Wind Shells
Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell ~3oz
Lets just start with the weight, beginning at about 72 grams, this shell is about the same weight as a Clif Bar. This became our standard desert shell a few years ago when we learned we could sacrifice a "waterproof" jacket for a wind shell in low humidity and dry environments. This saves pack weight and gives us a very functional layer to combine with a light fleece or our puffy on those cold desert mornings.
Does this shell keep you dry? For a few minutes, maybe a half hour in very light rain. But that's not the point, we use this when we believe mother nature will dry us out again before hypothermia sets in, and trust me when I say we tested the limits of this in Arizona on the North Kaibab Plateau in a spring snow storm.
On my second thru-hike with this shell I was a little more casual with it and tested its abrasion resistance in Utah scrambling through sandstone and I was very impressed when I came out unscathed. I give this shell very high ratings, considering the demands we've put on it and what it was designed for it has outperformed.
(Seen here on Bugs on the North Kaibab Plateau 50 miles north of the Grand Canyon the morning after a spring storm. Notice how comfortable she looks despite the frozen solid towel! And it's hard to believe we were both soaked through just the night before when we made camp.)
Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Pants (1.7oz medium)
Again, lets start with the weight, my 30" inseam mediums come in sub 2 ounces. Bug's must weigh even less, hard to believe.
Does this pants keep you dry? For a few minutes, maybe a half hour in very light rain. Notice a theme, the items are this page are wind gear, they're not going to keep you dry for long, but they're an essential part of our kit in the right conditions.
Bug's wears these regularly while hiking for warmth, I'm obsessed with the feeling of hiking in shorts, even when the conditions are terrible and most rational people wouldn't. But I still carry them, knowing that at this weight, even if I only use them a handful of times on the trail I'll wear them every time I do laundry in town!
(Seen here on Bugs on the North Kaibab Plateau 50 miles north of the Grand Canyon the morning after a spring storm. These pants are an essential part of clothes.)
