Altus Poncho - How Long Should It Be?

Perhaps a seemingly silly question? I've lots of experience with an Altus Poncho having researched the Forum prior to my first Camino in 2013 and a fan. I'm just under 6' tall (1.8 metres) and purchased an Altus Atmospheric, lime green (called it Margarita). It came to just below the top of my knees. A key point is that we had no rain prior to my Camino so I couldn't test it prior to departure as I would typically do. What I discovered in Spain during 12 days of rain is that the wind would lift it slightly and with normal walking motion my shorts would get wet. I rolled the short legs up, but it wasn't very convenient and not always successful.

This poncho was damaged and began to delaminate on the Le Puy route last year. When I returned home I began a search for a new Altus. Strangely difficult to come by, but eventually I was able to source several for myself and a few other folks in our local Camino Chapter. They have changed the lengths of the new ponchos compared to my older model with the front now 2" longer and the back hanging even lower. The Medium/Large comes almost to the bottom of my knees. The XL size hangs down further to almost half way between knees and ankles. How far should it hang dawn?

The XL is very wide and I'm concerned that it will sort of act like a small sail in the wind I phoned the store where I purchased the ponchos (other side of Canada) and they told me the longer length would be best (XL) and not to worry about the excessive width. I guess the other issue would be going down a steep slope and the back of the poncho catching a boot heel. I'd like to take it on a hike, but if I have to return it they might not accept it back.

Thanks for any helpful thoughts.

Oh, and last thing, the new poncho is fire engine red!! Great on rainy road walking days! Hmmmm....maybe call it 'Caesar'?

falcon269 said:

The longer the better, but not so long that you trip. My complaint about my Packa is that it is too short.

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Agree. I've looked at the Packa a couple of times and that's why I looked for something else.

Kanga said:

My Altus comes well below my knees and is wide enough for two! But it is fine on camino, and I've had no problem with it blowing out like a normal poncho would. I appreciate the extra width, firstly because I can fit my Aarn front pockets under it, and also because it allows some air flow to stop the "sauna" effect. The length means that if I hitch up my trousers (or skirt) they don't get wet.

I would not want it any shorter or tighter. Even though I look like a turtle in it.

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Thanks for your thoughts. I like the air movement feature as well, and easy to put on and off as necessary through the day without stopping. For sure not a fashion statement!