Waterproof Jacket for hot/humid climates (1 Viewer)

[Eos9]

I am currently looking for a lightweight waterproof jacket to use when travelling in hot and humid climates such as Hong Kong / Thailand etc.
Ideally it will take up little space when folded in a Rucksack and will have a few pockets ( maybe zipped ) that will hold one or two pieces of camera gear / keys etc.
As it may be used when out birding I would obviously like to avoid anything too bright and would prefer a neutral colour that would be more appropriate.
Obviously there are many lightweight jackets that are waterproof but what is best in humid countries ?
I see Paramo have a lightweight jacket that may be suitable but I'm not sure if this is any good in hot climates.
Any advice or suggestions much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[RJM]

Waterproof BREATHABLE fabric technology like Goretex and eVent does not work in hot/humid environments because its BREATHABILITY requires the outside humidity to be lower than the inside humidity. Use an umbrella or a cheap plastic poncho

 

[Jim M.]

Vest (for pockets) plus lightweight umbrella is what I use in those situations. I also have a mountain hardware goretex shell parka that unzips in the armpits that I sometimes use if it's raining and not too steamy.

Best,
Jim

 

[chris butterworth]

I use a fishing vest and a thin poncho in SE Asia etc. The ponchos tend to pack down small enough to stick in one of the pockets and, if the rain persists for a while, you can always use it as a bivvy to shelter under.

Chris

 

[Eos9]

Thanks (all) for the feedback. The option of using an umbrella however isn't really viable. I was looking for something to use while out birding or taking photographs where I will be holding a camera & binoculars - obviously this isn't particularly practical while using one hand to hold an umbrella.
I currently use a lightweight waterproof but this isn't very comfortable in these humid conditions. I guess a plastic poncho is something worth considering for my needs.

Waterproof BREATHABLE fabric technology like Goretex and eVent does not work in hot/humid environments because its BREATHABILITY requires the outside humidity to be lower than the inside humidity. Use an umbrella or a cheap plastic poncho

 

[chowchilla]

I always wore raincoats in the UK when I lived there but when I moved to a humid tropical environment switched to an umbrella for the reasons given by other posters. If you have a suitable lightweight umbrella it is perfectly possible to bird with it as I know. I tuck the handle under the crook of my arm and am able to still use both hands on the bins. It has a curved handle so that when the rain stops it simply hangs off my arm once folded.

 

[rosbifs]

http://andsomeguysblog.blogspot.fr/2010/09/dudes-wearing-umbrella-hats.html

zsomething like this might do the trick.;...

 

[eddy the eagle]

You could pay for someone to hold your umbrella ala colonial days......Eddy

 

[Jim M.]

Thanks (all) for the feedback. The option of using an umbrella however isn't really viable. I was looking for something to use while out birding or taking photographs where I will be holding a camera & binoculars - obviously this isn't particularly practical while using one hand to hold an umbrella.

It is practical for most birders. Most don't take photos in the rain and can use bins with one hand. Not ideal but often preferable to wearing a waterproof jacket in hot weather.

Best,
Jim

 

[ptickner]

I've found that with a little practice it is quite easy to both use bins and shoot photos, using both hands, under an umbrella. I simply pin the umbrella handle to my side using one arm, essentially holding it in my armpit. Yes, you end up with one elbow pinned to your side, but I usually have an elbow pinned to my side when using bins or taking pics to help hold steady anyway. It helps to use a fairly lightweight collapsible travel umbrella.

 

[eddy the eagle]

Just had a second thought it is warm rain,why bother with anything !!! Eddy

 

[Steve Babbs]

Definitely an umbrella