boogiepanda
Summit Camper
Background: I wanted to switch to a rain skirt from waterproof trousers mainly due to how easy it is to put on and take off (and the weight savings) but didn’t want to spend a lot of money on one, so I went on AliExpress and found this little one by 3F UL Gear. I considered MYOG but the cost of silnylon alone in the UK would’ve costed more or less the same as the finished product, so I decided to just order the rain skirt off AliExpress.
Product: Non-affiliate link - If you want to support me affiliate link is in my video description, where I receive a little bit of kickback at no additional cost to you, which goes towards helping me making more videos
Costs just £9 delivered when I ordered it including P&P. The product shipped from China to my house in the UK in just 10 days. Once it was in the UK it switched the Royal Mail 48 hours tracked service, which was a pleasant surprise as RM48 isn't cheap. Overall very good experience. Weighs 68g which is within the margin of error as it’s listed at 65g. Comes with a 3g stuff sack for storage and carrying, taking the total to a very respectable 71g.
Size: One size fits all (most). 70cm length x 120cm circumference. Velcro attachment at the top that’s half the length of the circumference each, ensuring maximum user compatibility. I am a 29” waist, and when secured around my waist tightly there is plenty of Velcro left, meaning users with smaller waist sizes can still wear the skirt without modification. Maximum waist size I’d estimate to be around 46”, possibly stretching to 48” but this may not be as secure. At 5’11 (180cm) in height wearing 32” inseam trousers, the skirt drops to below my knee to mid-shins when worn at my hipbones. Definitely long enough for most users also shorter users may need to modify the skirt, roll the top or wear it high up.
Waterproof: As seen in the video with the splash tests, the 15D silnylon simply repels any and all water, it slides right off. The rain skirt is also factory seam sealed to ensure it’s waterproof throughout. Nothing to complain or doubt about its waterproofing.
Value: Great when compared to the $60 ZPacks rain kilt or the $30 silnylon rain kilt from ULA, especially to those of in the UK/Europe as shopping and customs would increase the prices further. However, compared to the value you get from 3F Lanshan Tent, it’s not as great. Due to its simple nature, you can DIY/MYOG and make yourself a rain kilt for a similar or lower price, depending on material selection. Afterall it is a piece of waterproof fabric wrapped around you.
Advantage vs waterproof trousers: I’m sure this has been said before, but for me it’s ease of taking it on/off and breathability. I find myself to avoid using waterproof trousers when facing showers because of the hassle associated with overtrousers and having to put on the legs over boots or shoes. With the rain skirt it’s simple and easy to just take on and off. In addition, I avoid wearing waterproof overtrousers all day due to overheating and swearing as they lack breathability. The rain skirt obviously avoids the problem altogether through the large mechanical vent at the bottom opening.
Potential downsides: Lower shins through ankles are not covered. Not a problem for me and I expect most people as the core of upper thighs are covered. The Velcro opening also means that the opening is to one side. Can be annoying when the wind blows from a particular direction and can cause the skirt to blow around and open slightly, but for me there’s enough excess material to cover my legs still. You can also rotate the item quite easily to sidestep the problem.
Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them
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