>I just say the hell with it and go in shorts. About the only time I need something covering my legs while hiking is in winter type conditions.

what do you wear in summer to protect your upper body from sun?

I think shorts are fine in cool weather but when its really hot and sunny, I find this cooler then any shorts/shirts combo.

Edited by huzefa on 01/25/2012 21:46:04 MST.

Send this letter to Huzefa earlier today:

Hi Huzefa,

Just received the cagoule about an hour ago. I've tried it out and took a photo. So far I really like it! It fits a tad tight at the shoulders and chest, but otherwise a great fit. Two concerns… I'd like it somewhat wider at the hem so that 1) I can sit down with my legs drawn up and pull the skirt over my knees, down to my ankles. As it is it's too narrow. 2) I can easily lift my knees when doing vertical climbs, without my knees getting caught on the hem. This is particularly important in terms of safety. There are a lot of very steep climbs in Japan, so this would be a requirement. I'd think an elastic hem, not too stiff, would work best.

The hood is a great shape, well designed. I'd prefer a wired brim, though. As it is, it flops around a bit.

I really like the material. Perfect for what this would be used for. The color scheme and design is really nice, too. No sense that it is a "dress". The pockets were a surprise. A little too far back to be very useful, but it's nice to have them there, nonetheless. I also like the zippered vents at the back, if a bit difficult to reach. Nice touch! Also the deep zippered neck is great for venting. Just the right length.I'm curious, what are the two tabs with d-rings for?

If there was a way to get a Paramo pump liner, this would be an awesome garment. I wonder if it is possible to get one? I'll have to ask around.

Great job, Huzefa! Now I just have to take it out and try it in the real world.

Thanks for giving me the chance to try this.

Edited by butuki on 01/29/2012 18:59:35 MST.

Pretty sexy Miguel. Your neighbors don't bat an eye anymore do they?

LOL! Actually I think there's a whole gossip network established by now. Lots of whispering:

"Did you see that male foreigner on the balcony again today? He's wearing dresses now and taking pictures of himself! I'm thinking of moving soon."

"Me, too! It's unsightly! And outrageous!"

"Hmm. I don't know. I wonder where I can get me one of those! It would be great for putting out the laundry on those rainy days!".

Edited by butuki on 01/29/2012 19:12:25 MST.

You might stir up some memory of being a "Long Robe " out of Lu Xun in China, but given the way everybody wears PJ's in Beijing and Shanghai, you might be overdressed, but given Lady Gaga, you might be cutting ...

Miguel, it looks good on you. thank you very much for your feedback.

>It fits a tad tight at the shoulders and chest, but otherwise a great fit.
Noted.

>Two concerns… I'd like it somewhat wider at the hem so that 1) I can sit down with my legs drawn up and pull the skirt over my knees, down to my ankles. As it is it's too narrow. 2) I can easily lift my knees when doing vertical climbs, without my knees getting caught on the hem. This is particularly important in terms of safety. There are a lot of very steep climbs in Japan, so this would be a requirement. I'd think an elastic hem, not too stiff, would work best.

When I was designing this, my goal was to make it just wide enough for 2). I found it adequate but i understand that it may not be enough for you. Please let me know if you have a problem.
To address 1) I would need to make the bottom much wider and would need to add pleats in the sides and back - like a kilt. It complicates the minimalist design and it didnt seem very important to me at that time.

>The hood is a great shape, well designed. I'd prefer a wired brim, though. As it is, it flops around a bit.
Trying to fit the hood into the neck hole was a challenge. I ended up cutting too much and this reduced the total length of the hood. The hood pulls at my shoulders when zipped up fully. I am curious if you are having the same problem.

>The pockets were a surprise. A little too far back to be very useful, but it's nice to have them there, nonetheless.
Noted. I found them useful to carry chocolate bars, snacks and even used it carry 500ml water bootle.

>I also like the zippered vents at the back, if a bit difficult to reach. Nice touch!
Those zippered vents are actually designed to allow you to wear your hipbelt inside, so it doesn't interfere with the ventilation.

>I'm curious, what are the two tabs with d-rings for?
Do you see a small fabric straps at both sides? You pass it through the double d-rings and tighten it in wind to reduce draft.

>If there was a way to get a Paramo pump liner, this would be an awesome garment. I wonder if it is possible to get one? I'll have to ask around.
I can get the fabric from cioch but I think I know what fabric it is. I will make a caguole from supplex and this fabric, wash it in DWR, and see if my guess is right.

>Great job, Huzefa! Now I just have to take it out and try it in the real world.
Looking forward to it.

I keep thinking about Inuits and how they dress for cold weather. Look closely at inuit clothing - and you will see that it allows a chimney effect.  The fabrics are non-wicking and the design is loose fitting which allows sweat to stay on the skin while it evaporates and this cools the body.

In contrast modern tight fitting clothing work on wicking principle. The sweat is absorbed into the garment and the wicking base layer acts as a insulator - so the body doesn't cool down and keeps sweating. Once a garment is sweat-soaked, there is the risk of hypothermia from flash evaporative cooling.

Base layer
I want to try a fishnet base layer. They allow evaporation to occur on the skin, and yet provides good insulation when not perspiring (if used under a shell), and doesnt absorbs much water. I have read many positive things about brynje base layer except that they pick up stink. Fortunately, now there are 2 companies manufacturing merino mesh base layer. Aclima and brynje

Fur layer
This is basically is the light weight pump liner. It's half the weight of 100 fleece, it has a smooth side and a fleecy side. The fleecy side faces outwards and is washed in DWR. This repels any water that comes in through the shell layer.

Shell layer
Supplex is the shell layer which is worn at all times. The only thing that change depending on climate is combination base and fur layer worn on the inside.