Questions about the Altus

[Sal An Ban]

I love love LOVE my ALTUS poncho!
Here is a video telling you why.
About the ALTUS

Hi, just reading up about the Altus poncho … is it 100% absolutely waterproof in heavy, even torrential rain? I am looking to buy a new rain jacket or poncho for my next Camino in March/April 2025. There is a new version which I see on Ivan’s site, however the one review states it did not keep the person dry. Is the old model better than the new one? It will cost me quite a bit to get one of these (packa or Altus) shipped to Australia, I want to make sure I get a good one … starting to walk in Le Puy and doubt I can get one there or maybe Lyon … thanks for any tips, kind regards

 

[J Willhaus]

If it is hot, like any rain gear, you will sweat and get wet, not from rain. I have worn mine in late June and in December-January. I walk mostly in winter and was more happy with my Altus than a rain coat. I have an excellent rain coat and rain pants but I also need a pack cover and the total weight will be more with 3 pieces than one.

 

[Sal An Ban]

If it is hot, like any rain gear, you will sweat and get wet, not from rain. I have worn mine in late June and in December-January. I walk mostly in winter and was more happy with my Altus than a rain coat. I have an excellent rain coat and rain pants but I also need a pack cover and the total weight will be more with 3 pieces than one.

Thank you, Yes I avoid walking in the heat at all costs, so I usually walk in March or April

 

[PiesIrlandeses]

I had an Altus on the Primitivo end of April/start of May.

It rained heavily on most of my twelve walking days.

I run hot and I use my walking poles quite actively. Each time I wore the Altus the interior of the sleeves quickly became waterlogged with water vapour from my own body. When I raised my arms, water would pour out of the sleeves towards my body.

The Altus didn't let in rain, but it is a sweatsuit.

 

[EWhite]

Same experience for me. My arms would stay drier in the rain. I don’t use it anymore and have a different rain setup now.

 

[ParisOslo]

I have used it between Porto to Santiago. It rain 11 or 12 days in a row and I was always wet inside because the Altus does not breathe.

At lot of marketing have been done on the product that made a positive spin on it but if you are using it in heavy rain it is an average product

I am not using it anymore and I do not recommend the product

 

[wynrich]

We used Altus ponchos this past April on the Norte and they were excellent for that cool season. We did have quite a bit of off-and-on rain but not real heavy rain. So no experience in hot weather or in a heavy downpour. The main thing we love about them is they are so easy on and off for the ubiquitous on-and-off rain. Plus they are over-all lighter than what we used before since one lightweight Altus replaces rain jacket, rain kilt, and pack cover.

 

[Philtration]

I've only used my Altus (old style) in cool weather last Oct/Nov. If I got hot, I often pulled my arms out of the sleeves and wore it with a few front snaps holding it closed, more like a cape. It rained and blew hard almost every day for 3 weeks. My pack and myself stayed completely dry, except for feet and lower pants legs. In retrospect, I would just wear shorts as many here have done, skin dries faster. Summary: love my Altus in cool weather, but haven't worn it in warmer weather.

 

[Diane Owens]

Hi, just reading up about the Altus poncho … is it 100% absolutely waterproof in heavy, even torrential rain? I am looking to buy a new rain jacket or poncho for my next Camino in March/April 2025. There is a new version which I see on Ivan’s site, however the one review states it did not keep the person dry. Is the old model better than the new one? It will cost me quite a bit to get one of these (packa or Altus) shipped to Australia, I want to make sure I get a good one … starting to walk in Le Puy and doubt I can get one there or maybe Lyon … thanks for any tips, kind regards

Altus are not 100% waterproof.I have the newest version and it still leaks after half hour of rain.I am looking at getting a marine grade coat or even a shool "yellow raincoat".I
I have just completed Del Norte .I am disappointed with the Althus as its a great design I have had 4 of them now and all are the same.

 

[Sal An Ban]

I had an Altus on the Primitivo end of April/start of May.

It rained heavily on most of my twelve walking days.

I run hot and I use my walking poles quite actively. Each time I wore the Altus the interior of the sleeves quickly became waterlogged with water vapour from my own body. When I raised my arms, water would pour out of the sleeves towards my body.

The Altus didn't let in rain, but it is a sweatsuit.

Good to know, thanks for the feedback. Hard to find that balance between waterproofing and breathability ...

 

[AusPeregrina]

Same experience for me. My arms would stay drier in the rain. I don’t use it anymore and have a different rain setup now.

What do you do now?

 

[Sal An Ban]

Yeah right ... Seems a few people have this problem, and yet others swear by the Altus ...

 

[RolfMagener]

Hi, just reading up about the Altus poncho … is it 100% absolutely waterproof in heavy, even torrential rain? I am looking to buy a new rain jacket or poncho for my next Camino in March/April 2025. There is a new version which I see on Ivan’s site, however the one review states it did not keep the person dry. Is the old model better than the new one? It will cost me quite a bit to get one of these (packa or Altus) shipped to Australia, I want to make sure I get a good one … starting to walk in Le Puy and doubt I can get one there or maybe Lyon … thanks for any tips, kind regards

I traded my orange Decatlon poncho for the Altus and must sadly say the Decatlon one was way better at keeping me dry... the Altus is lighter and smaller and good in a drizzle or very light but totally fails in heavy or sustained rain. I got soaked every time it raind longer than a few minutes.

 

[Sal An Ban]

I traded my orange Decatlon poncho for the Altus and must sadly say the Decatlon one was way better at keeping me dry... the Altus is lighter and smaller and good in a drizzle or very light but totally fails in heavy or sustained rain. I got soaked every time it raind longer than a few minutes.

Ok, thanks so much for sharing that info. I think I will need to do some more research about other options ...

 

[EWhite]

What do you do now?

I have a kilt/skirt and a jacket. The jacket is breathable and has vent zippers from the waist to almost the elbows, OR Foray model, pretty versatile and works for me. For when I walk ( winter/spring) it’s good. I’d find something lighter if was going in the summer.

 

[Sal An Ban]

I have a kilt/skirt and a jacket. The jacket is breathable and has vent zippers from the waist to almost the elbows, OR Foray model, pretty versatile and works for me. For when I walk ( winter/spring) it’s good. I’d find something lighter if was going in the summer.

Greag

I have a kilt/skirt and a jacket. The jacket is breathable and has vent zippers from the waist to almost the elbows, OR Foray model, pretty versatile and works for me. For when I walk ( winter/spring) it’s good. I’d find something lighter if was going in the summer.

Sounds like you found a great solution! I will be happy when I do too ... Thanks for sharing

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I traded my orange Decatlon poncho for the Altus and must sadly say the Decatlon one was way better at keeping me dry... the Altus is lighter and smaller and good in a drizzle or very light but totally fails in heavy or sustained rain. I got soaked every time it raind longer than a few minutes.

When I was in Santiago last month I picked up the newest Decathalon poncho, the MT900. It is heavier than the Altus but has two advances that I appreciated -- (a) there are slits where one would normally have pockets that allows you to reach in and get something (like money or your credential) from a waistbag or pocket without unzipping or pulling it up and (b) it has long zippers under the arms to provide air circulation to avoid the sweaty drip people mention in this thread. It didn't rain much on my walk, but when it did, opening those zippers definitely made a difference.

The only downside for me was that, as a shorter person, even the small size was very long and while it didn't hit the ground if I was on a flat surface, it would do so on any relatively steep grade. It is long in the back to allow for a larger backpack -- unlike the Altus the additional length doesn't snap up when not in use, or if you have a smaller pack. As a result, I intend to get it hemmed and put in a snap or two to take up the additional length in the rear before I use it again.

You can't get it shipped to the US, and even in Europe it isn't easy to find in the stores. I had to take a cab out to the mega-Decathalon in Santiago to get it -- they didn't have it in the smaller shop that is right in Santiago.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hiking-rain-poncho-mt900-75l-red-l-xl/_/R-p-5389

 

[Sal An Ban]

When I was in Santiago last month I picked up the newest Decathalon poncho, the MT900. It is heavier than the Altus but has two advances that I appreciated -- (a) there are slits where one would normally have pockets that allows you to reach in and get something (like money or your credential) from a waistbag or pocket without unzipping or pulling it up and (b) it has long zippers under the arms to provide air circulation to avoid the sweaty drip people mention in this thread. It didn't rain much on my walk, but when it did, opening those zippers definitely made a difference.

The only downside for me was that, as a shorter person, even the small size was very long and while it didn't hit the ground if I was on a flat surface, it would do so on any relatively steep grade. It is long in the back to allow for a larger backpack -- unlike the Altus the additional length doesn't snap up when not in use, or if you have a smaller pack. As a result, I intend to get it hemmed and put in a snap or two to take up the additional length in the rear before I use it again.

You can't get it shipped to the US, and even in Europe it isn't easy to find in the stores. I had to take a cab out to the mega-Decathalon in Santiago to get it -- they didn't have it in the smaller shop that is right in Santiago.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hiking-rain-poncho-mt900-75l-red-l-xl/_/R-p-5389

Right ... Worth considering. I wonder how it will perform in heavy rain
Thanks for the info

 

[Walkalong]

What's the frequency of cafes or shelters on the Le Puy?

Considered an Altus to replace a pack cover and rain skirt when I saw a person walk by with only light shorts and t-shirt under a poncho, but can't find the Altus in stock anywhere. Company says it will have new stock in October - too late for me.

I assume the person in shorts and T-shirt (end of October) pulled on a layer when stopping, to avoid a chill.

My supposedly breathable (not really) jacket with zip-pits etc, and a diy light rain-skirt work okay in full rain, (with the usual perspiration issues), but not as well as a warm cafe and half day.

Enjoy the Via Podiensis.

 

[Simon B]

When I was in Santiago last month I picked up the newest Decathalon poncho, the MT900. It is heavier than the Altus but has two advances that I appreciated -- (a) there are slits where one would normally have pockets that allows you to reach in and get something (like money or your credential) from a waistbag or pocket without unzipping or pulling it up and (b) it has long zippers under the arms to provide air circulation to avoid the sweaty drip people mention in this thread. It didn't rain much on my walk, but when it did, opening those zippers definitely made a difference.

The only downside for me was that, as a shorter person, even the small size was very long and while it didn't hit the ground if I was on a flat surface, it would do so on any relatively steep grade. It is long in the back to allow for a larger backpack -- unlike the Altus the additional length doesn't snap up when not in use, or if you have a smaller pack. As a result, I intend to get it hemmed and put in a snap or two to take up the additional length in the rear before I use it again.

You can't get it shipped to the US, and even in Europe it isn't easy to find in the stores. I had to take a cab out to the mega-Decathalon in Santiago to get it -- they didn't have it in the smaller shop that is right in Santiago.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hiking-rain-poncho-mt900-75l-red-l-xl/_/R-p-5389

Does anybody know the weight of the Decathalon MT900?

 

[PiesIrlandeses]

Does anybody know the weight of the Decathalon MT900?

510g to 580g

https://www.decathlon.es/es/p/poncho-impermeable-de-montana-y-trekking-max-75-litros-adulto-quechua-900/_/R-p-5389?mc=8302454&c=rojo

 

[Simon B]

510g to 580g

https://www.decathlon.es/es/p/poncho-impermeable-de-montana-y-trekking-max-75-litros-adulto-quechua-900/_/R-p-5389?mc=8302454&c=rojo

Thank you

 

[Jenyat53]

I have used a Ferrino Trekker poncho on all 10 Caminos. Frequently walking in very heavy rain for days in a row. I tend to walk in cooler weather so getting wet from the inside isn’t a huge problem but it does happen sometimes. The beauty is the ability to unzip, pull out arms and have it hang on the top of my pack where it quickly dries out during the intermittent Galician rain.
It is heavy at 460 gms but I wouldn’t swap it as it has never wetted out from the outside even in torrential rain.

I am 171 cm, 62 kgs and wear a S/M. I ordered mine from Barrabes in Spain but they are available on Amazon AU

Ferrino Trekker S/M Raincoat | 68travel

Practical raincoat with a hood made of solid, lightweight Nylon Ripstop material and an aluminum insulating layer. Water column 2000 mm. "Hump" for up to 100 liter backpack. Glued seams. The raincoat can be fastened along its entire length. The sleeves are finished with elastic cuffs. Transport...

www.68travel.com

 

[Gobsmacked by the World]

I’ve the MT900 and swear by it. The best part are the different venting options, as ponchos (we’ll all rain gear) gets hot fast. The arms have Velcro at the wrists, so you can get a little air up there.
It has HUGE pit zips, so can’t get some really nice airflow around you. They’re so large that you can take your arms of the sleeves, pass them through the pit zip opening and use it with bare arms which is nice if it’s warm but rainy, and with sleeves your arms do get clammy.
It’s rated at 5,000mm waterproof so that is nice, it’s also cheaper than an Altus.

That said, at I think 520 grams for a small/ medium it is the heaviest thing I carry. I silently cursed it everyday I carried it and it didn’t rain, but lorded it over the others when it did rain. My last day walking up to the lighthouse at Finesterre I was the only one in our group that wasn’t drenched.

So like we all do, I agonize about weight over capabilities. That said, I wouldn’t leave it behind.

 

[peregrina2000]

I have used a Ferrino Trekker poncho on all 10 Caminos. Frequently walking in very heavy rain for days in a row.

I know the Ferrino Trekker is a high quality poncho. But for those who walk in spring and summer, its metallic lining turns the inside into a sauna in about 10 minutes. I learned on the forum that the lining is there to prevent hypothermia in cold temperatures. I used it on one Camino, and thankfully it only rained for about 20 minutes, but I was drenched inside. I also get condensation inside the Altus, but nothing like what I experienced with the Ferrino.

The trick would be to find a poncho that is also breathable as well as waterproof, like the high-tech outdoor gear that all the high-end companies make. But I have never seen a backpack poncho that is advertised as breathable.