KC8QVO

Thanks the additional info. I think its pretty clear I'll have the layers and gloves along at this point. Just not a good idea not to, even with the added bulk/weight of the foul weather suit. Getting a high-tech, light weight something or other before is out of the question so I'll have to roll with what I have. On the up shot - I've spent a week or more in the suit, mostly the coveralls, in damp cool/cold weather and have been pretty comfortable so I have a good expectation of the suits' performance in the potential types of weather - just on boats and not bikes. That will be a good test along with a shake down ride - see how riding in the suit works. I don't think I'll have any restriction in motion, the only initial thought is the baggyness might have some interference. That can be helped with string, velcro straps, rubber bands, or even zip ties - such as keeping the pants out of the chain/chain rings.

I got wiped out with some things I ate a couple days ago. I was pretty well flushed out by yesterday mid-day and so far this morning feel a million times better. That's slowed me down for sure. Better at home and not on a trip though...

seedsbelize 

Indeed.

Cougrrcj

FYI, it is supposed to be a GLORIOUS week this week and weekend. GO NOW!!!!!

KC8QVO

As of right now my insides are saying "no way". I am hoping that changes soon.

KC8QVO

Got the waterproofing reconditioned on both the hammock tarp and the tent fly. I did some seam sealing on the tent fly a couple months ago. However, I set it up and gave it a hose-down to test it the other day. It still had some water inside and from what I could figure it was leaking through the fabric where the poles touch. So I soaked the material with Scotchgard Rain & Sun Shield. I also seam sealed the outside of the window on the fly (I had the inside sealed from before). Over the summer the seams in the window, I believe, are where the majority of the water came in from so I wanted to hit it hard. All the efforts appear to have paid off. I let the Scotchgard cure overnight last night then wiped the fly and tarp down with a towel to get the oily stuff that was still shiny off. Then I hosed them both down again. The tent stayed bone dry. Excellent. The tarp didn't seem to have any issue before, so no improvement from not leaking already, but while I was at it with the Scotchgard I went ahead and sprayed it down also just to do it.

Tomorrow is not a good day for trek prep. I'll likely be out all day. We'll see what Sunday brings (other than tropical storm rain from the hurricane that is down south right now). Hoping early next week I can get my shake down ride in. I do want to replace the cables on the bike before the trip so I thought maybe my shakedown ride can be up to one of the bike shops I go to from time to time. That will get me about 30 miles round trip I think, which would be fine for a shake down ride for me.

tgot 

Hi,

It may be too late, but Frogg Toggs offer a fairly low cost and lightweight option. I went that route for golf rain gear and a Scotland trip, so I had it either on me, or on my back, every day for a week.

I used the 'Classic', which was lightweight but kind of bulky. Nothing like real foul-weather gear though!

Was rainproof. Breathable is always borderline IMHO,.even when I've owned a fancy piece.

The Lightweight stuff is well regarded, but the trade-off is that it's somewhat fragile. Not a suit for loading gear.

KC8QVO

Another use for the candle lantern - to warm up the bottom of fuel cannisters when its cold. I know you arent suppsed to cook in a tent, but I do it every once in a while if the weather is bad out - to stay out of the wind and rain. When its cold the candle lantern is usually running (thats been the case both legs of the trip Im doing). Whether the preheat is warranted or not I think it helps.