Philosophy and Packa Faq
The following is an attempt to answer the most consistently asked questions about the Packa. It is based on my philosophy regarding long distance hiking, my experiences with the Packa, and feedback both good and bad I’ve received about the Packa from Packa owners.
The Packa is designed for long distance HIKING in rain or cold weather. My philosophy regarding long distance hiking is to be as comfortable as possible during the activities that I spend the most time doing while hiking. For me, this means walking and sleeping. Therefore, I do not skimp on sleeping gear or walking gear. The Packa works best with backpacks in the 2000 – 4000 ci range. If the backpack is too large and takes up all the volume in the packcover, it takes room from the front and the jacket won’t fit correctly nor will the jacket slide out easily from under the packcover. If the pack is too small, there will be excess room in the packcover which tends to flap around and the jacket fit is affected if the Packa drawstring around the pack is pulled too far up or too far down around the pack.
Can you wear the Packa without a Pack?
Yes, you can wear the Packa without a pack, around camp or around town, and it will work fine. It is not something you would wear to the mall, or day to day without a backpack. There is not a way to fold up, or otherwise secure the packcover when wearing the Packa without a pack. However, the jacket part of the Packa will fit fine, and you will not really even notice you have a big, floppy packcover on your back. You do need to be aware that you do not hang the packcover on something and rip it. Once, I was sitting on a picnic table bench at a shelter and when I stood up the packcover caught on the corner of the bench. I was lucky not to be going very fast as I might have ripped it badly. I was able to feel it hang up and sit back down.
What do you do when its raining and you need to be separated from your Pack?
The question comes up often about what to do when you need to be separated from your pack when it is raining. For me, if it is raining, I don’t stop unless it is absolutely necessary. I just keeping hiking until it stops raining or I get to a shelter or other cover where I can remove my pack and Packa without getting wet. But I do realize this is not always possible. Therefore, in rainy weather, I typically keep my tarp or ground cloth accessible in the side pocket of my pack. I can reach though the pit vent and remove the tarp. If it is a temporary stop and not raining too hard, I quickly remove the Packa and backpack, put the Packa back on, and wrap the tarp or ground cloth over the pack. If it is raining and I need to set up camp, my tarp can be accessed and set up first while still wearing the Packa and Backpack. Depending on the size of your pack and your flexibility, the pack can be removed without removing the Packa. Release the tension on the packcover drawstring. Pull the bottom of the packcover back and up over the back of the pack. Then slide your arms out of your shoulder straps, unhook your waistbelt, and let the backpack slide down your back out from under the Packa.
Contact:
Edward "Cedar Tree" Hinnant
436 Cabin Fever Dr.
Marion, VA 24354
Phone: 276 780 2354
E-mail: packa@thepacka.com
| The Packa by Cedar Tree |