Would it be overkill to bring both a rain jacket and the Altus poncho in Oct/Nov?

[LisaJS]

My husband and I will be walking our first camino from SJPP to Santiago, then on to Finisterre and Muxia starting on Sep 7. We are slow walkers and plan to take some rest days, so we are planning about 2 months for our journey. (Yes, we are really that slow! Also, we just retired and have no time pressures.) We know that we could encounter significant rain in Oct/early Nov.

I've read the great reviews of the Altus poncho and I'm thinking about getting one. I also have a Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket and I'm wondering whether it would be overkill to bring both. The Torrentshell is also great for blocking wind, so maybe I would use it on some days that it isn't raining. Or maybe I would wear both together on a very rainy day?

My pack is the Osprey Sirrus and it has a built-in rain cover. So technically I don't need a poncho but I like the idea of keeping the pack straps dry (not to get into the whole rain jacket/pants vs poncho debate). We did a test hike from Porto to Tui on the CP last April. We didn't get a drop of rain, so I wasn't able to test how well the pack cover + rain jacket worked for me.

So to be concise with my question: Has anyone found it useful to bring a rain/wind blocking jacket in addition to the Altus poncho in the rainy season? (Note: My Torrentshell jacket weighs 12.4 oz. Also, I get cold very easily (numb fingers and toes).

 

[Simperegrina]

Earlier this year I took my Rab rain jacket (11.6oz) and my Altus with me on the Camino Portugues and the Frances from Sarria to Santiago. When it was windy and raining really heavily - which was some of the time on the Portugues and the vast majority of the time on the Frances - I was happy to have both on me tbh. Otherwise I wore the jacket until the day warmed up enough to take it off, and if it was drizzling vs hard rain - at which point on went the poncho. On the Frances last Sep/Oct, we had a heatwave for the first 2.5 weeks, but the jacket was useful for chilly pre-sunrise starts even then.

 

[J Willhaus]

I have had both a rain coat and an Altus Poncho. As long as it isn't raining a lot, the jacket with pack cover is OK. Last winter though it rained on me almost every day for a long portion of the day. I was glad to have my Altus Poncho with a synthetic puffer jacket underneath. I won't go back to the rain jacket and will take my Altus from now on.

 

[Copper Image]

I found the combination of the Altus poncho and the Houdini Patagonia windshell to be very practical. The Houdini is super lightweight and great as a windbreaker when not needing a rain solution. But when it rains long and hard, the Houdini under the Altus kept any condensation from my clothing layer.

 

[LisaJS]

I found the combination of the Altus poncho and the Houdini Patagonia windshell to be very practical. The Houdini is super lightweight and great as a windbreaker when not needing a rain solution. But when it rains long and hard, the Houdini under the Altus kept any condensation from my clothing layer.

Thank you for this suggestion. I actually just bought a Houdini jacket from REI Outlet for half price. Tags are still on and I've been undecided whether or not to keep it. It looks so paper-thin, I wasn't sure how windproof and water-repellent (not waterproof, I know) it would be.

 

[Copper Image]

Thank you for this suggestion. I actually just bought a Houdini jacket from REI Outlet for half price. Tags are still on and I've been undecided whether or not to keep it. It looks so paper-thin, I wasn't sure how windproof and water-repellent (not waterproof, I know) it would be.

I was skeptical of the Houdini too. But I’ve come around. I consider it a high value piece of kit. That and a buff - two small things that deliver way more than you think they could or should.

 

[Pafayac]

IMHO it is not overkill.
By the end of October, beginning of November, Galicia is very wet: last year I walked from León to Santiago. 12 days walking,12 days raining...

 

[MikeJS]

I always take a rain jacket, trousers and a poncho no matter when I am walking.

 

[camino_rooky]

It's nice to have a dry rain jacket to put on in the evening when going out to eat, drink or shop, especially when your poncho is dripping wet after a long day's rain.

 

[Bothydave]

My husband and I will be walking our first camino from SJPP to Santiago, then on to Finisterre and Muxia starting on Sep 7. We are slow walkers and plan to take some rest days, so we are planning about 2 months for our journey. (Yes, we are really that slow! Also, we just retired and have no time pressures.) We know that we could encounter significant rain in Oct/early Nov.

I've read the great reviews of the Altus poncho and I'm thinking about getting one. I also have a Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket and I'm wondering whether it would be overkill to bring both. The Torrentshell is also great for blocking wind, so maybe I would use it on some days that it isn't raining. Or maybe I would wear both together on a very rainy day?

My pack is the Osprey Sirrus and it has a built-in rain cover. So technically I don't need a poncho but I like the idea of keeping the pack straps dry (not to get into the whole rain jacket/pants vs poncho debate). We did a test hike from Porto to Tui on the CP last April. We didn't get a drop of rain, so I wasn't able to test how well the pack cover + rain jacket worked for me.

So to be concise with my question: Has anyone found it useful to bring a rain/wind blocking jacket in addition to the Altus poncho in the rainy season? (Note: My Torrentshell jacket weighs 12.4 oz. Also, I get cold very easily and have Raynaud's syndrome (numb fingers and toes due to reduced blood flow))

I carried a ‘wind shirt’ and a poncho. Poncho was for the rain and wind shirt - what it says on the tin, means it cuts the wind and ventilates well in the way that a waterproof jacket does not. In short it is much more comfortable to wear over any combination of clothing assuming it is not raining.
I wear wind shirts (jackets really) regularly when rain is not threatened. Basically they are a pretext shell.

 

[GaryRobArms]

I always take a rain jacket, trousers and a poncho no matter when I am walking.

I wish I had brought all three, as per MikeJS’s approach. I’m currently in last bit of the Camino Del Norte, with just a poncho. There have been several days of showers that the poncho was ideal for. However there has also been 3 days where it rained all day with strong winds and temperatures around 8 Celsius. The poncho just did not cut it, not so much because of the rain, but due to winds and low temperatures. October/November conditions could be similar.
I also wish I had brought my waterproof socks. The lovely forest trails and country paths became creeks and lakes.

 

[dbier]

I carried a ‘wind shirt’ and a poncho. Poncho was for the rain and wind shirt - what it says on the tin, means it cuts the wind and ventilates well in the way that a waterproof jacket does not. In short it is much more comfortable to wear over any combination of clothing assuming it is not raining.
I wear wind shirts (jackets really) regularly when rain is not threatened. Basically they are a pretext shell.

For the OP...we call a wind shirt a windbreaker, as far as I can tell.

 

[Dreamcatcher55]

My husband and I will be walking our first camino from SJPP to Santiago, then on to Finisterre and Muxia starting on Sep 7. We are slow walkers and plan to take some rest days, so we are planning about 2 months for our journey. (Yes, we are really that slow! Also, we just retired and have no time pressures.) We know that we could encounter significant rain in Oct/early Nov.

I've read the great reviews of the Altus poncho and I'm thinking about getting one. I also have a Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket and I'm wondering whether it would be overkill to bring both. The Torrentshell is also great for blocking wind, so maybe I would use it on some days that it isn't raining. Or maybe I would wear both together on a very rainy day?

My pack is the Osprey Sirrus and it has a built-in rain cover. So technically I don't need a poncho but I like the idea of keeping the pack straps dry (not to get into the whole rain jacket/pants vs poncho debate). We did a test hike from Porto to Tui on the CP last April. We didn't get a drop of rain, so I wasn't able to test how well the pack cover + rain jacket worked for me.

So to be concise with my question: Has anyone found it useful to bring a rain/wind blocking jacket in addition to the Altus poncho in the rainy season? (Note: My Torrentshell jacket weighs 12.4 oz. Also, I get cold very easily and have Raynaud's syndrome (numb fingers and toes due to reduced blood flow))

I just came back back from walking a Camino April 16-may 3. I had my rain jacket, poncho with me for exactly the same reasons. Also an Osprey Sirius pack. Glad I had both.

For the OP...we call a wind shirt a windbreaker, as far as I can tell.

 

[Tom Conklin]

I took a Patagonia Torentshell on the Norte/Primitivo in the fall of 2023. It works well almost all of the time. However, if you get a lot of continuous rain, even a Gortex jacket will give up the ghost. Last fall there was a lot of continuous rain and everyone's rain jackets gave up the ghost. Even the best jackets let a lot of water through. Some people had or bought ponchos and they worked quite well despite the fact that they are unwieldly, blowing all over the place. This is the first of four Caminos where I had this much rain and it was the first time the conditions affected my happiness with the walk. I'm not sure I would buy a poncho whenever I travel through Galicia again but I will always have a good rain jacket. I also have a good pack cover, from Decathlon, which did the job very well in all conditions.

 

[CWBuff]

As per answers above IMHO it is not an overkill. Both items do not represent a lot of weight but give you a variety of options what may work best in many given situations.
I walked May-June 2022 (not even Oct\Nov) and I had both jacket and poncho (not Altus but still...)
Most of the times I could do away with either if the need arose, however (and esp. in Galicia) I had enough days (usually in the mornings) when both were put on

Good Luck and Buen Camino

 

[wynrich]

We just walked 3 weeks on the Camino del Norte. We had altus rain ponchos and no other rain gear. (New for us.) We ran into rain here and there and chilly weather and they worked beautifully.

We've always brought rain jackets in the past but we did not miss them at all. It's true that you look a little dorky if you want to just use them for windbreakers but with the savings in weight we felt it was worth leaving the jacket at home.

In the past our rain gear has consisted of rain jackets, pack covers, and rain skirts. That works pretty well for keeping you dry but it's a pain taking them on and off with a backpack on and the weather is constant on and off. The Altus were wonderful just to throw over everything.

 

[peregrinaTrish]

I found the combination of the Altus poncho and the Houdini Patagonia windshell to be very practical. The Houdini is super lightweight and great as a windbreaker when not needing a rain solution. But when it rains long and hard, the Houdini under the Altus kept any condensation from my clothing layer.

I have also found the Patagonia Houdini and poncho to be a great combo ... lots of layering flexibility. The Houdini weighs very little (3.4 oz). They'll both be in my pack again when I head out in September.

 

[makingtrax]

My husband and I will be walking our first camino from SJPP to Santiago, then on to Finisterre and Muxia starting on Sep 7. We are slow walkers and plan to take some rest days, so we are planning about 2 months for our journey. (Yes, we are really that slow! Also, we just retired and have no time pressures.) We know that we could encounter significant rain in Oct/early Nov.

I've read the great reviews of the Altus poncho and I'm thinking about getting one. I also have a Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket and I'm wondering whether it would be overkill to bring both. The Torrentshell is also great for blocking wind, so maybe I would use it on some days that it isn't raining. Or maybe I would wear both together on a very rainy day?

My pack is the Osprey Sirrus and it has a built-in rain cover. So technically I don't need a poncho but I like the idea of keeping the pack straps dry (not to get into the whole rain jacket/pants vs poncho debate). We did a test hike from Porto to Tui on the CP last April. We didn't get a drop of rain, so I wasn't able to test how well the pack cover + rain jacket worked for me.

So to be concise with my question: Has anyone found it useful to bring a rain/wind blocking jacket in addition to the Altus poncho in the rainy season? (Note: My Torrentshell jacket weighs 12.4 oz. Also, I get cold very easily (numb fingers and toes).

Short answer, bring both. I'm glad I have both right now on the Francis. Where jacket every night to keep warm from the wind.

 

[Chiquito]

I was skeptical of the Houdini too. But I’ve come around. I consider it a high value piece of kit. That and a buff - two small things that deliver way more than you think they could or should.

Lisa for the uninitiated what is a Buff

 

[dbier]

A buff is a thin piece of stretchy fabric sewn into a tube that can be worn around the neck or neck and face.

How to Wear BUFF® Headwear: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Learn to style your BUFF headwear for every adventure. BUFF® multifunctional headwear is a super versatile, scarf-like piece of fabric, used most often by people who love outdoor activities, like biking, hiking, and camping. It wicks away...

www.wikihow.com

 

[Chiquito]

A buff is a thin piece of stretchy fabric sewn into a tube that can be worn around the neck or neck and face.

How to Wear BUFF® Headwear: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Learn to style your BUFF headwear for every adventure. BUFF® multifunctional headwear is a super versatile, scarf-like piece of fabric, used most often by people who love outdoor activities, like biking, hiking, and camping. It wicks away...

www.wikihow.com

Thank you now I have learnt something today

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes, Buff is a name brand. Neck gaiter is the generic term.

 

[Richard Smith]

I started early September with a poncho, which was enough for rain, and a heavy fleece. I bought a softshell rain jacket in Burgos or Leon, because of the cold/wind. So I think take both if the weight is OK for you.
We took 45 days SJPP to SdC so 2 months is a good time buffer, and if you finish early you can walk further or do something else in Spain or Portugal. We bused to Porto.

 

[Simperegrina]

Yes, Buff is a name brand. Neck gaiter is the generic term.

See also: neck warmer

 

[walkingagain]

My husband and I will be walking our first camino from SJPP to Santiago, then on to Finisterre and Muxia starting on Sep 7. We are slow walkers and plan to take some rest days, so we are planning about 2 months for our journey. (Yes, we are really that slow! Also, we just retired and have no time pressures.) We know that we could encounter significant rain in Oct/early Nov.

I've read the great reviews of the Altus poncho and I'm thinking about getting one. I also have a Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket and I'm wondering whether it would be overkill to bring both. The Torrentshell is also great for blocking wind, so maybe I would use it on some days that it isn't raining. Or maybe I would wear both together on a very rainy day?

My pack is the Osprey Sirrus and it has a built-in rain cover. So technically I don't need a poncho but I like the idea of keeping the pack straps dry (not to get into the whole rain jacket/pants vs poncho debate). We did a test hike from Porto to Tui on the CP last April. We didn't get a drop of rain, so I wasn't able to test how well the pack cover + rain jacket worked for me.

So to be concise with my question: Has anyone found it useful to bring a rain/wind blocking jacket in addition to the Altus poncho in the rainy season? (Note: My Torrentshell jacket weighs 12.4 oz. Also, I get cold very easily (numb fingers and toes).

You don’t need both - just bring the Altus.
My mom loved the Altus - she wore it as both wind jacket and rain jacket. It became her favorite piece of gear. We walked the CF from Pamplona to Santiago in March and April of this year and she had it on as we walked thru snow, rain, sleet and winds that nearly knocked us over. Buen camino.

 

[Jo H]

Thank you for this suggestion. I actually just bought a Houdini jacket from REI Outlet for half price. Tags are still on and I've been undecided whether or not to keep it. It looks so paper-thin, I wasn't sure how windproof and water-repellent (not waterproof, I know) it would be.

I love my Houdini as a featherweight windbreaker plus useful in light rain and in the cold. It's definitely worth taking on the camino.

 

[LisaJS]

Thank you all for the helpful information and sharing what worked best for you! I'm leaning toward taking either my Houdini wind jacket or Torrentshell rain jacket in addition to the Altus poncho. I'll make a final decision when packing, taking weight into consideration. (The Houdini is 3.4 oz vs 12.5 oz for the Torrentshell.)

 

[Sacha]

For Oct/Nov I would take the rain coat and rain pants. I did in 2015 and I was always dry and comfortable. It would rain days all day long. I also took waterproof socks and non goretex shoes which were always dry the next day (newspaper inside shoes and placed next to heating)

 

[JerryStroebele]

To both of those you might also consider carrying a light weight UV umbrella. When you are steaming inside your buttoned up rain gear you can flip back your hood and loosen your neck and cool off under the umbrella. And carry your own shade in the sun. Buen Camino

 

[Morganic]

Earlier this year I took my Rab rain jacket (11.6oz) and my Altus with me on the Camino Portugues and the Frances from Sarria to Santiago. When it was windy and raining really heavily - which was some of the time on the Portugues and the vast majority of the time on the Frances - I was happy to have both on me tbh. Otherwise I wore the jacket until the day warmed up enough to take it off, and if it was drizzling vs hard rain - at which point on went the poncho. On the Frances last Sep/Oct, we had a heatwave for the first 2.5 weeks, but the jacket was useful for chilly pre-sunrise starts even then.

I have this exact combo currently while on the Camino Norte (April-May 2024) and I have been extremely grateful for both rain jacket and poncho. I also carry a light cover for my backpack and gaiters for feet/lower legs. It felt like overkill whilst packing (my pack is about 7.5 kg) but the few extra ounces have been worth their weight in gold!

 

[trecile]

I have also found the Patagonia Houdini and poncho to be a great combo ... lots of layering flexibility. The Houdini weighs very little (3.4 oz). They'll both be in my pack again when I head out in September.

I also love my Houdini windbreaker. It's water resistant, not waterproof, so I used some waterproofing spray on it to (hopefully) increase the water resistance. For rain I have my homemade "Parcho" which is similar to the Altus, bit only weighs about 6.5 ounces. With my handsfree umbrella and waterproof socks I stay pretty dry.

 

[CathyP]

Thank you for this suggestion. I actually just bought a Houdini jacket from REI Outlet for half price. Tags are still on and I've been undecided whether or not to keep it. It looks so paper-thin, I wasn't sure how windproof and water-repellent (not waterproof, I know) it would be.

Just speaking to the Houdini, it is one of my favorite jackets. It is so packable...although it will initially be super wrinkled afterward - and provides a surprising break from the wind. It slips easily under any outer/warmer layer. I also have some Houdini pants but understand they are not available any longer. A definite thumbs up on the Houdini jacket.

 

[mkc]

One year ago, I would have said that was overkill. After walking in what seemed like endless days of rain ladt fall, we bought ponchos at Decathlon. The rain continue, and the ponchos were a great help. We've upgraded to Altus ponchos for the next camino....

 

[trecile]

One year ago, I would have said that was overkill. After walking in what seemed like endless days of rain ladt fall, we bought ponchos at Decathlon. The rain continue, and the ponchos were a great help. We've upgraded to Altus ponchos for the next camino....

But do you think that you would need both the Altus and another raincoat?

 

[peregrina2000]

But do you think that you would need both the Altus and another raincoat?

I have probably never said this on the forum, knowing that I am in a teeny tiny minority, so maybe today is true confessions. I do carry both the altus and a rain jacket. For me the rain jacket is primarily used to add wind protection after I’m done walking. Since I only carry a very light fleece, I find that I use my Marmot precip (which is very light) a lot over my fleece when I’m out and about. That’s because I’m what they call “friolera” in Spain (always cold!). And if it’s raining when I’m done walking, it is much easier than the Altus to take around town, take off in a restaurant, etc.

Not essential by any means, but I’ve pretty much settled into this habit and I’ve got my pack to a very manageable weight for me. I could easily live without it, but with the weight I’ve got in the pack, it just makes sense for me.

 

[mkc]

Yes

But do you think that you would need both the Altus and another raincoat?

. I used both. On drizzly days I used the raincoat, then put the poncho on as needed. I also used the raincoat over my puffer jacket. I tend to be cold....

 

[mkc]

A buff is a thin piece of stretchy fabric sewn into a tube that can be worn around the neck or neck and face.

How to Wear BUFF® Headwear: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Learn to style your BUFF headwear for every adventure. BUFF® multifunctional headwear is a super versatile, scarf-like piece of fabric, used most often by people who love outdoor activities, like biking, hiking, and camping. It wicks away...

www.wikihow.com

Essential!

 

[LisaJS]

I planned to bring both a rain jacket and an Altus poncho, but in my final packing review, I took out the rain jacket for weight and space reasons. I had also packed a Patagonia Houdini jacket for wind, but found it to also be useful for misty / light drizzle conditions. The Houdini is water resistant but not waterproof. On days that threatened rain, I put on the built-in Osprey pack cover, wore the Houdini jacket, and tucked the Altus poncho between the pack and the pack cover. The Houdini was fine for a light drizzle and if it started to rain in earnest, then the Altus poncho was readily available - in fact, my husband could pull out the poncho for me so that I could put it on without removing my pack.
I also wore the Houdini jacket over my puffer jacket for added warmth and wind protection - it was a piece of clothing that turned out to be far more useful than I expected.
There were a few rainy times in towns (after we arrived) when I would have rather worn a rain jacket than a poncho, but with the snaps done up to shorten the Altus, it worked fine.

 

[trecile]

I also bring a Houdini windbreaker. This year I sprayed the outside with a water proofer, but never really had to put it to the test.

 

[60LifeChange]

this thread convinced me to purchase a poncho. I have a ski shell that doubles as a rain jacket as well as rain pants. and anything that I determine I don't need, I am pretty sure I can ship it ahead to Santiago de Compostela or at worst, donate along the way. I can see on a windy/wet day an extra layer of waterproofing (the poncho) would help, especially if you cannot deploy an umbrella.

and the purchase through this site had a 25% discount!

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Ok, now I have to get a Houdini, I guess

 

[chinacat]

Ok, now I have to get a Houdini, I guess

Wait for a sale somewhere
Mine was half-price.

 

[J Willhaus]

Wait for a sale somewhere
Mine was half-price.

Just bought one on sale for $53 for me and $75 for Phil. Colors not what I might have selected at full price, but I am no fashionista (and Phil won't be either...)

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Just bought one on sale for $53 for me and $75 for Phil. Colors not what I might have selected at full price, but I am no fashionista (and Phil won't be either...)

Where? I don’t see it on sale at Patagonia (except in XS, which I am not).

 

[J Willhaus]

I searched the Patagonis website and it showed the colors that were on sale. I ordered an XL in pumice.

https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-houdini-windbreaker-jacket/196924291652.html

Not really my color, but if it works as a decent jacket, then ok.

 

[chinacat]

Where? I don’t see it on sale at Patagonia (except in XS, which I am not).

Me neither!

(Mine ‘fits’ ie it goes under rather than over but it’s a great windproof!)

I also have a very old Lowe Alpine smock-type hoodie. I wore it on a very stormy day on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and didn’t need anything else on top of it. It’s also very windproof. It’s about 22 years old and still going strong.
It’s blissfully loose
I’ve since TXd it in the washing machine and am yet to try it in heavy rain. The seams aren’t sealed, so there’s no way of making it fully waterproof, as with any outer garment that isn’t sold specifically as a waterproof one.

 

[peregrina2000]

For those who bring a Houdini and an Altus, I think but am not sure that the advantage would be an 8 oz. reduction in weight between Houdini and Altus and Marmot Precip and Altus. And the Houdini may or may not be waterproof-able (?). Am I getting this right? Houdini specs say it is about 3.5 oz.

 

[J Willhaus]

For those who bring a Houdini and an Altus, I think but am not sure that the advantage would be an 8 oz. reduction in weight between Houdini and Altus and Marmot Precip and Altus. And the Houdini may or may not be waterproof-able (?). Am I getting this right? Houdini specs say it is about 3.5 oz.

I would not use the Houdini for rain as much as a light weight layer since we walk in winter.

Still bringing the Altus and my synthetic lightweight Thermoball coat, light wool gloves, buff, ear band, too.

 

[alipilgrim]

I have 2 Houdinis and in my experience they are not in the least bit water resistant - fyi. They do a great job as a light insulating layer though.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I assume you can give it at least some waterproof ability by washing it in Nikwax, no?

 

[Anhalter]

At the same weight as the Houdini there is the MTN Guide Hyper LT Jacket, which i own the predecessor of, the Hyper 100, which is a proper waterproof jacket. Although very minimal and for my next week of continous rain i would prefer something more... beefy. Or an umbrella.

 

[chinacat]

I assume you can give it at least some waterproof ability by washing it in Nikwax, no?

See my reply #46 above.
TX is Nikwax.
You can affect the body of the jacket but not the seams.