Rain jacket recommendations

[Scooby2]

What rain jackets do people recommend? I'll be walking the Frances in October. I have a pack cover and will probably use a trash bag to keep contents dry if necessary. Not sure if this is a place where it's worth it to splurge or not. I've hiked with various jackets over the years with mixed results, but not all day over multiple days (which I realize is completely unpredictable but I'm guessing more likely that time of year). And I'm thinking no rain pants, but appreciate input. Thanks.
Smithers, release the opinions...

 

[Tincatinker]

Get a poncho or an umbrella. Your backpack straps will defeat the waterproofing of any jacket because your walking action will pump water through the fabric. The only waterproof that will resist hydrostatic action is PVC or Oilskins and you’ll just get soaked in sweat (or perspiration if you are a Lady)

 

[Anniesantiago]

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

 

[Pafayac]

I use this one because it is ultralight:
ultra-sil-nano-poncho
It is not as fragile as you can think.

 

[trecile]

I would get an Altus raincoat/poncho. It will cover you and your pack and keep your things dry.

You can order one from this company:

Altus Atmospheric H30 Poncho Blue | Trekkinn

Buy Altus Atmospheric H30 Poncho - Blue, Rain ponchos from Women´s clothing for only 52.49 $. Find outdoor deals in Trekkinn | Fast delivery

www.tradeinn.com

Or, if you will be in SJPdP you can reserve one at this store:

Pilgrim's shop - Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

www.boutique-du-pelerin.com

 

[J Willhaus]

Altus poncho for me, too. I have also used Frogg Toggs ponchos which are less expensive, but not quite as nice...

 

[David Tallan]

Altus poncho for me, too. I have also used Frogg Toggs ponchos which are less expensive, but not quite as nice...

Frogg Toggs also sells rain jackets, which I have seen recommended if you are looking for an answer to your rain jacket question rather than just advice to switch to a poncho.

I know the rain jacket/poncho/umbrella discussions can get quite dogmatic here.

 

[lovelyshell]

I love the Patagonia Torrentshell.

 

[roving_rufus]

I have a very nice RAB rainjacket which i combine with an umbrella (but my jacket is 11 years and still going strong with plenty of use so it was worth the investment given i live in Ireland). But any jacket with a reasonable hydrostatic head should be fine. The umbrella is a great addition as it keeps rain off you and rucksack. Truthfully there is no perfect raincoat!

I dislike ponchos as I feel like a sail. But I find a rain jacket more flexible in how I can use it. But in October I would bring waterproof trousers - by the end of the month it will be getting cooler

 

[Simperegrina]

I’m a big fan of the Rab Downpour 2.0 jacket

 

[dougfitz]

I have used rain jackets, most recently from Mont or Macpac. Neither have suffered any wetting through under my back pack straps even after up to three days of rain. The other brand I have used was Northface. It also worked well, and I don't recall any leakages under the back pack straps on the fewer days of rain when I was using it.

 

[Scooby2]

Get a poncho or an umbrella. Your backpack straps will defeat the waterproofing of any jacket because your walking action will pump water through the fabric. The only waterproof that will resist hydrostatic action is PVC or Oilskins and you’ll just get soaked in sweat (or perspiration if you are a Lady)

Thanks for the information--didn't know about the impact of straps. It prompted me to do a bit more digging. Are you familiar with LightHeart gear? Looks as if gear is made with backpackers in mind.

 

[Scooby2]

I have used rain jackets, most recently from Mont or Macpac. Neither have suffered any wetting through under my back pack straps even after up to three days of rain. The other brand I have used was Northface. It also worked well, and I don't recall any leakages under the back pack straps on the fewer days of rain when I was using it.

Thanks. I've got some time to try different options. Trying to stay focused on keeping it simple and thinking layers for Sept/Oct.

 

[Scooby2]

Frogg Toggs also sells rain jackets, which I have seen recommended if you are looking for an answer to your rain jacket question rather than just advice to switch to a poncho.

I know the rain jacket/poncho/umbrella discussions can get quite dogmatic here.

Thanks, David. It will be my first Camino, so I appreciate the different opinions. It also feels like one of my first lessons---keep it simple, make a couple choices, then go with the flow

 

[raincitygal]

I used the Packa rain poncho last September to October and loved it, it has sleeves and zips in front so fits closer and doesn't flap around, fits on your pack like a pack cover then you can pull it out to put on without stopping or taking your pack off, in prolonged heavy rain would advise rain pants as well

 

[llospw]

I used the Packa rain poncho last September to October and loved it, it has sleeves and zips in front so fits closer and doesn't flap around, fits on your pack like a pack cover then you can pull it out to put on without stopping or taking your pack off, in prolonged heavy rain would advise rain pants as well

On CF April-May '22 we had a LOT of rain the first 10 days. I used the Packa also and loved it. Worked perfect, especially when the rain was intermittent because you don't have to stop and take your pack on and off.

 

[Scooby2]

I used the Packa rain poncho last September to October and loved it, it has sleeves and zips in front so fits closer and doesn't flap around, fits on your pack like a pack cover then you can pull it out to put on without stopping or taking your pack off, in prolonged heavy rain would advise rain pants as well

Wow! I just checked out the website and am seriously considering this. Thank you!

 

[wynrich]

In lieu of rain pants, you might consider a rain skirt/kilt. They are much much lighter than the pants, work nearly as well, and are easy to take on and off. (Rain on the camino is often off-and-on and it's good to have things that are easy to take on and off.)

 

[llospw]

Wow! I just checked out the website and am seriously considering this. Thank you!

I also want to add that the guy who makes/sells these Packas is a really nice guy. Great customer service.

 

[t2andreo]

Rain "jackets" or parkas are best used as outerwear for a windy, cool day. I recommend a bright color to use as a wind shell. Always try to get one that has "pit zips" so you can open these vents in your armpits for extra ventilation. It helps - a lot.

As a general rule, and as most of the comments above correctly state, a backpacking poncho offers better protection against the rain. Your rucksack should go UNDER the poncho. Rucksack rain covers do not prevent water from getting to the area against your back, and infiltrating your rucksack from there.

I have adopted several practices to overcome some inherent problems with ponchos:

1. Wear a baseball style cap to keep rain off your eyeglasses, and to allow the hood to fit closely arpound your head. If you wear a broad brimmed hat, water will find it's way in, and down your back.

2. Have an extra pair of boot laces, or a lightweight bungee cord, to wrap around your waist, to hold the poncho closer to you to prevent the poncho from billowing all about. Everyone seems to complain about this poncho attribute, but the simple cord or elastic (bungee) cord is an easy fix. When you reach the day's destination, you can string this up to create extra drying space for your wet clothing.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[SusanSmyth]

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

I’ve used mine for four Caminos and part of the Via Francigena. It was PERFECT

 

[Stewart K.]

Thanks for the information--didn't know about the impact of straps. It prompted me to do a bit more digging. Are you familiar with LightHeart gear? Looks as if gear is made with backpackers in mind.

I have a jacket from Lightheart. It is well made and 100% waterproof. I pair it with a rain kilt.

 

[Graham Skinner]

What rain jackets do people recommend? I'll be walking the Frances in October. I have a pack cover and will probably use a trash bag to keep contents dry if necessary. Not sure if this is a place where it's worth it to splurge or not. I've hiked with various jackets over the years with mixed results, but not all day over multiple days (which I realize is completely unpredictable but I'm guessing more likely that time of year). And I'm thinking no rain pants, but appreciate input. Thanks.
Smithers, release the opinions...

When it rained on my Camino I never wore a rain jacket. I always said to myself my body is waterproof and just got wet. My tee shirt and shorts are easily dried at the end of the day and as long as my pack and other things are dry, then I was a happy teddy bear.

 

[Richard Smith]

Poncho and shorts, no pack cover and no rain pants.
I bought my poncho in the store more-or-less opposite the pilgrim office in SJPdP and cut off the elastic around the wrists for better ventilation.

 

[williamlittig]

What rain jackets do people recommend? I'll be walking the Frances in October. I have a pack cover and will probably use a trash bag to keep contents dry if necessary. Not sure if this is a place where it's worth it to splurge or not. I've hiked with various jackets over the years with mixed results, but not all day over multiple days (which I realize is completely unpredictable but I'm guessing more likely that time of year). And I'm thinking no rain pants, but appreciate input. Thanks.
Smithers, release the opinions...

There are two weights of Goretex . I have a bright safety-green Patagonia Goretex #2 Jacket. Bigger than usual so the arms are long and I can wear a Nano-puffy underneath when it's cold. I've been wet I plan on it, I avoid cotton and down because they don't dry. I'll be in Galicia in late October and I expect rain, I'll be better prepared.

 

[tfw]

I use an Altus and like it very much.

 

[wynrich]

I’ve used mine for four Caminos and part of the Via Francigena. It was PERFECT

It's great to get these good reviews for the Altus. Ours are on order and we are excited about getting them. We've used rain jacket plus pack cover plus waist pack cover plus rain skirt all these years. That system has worked well to keep us dry, plus it's nice to have the rain jacket to use as a (sort of stylish) wind breaker or extra warmth if needed. But we've gotten tired of the complication of the constant on and off on the typical rainy day on the Camino. It will be great to have something that goes over everything all at once and comes on and off easily. Also, we're going to save a pound or two of weight. And have one piece of rain gear instead of 4.

 

[Bogong]

What rain jackets do people recommend? I'll be walking the Frances in October. I have a pack cover and will probably use a trash bag to keep contents dry if necessary. Not sure if this is a place where it's worth it to splurge or not. I've hiked with various jackets over the years with mixed results, but not all day over multiple days (which I realize is completely unpredictable but I'm guessing more likely that time of year). And I'm thinking no rain pants, but appreciate input. Thanks.
Smithers, release the opinions...

Iwalked late winter and it snowed, sleeted, rained, hailed and blew most of the way. I wore a heavy duty goretex jacket and was soaked through except when it sowed. It was my third gortetex jacket all of which leaked like seives. This one leaked where the pack straps bore on it and they also wore through both layers of the inner lining on my shoulders. So I would recommend a poncho although I don’t know much about them. But several people I saw going up to Roncesvalles had them shredded in the wind so try to get one with a drawstring around the bottom. Remember too if you wear a jacket, whatever type, and you’re working hard and perspiring you’re goingg to get wet inside the jacket from sweat. Even goretex which in my opinion is massively overhyped and priced. As for me, I’m persisting with my latest goretex jacket which I bought virtually new at an op shop for 20 bucks.

De Colores

Bogong

 

[Stewart K.]

Thanks for the information--didn't know about the impact of straps. It prompted me to do a bit more digging. Are you familiar with LightHeart gear? Looks as if gear is made with backpackers in mind.

I have a lightheart jacket. It works well with the monster zips along the side. I pair it with an umbrella

 

[Robo]

I have used rain jackets, most recently from Mont or Macpac. Neither have suffered any wetting through under my back pack straps even after up to three days of rain. The other brand I have used was Northface. It also worked well, and I don't recall any leakages under the back pack straps on the fewer days of rain when I was using it.

Same.
I wear a light weight Gor-tex rain jacket. (and pants)
Keeps me bone dry.
No leakage anywhere.
Under pack straps or anywhere else.

No moisture inside from sweat.....it breathes like it's supposed to.

Maybe it depends on the quality of the jacket and fabric?

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

No moisture inside from sweat.....it breathes like it's supposed to.

Maybe it depends on the quality of the jacket and fabric?

Possibly. But because Goretex has a lifetime guarantee, any manufacturer that wants to use the product has to meet certain minimum standards. It may have more to do with the dwr coating than the gortex jacket itself.

Bear in mind that as I understand it Goretex can only breathe when the temperature and humidity level outside is less than the level inside the jacket. (Said 'Breathability' requires a temperature/ pressure differential). Meaning of course that breathability is limited in hot and humid conditions.

Remember too that the sweat has to be in a gaseous state to pass through the Gore-Tex membrane: if it is liquid ( heavy sweating) it's not going anywhere.

Your jacket design possibly has some bearing on this too (ventilation). Fit, wrist cuffs, pit zip’s for instance. Also pockets. Big pockets create large areas that are effectively double lined, limiting breathability. Small or no pockets are presumably better in this instance.

You’re also fairly experienced, so unlikely to be wearing excessive layers. ( thus potentially generating less sweat).

It also depends on the clothing you’re wearing underneath - how well it wicks.

Finally, individual body chemistry - some of us simply sweat more than others.....

 

[Robo]

Possibly. But because Goretex has a lifetime guarantee, any manufacturer that wants to use the product has to meet certain minimum standards. It may have more to do with the dwr coating than the gortex jacket itself.

Bear in mind that as I understand it Goretex can only breathe when the temperature and humidity level outside is less than the level inside the jacket. (Said 'Breathability' requires a temperature/ pressure differential). Meaning of course that breathability is limited in hot and humid conditions.

Remember too that the sweat has to be in a gaseous state to pass through the Gore-Tex membrane: if it is liquid ( heavy sweating) it's not going anywhere.

Your jacket design possibly has some bearing on this too (ventilation). Fit, wrist cuffs, pit zip’s for instance. Also pockets. Big pockets create large areas that are effectively double lined, limiting breathability. Small or no pockets are presumably better in this instance.

You’re also fairly experienced, so unlikely to be wearing excessive layers. ( thus potentially generating less sweat).

It also depends on the clothing you’re wearing underneath - how well it wicks.

Finally, individual body chemistry - some of us simply sweat more than others.....

Fair points.
My jacket is very light weight with only two small pockets.
Under it, I only wear a 120gsm (very thin) Marino shirt that wicks very well.
I would only add another layer at about 5C or less.
I was alway taught to avoid sweating when hiking.
This was about 50 years ago….
To regulate body heat not just with layers, but headgear and loosening clothing around the neck, zips etc.
30% of body heat is lost through the head, we were taught.
So headgear is a great regulator of heat.

 

[Sal An Ban]

Same.
I wear a light weight Gor-tex rain jacket. (and pants)
Keeps me bone dry.
No leakage anywhere.
Under pack straps or anywhere else.

No moisture inside from sweat.....it breathes like it's supposed to.

Maybe it depends on the quality of the jacket and fabric?

Sounds like you found the perfect solution! That's awesome, thanks for your feedback

 

[ParisOslo]

I purchase the Altus poncho and used it under heavy rain for many days while waking a Camino. At the end of each day I was completely wet because the tissus used by Altus does not breathe.

I am not using it any more and replace it by a breathable rain jacket.

 

[Sal An Ban]

I purchase the Altus poncho and used it under heavy rain for many days while waking a Camino. At the end of each day I was completely wet because the tissus used by Altus does not breathe.

I am not using it any more and replace it by a breathable rain jacket.

Thank youso much for that information, it seems there are different opinions and it comes down to personal preference

 

[trecile]

Thank youso much for that information, it seems there are different opinions and it comes down to personal preference

It always comes down to personal preference.

 

[jcat]

I love my Marmot PreCip Eco rain jacket. It's on sale ($75) now at REI so I just picked up another one to keep in the trunk of my car.