fraluchi
RIP 2019
- Time of past OR future Camino
- One every year since 2007
Absolutely! I use a sturdy umbrella, 130 cm (51 inch) diameter, for protection from rain or sun.
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Absolutely! I use a sturdy umbrella, 130 cm (51 inch) diameter, for protection from rain or sun.Ponchos and rain suits each have pluses and minuses. [...] Low tech solutions to low tech problems.
Anyone used the Snow Peak folding umbrella? Actually, the idea of using an umbrella is pretty novel for me as I'm used to winds stronger than 50kph most days and an umbrella can only flip inside out so many times. My last folding umbrella lasted a few years in Auckland and one use in Wellington NZ. And I guess pacer pole enthusiasts need another arm.I can't agree strongly enough about the utility of the umbrella!!! GoLight makes a version (ChromeDome, ~8 oz, ~$20USD) and I swear by it. It is made specifically for backpacking and uses carbon-fiber stays. The entire thing can flip inside out without worry about damage, and there are no fragile or complex joints to worry about.
Along with a 4 oz superlight windjacket with DWR treatment, an umbrella/windjacket combo offers the greatest range for temperature and conditions of any system I've come across thus far, at the lowest weight and at a fraction of the cost of a GoreTex/eVent jacket.
My earliest Caminos with poncho, then it changes to rain coats, and now my preference is an umbrella.
Snap the backpack's front clip over the stem of the umbrella and you can even walk handsfree.
I am thinking... All this equipment can add up to so much.
I can get the Snugpak pancho from Amazon for $40 right now. Sea to Summit's pancho is $89 right now. Looks like it is half the weight of the Snugpak so that accounts for why it is twice as much (this is ultralight hiking humor/math) ;-) I do see the point in the colors. Wondering if reflective tape could be used as an additional precaution?The main issue with the Snugpak poncho is that it is available only in olive or black. Both colors will not create a contrast between you and an oncoming driver. However, Snugpak makes a quality product. If you have a way to get it from the UK, I recommend you compare pricing, including shipping to your home. Sometimes you can save money. One very good UK source for hiking gear, including the Snugpak line of products is www.outdoorgb.com. They DO ship to the US or Canada.
I usually recommend that folks go with the brightest color they can find, or white if they can get it. This will be relatively safer when walking against oncoming traffic, as does occur on many Camino routes. You are trying to create enough contrast so a driver cannot miss seeing you as he/she approaches you.
I tried to order a bright lime green Sea to Summit brand sil-nylon poncho but had to settle for a vivid sky blue as lime was out of stock. Ironically on overcast, cloudy, rainy or snowy days, the blue creates the contrast one needs to be seen.
This said, were I to do it again, I would opt for the same poncho. It is now available in the same bright Lime Green, Light Blue AND a NEW color, bright Orange. I would likely opt for the orange one, but my blue one from last spring is fine. So I will stick with that.
I hope this helps.
Thanks for the advice. We'll probably go the minimalist route then and just stick with what we've got.The Camino frances is nothing as wild as New Zealand
Thanks for the guidance.All Camino gear that you take should be both what you actually need, and intend to use. Taking anything you will not use is just carrying dead weight, and should be avoided. Similarly, each item needs to be either multi-functional and as light as you can afford. An ounce or few grams here and there DOES eventually add up to a heavy pack load.
TIP: If you are walking with a companion, consider splitting some items, like first aid supplies or other stuff that can be shared use items. This can reduce individual loads. Why carry two of everything, when one of something will do for the both of you. Just a thought.
My advice is to test pack, based on what you have, and proceed from there. Everything that goes in the pack needs to be judged. Will I really use this, or am I taking it just in case? After two Caminos, I am STILL packing too much. Packing for a Camino is still far more of an art than a science. The forum gives you the chance to cut to the proverbial bottom line without making many of the same poor choices or oopsies as other pilgrims have done.
However, you WILL need protection from rain and likely snow, as late as the end of May, especially at altitudes over about 700 meters. Rain falls year-round. As a general matter, the closer you get to the ocean, the more it rains. On both my Camino Frances pilgrimages in April-May 2013 and 2014, I experienced more than 20 days or rain and / or snow out of 35 / 34 days that I walked from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago.
You will also experience morning temperatures in the low to mid 30s (F) or single digits (C). Combine that with blowing snow or rain, and you have an interesting walking day ahead of you. Plan accordingly.
Also, use the search function above to find useful information about any items you are considering bringing. Virtually EVERY question has been asked before, at least once or a dozen times.
I hope this helps.
I have always preferred using a rain jacket and trousers to a poncho. In Late August we set off from Roncesvalles in torrential rain. The rain ran down my back, between jacket and pack cover, it poured down my trouser legs into my boots and I ended up drenched. We bought a 'raincoat-poncho' which is a combination of poncho and raincoat. It is a long rain coat with sealed seams, ventilation flaps in the front which zips up and has velcro stays; long sleeves with velcro to tighten around wrists, a snug hood with a peak and an adjustable 'hunchback' at the back to accommodate a backpack. It really was the answer in the rain. Better than a regular poncho which can blow up in the wind and which wide open sleeves don't keep your long sleeves dry. With a pair of short gaiters to keep trouser bottoms dry, it is all you need to keep dry without sweating up.
It was made in Spain and cost 28 euro. You can see it here: http://www.altus.es/default.aspx?info=00022D or order online at http://www.barrabes.com
Centre La Tienda in Montreal sells them. They may be willing to ship to the US.Sorry if I missed this in the thread or elsewhere on the forum, but has anyone identified a US source for the Altus Atmospheric?
I'm very unhappy with the Ferrino Trekker hiking raincoat, after it soaked through on the Swiss walk this year. But I'm sold on the general design of these things, same as the Altus. Being in the US, I'm looking for something that's available here. Looking at the Packa, I see it's a good bit shorter - hip length rather than knee length. Do people wear rain pants to keep the lower half dry?
Definitely not a sweat thing (been there, I know that phenomenon quite well, but this was a much cooler day, the rain started earlier in the day, and the fabric was entirely wet on the outside). This was definitely a soak-through due to rain....do you know for a fact that it leaked? Because my bet is that it was your sweat.
Good weather...So if people are unhappy with the Altus, the Trekker, and the Packa, what does work?
Hi, I am planning on walking the Camino alone ( I realise that I won't really won't be alone as I am starting from SJ on 4th May!) and the getting a poncho on and off without assistance is swaying me towards a waterproof jacket/waterproof trousers instead. Is this good logic?Hello John,
Putting on the rain-poncho is just like putting on a raincoat. You can wear it as a regular raincoat (without a rucksack) or, by undoing three poppers, put it on over your rucksack. The great thing about it is that it zips up in front - just like a regular raincoat - and you can tighten the sleeves at the wrist by fastening the velcro ties. It is really lightweight and we wore ours when we were in civvies when it rained in Santo Domingo de Silos - so I think it would be great for general use at any time of the year.
I love my ALTUS. As a jacket can also double up as another layer when it is cool but not wet, this year I bought an XXL Quecha rain jacket (240g) from Decathlon and it fits over me and my pack. It cost €14.99 and matching rain pants (225g) cost the same. So for the same weight but at a 2/3 of the price, I have another waterproof option.
Frank, when it's rainy weather, I don't bother taking off my ALTUS at all. I simply slip my arms out and it hangs quite comfortably over my pack. I've never lost it. Then if the rain starts, I just slip my arms back in and continue on...Hi, I am planning on walking the Camino alone ( I realise that I won't really won't be alone as I am starting from SJ on 4th May!) and the getting a poncho on and off without assistance is swaying me towards a waterproof jacket/waterproof trousers instead. Is this good logic?
Regards,
Frank
I used to get them for my boys. My experience was that their life span (the Frogg Toggs, not the boys) was as low as their price (the boys are actually quite expensive), so it was a race to see whether the boys outgrew them before they destroyed them.Has anyone tried Frog Togs?
If I use a trash bag as a pack liner will our rain jackets be enough?
Txs Kanga, I had an idea that you used a poncho (& it seems the best solution) but just wanted to check.@smj6 Suzanne, the Aarn packs are fitted with internal dry bags. The outside of the pack gets wet but everything inside stays dry. I prefer a poncho raincoat style (an Altus) because it is easy to pull off and on without having to remove the pack, and there is more air flow. The side benefit is that the Aarn pack also stays dry on the outside, as well as the inside.
If I could buy an Altus made out of breathable fabric, with pit zips and a two-way front opening I'd be a happy chappy. The closest to that is the Packa, but it is much too tight and short for my liking.
In my opinion, the raincoat is much useful than a poncho that will be uncomfortable and the wind will blow it anytime. Combine raincoat with a waterproof cover for your rucksack
and you will do much better.
Has anyone had experience with Bluefield Lightweight Backpack ponchos sold on Amazon in the US? Supposedly similar to Altus, only lighter?
Ciao.
I thought about bringing me a simple raincoat. The backpack with his canvas. The problem of bathing shoes and socks I would like to solve it (when it starts to rain) wearing a pair of sporty sandals open. Can it be a valid solution? I do not love poncho ...
Hi Jomas,
Sporty sandals would seem OK if it were not cold and you were fine with getting your feet muddy, but I would probably rather have more protection and support especially in the mud.
I convinced myself that the Poncho was the way to go having read up on forums regarding the pro's and con's. But I struggled to source an Altus S3 atmospheric Poncho in the U.K. So decided to get one in Pamplona from Caminoteca close to the Cathedral for around €48. I took with me my Patagonia goretex jacket that I have used for years cycling and a pair of berghaus paclite trousers which are superb. With a view to sending them home having got my hands on the Poncho.Problem with goretex is when it gets seriously wet it can take an age to dry. Not so the Paclite.I have always preferred using a rain jacket and trousers to a poncho. In Late August we set off from Roncesvalles in torrential rain. The rain ran down my back, between jacket and pack cover, it poured down my trouser legs into my boots and I ended up drenched. We bought a 'raincoat-poncho' which is a combination of poncho and raincoat. It is a long rain coat with sealed seams, ventilation flaps in the front which zips up and has velcro stays; long sleeves with velcro to tighten around wrists, a snug hood with a peak and an adjustable 'hunchback' at the back to accommodate a backpack. It really was the answer in the rain. Better than a regular poncho which can blow up in the wind and which wide open sleeves don't keep your long sleeves dry. With a pair of short gaiters to keep trouser bottoms dry, it is all you need to keep dry without sweating up.
It was made in Spain and cost 28 euro. You can see it here: http://www.altus.es/default.aspx?info=00022D or order online at http://www.barrabes.com
HiHi,
The actual web site is http://www.altus.es
Type 'poncho' in the search page
Click on poncho atmospheric
On the extreme right hand side of the page is the British Flag.
Hope this helps.
Here is the URL again: http://www.altus.es/default.aspx?info=00022D
You can buy an Altus at the pilgrim store in St Jean. You can even reserve one in advance! http://www.boutique-du-pelerin.com/en/Hi
I bought this poncho in April and it was fantastic. Had snow on Napoleon Way and five days of heavy rain and floods. Could not fault it at all. Walking companion had normal poncho with waterproof pouch for mobile phone. In Pamplona he had to replace expensive iPhone! Every time we stopped he had to strip off and get dry clothes on due to condensation. However the other day I went for a walk in the rain so got it out of the bag and got wet! Seems the plastic on the inside of poncho is coming away from the outer layer. It then splits letting in the rain. Devastating as I thought it was the best thing that I had ever bought for hiking in the wet. Has anyone else had this problem?. I shall however buy a new one in Pamplona when I set out again next April from St Jean and hope it lasts to Santiago . Can't buy them here in Oz otherwise I would have taken it back for replacement. Five days is not good enough!
I had something similar happen to a lightweight jacket made from the same sort of material. The inner skin, which is supposed to be the layer that prevents rain coming through started to delaminate. I took it back to the shop where they said this can happen if the garment isn't thoroughly dried inside and out before being packed away and then stored somewhere warm.Hi
I bought this poncho in April and it was fantastic. Had snow on Napoleon Way and five days of heavy rain and floods. Could not fault it at all. Walking companion had normal poncho with waterproof pouch for mobile phone. In Pamplona he had to replace expensive iPhone! Every time we stopped he had to strip off and get dry clothes on due to condensation. However the other day I went for a walk in the rain so got it out of the bag and got wet! Seems the plastic on the inside of poncho is coming away from the outer layer. It then splits letting in the rain. Devastating as I thought it was the best thing that I had ever bought for hiking in the wet. Has anyone else had this problem?. I shall however buy a new one in Pamplona when I set out again next April from St Jean and hope it lasts to Santiago . Can't buy them here in Oz otherwise I would have taken it back for replacement. Five days is not good enough!
Hi JeffI had something similar happen to a lightweight jacket made from the same sort of material. The inner skin, which is supposed to be the layer that prevents rain coming through started to delaminate. I took it back to the shop where they said this can happen if the garment isn't thoroughly dried inside and out before being packed away and then stored somewhere warm.
Their advice was to hang the wet garment until completely dry and not to store it in the waterproof sack provided. They replaced it and I now use a mesh bag for storage similar to the one the Altus comes in. The jacket is probably 5 years old now and I've had no problems.
Have you considered the very much cheaper IKEA poncho a lot of people on here have raved about?
Also, how did you stay dry in an Altus? The last time I used mine was on the Ingles back in June and I was as wet inside as out!
I second that - for such a small shop Caminoteca has quite a range of goods. If you haven't visited there physically you can on line here.Hi Jeff
Thanks for your reply.
Firstly some good news.
I contacted Caminoteca in Pamplona and Istvan told me to bring the poncho back to him and he would replace it for me.
Hopefully next April will not be so wet.
As for not getting wet I think that as I wore it over a fleece jacket , the fleece somehow acted as a buffer between me and the poncho thus reducing the condensation. Anyhow I was amazed at the lack of condensation . Highly recommend them. Think they are really great.
Can also recommend Caminoteca in Pamplona if anyone needs anything. They were only too pleased to help in any way when I was there in April.
Regards
Gwyn.
Hi JeffI second that - for such a small shop Caminoteca has quite a range of goods. If you haven't visited there physically you can on line here.
Look at the photos with the View attachment 48204 in the corner and you can have a look around the shop.
Oh look, there's Gwyn's Altus sitting on the shelf, waiting for her:
View attachment 48203
Lo siento hombre! Should have realised - I know a Welsh joke about a lass called Gwynnie - far too rude for here thoughHi Jeff
Just to let you know. Gwyn is an old Celtic male name. Gwynneth is the female version. Although some ladies do shorten it to just Gwyn sometimes. An easy enough mistake that I have endured all my life. Quite enjoy it sometimes.
Gwyn
how did you stay dry in an Altus?
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