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.

 

[Evan White]

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.