Eve Alexandra
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2017 Astorga-SDC, April 2022 SJPP-Muxia
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So I bought my rain pants and rain jacket at REI, last november.
I'm more aware of what is available now...and also about weight and space. The two of them together are almost 3 lbs, and they take up about a third of the bottom section of my pack (I've been shoving them there with my sleeping back, hat and gloves. Frogg toggs, I see, are half the price and a top and bottom are about 1 lb.
Would you return the rain pants and jacket and get something more space saving/lighter weight?
I was in Costco today, and they had this super light rain jacket for only $19.99 I don't know how much it weighs, but I'd guess well under a pound.
My rain jacket and pants weigh about 600 g (1.3 lb) combined. I don't view my jacket as being specifically for rain - it is my wind breaker, cold weather and rainy weather jacket. In March you will need a decent jacket, but it doesn't have to be warm enough for the winter! That is where you use layers underneath instead of a heavier jacket. I recommend taking them back, as there should be better options at REI.
Personally, yes.
But I'm all about abusing REI's return policy to the fullest extent possible in service of my gear addiction.
3 lbs seems pretty heavy (and bulky), but I don't wear rain jacket pants, so I'm not sure how that compares.
I'd say hold onto the REI stuff for now, but buy the Frogg Toggs and try them out to see if they're as effective as your current get-up. But the risk there is that if you don't like them, you probably won't be able to return them.
I also bought the 32 Cool Performance Rain jacket, along with a 2 pack of t-shirts for 9.99 by 32 Cool. Taking that $160 jacket back.I was in Costco today, and they had this super light rain jacket for only $19.99 I don't know how much it weighs, but I'd guess well under a pound.
I also bought the 32 Cool Performance Rain jacket, along with a 2 pack of t-shirts for 9.99 by 32 Cool. Taking that $160 jacket back.
The stuff you have is definitely heavy. My North Face rain jacket and my rain skirt together come to 1.3 lbs. That Costco jacket is a steal. Assuming it's good quality and is in fact waterproof. Jump in the shower and make sure
I'm sure your rainsuit is robust and top quality at that weight and maybe that is a good enough reason to keep and bring it. On the other hand, 3 lbs is ALOT and having it take up a third of the room in your pack are both pretty big negatives. If it happens to rain a great deal you'd probably appreciate it, but if you get very little rain, you will have regrets. Yes, Frogg Toggs are a great choice on the Camino from my experience.So I bought my rain pants and rain jacket at REI, last november.
I'm more aware of what is available now...and also about weight and space. The two of them together are almost 3 lbs, and they take up about a third of the bottom section of my pack (I've been shoving them there with my sleeping back, hat and gloves. Frogg toggs, I see, are half the price and a top and bottom are about 1 lb.
Would you return the rain pants and jacket and get something more space saving/lighter weight?
I'm sure your rainsuit is robust and top quality at that weight and maybe that is a good enough reason to keep and bring it. On the other hand, 3 lbs is ALOT and having it take up a third of the room in your pack are both pretty big negatives. If it happens to rain a great deal you'd probably appreciate it, but if you get very little rain, you will have regrets. Yes, Frogg Toggs are a great choice on the Camino from my experience.
Do you have way to weigh it, to let us know how much it weighs?I also bought the 32 Cool Performance Rain jacket, along with a 2 pack of t-shirts for 9.99 by 32 Cool. Taking that $160 jacket back.
The pack straps getting wet isn't a big deal. Not even an issue.https://www.rei.com/product/892194/...L-_-133411-_-161243-_-NA&avad=161243_ddc16aa3
If it turns out to be heavy, this one is 9.4 oz and is on clearance at REI online. I'm just debating over the whole shoulder straps thing. I have a pack cover. Is it really a big deal if my pack straps get wet as long as my jacket is waterproof and my pack cover is as well?
and of course there's a fair chance you won't even be rained on at all...Well that is good to know, about the shoulder straps. Thank you. The Altus poncho seems to have condensation issues from what I have read, and I cannot stand feeling like I am wearing a trash bag.
And yeah, I'm working up a system now to make sure everything stays dry, after getting advice here earlier today. Trash compactor bag (REI article recommended this too!), freezer ziplocks plus my dry bags.
Rain skirt?
https://www.rei.com/product/892194/...L-_-133411-_-161243-_-NA&avad=161243_ddc16aa3
If it turns out to be heavy, this one is 9.4 oz and is on clearance at REI online. I'm just debating over the whole shoulder straps thing. I have a pack cover. Is it really a big deal if my pack straps get wet as long as my jacket is waterproof and my pack cover is as well?
Well that is good to know, about the shoulder straps. Thank you. The Altus poncho seems to have condensation issues from what I have read, and I cannot stand feeling like I am wearing a trash bag.
Rain skirt?
That bottom section is a sleeping bag compartment. But it can be used for anything, obviously. I keep my rain jacket in the zippered pocket of my pack brain. Easier for me to access than the bottom zipper. I know other people who use that compartment for their bivy sack or light tent. Some even for wet sandals.Not a third of the entire pack. A third of that bottom section with the separate zipper??But still. A good 3 lbs now seems like a lot to me.
I'm thinking the Costco jacket and frogg togg bottoms. I may encounter snow. So this is my snow layer over wool base layer and hiking pants, as well as my high winds/rain layer.
Yes, they have a men's version at the same price. Black or navy blue.20 bucks? Yeah, I'm taking them back. Did you happen to notice if they have a men's version at Costco? I like the longer torso and arm length in men's jackets.
I think you are complicating things.I need all of this to double as a snow suit too
Not a third of the entire pack. A third of that bottom section with the separate zipper??But still. A good 3 lbs now seems like a lot to me.
I'm thinking the Costco jacket and frogg togg bottoms. I may encounter snow. So this is my snow layer over wool base layer and hiking pants, as well as my high winds/rain layer.
My thoughts exactly!The pack straps getting wet isn't a big deal. Keeping the stuff in your pack dry is a big deal. I'm a big proponent of everything in the pack in a waterproof bag as well as a waterproof cover on the pack.
Rain gear is the last thing you want to store next to your sleeping bag , getting it out in wet weather exposes your precious sleeping bag to the elements . Storing it later , perhaps while wet will only risk the same. Try to keep the two separate .
Your preference for larger fitting Mens' jackets is sound , longer sleeves keep hands dry and warm , the longer length protects your thighs from exposure . Wet thigh muscles can quickly fatigue and exhaust you . Your lower legs are not so critical , in moderate wet weather I wear shorts , legs dry faster than pants sodden from sweat while enclosed in a ' plastic membrane' . The open bottom of a long rain jacket pumps air upwards while walking , it ventilates your body and removes condensation . Gortex , Permatex or not just about every rain jacket can get wetter inside than out when you really exert yourself .
I test my rain gear in the shower at home if there is no rain in the forecast.Whoa, lets back up a bit. The last thing to take in the spring is cheap rain gear that is not proven to keep you dry. Granted you can always hole up for a day or two, but I walked for a number of days consecutive that it rained hard & the mud got very deep. I also have a friend in 2013 had weeks of spring rain on the Camino. My best thought is whatever you take test it if possible.
You did a long hike in the rain in your REI jacket, do I remember correctly? It didn't make you sweat?
I've never met a rain jacket that didn't make me sweat and feel clammy and claustrophobic. But that's my issue. (I have a few.) YMMV, as the kids say.
Anyway, it's kinda apples & oranges, but just for reference regarding weight..... my whole sun/wind/rain "system" (I lump it together 'cause there is some multipurpose overlap) is about 30 oz. total. This includes a Packa, umbrella, wide brim sunhat, and hooded water-resistant wind jacket.
It's a nylon skirt made for wearing over pants or whatever. Totally waterproof and nowhere near as hot as pants. But no..stop it. You're getting distracted. This is how last night's thread started if I recall
But if you must know more about my skirt you can check it out here.http://www.wandergoods.com/ Other ladies where I live have worn it on their Camino and liked it. But don't run off and buy one! I'll be accused of making you buy things that other people don't think you should have
I agree with Charles, but remember, your sleeping bag needs to be kept in its own waterproof bag anyway, be it a dry sack or ziplock bag.This! Makes total sense. I have only packed my pack for weighing it and practicing...it never even occurred to me. I'm going to have to rethink where I put stuff. Thansk!
=I completely love REI for their policy. This is why I give them any business at all, ya know? And I've got no problems telling them they are just too heavy when they ask why.
This! Makes total sense. I have only packed my pack for weighing it and practicing...it never even occurred to me. I'm going to have to rethink where I put stuff. Thansk!
I carried my Deuter pack on my last camino. I liked to use the sleeping bag compartment for clothes, since that part of the pack is like a mini-panel loading section. It was convenient to open it up and find the clothes I wanted just like I would at home in that pile of laundry that I never bothered to hang up.(I don't like clothes in a stuff stack, 'cause I always feel like I'm rooting around for that one small thing at the bottom of a big purse that I can't see and can't quite feel out.)
But that bottom section is easy to line with a simple kitchen garbage bag, opening straight out. Then just press the air out, twist a couple times, and tuck the top under. Your drybag/ziplock with your sleeping bag would probably fit in there too.
Do you have a shovel pocket on that size Deuter? (the large open outside front mesh pocket) That a good place to keep your rain gear.
=
We find it on REI, Gander Mtn., etc ... then shop Amazon for the same thing. We have Amazon Prime and we use that. Shopped properly you get FREE returns and no questions asked. We sent a backpack to REI at the cost of over $30.00 and that was the cheap rate for an odd sized package. Usually at a much, much cheaper price on Amazon.
Is it that large triangular open pocket that has a strap to keep it closed?
You can see it in this picture (this is my pack)
https://www.rei.com/product/880683/...NynSmZipihaqT9jwphZLJZfh1ojhy5G-_waAs638P8HAQ
We find it on REI, Gander Mtn., etc ... then shop Amazon for the same thing. We have Amazon Prime and we use that. Shopped properly you get FREE returns and no questions asked. We sent a backpack to REI at the cost of over $30.00 and that was the cheap rate for an odd sized package. Usually at a much, much cheaper price on Amazon.
Yeah I have done this as well. If I am going to test it with hard use I get it from REI. If I'm not worried about that, I look at REI first and then buy on Amazon. lol
I'd get something lighter. I got my rain coat and pants at REI as well. Mine weighed a total of 1 pound 14 ounces. The pants were 13 ounces. I'd like to see if I can find something lighter. In retrosoect, the pants were heavier than I needed. The coat was s good weight, although I wasn't pleased with its waterproofing.So I bought my rain pants and rain jacket at REI, last november.
I'm more aware of what is available now...and also about weight and space. The two of them together are almost 3 lbs, and they take up about a third of the bottom section of my pack (I've been shoving them there with my sleeping back, hat and gloves. Frogg toggs, I see, are half the price and a top and bottom are about 1 lb.
Would you return the rain pants and jacket and get something more space saving/lighter weight?
Good idea. And Costco has a good return policy too. If she buys the Costco rain jacket and it fails in the shower she should be able to return it.I test my rain gear in the shower at home if there is no rain in the forecast.
I order stuff mostly online from REI, since it is so dangerous (for me) to go the store and start browsing.
If you have a store in your town though, you can order online, but return stuff you ordered to the store. No shipping costs. I try and buy most stuff from REI (unless there is something they don't have or it is significantly cheaper or on sale elsewhere) since you get a dividend back each year.
Sounds like a perfectly reasonable plan to me. And you mentioned about keeping your sleeping bag in your recycled diaper dry bag. Your sleeping bag is the one piece of gear that you want to keep dry under any circumstance. Well, and your electronics and paper documents.Well that is good to know, about the shoulder straps. Thank you. The Altus poncho seems to have condensation issues from what I have read, and I cannot stand feeling like I am wearing a trash bag.
And yeah, I'm working up a system now to make sure everything stays dry, after getting advice here earlier today. Trash compactor bag (REI article recommended this too!), freezer ziplocks plus my dry bags.
Is it that large triangular open pocket that has a strap to keep it closed?
You can see it in this picture (this is my pack)
https://www.rei.com/product/880683/...NynSmZipihaqT9jwphZLJZfh1ojhy5G-_waAs638P8HAQ
Rain gear is the last thing you want to store next to your sleeping bag , getting it out in wet weather exposes your precious sleeping bag to the elements . Storing it later , perhaps while wet will only risk the same. Try to keep the two separate.
Way to go! Every shaved ounce will pay off in increased comfort. I took a Precip jacket on the CP last year. Worked like a champion and remains my go to rain jacket around town too.Jackpot! Marmot precip on sale. Columbia rain pants. One is 11 oz and the other is 12 oz. and my pack cover is 3 ounces. Oh. And my refund was $181 for the original set and these two were $125 together.
Woot!
I did look at the Costco jacket. In a warmer season I'm sure it would be great. But it made me a little nervous, just how lightweight it was, given I need something to double as snow gear.
Currently packing for 2 April start. You've wiped out a whole swathe of my fears in a couple of sentences. Thank you.I think you are complicating things.You need some decent rain gear - covering top and bottom. If it happens to fall as snow (not too likely) you will wear the same thing. It will not be 20 below zero, so wearing your hiking pants plus rain pants will likely be enough. You probably won't need to put on your base layer (aka pajamas). If there is a major blizzard, you might just need to take a day off. Make your best guess at a halfway decent fairly lightweight rain jacket and pants. Then you will go to Spain and get wet. Or not get wet!
So I bought my rain pants and rain jacket at REI, last november.
I'm more aware of what is available now...and also about weight and space. The two of them together are almost 3 lbs, and they take up about a third of the bottom section of my pack (I've been shoving them there with my sleeping back, hat and gloves. Frogg toggs, I see, are half the price and a top and bottom are about 1 lb.
Would you return the rain pants and jacket and get something more space saving/lighter weight?
Had over trousers for the rain in 2015. Nuisance is the polite word. Hard to get on harder to get off, never a rock bench or log to sit on while putting them on. Only my daughter had bought them for me as a birthday present, I would have dumped them. 2016 camino, I replaced them with light weight gaiters. Only needed them once but easier to put on and remove. By the way, I replaced my poncho and rain jacket with a much cheaper light weight rain jacket. It was perfect and I am using it regularly to stay dry in miserable Irish winter weatherSo I bought my rain pants and rain jacket at REI, last november.
I'm more aware of what is available now...and also about weight and space. The two of them together are almost 3 lbs, and they take up about a third of the bottom section of my pack (I've been shoving them there with my sleeping back, hat and gloves. Frogg toggs, I see, are half the price and a top and bottom are about 1 lb.
Would you return the rain pants and jacket and get something more space saving/lighter weight?
It only works for those who have the time and inclination to do some sewing though.
I used it last year on the Camino. I only experienced a couple of days of rain, and some drizzle. It worked well, I also fashioned it into a sort of pack cover a couple of times when it was warm, and wasn't raining much.Yeah, or talent! C'mon, trecile, when are you gonna open up shop?
Very cool! So have you tested it in rain or under the shower yet? I assume it needs seam-sealing? Did you tape, or use something like Sil-net?
I do understand your point and also hope everyone gets great weather!If you are lucky your rain gear will never leave pack.
Thank you, Eva, for starting this thread! I have been stressing over this subject. I will be walking in July and know I need to be prepared for rain , but that I probably won't run into too much. I really appreciate everyone's input, it has given me much food for thought. I've now ordered the Costco jacket ( should get it in a couple of days) and I bought the Columbia Switchback to compare the two. I think I've decided to make my own rain skirt and will be stopping by the fabric store today to investigate further. I feel like like the clouds have parted (yes, pun) and I finally have some clarity on this issue!
I'll be wearing either my Athleta Trekkie shorts (last year's model) or a Purple Rain hiking skirt - both are quick dry. Hmm, is it going to bug me to walk and be wet... I need to think about that. But it sounds like it's not as big of a deal in July? I'm assuming that our clothes/legs/shoes will dry very quickly that time of year.What sort of skirt are you wearing? Is it quick dry? In July, keeping your bottoms dry is not important - unless it just personally squicks you out to wear a wet skirt.
I'll be wearing either my Athleta Trekkie shorts (last year's model) or a Purple Rain hiking skirt - both are quick dry. Hmm, is it going to bug me to walk and be wet... I need to think about that. But it sounds like it's not as big of a deal in July? I'm assuming that our clothes/legs/shoes will dry very quickly that time of year.
Thanks, fenix, it helps to know what others have done!You never know how much it will rain, but you can be pretty confident in July in Spain that getting wet does not generally pose a danger as it might in a cold-weather camino. Everything I wear below my hips (south of the hem of my Packa raingear or umbrella) gets wet in the rain, then dries pretty quickly - skirt w/ boyshorts, low shoes, thin socks. All I really care about protecting when warm-weather hiking is my gear/pack.
So it doesn't bother me. It really just comes down to personal preference, rather than necessity.
I was in Costco today, and they had this super light rain jacket for only $19.99 I don't know how much it weighs, but I'd guess well under a pound.
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