Rain coat

[AndyBorba]

I am having a hard time finding a hyper/ultralight raincoat that won't break the budget (Less than $20). It would be nice to have one that isn't the clear plastic version.
Any recommendations or Amazon links that have worked well?

 

[J Willhaus]

Frog Toggs are less expensive and easy to pack.

 

[Tincatinker]

I can buy Frogg Tog ponchos in the UK for the equivalent of $20-25 + shipping.

I’ve no opinion on serviceability. I use an umbrella I bought in a China-store in Pamplona in 2012. Paid €8. Still going strong if a bit kinked. Keeps the worst of the weather off my upper body. I figure skin is waterproof so tend to wear shorts on wet days.

 

[henrythedog]

You’re in Arizona? Rain may be something of a novelty. Which route are you walking and when?

 

[BandL]

Another thumbs up for the Frogg Toggs poncho. Used on the Camino Frances this year. Lightweight, breathable and waterproof. Just make sure you don't catch it on anything as it will rip easily. US$20 on their website https://www.froggtoggs.com/frogg-toggsr-ultra-lite2a-poncho

 

[Scoutbuff]

I can buy Frogg Tog ponchos in the UK for the equivalent of $20-25 + shipping.

I’ve no opinion on serviceability. I use an umbrella I bought in a China-store in Pamplona in 2012. Paid €8. Still going strong if a bit kinked. Keeps the worst of the weather off my upper body. I figure skin is waterproof so tend to wear shorts on wet days.

Frogg Toggs are light and inexpensive. They are also fairly delicate from my experience using them in backcountry trips. The pants lasted most of a weekend trip. Jacket lasted a couple of trips. I have no experience with the poncho, only the rain suit.

 

[J Willhaus]

Frogg Toggs are light and inexpensive. They are also fairly delicate from my experience using them in backcountry trips. The pants lasted most of a weekend trip. Jacket lasted a couple of trips. I have no experience with the poncho, only the rain suit.

I liked the poncho. It was pretty substantial and light. Also used it as a blanket in cold albergues.

 

[domigee]

An umbrella

 

[AndyBorba]

You’re in Arizona? Rain may be something of a novelty. Which route are you walking and when?

Haha! Right? I will start May 28, 2025

 

[Walkingat70]

I am having a hard time finding a hyper/ultralight raincoat that won't break the budget (Less than $20). It would be nice to have one that isn't the clear plastic version.
Any recommendations or Amazon links that have worked well?

I have a rusk sack raincoat from Decathlon. £25. Seems sturdy

 

[BiggPapa]

We bought our Frogg Togg ponchos at Walmart for less than $20 before our Portugese Camino in October this year & used the quite a bit. They were very portable, dries quickly & held up well.

 

[Helen2006]

I am having a hard time finding a hyper/ultralight raincoat that won't break the budget (Less than $20). It would be nice to have one that isn't the clear plastic version.
Any recommendations or Amazon links that have worked well?

This isn’t a precise answer to your question, I’m sorry, but might be helpful. We took good, lightweight raincoats with us. However, when we walked in October there were some very heavy storms. Also, the raincoats we had taken didn’t cover our supposedly weatherproof backpacks (day packs only: we used luggage transfer) so we bought polyester ponchos costing €10 each, locally and used them for the rest of the journey. They were brilliant, and easily packable…

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Frogg Toggs are definitely my pick for a very inexpensive rain jacket or poncho. I have used the same set of jacket/rain pants since 2015 and they are only now getting a little weary after numerous Caminos, but still keeping me dry. This past year I have needed them quite often. I have used the rain pants less often, only in cold rain. I also carry an umbrella.

 

[Gobsmacked by the World]

Heat Reflective Poncho

Protect from rain while keeping warm with the SOL Heat Reflective Poncho. This waterproof emergency poncho is both lightweight and reusable.

www.surviveoutdoorslonger.com

These are cheap, very tough, only about 80 grams. As they reflect heat can get warm and doesn’t go down to the knees. But far butter than the dollar concert type of poncho.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

Definitely the cheapest option. If you don't have a box of garbage bags, steal one from a friend.

GarbageBag-RainCoat

GarbageBag-RainCoat: Subtle design changes spruce up the classic garbage-bag-pancho. Now with a stylish cap and extra room to keep baggage dry.

www.instructables.com

Seriously, I also have used a frog tog jacket. And also something similar I bought at that Decathlon in Spain. Not sure about $20 but not much more than that.

I think unless you get something really nice like an Altus, they don't work that well anyway. So just go with the cheapest possible option.

I saw several people on the camino just using inexpensive dollar store (called chinese stores in Spain) disposable ponchos and they looked dry to me. You'll need a backpack cover, though.

 

[LeslieC]

Another thumbs up for the Frogg Toggs poncho. Used on the Camino Frances this year. Lightweight, breathable and waterproof. Just make sure you don't catch it on anything as it will rip easily. US$20 on their website https://www.froggtoggs.com/frogg-toggsr-ultra-lite2a-poncho

It disturbs me (OK, let's just agree I'm disturbed!) that the/a major selling point on that page is this:

Are we looking at rainwear for the modern serial killer, perhaps?

 

[trecile]

It disturbs me (OK, let's just agree I'm disturbed!) that the/a major selling point on that page is this:
View attachment 181874
Are we looking at rainwear for the modern serial killer, perhaps?

Or hunters.

 

[LeslieC]

Or hunters.

Ah yes, them. Much more likely - thanks

 

[AlwynWellington]

I am having a hard time finding a hyper/ultralight raincoat

Many responses mention poncho (and not raincoat).

I understand these to be quite different items.

A question:
Is the raincoat to also cover your pack?


If you are content to use a poncho, I advise much practice donning it (and your pack) in windy conditions.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong)

 

[AndyBorba]

Many responses mention poncho (and not raincoat).

I understand these to be quite different items.

A question:
Is the raincoat to also cover your pack?


If you are content to use a poncho, I advise much practice donning it (and your pack) in windy conditions.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong)

Thank you. Looking more for a coat so I can wear it around town as well. I have a pack cover.

 

[Scoutbuff]

My Frogg Toggs hooded jacket is waist length. It's not very fashionable but very functional and light. It does not have any insulation but is waterproof and windproof. It would not fit over a pack.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My Frogg Toggs hooded jacket is waist length. It's not very fashionable but very functional and light. It does not have any insulation but is waterproof and windproof. It would not fit over a pack.

My Frogg Toggs jacket fits below my waist and down over my "bum". I have matching rain pants, but rarely need them.

 

[aureus]

Maybe something like this jacket hooded windbreaker jacket. It looks decent and protects from rain and wind.

 

[dougfitz]

Maybe something like this jacket hooded windbreaker jacket. It looks decent and protects from rain and wind.

Have you used this jacket? Is it a rain jacket, or just a windbreaker with a DWR coating?

 

[aureus]

Have you used this jacket? Is it a rain jacket, or just a windbreaker with a DWR coating?

I have a similar jacket. This is windbreaker with a dwr.