Honestly, I had no trouble at all putting my Altus on and off multiple times a day (Or hour!). After the first couple of days I rarely even stopped, just did it while continuing walking. My pack stayed completely, totally dry the whole 3 weeks...
There is really very little similarity between an Altus and a poncho, other than the hood and ability to cover the pack. An Altus is an oversized raincoat with room for your pack.
I'm also a fan of "poncho" style rain coats that fit a pack. I used the Altus on 3 weeks of mostly continuous rain last Oct/Nov. All of the reasons that Peter has illuminated. Quick and easy on and off without stopping, can wear it like a cape...
It can get pretty busy and a little commercial in the last 100 k. For myself, it was more relaxed and peaceful if I avoided the stopping point towns called out as stages in the main Camino guides. Get off-stage and enjoy!
The back of the Altus "poncho" (it's really a raincoat), has snaps that collapse it to the size of a normal raincoat, not that long raincoats are particularly chic!
The number of different ways you can wear it are the big draw for me. Leave...
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