The Mega Zip Poncho / Pullover takes mechanical ventilation to a whole new level. The entire garment can unzip on the sides, from the hip, up the torso, down the sleeve, all the way to the wrist. The zippers are water resistant and have two sliders so that the opening can be any size and at any point along the length. You can just open the pit area, just the torso, just the arm, or open the whole thing. There are also three snaps along the length of zipper on each side so that you can open for ventilation but keep the sides connected to remain protected from rain. You can also open the whole zipper and unsnap all the snaps and have about the most ventilation you could ever want. Since the zipper is on the bottom of the sleeve where it is protected from the rain and the torso sides are protected from rain by the arms, you can open up a huge amount without exposing your layers to incoming precipitation. When the sleeve zippers are open you can even pull your arms right out. When the torso is unzipped, you can stuff your hands into the front, which creates space for airflow and warms hands. This all creates poncho-level ventilation to keep you dry, but also allows you to fully close up for warmth and high winds.
It is built from impermeable fabrics that will not wet out or absorb water. 1.1oz Silpoly or .51oz/yd2 Dyneema Composite Fabric
There is a hood face shock cord, a rear cinch so the hood can be loose fitting or snug, and a waist shock cord. The hood face cord, rear cinch cord, and waist cord are all removable if desired.
Approximate total weight – 5oz (1/2 zip DCF version in large size selections), 7.5oz (1/2 zip Silpoly version in medium size selections)
The qualities of Dyneema Composite Fabrics are well known as a super light weight and super strong shelter material. However, it also has qualities that make it an amazing clothing material. First, it is about as waterproof as it get’s. Fully impermeable. There is no question about “wetting out”. There is no water repellent treatment (DWR) that can rinse off into the environment. Water and moisture simply do not move through it. Second, because of the above quality, it is shockingly warm for little weight. Since it is a full barrier, there is absolutely no evaporative cooling and no convection. You can throw this on over a wet shirt and much of the evaporative cooling stops. Third, due to the wrinkled and super light texture of DCF, it tends to hover off the surface of your skin or inner layer, leaving a warm air gap. Other types of rainwear will tend to stick to your skin, which negates the air gap and exposes your skin to conduction and convection from the outside.
This page is a must read about potential shrinkage and abrasion issues with DCF here https://timmermade.com/care-and-use/dyneema-composite-fabric-shrinkage/
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