Hi,

Lets face it, if you're out in rough terrain, in a storm, and you're wearing your dri-ducks, it's only a matter of time before they rip and peel defeating the purpose of wearing them in the first place. I've really, really wanted to like them, but unless you're cavorting in a shower across a meadow, they ain't gonna make it.

I've recently been using a Paragon Houdini Jacket, and while not totally waterproof (I mean, is there anything really totally waterproof?) it makes a great outer-layer in spring temps and I love it. It does the job; it's strong and surprisingly good at wind protection. I don't wear a poncho, but use my Exos-45's pack cover (not a purist UL choice).

I'd love to find a more robust alternative to dri-ducks pants that doesn't include wearing a wrap. (I like to see where my feet are going). Any brands/ideas?

Thanks as always,

Tim.

If you're happy with your houdini, consider a pair of water resistant wind pants for your legs. Not totally waterproof, but shed well and dry quickly.

I mostly use a poncho and just let my legs get a little wet, but sometimes I'll use montane featherlite pants for this purpose.

The ones from US Plastics are cheap and surprisingly effective at shedding rain, wind, and mosquitoes.

Edited by DaveHeiss on 04/19/2012 12:26:34 MDT.

"I'd love to find a more robust alternative to dri-ducks pants that doesn't include wearing a wrap."

You could consider a mid-calf rain skirt/wrap that extends 6" or so below your knees. That way, you can still see your feet, but still benefit from the effect of having water drip in a semi-freefall away from your legs. Your feet get wet regardless of rainwear, so 9+" or so of exposed skin above the ankle is no big deal.

My MYOG 1.3 silnylon rain skirt was simply modeled one off my business rain coat (ie the kind spies wear in movies). Using the rain coat as the base length (from my waist), I also copied the rear slit to allow greater leg movement.

The two best parts of this project were: (a) ease of production - simply a single seam, double-ended tapered barrel. (I added a tie off on the top to cinch to my waist.); and (b) weight = 1.80z.

I have a Patagucci (Torrentshell) pullover I use for both wet/wind. If it's not raining too hard, I usually just let my pants get wet. (The key, of course, is to keep the torso dry/warm.) If it's getting wet/windy/cold, then I'll throw on the skirt. That's what's nice about the tiny packed size & weight - it's not essential, so I'm not carrying a bunch of deadweight, but it's nice to have if I want it.

I've just started trying Tyvek pants and so far like them. David, have you found that they hold up significantlyl better than Driducks?

Thanks!

Bill

I've found that tyvek pants are more durable than dri-ducks as far as ripping/tearing and abrasion, but you can blow out a seam pretty quick if you aren't careful. They don't like a squatting motion or similar.

Ryan

William,

My tyvek pants have held up just fine vs trailside overgrowth and brushy scrambles (where Driducks would have been shredded - I know, I own some), but I agree with the previous poster that I'd be careful doing any serious gymnastic moves in these pants. The material itself is reasonably durable, but the seams are only so-so.

Thanks much for sharing experience with tyvek pants durability!

Best,

Bill