Packa. (If the measurements are accurate)Is it soooo much to ask that the camino worthy ponchos be remotely good looking???
Oh wow thanks for the thorough report!I recently purchased this, and have done two training walks in the rain with it.
Pros:
--Kept me relatively dry
--More than ample room for a pack, but also you can zip up the extra room so the poncho isn't dragging if you are, like me, 5'1"
--Loved the closure at the bottom (goes between your legs) to prevent wind from blowing it around
--Several color options
--Currently on sale for much less than I paid for it!
Cons:
No exterior pockets
Need to wear a baseball cap to keep the hood visor from falling over your eyes
The stuff bag it comes with is too small and trash; you'll need to buy a separate stuff bag
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