Altus Poncho in Madrid or Roncesvalles

[crad80]

Hi there,

Does anyone know of a recreational equipment store in either Madrid or Roncevalles where I can purchase an Altus Poncho (size XL)? I just need the name of the store or street location. Any help or assistance is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola

I think Madrid would be your best option. There are two or three shops with outdoor equipment Check out the sports/outdoor section of the Corte Ingles or this shop: Ruebles de Las Montanas in El Rastro. They will tel you where the other shops are. Also there is a Decathelon in Madrid http://www.decathlon.es and they definitely have ponchos - whether or not they have the one you are looking for you will need to enquire.

Decathlon
Sporting goods superstores
Address:
Parque Oeste, Sector 1 - Barrio Salamanca
28922 - Outside Madrid
Madrid
Nearest Bus or Train:
Tren: Cercanías C-7 (Commuter train)
Open Hours:
9a-10p M-Sa

Decathlon Inesis Castellana
Paseo de la Castellana, 110, 28046 Madrid, Spain
+34 915 61 65 55 ‎
Hours: 10:00-10:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Public transport: Nuevos Ministerios (196 m W) 6, 8, 10

also

Avenida Rafaela Ybarra S/N, M40 Salida 24. Autobús: 60 / 131, Madrid - 913 410 080

 

[jeff001]

You should be aware that the population of the village of Roncesvalles is about 50 people. Don't plan on being able to buy much of anything there.

 

[lynnejohn]

Have a look at the ponchos at Decathlon - quite an assortment, but no Altus, I think. Many others look good.

http://www.decathlon.es

lynne

 

[peregrina2000]

Last year I arrived in Madrid around 9 am and later got the AVE to Sevilla. I went to one of the two Barrabes stores in Madrid. Barrabes is a higher end outdoor store than Decathlon and they carry a lot of brands known internationally (with prices to match). But they carry the Altus Poncho and typically have it in stock.

One store is off the Castellana very close to the metro stop Cuzco, and the other one is very close to the Principe de Vergara metro stop. You can see maps and info here: http://www.barrabes.com/qsomos/tiendaMadrid_orense.asp

Both are very easy to get to. I had called several weeks ahead and asked them to hold an Altus poncho for me. The staff is very helpful. And they don't close at mid-day.

How much time do you have in Madrid and what are you connecting from and to?

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[crad80]

Hi Laurie,

I will be arriving from Los Angeles, and I plan on spending two days in Madrid before taking the Renfe train up to Pamplona. I will definitely check out the Barrabes store. I have sent them an email in regards to an Altus Poncho. Hopefully they have one in stock (size XL); if so, I am going to send them another email requesting they hold it until my arrival in Spain. Thanks for your help and assistance. I am a newbie to the Camino!!!

 

[alipilgrim]

I believe you can go ahead and purchase the Altus on the Barrabes.com website, and for delivery 'tick' pick up at ...... store. Might be the way to go if you plan to be in Madrid anyway.

 

[annelise]

For your information - I just today attempted to order an Altus Poncho from the Barabas (on line) Madrid shop. They had the large size L/XL but the S/M was presently out of stock.
Best regards,
annelise, Denmark

 

[nathanael]

Hi there, I purchased my Altus in Madrid a few years ago at the Barrabes as was told you. It was a nice walk out there and they had a variety of Camino attire. I contacted them from home via email and they had one waiting for me. I am sorry but cannot remember the street it was on, just go on the web site that was given to wwwbarrabes.com and you will be given instruction. They are very helpful there.
Buen Camino
n.

 

[peregrina2000]

I just saw Analeise's message about availability of the Altus poncho. FYI, I just called the Barrabes store in Madrid on behalf of a forum member and reserved a Blue L/XL for him to pick up in Madrid, no problem. The man I spoke with said he can't remember the last time they didn't have them in stock in both sizes, so maybe dealing directly with the store would be a better idea.
Buen camino, Laurie

 

[annelise]

Barabes just informed that the S/M size will be available again next week, but also that they have the S/M size in red.
If I have understood correctly from a great number of posts, the Altus poncho is the favourite of a great number of pilgrims. So I have a mental picture that the camino - seen from a bird's perspective - would look like having of a great number of blue beetles scurrying along - so maybe I should choose to be the one red beetle standing out! :roll:

 

[alipilgrim]

Although it's not my favorite color, I ordered a red Altus just so I would be that much more visible to drivers when walking along the road. In dark, rainy conditions I'd like to stand out!!

 

[peregrina2000]

Just in case any of you are having trouble getting your hands on an Altus -- I would be happy to call one of the Madrid Barrabes stores on your behalf and ask that one be held for you. Obviously, this will only work if you are planning to stop in Madrid. I have a cheap calling card (using a service I've seen recommended here, onesuite.com) and can call land lines in Spain for $.04 a minute. (Ironically, this is much, MUCH cheaper than what it costs me to use a cell phone in Spain to call within Spain). So I'm happy to make some calls if you aren't confident in your Spanish language ability. I've done it a number of times with no problem -- PM me if interested.

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[rickster]

Re: Altus Poncho

Had a question on sizing for the Altus ponchos. I am 172 cm tall, which is on the border for their size recommendations. Would like advice on whether I should go with the S/M or L sizes. Thanks

 

[dazzamac]

Rick, I'm 180cm tall and ordered the L/XL size. It comes down about 20cm below my knees. I suppose that on you that would mean that the hem might be a about 10cm or so from the top of your boot (if you're wearing boots).

I've found the sleeves to be quite long but that does allow my hands to remain inside the sleeves on cold and wet training walks in Ireland.

If you can, order a red one as that will be the most visible in heavy rain. I didn't as they were out of stock the day I ordered online. Mine is blue and just as functional, just not as visible in heavy rain.

Hope this helps you decide.

 

[nathanael]

greetings there are two Camino equipment stores in St. Jean Pied du Port. I did a a two week volunteer at L' Esprit du Chemin and got to know the person who owns the stores he is reasonable and knows his stuff. He is on the main street from the Hostel run by the St. Jean Pied. Furthermore I bought a poncho off of him last year when I went through there.
Yes there is a also a place in Madrid so what ever is best for you, just felt options were good to know.
Buen camino,
n+

 

[rickster]

At the advice of one of the forum members, I emailed Pierre (address at http://www.directioncompostelle.com/), asked him to reserve an altus poncho for me to be picked up on May 11th. Received a nice confirmation back from him within a few hours.

 

[nathanael]

yes pierre from direction compostela is a great guy and has quality stuff.glad you were able to confirm a sale.
chao homre,
n+