The Packa

[AJGuillaume]

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!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have had one for years, and I like it. The only drawback is that it is a bit short. Mine predates fabric choice, so it made from whatever fabric they were using originally. Moisture does condense inside, but the armpit zippers give better ventilation than similar products. Note that the different sizes are (or were) for pack size, not body size. Using it with my Aarn pack, it is tight around the balance pockets.

 

[OxFyrd]

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

Review: 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

rgds

 

[AJGuillaume]

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

Review: 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

rgds

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.

 

[OxFyrd]

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.

 

[OxFyrd]

You seem to be already convinced. If we go into the technique, it seems reasonable to adapt the rain system to the conditions anticipated. For Portugal, frequent rains ( but rarely a storm we can stay at the inn / Albergue). The poncho is therefore a good solution but again not the parka, too much on the heavy side.
On the other hand, if you want to use your rain solution elsewhere, for an another trip, save $$ or perhaps minimize your environmental impact, this is no longer the right solution. Poncho is terribly lacking in flexibility. You need in bzd weather à True Rain jacket. Have a look to the Brits, have a look on how they handle light Rain showers... See you on the camino

 

[NomadJMJ]

it worked great for me.
BTW, there is a sale of sorts now at:

Contact us

If you want to place an order, please contact me via email to thepacka@etcmail.com If you have lots of questions after reading my website, a phone call is fine. 706 276 2351 However, I don't...

www.thepacka.com

 

[JanelMcB]

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!

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.

 

[OzAnnie]

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

 

[williamlittig]

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.

 

[kmrice]

We used ponchos for a Camino in 2008; in gale force winds in Finnesterre they were a complete disaster. Bought Packas for the CF in 2013 and have loved them ever since. Goes on pretty easily, and if you are expecting rain, or are between showers, you can come out of the jacket and leave the Packa mounted on your pack, where it is easy to put on but out of the way. The pit zips are fantastic; they really ventilate well. Ours predate a fabric choice, so I cannot comment on that. If I were to get a new one I'd get one in Cuben (Dyneema) fabric if they still make them. Mine is seems a bit short in back but from an earlier comment I suspect they are now a bit longer. We've never had any issue wearing them over our packs and straps; we don't carry ice axes or snow shoes and use our poles rather than strapping them to our packs.The Packa has been a fantastic solution for us over 3,000 miles of trekking over the past 5 years and I can't recommend them highly enough.

 

[markf_syd]

For my 3rd Camino I purchased a Packa (30d sil in blue). I got the medium as I am 178cm male and carried a 40 litre pack (not full without any sharp objects).

Yes it is on the expensive side especially when you add US$38 delivery to Sydney, Australia. However, It was absolutely great for all the reasons stated above. I want to mention two in particular.
(1) Because I sweat easily, I was particularly taken by the huge two-way armpit zippers to make it flexible for warm or cold conditions.
(2) The other winning feature for me was the absolute ease of putting on/off which is especially good when the weather varies a lot on the same day.

I’m doing my 4th Camino this year and will definitely be taking it.

Good luck with your choice for your Camino.

 

[AJGuillaume]

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

Hello Annie,
The shipping costs are high, indeed! As has been written in this thread, it is a very expensive option.
From what I understand, you can only get it from the manufacturer in the USA.
We're heading off in 9 weeks from Melbourne.
Buen Camino!
Andrew

 

[Kanga]

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.

 

[AJGuillaume]

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.

Hello @Kanga ,
The cost and not being able to try something on before buying are two things that are holding me back.
Glad to hear you like your Altus. (I have another thread about it). I have seen it for sale in SJPdP, and as we are doing one week of volunteering there before we walk, we're thinking of trying it on there.
Thank you!
Buen Camino!

 

[Kanga]

I can't say I really love my Altus @AJGuillaume - its a hideous kaki colour and huge and I look like a turtle in it! The newer ones come in rather more attractive colours and I think they are lighter in weight.

Pit zips would make them better.

 

[Just 2K]

Got one for myself and one for the Spousal Unit. Hers is a bit loose around the pack, but I just tuck it in and she looks great.
Mine fits in the original pack cover pouch on my pack, so takes up no extra room.
Offers full coverage of the pack and the body, and though it is a little short in my opinion, our lower legs never got wet because of it. On pre-Packa Caminos I experiences sideways rain that would have soaked the legs, but only rain pant could have prevented that.
The pack covering portion has shock cord that snugs around the pack, so light to moderate winds are not too bad. Heavy winds suck no matter what you’re wearing.
The biggest plus for the Packa is ease of deployment. There are those days when it starts to rain, then stops. Then starts again, then stops. Usually timed for me taking my rain jacket on or off.
The Packa, when worn as a pack cover, quickly deploys into a poncho without interrupting your stride. When the rain abates, unzip and come out of the sleeves and hood. Or you can open the generous pit zips and bring your arms out. Any number of ventilating options are available without having to stop and remove and stow the poncho.
My biggest trouble was getting the Spousal Unit to take hers off. She dubbed it her “Bubble” and just stayed in it with her little face poking out of the hood.
If and when I wear mine out or poke an ice axe thru it, I’ll get another.

 

[luvtraveling]

I bought a Packa for my Camino Portugues in 2017. I loved it. It was easy to put on, I put it over my backpack on days when rain was expected. Between showers, I pulled my arms out of the sleeves and through the pit zip openings. This allowed me to stay comfortable yet was still easy to put back on.
I know mine is a small, but I don't remember which fabric I bought. I'm thinking I bought the lightest weight. It's green in color, I would have preferred red, but didn't have a choice. I hated walking in my rain jacket and pants on my first camino but never once dreaded rainy days on the Portugues due to the Packa. I always recommend the Packa whenever anyone asks.

 

[Kevin Malinak]

I got one for my 2018 early spring CF. I am extremely pleased with it, especially that you can put it on your pack as if it's just a pack cover, then when it starts raining, put it on without even stopping walking. Then take off the jacket part while still walking (put/flip it back onto the pack till it starts raining again, then if/when it starts raining again, reach back and put it on again)
It is VERY well ventilated!!!
To me I would buy it again if I lost it. Blessings!

 

[BKBoats]

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!

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

 

[Sho]

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

Thanks. Which did you get, 30d sil/pu, 15d sil/pu, or the breathable?

 

[JanelMcB]

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!

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.

 

[laurenligreci]

Has anyone ever heard of / used this poncho?

It’s called Rainkiss. They’re kinda pretty and have bright (but not hideous) colors which it sounds like could be helpful. And me and my daughter could match, corny I know, but she’d love it.

RAINKISS | Sustainable Designer Rain Ponchos

RAINKISS designs sustainable designer rain ponchos for men and women. Combining sustainable materials like 100% recycled polyester with eco-friendly manufacturing and fashion forward designs. Make every rainy day something to look out for with RAINKISS. Get excited for rain.

us.rainkiss.com

 

[ShellToucher]

I bought one for my 2022 Camino and enjoyed it so much it returned with me in 2023! The concept is great for someone like me that gets in a "Rhythm" when hiking. I really only stop for tortilla, and even that I can sometimes put off if i'm in the zone! If i knew there was a chance of rain the coming day it would go on my pack...done. If the rain started coming done I could easily put on the poncho while still walking. Often I only ever needed the hood part in light rain! My only complaint is the color options! I know it's not a fashion show but some other options would be nice! Hope this helps and Buen Camino!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It’s called Rainkiss.

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.

 

[laurenligreci]

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.

Is it soooo much to ask that the camino worthy ponchos be remotely good looking???

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Is it soooo much to ask that the camino worthy ponchos be remotely good looking???

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.

 

[trecile]

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 Altus

 

[laurenligreci]

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.

Just a joke

 

[laurenligreci]

If there's a good return policy buy it and see if it works for you. Otherwise check out the Altus

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 observation

 

[trecile]

Is it soooo much to ask that the camino worthy ponchos be remotely good looking???

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)

Disadvantages are that it's a true poncho, unlike the Altus and Packa which are actually oversized raincoats with long sleeves and full zip fronts.

The Rainkiss looks to be open on the sides, with snaps to keep it closed. It will flap around in the wind more than the other two.



If you want to try something cute and colorful at a lower price point check out these on Amazon.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

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

Amazon.com

 

[laurenligreci]

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

Amazon.com

Oh wow thanks for the thorough report!

 

[peterott]

Hijacking this topic for a stupid question, without opening a new thread:

So, I got a Packa. Was packed flat in a parcel, somehow very nicely folded, all stuffed in the hood of the Packa. I tried it on, and the I let it air out for a couple of weeks now. Somehow, I forgot to make a pic how it looked like when it arrived here before "unfolding" it.

My - really dumb - question is:
=> How to fold it to get it back in the nice flat shape like when it was shipped?
To be honest, I have no idea how to re-create this flat shape. Originally it was so beautifully flat, that I could easily have stuffed it in the mesh-front-pocket of my backpack into the "rain-emergency-stuffbag".

Anyone can give some hints or even 1-2 pics?

 

[JanelMcB]

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!

Purchased The Packa in 2018. Bought whatever was available at the time and was well pleased with the product. Can't imagine why anyone would choose to use anything other than The Packa when hiking with a pack. It completely covers your upper body and pack and I found it comfortable to wear. I found it to be well constructed and easy to use. Wore it all over Santiago during my stay as it drizzled every day. Never got wet or hot and sweaty.

 

[kmrice]

I put the visor into the pocket first, flat on one side of the pocket, and then stuff the rest in. One side is then very flat and the other is a bulge. Fits in the brain of my pack very well.

 

[JanelMcB]

Hijacking this topic for a stupid question, without opening a new thread:

So, I got a Packa. Was packed flat in a parcel, somehow very nicely folded, all stuffed in the hood of the Packa. I tried it on, and the I let it air out for a couple of weeks now. Somehow, I forgot to make a pic how it looked like when it arrived here before "unfolding" it.

My - really dumb - question is:
=> How to fold it to get it back in the nice flat shape like when it was shipped?
To be honest, I have no idea how to re-create this flat shape. Originally it was so beautifully flat, that I could easily have stuffed it in the mesh-front-pocket of my backpack into the "rain-emergency-stuffbag".

Anyone can give some hints or even 1-2 pics?

I never bother to fold my Packa. I just stuff it into its pocket. No harm done. Makes a nice pillow when desperate for such.

 

[NomadJMJ]

Stuff it. Crease will wear & tear.

 

[trecile]

Purchased The Packa in 2018. Bought whatever was available at the time and was well pleased with the product. Can't imagine why anyone would choose to use anything other than The Packa when hiking with a pack. It completely covers your upper body and pack and I found it comfortable to wear. I found it to be well constructed and easy to use. Wore it all over Santiago during my stay as it drizzled every day. Never got wet or hot and sweaty.

Same could be said of the Altus, but at a lower cost.

 

[peterott]

So I got this answer from the Packa chief himself

---
Hello Peter, The Packas are shipped in boxes from Vietnam. When they arrive they are all flat from packaging. To put the Packa back into the pocket, turn the pocket inside out and stuff the Packa in. Make sure the bill is flat and not folded. Put the bill in last. It will never be as flat as when you bought it. In its pocket the packa will compress down to almost flat.
---

Now, as a non-native English speaker, what does "bill" mean here? (my leo.org finds 534 translation possibilities and examples of "bill" to German)

With "pocket" I guess the "hood" is meant, which is of a slightly stronger material, or am I wrong too?

 

[ShoshTrvls]

So I got this answer from the Packa chief himself

---
Hello Peter, The Packas are shipped in boxes from Vietnam. When they arrive they are all flat from packaging. To put the Packa back into the pocket, turn the pocket inside out and stuff the Packa in. Make sure the bill is flat and not folded. Put the bill in last. It will never be as flat as when you bought it. In its pocket the packa will compress down to almost flat.
---

Now, as a non-native English speaker, what does "bill" mean here? (my leo.org finds 534 translation possibilities and examples of "bill" to German)

With "pocket" I guess the "hood" is meant, which is of a slightly stronger material, or am I wrong too?

The “bill” is the part of the hood that extends out to block rain (or in other cases sun) from your face.

 

[VNwalking]

Same could be said of the Altus, but at a lower cost.

My thought too.
In the Packa website, it says this:

The design of the Packa allows it to be donned more easily than a backpacker's poncho or conventional rain gear because it is worn over the pack as a pack-cover

Basically what the Altus can do on an on-again-off-again rainy day, but without the pack cover part.

 

[ShellToucher]

My thought too.
In the Packa website, it says this:

Basically what the Altus can do on an on-again-off-again rainy day, but without the pack cover part.

Which is its advantage. Put it on your pack in the morning and if it rains you can pull it out as you walk. No need to stop and dig in your bag. I love mine!

 

[ShellToucher]

Not sure if i posted this here yet but here is ny deep dive into the Packa:

 

[peterott]

The “bill” is the part of the hood that extends out to block rain (or in other cases sun) from your face.

Didn't know that. Thank you