Rain kilt vs trousers - Sept Oct - Portuguese Coastal

[woody66]

Hi everyone!
Please remember i am a newbie to Camino; so advice is most welcome as the nuances of kit are still sinking in!
Am i over complicating something that's a straight forward choice?

I have never worn a rain kilt ; but i have listened to several threads about them verses waterproof trousers.

I am walking mid Sept fly home mid Oct that's if we are free by then.
I imagine those who have walked, have a better idea of what conditions to expect;and how cold/wet it gets.

The fact that getting waterproofs on an off when your wet or muddy appears to be almost a science on the trail something i hadn't considered (this will defo be an issue for me;not only because of my vision but i also have BPPV which is is a form of intermittent vertigo; to many motorcycle crashes) so ending up in the mud/or on my bum is distinct possibility as trying to stand on one leg i will end up like Delboy when he falls behind the bar in Fools and Horses!

I am thinking of a kilt as an option for ease of use and to avoid rain trousers altogether.

I have brought an Altus Atmospheric poncho i imagine that's for constant downpour (although it only has a 2000ml hyd/head doesn't sound enough but lots say they are great so took a chance)

However i thought the kilt would accompany a lightweight rain jacket for drizzly windy weather (i have a Houdini jacket) along the coast and if warm/humid make it more comfortable walking?

So basically i am asking which is best poncho or kilt with jacket or a combination of both?
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Woody.
Happy New Year.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

Personally I would take the Altus as they are easy to deploy and cover the bag as well. Then no need for the jacket, kilt or pack rain cover.

I hike a lot in the UK which is well known for its desert like lack of rain (NOT), I use kilt, jacket, long gaiters, and a good pack cover. On the Camino I discovered jealousy, of those who had Altus. To the extent that I am about to purchase one. Don't get me wrong I like what I use, just the Altus looks a better solution. (And is probably lighter)

 

[simply B]

Personally I would take the Altus as they are easy to deploy and cover the bag as well. Then no need for the jacket, kilt or pack rain cover.

I hike a lot in the UK which is well known for its desert like lack of rain (NOT), I use kilt, jacket, long gaiters, and a good pack cover. On the Camino I discovered jealousy, of those who had Altus. To the extent that I am about to purchase one. Don't get me wrong I like what I use, just the Altus looks a better solution. (And is probably lighter)

@woody66 -

I have to give this advice a "two thumbs up" endorsement.

From your description of needs, your cause for concern regarding rain paints is valid. A poncho and gaiters is likely your first and best choice.

And, I say this as a devoted wearer of rain paints. (A poncho whipping in the wind causes me fatigue in the extreme.)

B

 

[Colette Z]

KILT. Very lightweight, small (I clip it on my pack chest strap), on and off within a couple of minutes, super dry and wind proof. No blowing about. Complete protection. Nothing else for me! $40. I’m happy to share more. PS. I used an ikea poncho my first Camino Frances vs the kilt + Rain jacket in 25 days of, at times, very heavy rain & wind on the Camino Norte and the KILT was far superior and much easier and weight-saving vs any poncho.....Altus weighs a half a kilogram vs my kilt 60gm.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

KILT. Very lightweight, small (I clip it on my pack chest strap), on and off within a couple of minutes, super dry and wind proof. No blowing about. Complete protection. Nothing else for me! $40. I’m happy to share more. PS. I used an ikea poncho my first Camino Frances vs the kilt + Rain jacket in 25 days of, at times, very heavy rain & wind on the Camino Norte and the KILT was far superior and much easier and weight-saving vs any poncho.....Altus weighs a half a kilogram vs my kilt 60gm.

But how much does your rain jacket plus your waterproof pack cover also add to the carried weight.

The altus may be called a poncho but is in fact more like a long overcoat, it fastens down the front like a coat and has sleeves, at least the one I'm thinking of buying does.

Due to my extravagant waist size my wife made my rain kilt which is longer than usual and I have worn it on top of the Pennines and other places where the wind and rain forget that there are sentient brings at their mercy. It us great no problems with it at all. But on the Camino I have to say it, the gaiters, the waterproof jacket and the pack protector are overkill, when compared to the Altus. Not sure I would say that to be the case with a normal poncho though. My mate uses sticky velcro pads on his poncho in order to stop it being a kite, but it is a very expensive and very heavy poncho that also has a pack extension.

 

[barnettstakeagiantstep]

But how much does your rain jacket plus your waterproof pack cover also add to the carried weight.

The altus may be called a poncho but is in fact more like a long overcoat, it fastens down the front like a coat and has sleeves, at least the one I'm thinking of buying does.

Due to my extravagant waist size my wife made my rain kilt which is longer than usual and I have worn it on top of the Pennines and other places where the wind and rain forget that there are sentient brings at their mercy. It us great no problems with it at all. But on the Camino I have to say it, the gaiters, the waterproof jacket and the pack protector are overkill, when compared to the Altus. Not sure I would say that to be the case with a normal poncho though. My mate uses sticky velcro pads on his poncho in order to stop it being a kite, but it is a very expensive and very heavy poncho that also has a pack extension.

Wow, difficult subject. After our first Camino didn’t take brilliance to realize it’s all about the backpack weight. Don’t like getting wet! Waterproof shoes?

 

[Anhalter]

Kilt user myself. My Kilt from Aliexpress (3F UL) plus my Rainjacket weigh in at 260g.
I can put both on without having to put my backpack on the ground (which i never do). Technically i do not have to stop walking, but then it gets a bit tricky.
Downside is, my feet get wet. No problem for myself, but might be for others.
Upside is: light, breathable, hassle free. Put on a Poncho in high winds without help, you know what i mean.
Also, my backpack does not need a cover, so one less thing to worry about.

However: I genuinly believe that during a longer period of walking in the rain a poncho would be better. I did not encounter rainfalls of more than a few hours. In that case i would buy a poncho. At least at the CF they were sold everywhere for like 10€.

 

[woody66]

Hi everyone!
Thanks for the replies! I can see pros and cons for both ;your help is much appreciated.
(Jimmy i just tried on my Altus with backpack on and hood up and standing upright it comes about 2 to 3 inches below the knee. (i am 1.88cm tall (6ft 2 inches and 218 lbs). I CANT FIND ANY CHEST VENTS.
I brought an XL-XXLfrom Deporvillage a Spanish company for £49.90 delivered to UK.
It is pretty voluminous and would defo need a waist cinch i would imagine for windy weather but wont know until that happens so need to be prepared. With it being lightweight kit it does feel a little flimsy;but if it works no worries!!)
I think i am going to wear shorts/zip offs (can put them back to trousers for evenings ) whenever possible, and non waterproof trail runners i have a Houdini jacket and merino base and t shirts and lightweight Rab fleece.
I will probs just accept wet legs,after riding motorcycles for twenty five years and everyday in UK winters i imagine i will cope;although i am a whiny wuss ha!ha!
The best thing for me is that posting this now means i have come to a decision on what to wear; i won't be on the moon so can compromise on Camino if i have to.
Thanks again all.
Best wishes
Woody.

 

[Anhalter]

i won't be on the moon so can compromise on Camino if i have to.

This is a very important. On a lot of caminos, you pass larger villages and towns that will have some kind of shop carrying items for pilgrims. If in doubt, take an item less with you, there will be the chance to get anything you might have forgotten.

 

[Mike the Peregrinacious]

Hi everyone!
Please remember i am a newbie to Camino; so advice is most welcome as the nuances of kit are still sinking in!
Am i over complicating something that's a straight forward choice?

I have never worn a rain kilt ; but i have listened to several threads about them verses waterproof trousers.

I am walking mid Sept fly home mid Oct that's if we are free by then.
I imagine those who have walked, have a better idea of what conditions to expect;and how cold/wet it gets.

The fact that getting waterproofs on an off when your wet or muddy appears to be almost a science on the trail something i hadn't considered (this will defo be an issue for me;not only because of my vision but i also have BPPV which is is a form of intermittent vertigo; to many motorcycle crashes) so ending up in the mud/or on my bum is distinct possibility as trying to stand on one leg i will end up like Delboy when he falls behind the bar in Fools and Horses!

I am thinking of a kilt as an option for ease of use and to avoid rain trousers altogether.

I have brought an Altus Atmospheric poncho i imagine that's for constant downpour (although it only has a 2000ml hyd/head doesn't sound enough but lots say they are great so took a chance)

However i thought the kilt would accompany a lightweight rain jacket for drizzly windy weather (i have a Houdini jacket) along the coast and if warm/humid make it more comfortable walking?

So basically i am asking which is best poncho or kilt with jacket or a combination of both?
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Woody.
Happy New Year.

I bought a longish poncho in order to ensure my rucksac stays dry. If your backpack is totally waterproof I reckon a waterproof (breathable) jacket is probably better

 

[Former member 91017]

I've tried all combinations of poncho, rain kilt, rain jacket... My rain jacket and pants weigh too much (and the pants always make one sweaty to the point that just being rained on would be better. The poncho with kilt was light-weight and pretty effective, but I dislike the cumbersome process of off/on with the poncho.
I think next time I will try Frogg-toggs -- something I saw a peregrina wearing last go out -- they breath in a unique manner and are very light-weight. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HR07RKM/?tag=santiagodec0b-20.

 

[Colette Z]

But how much does your rain jacket plus your waterproof pack cover also add to the carried weight.

The altus may be called a poncho but is in fact more like a long overcoat, it fastens down the front like a coat and has sleeves, at least the one I'm thinking of buying does.

Due to my extravagant waist size my wife made my rain kilt which is longer than usual and I have worn it on top of the Pennines and other places where the wind and rain forget that there are sentient brings at their mercy. It us great no problems with it at all. But on the Camino I have to say it, the gaiters, the waterproof jacket and the pack protector are overkill, when compared to the Altus. Not sure I would say that to be the case with a normal poncho though. My mate uses sticky velcro pads on his poncho in order to stop it being a kite, but it is a very expensive and very heavy poncho that also has a pack extension But how much does your rain jacket plus your waterproof pack cover also add to the carried weight.

The altus may be called a poncho but is in fact more like a long overcoat, it fastens down the front like a coat and has sleeves, at least the one I'm thinking of buying does.

Due to my extravagant waist size my wife made my rain kilt which is longer than usual and I have worn it on top of the Pennines and other places where the wind and rain forget that there are sentient brings at their mercy. It us great no problems with it at all. But on the Camino I have to say it, the gaiters, the waterproof jacket and the pack protector are overkill, when compared to the Altus. Not sure I would say that to be the case with a normal poncho though. My mate uses sticky velcro pads on his poncho in order to stop it being a kite, but it is a very expensive and very heavy poncho that also has a pack extension.

Well I’ve tried various options and my preference is the kilt. My rain jacket weighs 250 gm (+ kilt 60gm) but I wear the jacket (huge zip pits for ventilation) most days with 1-2 merino wool tops under whereas I doubt you wear your Altus poncho unless it’s raining or snowing. When I walk alone I found getting the poncho on quickly was almost impossible. Plus I waterproof spray my pack, use the regular pack cover for visibility and rain AND use 1 dry bag inside my pack so nothing gets wet. I walked the Norte in March 2018 and it rained almost daily and somedays all day. The kilt, rain jacket and pack rain prep worked perfectly. My entire pack never exceeds 5 kg. To each their own.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

Exactly Colette Z, to each their own.

I still think people are confusing normal ponchos with what Altus call a poncho but is in reality a pack covering coat.

I walked over 2000 miles this year, mainly up in the hills. And believe me the UK can be extremely wet. I have worn the same kit as you quote. But on my next camino I will wear an Altus. I have tried one and they are extremely simple to deploy.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I bought a longish poncho in order to ensure my rucksac stays dry. If your backpack is totally waterproof I reckon a waterproof (breathable) jacket is probably better

And, if your backpack IS totally waterproof, tell us all where to purchase such a mythological beastie!

 

[Colette Z]

Well I’ve tried various options and my preference is the kilt. My rain jacket weighs 250 gm (+ kilt 60gm) but I wear the jacket (huge zip pits for ventilation) most days with 1-2 merino wool tops under whereas I doubt you wear your Altus poncho unless it’s raining or snowing. When I walk alone I found getting the poncho on quickly was almost impossible. Plus I waterproof spray my pack, use the regular pack cover for visibility and rain AND use 1 dry bag inside my pack so nothing gets wet. I walked the Norte in March 2018 and it rained almost daily and somedays all day. The kilt, rain jacket and pack rain prep worked perfectly. My entire pack never exceeds 5 kg. To each their own.

That’s great. I tried an Altus “poncho-pack cover-coat” on (I know that it’s a poncho style big roomie coat that provides almost 100% coverage) but it was just too cumbersome for me as a solo female walker. Also in 2017 it rained/snowed only 5 days out of 35 that I walked (vs almost daily in 2018) making the Altus an extra 450gm over many kilometres. Hope you bought the red Altus! Good for visibility.

 

[Colette Z]

And, if your backpack IS totally waterproof, tell us all where to purchase such a mythological beastie!

Use a dry sac. My stuff stayed totally dry after daylong heavy rain for days on end.

 

[Anhalter]

And, if your backpack IS totally waterproof, tell us all where to purchase such a mythological beastie!

Im not the person you are quoting, but there are some out there well suited for a camino. Manufacturers like Zpacks, HMG, Ferrino and Bonfus (and more) all make Packs that are extremely *water resistant* and still lighter than the average pack you see on the camino. They are usually quite expensive though, that has to be said.
Another approach is taking a slightly less water resistant material, like silpoly or silnilyon, for your pack, like gossamer gear uses, and put everything inside it in a liner or drybags. Cheaper, still lighter than the average pack and i like the drybags because they keep my stuff in a nice order.

i say *water resistant* because actually most stuff out there is not water proof. Water proof means you can submerse it. A good pack made from Dyneema or the likes, together with taped seems, will be more than water resistant enough for pretty much everything you encounter on a camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I've tried all combinations of poncho, rain kilt, rain jacket... My rain jacket and pants weigh too much (and the pants always make one sweaty to the point that just being rained on would be better. The poncho with kilt was light-weight and pretty effective, but I dislike the cumbersome process of off/on with the poncho.
I think next time I will try Frogg-toggs -- something I saw a peregrina wearing last go out -- they breath in a unique manner and are very light-weight. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HR07RKM/?tag=santiagodec0b-20.

I always use the lightweight (inexpensive) Frogg Toggs. I have the jacket/rain pants, but my son uses the poncho. I rarely need to use the pants, but they are so lightweight I haven't minded bringing them. I have never gotten wet yet, even after hours walking in rain!

 

[Anhalter]

@Jeff Crawley heres 3 more videos regarding the water resitancy of different packs:

the last one is the one i was using for my last camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Use a dry sac. My stuff stayed totally dry after daylong heavy rain for days on end.

I use a very sturdy white trash compactor bag. They are a great size for all backpacks and you can see contents easily...no water gets inside. I use small lightweight mesh laundry bags for most other items.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

After an encounter with a kilt wearer on a woodland path when we were both caught out in a sudden downpour I made my own kilt out of ripstop kite material I had to hand. I've used it probably 4 times this year and yes, it has been a success: it folds down into a large handful and takes up little space in my Mountainsmith Day bag; it's easy to step into and doesn't restrict my stride length on the level or on a climb though I may shorten it a few inches from the current mid calf length.

Happily the reaction from people who have seen it has been more of interest than "you look like a clown" although I DO wish it wasn't such a bright red.

However, would I use it on a Camino? No. My walks have been local Covid day walks on which I carry a 13 litre lumber pack on the outside of a rain jacket. The pack is not waterproof and if I use the pack as a mini backpack and there is significant rain I use a snap over rain cover (as I would do with a proper rucksack).

If I were on one of the Caminos I would take my Altus which is almost as long as the kilt but goes over my 40 litre ruck, so I don't need a rain jacket, keeping me and my bag dry. I can also wear the Altus in a shortened form by drawing up the skirt to jacket length and securing it with the waist belt of the ruck (ironically known as "kilting" it).

So, for me, the equation is rucksack + rain jacket + pack cover + kilt or Altus + Rucksack - pack cover.

My only major concern with the Altus is the build up of condensation on the inside so I'm contemplating the installation of "pit-zips" to help with ventilation.

 

[Colette Z]

I use a very sturdy white trash compactor bag. They are a great size for all backpacks and you can see contents easily...no water gets inside. I use small lightweight mesh laundry bags for most other items.

I agree and did try cheap trash bags but they got punctured with unpacking and packing so when I came across very economical Karrimor dry bag for €15 I bought it and no longer worry about wet pack contents or rain for that matter. I’m now hoping to get down to a 28L pack as my 30L Millet is too big for what i carry.

 

[Anhalter]

Trash compactors do totally work. As do heavy duty trash bags. Depending where your are the one might be easier to buy than the other.
Personally, i prefer drysacks. The Sea2Summit ones i use are affordable and not that heavy.
I like how you can organise your stuff in them. One for clothes, one for my sleeping bag. If you carry dirty clothes around, you could use a third one.
Big advantag besides the "order" is that you can usually "clamp" them on the bars of your bunk bed. I aswell hang my backpack on a hook to the frame of the bed. Doing this, nothing of my stuff touches the floor (bedbugs) and everything is in easy reach and packed very fast in the morning.

 

[BombayBill]

As you can see by my profile my preference is the poncho, bare legs, and let the shoes get wet. I wear quick dry Altras with quick dry socks. Everything in my rucksack goes into 3 x 15l dry bags. Sleeping gear in 1 and everything else in the other two. This also serves to bedbug proof my gear. Sleeping stuff and unwanted bug hitchhikers stay isolated.

I stayed in some places that insisted you leave your sac at the door and transport only the contents to the dorm. Pulling out my colour differentiated bags and keeping my bunk neat and tidy was easy.

Ultra-Sil Nano Tarp Poncho | Sea to Summit

FREE SHIPPING & LIFETIME GUARANTEE. The Ultra-Sil Nano Poncho is a raincoat, pack cover, groundsheet and tarp all in one. It is made with the durable 15D Ultra-Sil Nano fabric. It is super lightweight and packs down incredibly small. This poncho is a great solution for hot climates where a...

seatosummitusa.com

Oh and for wind issues. I tie a cheap belt around my waist to hold tarp in place.

 

[AlwynWellington]

asking which is best poncho or kilt with jacket or a combination of both?

In my youth (for tramping through densely forested hills up to 1,500 metres) I wore the local "uniform" of boots, thick hose, knee length trousers (shorts) and a short sleeved tops. When it rained I would shuffle off my pack, don a parka (waterproof single layered jacket with hood) and put the pack back on. The shorts and hose would get wet but the upper body to below the pack belt was dry.

Fast forward more than 50 years. When preparing for my camino I had exchanged the "shorts" for a real kilt (with in-built air conditioning), kept the parka and experimented with a rain kilt. For much the same vertigo reasons as you this was not a happy experiment.

For many reasons I also purchased a tent. For the ground sheet, and channelling @SYates, I purchased a style that also acted as a poncho. My first trial of this arrangement was in the field. In late April 2016 I had left Arthez-de-Bearn and, with the Pyrenees now firmly in sight, made for Navarrenx. On the way a dreadful mighty wind began and five minutes later came the continuous wall of water. I could not deploy the poncho. I was getting quite hypothermic. No one wanted to stop for a near drowned rat: just fancy the water on the leather upholstery. Until a young Samaritan woman in a jalopy came by. (What she did on learning I was from Aotearoa/New Zealand is quite another story).

A little over a week later I lost the poncho between Najera and Azofra.

Having seen several Altus "poncho" by now I bought a red one at Base (sports equipment), Calle Madrid 19, Burgos (just over the bridge from the Cathedral).

That pack covering rain/wind coat (300 grams) is now a standard part of my gear and is in the outside pocket of my pack, ready for use.

I use it very early on very cold (and windy) mornings with a long sleeve (merino) top and after I am certain rain has set in. Normally I put it over my clothes and then put the (waterproof) pack on. This arrangement gives most flexibility when stopping for any sort of break.

@woody66, to you I say kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui (be strong, confident and patient) and get going when you can.

PS: I greatly enjoy having only one item of rain / wind gear to cope with in times of need.

 

[Marbe2]

I used to take a rain proof jacket, and rain pants between Feb-March. However,when it rained heavy 27 out of 30 days, I realized there is almost no rain jacket that can withstand that kind of rain for that period of time. Now, I carry a poncho. The atlas may be over kill for the Portuguese Coastal Route from Mid Sept.to early Oct. You could get drenched in your own sweat on a hot day. But it is probably better for colder/wet months. I use the IKEA poncho, in early Fall, and a ultralight Jacket similar to your Patagonia Houdini. I agree that gaitors are likely overkill. Consider not wearing GTX hiking shoes because once wet they are harder to dryand your feet sweat more in them. Bring extra soxs for rainy days to change Into. At night stuff wet shoes with paper to dry them... it works well. I usually do It a couple of times and shoes are dry in the morning even in the winter.

A kilt, a shorter rain poncho with a hood or a hat, that still covers your pouch might be all-you need for a rain protection system. Suggest you try it out in the Spring, before you Go. I, like Bombay bill, do not worry about my feet getting wet in Sept and Oct.

 

[Pilgrim9]

I did not use rain trousers or rain kilt so cannot comment on them.

Perspiration condensing inside a closed waterproof rain garment can cause one to become soaked.

For what it is worth, I wore quick-dry lightweight nylon trousers and shirt every day, rain or shine, plus in rainy weather a pack-covering sleeveless urethane-lined poncho with hood. The sides of the poncho had eyelets and ties to secure it to my pack frame and stop it from flapping around. There was some airflow from the sides into the poncho. My trouser legs and shirt arms were exposed and got soaked in every rain shower but because they self-dried almost immediately afterwards, this was not a problem. Note that this was in late spring and summer, i.e. no ice cold weather. The quick-dry nylon garments were extremely easy to hand-wash and hang dry every night.

I strongly recommend against cotton garments because they take forever to dry and once wet can lead to severe chilling and hypothermia.

 

[AlwynWellington]

if your backpack IS totally waterproof, tell us all where to purchase such a mythological beastie!

Mine is totally waterproof for vertical and horizontal rain. But I suspect it would not act as a life preserver if I fell into the water whilst holding it.

Firstly the material will not absorb water, so no added weight in a downpour

Secondly, like others above, I have a dry sac (and with its integral handle, also acts as a a bump free check in package) inside to preserve my sleeping bag. The other gear (tent and assorted low tech) is easily dried if I did fall into the water.

To check out my stuff you could do worse than follow the trail of the outgoing POTUS to Florida. Of this myths are made.

Kia kaha

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I agree and did try cheap trash bags but they got punctured with unpacking and packing

It has to be a white trash COMPACTOR bag, not a black regular trash bag. I've abused mine on three of my five caminos and still no holes! They are very sturdy.

 

[J F Gregory]

I have never used rain pants except extremely cold wet weather. It would seem to me that Sept/Oct weather would be mild. I generally hike in quick dry pants or a quick dry kilt . I have a light rain jacket. I dont use pack covers, but waterproof pack liners.

 

[Kanga]

Altus (as in my Avatar) plus sandals. Disgarded jackets long ago. This Altus zips open down the front from the top or bottom, so I can pull it back over my pack rather than have to take it completely off or on. It has sleeves (sometimes I take my arms out and let them flap, if it is getting a bit warm). It is long enough that I don't have to wear anything over my legs, which are bare (I wear a skirt).

Still not perfect but the best I have found so far.

 

[Cadairidris]

KILT. Very lightweight, small (I clip it on my pack chest strap), on and off within a couple of minutes, super dry and wind proof. No blowing about. Complete protection. Nothing else for me! $40. I’m happy to share more. PS. I used an ikea poncho my first Camino Frances vs the kilt + Rain jacket in 25 days of, at times, very heavy rain & wind on the Camino Norte and the KILT was far superior and much easier and weight-saving vs any poncho.....Altus weighs a half a kilogram vs my kilt 60gm.

Collete, your kilt looks to be the perfect length whereas the only ones I have been able to find seem to finish just below the knee. (Of course you may only be 4ft 3" but it doesn't appear to be the case on the photo ) I'm not tall by any stretch of the imagination so I was wondering if you have any details of where you managed to find yours ? Thanks in anticipation

 

[Colette Z]

Collete, your kilt looks to be the perfect length whereas the only ones I have been able to find seem to finish just below the knee. (Of course you may only be 4ft 3" but it doesn't appear to be the case on the photo ) I'm not tall by any stretch of the imagination so I was wondering if you have any details of where you managed to find yours ? Thanks in anticipation

I’m 5’6” or 168 cm. Here’s the ULA link so you can see options, price, etc. It really is FOR ME the most practical. I hate to carry an additional 200 gm if it only rains a bit but during my very wet Camino del Norte in 2018, it proved itself 100%. I could whip it out and get it on within a few minutes plus easy to take off and on for the crazy days if sun then rain then sun. A big plus I was happy with were the days I used it for wind protection. I did pair it with cheap gaiters on very muddy sections and I wear fast dry hiking pants. It’s much cheaper to try first va investing in the Altra rain coat poncho.

ULA Rain Kilt

The ULA Rain Kilt is a simple solution for lightweight rain protection. Keeps moisture off of your lower body and provides excellent ventilation. Weight 2.8oz.

www.ula-equipment.com

 

[Cadairidris]

Thanks Colette, I shall have a look into that. I've been wondering about a rain skirt / kilt for a while as, like you, I feel it could be ideal. It can be a real faff getting waterproof leggings on and off over the shoes, especially in a hurry . I walked the Camini del Norte in 2019 . I found it a great walk but somehow I didn't feel it was treated with the same 'reverence' as the Francis by the Spanish or the pilgrims and I missed that side of it a bit. Hopefully I'll be attempting the Via de la Plata this year as long as Spain will still let the British in. Take care and Buen Camino !

 

[Colette Z]

Thanks Colette, I shall have a look into that. I've been wondering about a rain skirt / kilt for a while as, like you, I feel it could be ideal. It can be a real faff getting waterproof leggings on and off over the shoes, especially in a hurry . I walked the Camini del Norte in 2019 . I found it a great walk but somehow I didn't feel it was treated with the same 'reverence' as the Francis by the Spanish or the pilgrims and I missed that side of it a bit. Hopefully I'll be attempting the Via de la Plata this year as long as Spain will still let the British in. Take care and Buen Camino !

Great Buen Camino! I will hopefully do the VDLP IN WINTER 2022.

 

[4 Eyes]

I gave my Altus away after one test. It just gets too warm for me, even in winter. Same with rain pants. On the Camino Portuguese I think the Altus alone would cook me alive.

I have been using long ponchos and gaiters for years. While the combination works fairly well for me on the CF. It has not worked well on the Norte, which is more humid and gets windier. On the Norte, it has the effect of a steam bath on a rainy day, and a sail on a windy day. It's not ideal for the CP either. It's just too warm for the CP.

I tested a short poncho with a kilt. The combination didn't work out too well for me. The kilt is too short, makes the midsection too sweaty, and is too cumbersome for negotiating rocky slopes.

I started using shorter ponchos with self made thigh high gaiters. I made the gaiters by taking a pair of rain pants and cutting the legs off at thigh level and sewing buckles on and buckling them onto a pair of ordinary lightweight breathable hiking shorts. That worked out ok, but I have had to sew three pairs already and I don't like to sew.

Montbell has come out with rain chaps a couple of years ago. In theory they should work about the same as my thigh high gaiters. They do not get buckled onto your shorts but have adjustable long straps for hooking onto your belt or pant-top. They are easy on and off, super lightweight and very packable. No sewing necessary! I bought a pair of chaps but haven't tested them yet since my 2020 caminos had to be canceled.

Having tried a number of options and combinations, for my next camino it will be chaps and a short poncho. Hopefully the combination will work out for me.