Rain gear- poncho

[Booklady]

My camino will be in November/December of 2018. Which poncho brand comes recommended? Also, are rain pants suggested?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Altus "poncho" without rain pants. If you take a poncho that you pull over your head, put it on and take it off in the shower while wearing your pack, simulating the rain beginning suddenly. You will be in for a surprise!

 

[tomnorth]

I would bring rain pants. On those late fall days when it rains all day long, rain pants will help keep you dry and, more importantly, warm.

 

[nidarosa]

I have an Altus Rainseries and a Ferrino Hiker, both are good. The Ferrino vents better because of the more open sleeves, but doesn't cover the length of the arm like the Altus. Avoid the Ferrino with the silver inside - it is a cookbag for pilgrims! I sometimes wear my (breathable goretex) rain trousers with tights under to walk in if I know or suspect it will be wet and/or windy, but I wouldn't say they were vital. A poncho on its own will keep most of you and all of your pack dry and leave you with wet lower legs.

 

[marilyn van graan]

I have an Altus Rainseries and a Ferrino Hiker, both are good. The Ferrino vents better because of the more open sleeves, but doesn't cover the length of the arm like the Altus. Avoid the Ferrino with the silver inside - it is a cookbag for pilgrims! I sometimes wear my (breathable goretex) rain trousers with tights under to walk in if I know or suspect it will be wet and/or windy, but I wouldn't say they were vital. A poncho on its own will keep most of you and all of your pack dry and leave you with wet lower legs.

Where can I get an Altus or Ferrino Hiker - I am from South Africa and seriously looking for a poncho - something that is lightweight would be great. Rain pants are the answer for me - keep me warm if need be and dry legs when it is really wet out there - I have got the Salomons and they are super light and very comfortable.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

https://www.peregrinoteca.com/poncho-altus-atmospheric.html

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CM9WVSU/?tag=casaivar-21

https://www.peregrinoteca.com/poncho-altus-atmospheric-nylon-verde.html

 

[Just_Me]

the Altus is available from amazon.es
Ferrino from amazon.com

 

[t2andreo]

If I recall correctly, you can buy one or the other of these “hiking ponchos” at the pilgrim supply shop in St. Jean Pied de Port, opposite the Pilgrim Office there.

 

[Donnatravelling]

I’ve just finished walking in rain (sometimes cold, sometimes warm) and have mixed feelings about my Altus Poncho. During warm wet weather, it turns into a sauna inside due, in part, to the lack of armpit venting which I think it needs. However my pack was dry and it is easy to put on quickly over you and your pack.

Regarding rain pants, I don’t wear them because I get very hot when walking, even in cold rainy weather, So my legs would be wet from perspiration and condensation. The solution for me worked extremely well: gaiters that covered my shoe tops and my calves and kept my lower legs nice and warm. The upper legs were kept warm by the Altus poncho.

If I ever do this again I will probably add venting to the Altus Poncho armpits or switch to an umbrella attached to my backpack if walking in warm rainy weather. An umbrella would be useful to keep the sun off too as I find any kind of hat very hot when I am walking.

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.es/ulk/itm/142996311943

 

[Deleted member 3000]

During warm wet weather, it turns into a sauna inside due

That is a problem with all rain gear. I have a PackA with giant armpit zippers. They do not eliminate the problem.

Regarding rain pants, I don’t wear them

They keep pants dry, but I have not found that to be a problem either with shorts or long pants. They are a sauna in hot weather, so I found that I was putting them on and taking them off continuously. It is a real trick taking them off after it has been raining. Finding a dry spot for your pack and your butt is difficult! I carry a two foot square piece of heavy duty plastic that helps. As I have recommended before, put on your pack with rain pants in a side pocket, step into the shower and turn it on. Now put on those rain pants! How will that work on the trail when the rain begins?

 

[Albertagirl]

I wore rain pants on the camino last fall on the VdlP. These were new rain pants, not simply waterproof pants which do not breathe, as I tried out some years ago when backpacking. There was actually little rain during my 51 days on the VdlP, most of it on the Sanabres. But the rain pants also kept me warm, as well as dry. With zips on the lower legs, they were fairly easy to put on and take off without removing my boots. Since the first half of my walk was in daily highs in the mid 30's, I started my walk wearing light, comfortable trousers. The rain pants kept me comfortable when weather changes would have left my legs wet and/or cold, and were fairly light to carry when not in use. For a shorter walk with less chance of seasonal changes to cold and wet, I might leave them behind. I would not take them in summer, when wet and warm are more likely. But they were great for what I used them for.

 

[Dancing Rain]

Rain pants - you may never use them - but when it’s very cold, very wet and very muddy they can be a godsend. In spring and fall/autumn the weather is very variable year to year

 

[marilyn van graan]

I think it is important to buy rain pants out of good quality venting fabric - not sure if that is the correct terminology - I certainly do not perspire in mine and would never travel without them.

 

[david marquez]

I walked the Del Norte and Primitivo this past April-May. It was a very wet spring in Northern Spain with significant flooding and the Del Norte was closed in some spots for short periods of time. Even had to bushwhack a couple of times due to flooded bridges over streams.
My approach to rain is that its pretty much impossible to stay dry. I am either soaked from rain or soaked from sweat! So wet and cold or wet and warm? My choice is wet and warm and my solution is layers of wool that are temperature appropriate and an Ultra-Sil nano poncho.
https://www.backcountrygear.com/sea...bo1FWEajj_QMdUBEe-N4ypXX1S019S1RoCYPwQAvD_BwE

The poncho does a good job of covering my minimalist backpack and keeping the wind and heavy rain out. It IS like walking in a sauna a bit. But it worked very well on the Camino del Norte and it weighs only 5 ounces and fits in a tiny stuffsack. It is surprisingly durable and snag resistant and I am taking it with me to South America where I will use it to walk the first part of the Qhapaq Nan this winter.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Which Camino are you walking and where do you start?

I took goretex rain pants once but found that I'd see rain on the horizon, put them on and the rain wouldn't appear. You're then torn between taking them off in which case it will most certainly rain or leaving them on in which case you'll roast like a chicken in an oven roasting bag.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I walked the Del Norte and Primitivo this past April-May. It was a very wet spring in Northern Spain with significant flooding and the Del Norte was closed in some spots for short periods of time. Even had to bushwhack a couple of times due to flooded bridges over streams.
My approach to rain is that its pretty much impossible to stay dry. I am either soaked from rain or soaked from sweat! So wet and cold or wet and warm? My choice is wet and warm and my solution is layers of wool that are temperature appropriate and an Ultra-Sil nano poncho.
https://www.backcountrygear.com/sea...bo1FWEajj_QMdUBEe-N4ypXX1S019S1RoCYPwQAvD_BwE

The poncho does a good job of covering my minimalist backpack and keeping the wind and heavy rain out. It IS like walking in a sauna a bit. But it worked very well on the Camino del Norte and it weighs only 5 ounces and fits in a tiny stuffsack. It is surprisingly durable and snag resistant and I am taking it with me to South America where I will use it to walk the first part of the Qhapaq Nan this winter.

$100 for a poncho?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

found that I'd see rain on the horizon, put them on and the rain wouldn't appear.

The rest of us thank you for stopping the rain. Maybe that is why I don't use rain pants; someone like you is wearing theirs, thus preventing rain.

 

[trecile]

$100 for a poncho?

You can spend much more than that. The Packa is up to $170 + shipping!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

$100 for a poncho?

Look at it this way: $100 for a poncho that works or $100 trying to find a cheap poncho that works.

 

[Vanozza]

My camino will be in November/December of 2018. Which poncho brand comes recommended? Also, are rain pants suggested?

On rainy cold Fall days, I wear a Marmot rain jacket under my poncho to keep my arms dry. I also wear rainpants, sometimes with thin silk long johns underneath so that I don't have to feel the inside of the rainpants on my bare legs. Then last but not least, gaiters to keep my boots/trail runners dry. If it's really pouring, I sometimes also use the pack umbrella that snaps onto the front of the pack straps so that you are still hands-free. You can use any or all of these items depending on the temperature and the amount if rainfall. Or sit in a cafe-bar for awhile and wait for the rain to pass.

 

[trecile]

I love my "parcho" that I made from a kit from Quest Outfitters,which I learned about from forum member @Pong . It has a full zip up the front, and the sleeves are very wide and have velcro to tighten at the wrist. You make it to fit your height and backpack size. Mine weighs just 7.2 ounces. https://www.questoutfitters.com/patterns-jackets-cart.htm#PARCHO

 

[MikeJS]

I bought my poncho from a farm supplies shop in Spain - it cost 10 euros!

 

[trecile]

This one looks promising https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018CIDWZ6/?tag=casaivar02-20
And some people like this poncho from Ikea. Lightweight and inexpensive. https://m.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/art/80330501/

 

[gittiharre]

I walked the Del Norte and Primitivo this past April-May. It was a very wet spring in Northern Spain with significant flooding and the Del Norte was closed in some spots for short periods of time. Even had to bushwhack a couple of times due to flooded bridges over streams.
My approach to rain is that its pretty much impossible to stay dry. I am either soaked from rain or soaked from sweat! So wet and cold or wet and warm? My choice is wet and warm and my solution is layers of wool that are temperature appropriate and an Ultra-Sil nano poncho.
https://www.backcountrygear.com/sea...bo1FWEajj_QMdUBEe-N4ypXX1S019S1RoCYPwQAvD_BwE

The poncho does a good job of covering my minimalist backpack and keeping the wind and heavy rain out. It IS like walking in a sauna a bit. But it worked very well on the Camino del Norte and it weighs only 5 ounces and fits in a tiny stuffsack. It is surprisingly durable and snag resistant and I am taking it with me to South America where I will use it to walk the first part of the Qhapaq Nan this winter.

I used this poncho on my last Madrid to Oviedo Camino. I previously used the Altus light at 285g. The Altus light has sleeves and opens down the front. In warm light rain I would just drape it over the pack sleeves out and tie it under the chin to stop it from blowing off. In colder weather or heavier rain I did it up. No rain pants, just shorts. Skin dries fast. If cold merino leggings under shorts. After rain stopped, arm out of sleeves, unbutton and leave Cape flapping pushed back over pack. This way it dries, but you are free of the cape. Worked well. Sometimes did get very sweaty on the arms...
Nano sil. So light at 85 grams it is brilliant.
The bottom of your arms get wet as does not go down to wrist. This does not bother me. Best choice for a summer camino.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GHAxmojY4Wn6ndsm6

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I bought my poncho from a farm supplies shop in Spain - it cost 10 euros!

Not the one at the west end of Estella? Got one there in 2003. Probably the last one in town - still doesn't leak!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

You can spend much more than that. The Packa is up to $170 + shipping!

Good grief! Is it sewn together by fairies using thread made from unicorn hair?

 

[SafariGirl]

If I recall correctly, you can buy one or the other of these “hiking ponchos” at the pilgrim supply shop in St. Jean Pied de Port, opposite the Pilgrim Office there.

Yes, I bought my Altus here last September and Pierre (shop owner) did a great demonstration of how to easily put it on and take it off without assistance or getting wet. I used it with rainpants and shorts/t-shirt underneath and it was a complete Godsend. Best 60€ I spent on the whole Camino...due to its quality, light weight and front zip. Buen Camino

 

[gerip]

Bought my Altus at Caminoteka in Pamplona, after my poncho blew away in those high winds in the Pyrenees last month, €49. Much better for anyone walking alone. It took ages for me to try to get the poncho over my pack on my own.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

My camino will be in November/December of 2018. Which poncho brand comes recommended? Also, are rain pants suggested?

If you feel the need to have rain pants, DO NOT BUY THEM. I recommend wearing full length pants for warmth with a Rain Kilt to ensure the pants remain dry and able to keep you warm. When it is windy, the pants will get wetter than is comfortable. Here is a link;

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3F-...167.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4db84c4dUAPSUP

But be careful. I just bought another one as I think I threw out my first one thinking it was a bunch of tissues in my pocket. It weighs 65g. Rain pants are very heavy to wear and to carry. They also limit the evaporation of moisture away from the body.

Finally, as it is a wrap around, I recommend putting the opening or slit downwind on your body. So, walking West ahead of you, the slit goes on the East or rear side to keep wind and water out.

 

[loumura]

I think it is important to buy rain pants out of good quality venting fabric - not sure if that is the correct terminology - I certainly do not perspire in mine and would never travel without them.

What brand do you wear if I may ask? I have Gortex from REI but haven't worn them yet for a distance.

 

[loumura]

Good grief! Is it sewn together by fairies using thread made from unicorn hair?

 

[loumura]

Good grief! Is it sewn together by fairies using thread made from unicorn hair?

You really made me chuckle...you are very funny. Yes, sometimes we get suckered into buying the most expensive brands that do a fine job but not necessarily better than a cheaper brand. I have a $200 Gortex jacket from REI that keeps me dry but makes me sweat and a $20 Costco waterproof jacket that also keeps me nice and dry but makes me sweat. So, expense is not always relevant. Different strokes for different folks I guess. The main thing is, finding what is most comfortable and lightweight for you but the brand and price isn't always important.

 

[Eben Jacobs]

Where can I get an Altus or Ferrino Hiker - I am from South Africa and seriously looking for a poncho - something that is lightweight would be great. Rain pants are the answer for me - keep me warm if need be and dry legs when it is really wet out there - I have got the Salomons and they are super light and very comfortable.

Marilyn
I bought one in Pamplona, but never used it. You can take it over from me if interested. I am in Cape Town.

 

[Ballari]

If you feel the need to have rain pants, DO NOT BUY THEM. I recommend wearing full length pants for warmth with a Rain Kilt to ensure the pants remain dry and able to keep you warm. When it is windy, the pants will get wetter than is comfortable. Here is a link;

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3F-...167.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4db84c4dUAPSUP

But be careful. I just bought another one as I think I threw out my first one thinking it was a bunch of tissues in my pocket. It weighs 65g. Rain pants are very heavy to wear and to carry. They also limit the evaporation of moisture away from the body.

Finally, as it is a wrap around, I recommend putting the opening or slit downwind on your body. So, walking West ahead of you, the slit goes on the East or rear side to keep wind and water out.

I also wear a rain skirt/kilt and found it very good against rain and cold. I added gaiters with an umbrella that attached to my pack and was warm and dry walking in February 2018.

 

[Booklady]

Thank you, everyone, for your responses. I have much to consider, but in the end will be happy to keep warm and dry. =) I am currently looking into a poncho/gaiters combo.

 

[David Tallan]

My poncho from IKEA was slightly less than a $100 and didn't do to badly on the Camino Portugues in October. On the other hand, it wasn't a total deluge. On the gripping hand, I don't think any poncho would really protect me from a total deluge.

 

[DonCamino]

or switch to an umbrella attached to my backpack if walking in warm rainy weather. An umbrella would be useful to keep the sun off too

I really can recommend an umbrella and a rain kilt. Allows to wear no rain jacket or the rain jacket open. With the kilt you never are wet under your rain trousers. My umbrella is hands free, attached to the pack, hands fee for the poles. Dual use in the sun (e.g. 39 degrees C on the Via de la Plata).
Roll up your trousers to the knees and wear a pair of comprssion socks (cut off knee socks in my case) = warm legs and prevents from sucking water up to the trousers.

I checked out a poncho, rain jacket and trousers and endet up with this setup - that works!

Greetings
DonCamino

 

[trecile]

I really can recommend an umbrella and a rain quilt.

Do you mean kilt?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Do you mean kilt?

Dam those spill erectors.

 

[DonCamino]

Kilt, shame! (I edit my post and move quilt to kilt)

 

[Karl Oz]

I really can recommend an umbrella and a rain kilt. Allows to wear no rain jacket or the rain jacket open. With the kilt you never are wet under your rain trousers. My umbrella is hands free, attached to the pack, hands fee for the poles. Dual use in the sun (e.g. 39 degrees C on the Via de la Plata).
Roll up your trousers to the knees and wear a pair of comprssion socks (cut off knee socks in my case) = warm legs and prevents from sucking water up to the trousers.

I checked out a poncho, rain jacket and trousers and endet up with this setup - that works!

Greetings
DonCamino

How does the umbrella cope when the wind blows?

 

[adam lapp]

My camino will be in November/December of 2018. Which poncho brand comes recommended? Also, are rain pants suggested?

Rain jacket or poncho is fine when warm. If it’s cold you will regret (like me) not having rain pants.

 

[DonCamino]

How does the umbrella cope when the wind blows?

The umbrella is very stable even in really stormy conditions as it is fixed at two points. The whole construction is stable but a little heavy (470 grams with 3! not only two segments to be packed in the backpack).

 

[Kanga]

@Booklady I have walked in very cold conditions, sleeting/snowing, in a large Altus raincoat. It is not really a poncho, but a raincoat - with sleeves, a large pouch at the back to accommodate a backpack, and a zip opening (with storm flap) down the front. For me the Altus is more comfortable than a jacket and rain pants. It can be opened and closed for temperature control, and by leaving it draped over my pack I can pull it on and off as needed, putting my arms either in the sleeves or leaving them hanging, without having to stop and take off my pack.

The Altus is made in Spain.

I inherited the large size from my husband and it comes well below my knees, which helps keep me warm. The extra length also means I can hitch up my skirt (or trousers) so that my clothes are shorter than the Altus, thereby kept dry, and water does not creep upwards.

Mine is an old one, and heavy, but I have heard the newer version is not as waterproof. Anyone got an opinion on that?

 

[Mapanggulo]

The umbrella is very stable even in really stormy conditions as it is fixed at two points. The whole construction is stable but a little heavy (470 grams with 3! not only two segments to be packed in the backpack).

Can you share a link to this umbrella please? Thanks

 

[Kanga]

Ivar, who runs this forum, has them for sale here

 

[Mapanggulo]

Ivar, who runs this forum, has them for sale here

Awesome! Thank you very much!

 

[peregrino_tom]

Just back from a late-season camino Frances. I have a 10-yr old poncho/rainjacket. Under it I use these rainchaps https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/rain-chaps/ which keep legs dry, central area ventilated and weigh two ounces. Also so light and comfortable they can stay on if the weather appears to clear. We had quite a few days of rain and cold - and I stayed completely dry and comfortable. Yes, they are expensive, but if you walk a lot with a poncho or long raincoat they are well worth it.

 

[Albertagirl]

Just back from a late-season camino Frances. I have a 10-yr old poncho/rainjacket. Under it I use these rainchaps https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/rain-chaps/ which keep legs dry, central area ventilated and weigh two ounces. Also so light and comfortable they can stay on if the weather appears to clear. We had quite a few days of rain and cold - and I stayed completely dry and comfortable. Yes, they are expensive, but if you walk a lot with a poncho or long raincoat they are well worth it.

I have used nylon chaps, waterproofed with a non-breathable substance, in the past. In those days, they were cheap. This is just as well, as for me the ventilation did not prevent sweat accumulating on the inside, and I soon gave them up. Of course, your results may vary.

 

[jpflavin1]

My camino will be in November/December of 2018. Which poncho brand comes recommended? Also, are rain pants suggested?

Booklady:

Poncho's blow around too much in windy conditions and in most cases require another person to help putting on and taking off over Backpack.

I recommend rain gear with pants. If you go with rain gear your pack will need a cover. Most osprey's have a built in attached cover. No fear of it blowing off.

Ultreya,
Joe