15 days with a Packa---attention Cedar Tree and others who might be interested...

[MedicineMan]

Eddie check out these:
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...hp?i=7260&c=14
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...hp?i=7259&c=14

For 15 days I carried/wore/layed on/sat on a Packa. Many reviews have been written about the Packa....I can add a few points that a few have missed.
One is the pocket on the right side that is about thigh height. It's the same pocket the Packa packs into when not in use (like I'm going to do that when I can cram it into a side pockeet). The pocket is sizeable and just a nice feature most don't mention.
If you've used a Packa, are considering one, or have read the other reviews then you know the greatest feature is the ability to have a rain jacket instantly available without having to take the pack on and off. For those days when it rains for 30 min's then quits for 10 min's then starts again the Packa is remarkable.
I found several 'modes' of wear. My favorite is often with just the hood over my head...this when it is constantly misting or a mini-drizzle. I lean slightly forward when hiking, moreso depending on the size of the pack I'm carrying, and this allows the 'hood' mode to keep almost all of me dry--note that in hood mode my arms are not coverd. The next step in encapsulation is to put the arms in the sleeves but still not zipped up...this is great for when the rain picks up but still no major wind to blow it on my chest.
The full zip mode is the next level and for a whole day out of the Del. Water Gap I used this mode (one of those days it takes 11 hours to do 13 miles `devilish slippery rocks beginning at Sun Fish Pond and continuing to the MOC).
Ventilation in the Packa---yes we've read Cedar Tree is considering Event in a future model....I still bet on the major uphills with a heavy pack and the hiker will sweat to wetness inside even Event but that as an aside consider the HUGE pit zips the Packa has and like most well designed jackets with pit zips these work especially in 'hood' mode described above.
OK, I resisted The Packa for years--my mistake--I thought it was another poncho...if you hike the AT or trails like the At ponchos get in the way when it is steep, rocky, rootie-sometimes to the point of being dangerous. I guess I thought is was at least poncho like because the Packa adds always said something like 'better than a poncho'. Know this, The Packa is a well designed rain jacket with an integral pack cover. Since it is a well designed rain jacket you'd think the hood design to be excellent and in the Packa it is.
Usually in rain jackets I'll have to wear a baseball type cap to make the hood work likes it is supposed to but Cedar Tree has added a plastic stiffener that works perfectly to keep the material properly spaced away from the head-peripheral vision is excellent too.
On my last section hike completed just days ago I combined backpacking and slack-packing (I'll slack any time I can!). So I got to use the Packa not only for the long backpacking sections but also with a simple Camelbak. I also experimented using the Packa simply as a rain jacket with the pack on top. Either way the Packa accomplishes it's mission. You'll also note in the above posted pics that it's a great warmer on a slightly windy day when all you have to do is block a little wind for a great nap
The rain gear complex----or should I carry rain pants.
For years I've noticed that many thru-hikers don't carry rain pants so on the backpack portion of NY and NJ I only carried the Packa and gaiters. Sweet combination for me and since I wear the same hiking shorts day after day after day after day a wise man will use water repellant on the last 2-3 inches of the hem of the shorts....that little section of skin between the top of my gaiters and the bottom of the shorts never seems to get that wet at least in my mind.....so with this approach the weight of the rain pants is eliminated. This approach works with me and others but your mileage may vary.
Now the down side of The Packa.
The size of this down side is determined by how quick you can work in a downpour and 2 times on this trip I dealt with it. You've hiked all day long in constant rain, often a major downpour...time to set up camp now. First thing up for a hammocker is the tarp and then you work under it. With the Packa you take off the pack which is taking off your rain jacket to get to the tarp which is either in or on the outside of the pack. You pull the Packa off the pack to get the tarp---for a second you are exposed so do this under cover if you can, put the Packa back on you quickly--stand the pack vertically if possible to minimize how wet it gets. Now get the tarp up.
One thing that might help and I used it once I figured this out is a small piece of plastic sheeting, just big enough to lay on top of the pack while you get the fly up...this only if you are really desirous of fighting the rain monster.
Over the two week period I got many questions about the Packa. My hiking partner was using a JRB poncho and it was easy for other hikers to see the difference between the two while we were standing side by side.
After using it for this hike I can only say I wish I'd listened to Cedar Tree years ago.
Thanks Eddie for the opportunity to test the Packa. It will be in the pack the next time out.

[Shug]

Ok, OK ........ sign me up .......
Where do I get one?????
I want one right now.........
Shug

[Darby]

Originally Posted by Shug

Ok, OK ........ sign me up .......
Where do I get one?????
I want one right now.........
Shug

You won't be sorry Shug, I picked one up at Trail Days this year and I love it ! It is very versatile, durable and functional. I keep my tarp on the outside of my pack in rainy weather so all I have to do is reach inside the Packa (while wearing it) and pull the tarp out. Soooooo Sweeeeet.

[BillyBob58]

Originally Posted by Shug

Ok, OK ........ sign me up .......
Where do I get one?????
I want one right now.........
Shug

Me too!.......................

[Darby]

Here is the link: http://www.thepacka.com/

[angrysparrow]

Great review. I use my Packa last week for the first time on the trail, and like it.

One thing -

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

One is the pocket on the right side that is about thigh height. It's the same pocket the Packa packs into when not in use (like I'm going to do that when I can cram it into a side pockeet). The pocket is sizeable and just a nice feature most don't mention.

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

You pull the Packa off the pack to get the tarp---for a second you are exposed so do this under cover if you can, put the Packa back on you quickly--stand the pack vertically if possible to minimize how wet it gets. Now get the tarp up.

If you put your tarp in the generous side pocket of the Packa, it would be ready to deploy any time without needing to get into your pack.

[Shug]

I just ordered one ....... I have no will power.
I love gear!!!!!!!
The fact that you can have it on as a pack cover and then just put on the rest without dropping the pack sold me.
Shug Soon to be Packa-man

[SnowWhite]

Originally Posted by Shug

I just ordered one ....... I have no will power.
I love gear!!!!!!!
The fact that you can have it on as a pack cover and then just put on the rest without dropping the pack sold me.
Shug Soon to be Packa-man

Dutch had one at the first northern hang...thought he had the opportunity to show it off to you. Although at the time you may have been engrossed with the kelly kettle

I agree...that thing is way cool.

[schrochem]

I've had one for years.....many years. Eddie sold me a used one that a thru hiker had after they were finished. I carry it every trip but it never rains....or I want to get wet because it's hot.
However, two weekends ago I used it at the ACL festival. It was raining and warm, but the pit zips worked very well. I did like having my rain hat though. I think it's an OR sombrero. Another piece of gear I never had to break out....it's better than just having a hood on so you can keep the rain off your face.

[Cannibal]

Great review MedicineMan!
I'm so happy to see others discover the Packa life. I got so jealous watching Genuine Draft using her's that I just couldn't take it. One of my favorite items.

Genuine Draft and I take them everywhere; way better than an umbrella at an outdoor concert.