From The Field: Pacific Crest Trail – Winter Thru-Hike

Our “From The Field” column gives a quick look at gear in testing from the GearJunkie staff and readers around the country and the world.

The Scene: Arriving at the Mexican border and the southern terminus of the 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail in a steady, soaking rain, Justin Lichter and Shawn Forry — trail names “Pepper” and “Trauma” — became the first people to complete the Pacific Crest Trail in a winter thru-hike. They completed the historic hike on March 1 (in depth story coming soon).

The Gear: Mountain Laurel Designs Cuben Fiber Poncho. At 4.6 ounces, the waterproof poncho/shelter hybrid is advertised as the “lightest poncho/tarp made.”

Feedback: “They pack smaller than a 1-liter Nalgene and a little bigger than a fist. I really like it,” Lichter said. “We used them in the weather but for this trip they weren’t our primary shelter. They are waterproof but not breathable, which can actually be nice in some conditions — you may get a bit wet from condensation but it’s better than being soaked from the rain.”

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