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On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
My son has used a Frogg Togg poncho on 1000 miles of the AT in a rainy Spring, and on the Caminos when needed. They do not have a hump and are not super long, but they do the job quite nicely. He has rain pants but never uses them, preferring to wear wicking shorts. A piece of bungee type cording works well as a "belt" if needed if extremely windy.@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I know people use the Ikea poncho on the Camino, but the design really isn't optimal, especially if you want to use poles.I gave up on ponchos years ago and I don't have any reasonable recent experience with them but I remember this thread on the Ikea poncho.
I also had an Ikea poncho and found it to be unuseable for the Camino. Yep, the arm slots are the biggest problem, especially if you use hiking poles; wet arms and water would trickle inside. It was very pretty though in a black/white check.I know people use the Ikea poncho on the Camino, but the design really isn't optimal, especially if you want to use poles.
It's not open at all on the sides - there are slots on the sides to poke your arms out, but your arms would get pretty wet if you used poles.
It is pretty lightweight though. I have one that I keep in the car for emergencies.
View attachment 111716
So, I don’t use rain pants nor waterproof shoes, nor gaiters. The weather/temperatures on the Caminos are not extreme enough IMO to warrant them.I know people use the Ikea poncho on the Camino, but the design really isn't optimal, especially if you want to use poles.
It's not open at all on the sides - there are slits on the sides to poke your arms out, but your arms would get pretty wet if you used poles.
It is pretty lightweight though. I have one that I keep in the car for emergencies.
View attachment 111716
The Polimidad ripstop appears to be just a ripstop fabric made with a branded type of nylon (Polyester?) It would have to be coated with something or extremely tightly woven or both to be water-proof/resistant.Altus is made out of Poliamidad Ripstop. Not sure what that is.
Sea to Summit is made out of Lightweight polyurethane-coated 70-denier nylon.
Frog Toggs uses a breathable fabric
I'm seriously impressed, @alipilgrim. That's so far beyond my sewing pay grade that I can't imagine attempting this. The solution is clear. People buy FTs, and hire you to adjust them to their specs.It took a Little effort
You and @trecile should go into the poncho making business. And maybe @Magwood would add a British branch.I bought a Frogg Togg’s and modified it. I split open the front and added a waterproof zipper, sewed up the sides a little narrower (it’s enormously wide!) which created sleeves, and used the excess material from the sides to add a little to the sleeves so it came down to my wrists and added a strip along the back to make it longer when wearing the pack. Then I used some sealant on the seams I made.
It took a Little effort as I was working alone and it’s hard to model and take measurements at the same time but it wasn’t difficult and I’m happy with the result. Significantly lighter than my original Altus!
Me too! I think @trecile would have no problem converting one.I'm seriously impressed, @alipilgrim. That's so far beyond my sewing pay grade that I can't imagine attempting this.
I just checked out the Altus and I am ordering 1 for sure. Thank you for making me aware of product. Looks like the prefect camino rain gear. Now I'm hoping for rain to try it outI have 2 Altus ponchos, one of the very long with arms and zip and one shorter and lighter also with arms and zip. I think the lightest is a bit thinner, but I used it this summer in rain for a mountain walk of 6 hours and did not get wet. I love the Altus because of the ziplock and the arms, easy to put on without help, when it stop raining for a while unlock the zip, take out your arms and tie them around your waist still covering your backpack. I tried a couple of those without arms earlier and they were more complicated.
I always bring raingear as well, jacket, trousera and gaiters.
Unfortunately I didn't, @peregrina2000 . And we can't get it in Australia, as far as I know.
I use Frogg Toggs AND, if needed, a light weight rain jacket. My pack also has a built in rain cover. There is no perfect poncho for the Camino. The pack ponchos cover the pack without being short in back but without a pack, around town, they are just weird. I am short so even if the poncho and pack combo causes a rise in back it is not a big deal. In a heavy rain my legs might get wet but I don't use rain pants - too hot. For walking/hiking my pants are quick dry and getting wet generally isn't an issue though if it were really cold it probably would be. Frogg Toggs don't have a zipper but when I've had to put it on in a hurry I'd rather not fuss with a zipper, just pull it on. The rain jacket under the poncho gives me the warmth needed for my core and the jacket can be worn just for warmth without the poncho. And there is the option of the jacket plus the pack cover. Bottomline, I go with options and layers.On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
Where are you ordering from? I live in the US and the shipping is almost as much as the poncho, but I may just bite the bullet. For those starting in SJPP, I believe that caminoteca sells them in Pamplona and will hold one for you if you order and pay for it.I just checked out the Altus and I am ordering 1 for sure. Thank you for making me aware of product. Looks like the prefect camino rain gear. Now I'm hoping for rain to try it out
So will Direction Compostelle in SJPP.For those starting in SJPP, I believe that caminoteca sells them in Pamplona and will hold one for you if you order and pay for it.
For those starting in SJPdP, the Boutique du Pèlerin in the rue de la Citadelle, just down from the Pilgrims Office, may also have the Altus.For those starting in SJPP, I believe that caminoteca sells them in Pamplona and will hold one for you if you order and pay for it.
We had the same thought at the same time, AJ. Yes, they do. (Not sure but I think they and Direction Compostelle are the same owners.)For those starting in SJPdP, the Boutique du Pèlerin in the rue de la Citadelle, just down from the Pilgrims Office, may also have the Altus.
Good advice, but I have decided that I really don’t like the material it’s made of. Seems like it’s more of a plastic. I have no idea if it contributes to the sweating, but I do think that I started to sweat more quickly in my Decathlon than in the Altus.If your Decathlon poncho works in every respect other than the peeling seamguards, why not give it some repair/maintenance time?
But I thought these ponchos were not breathable.I don't put the rubberiser on the whole thing, because that would prevent the material breathing -
This is a great store in StJ. especially if you have forgotten something! I have variously bought a hat (Imagine that! forgettinng my hat!) poles, T-shirt etc. and as stated almost scross the street from th office!!We had the same thought at the same time, AJ. Yes, they do. (Not sure but I think they and Direction Compostelle are the same owners.)
Good idea, back to the beginning. I think I have decided that Altus is the best of a bunch of not optimal choices. I really found that the zipper in front helped to reduce sweating a lot.So to go back to the very beginning...have you decided against an Altus because of someone's bad reviews, or because of not being able to get one easily? Or both?
Well if you get a new one and you like it (even half as much as I am besotted by mine) then all the longer term maintenance tips still apply.I think I have decided that Altus is the best of a bunch of not optimal choices. I really found that the zipper in front helped to reduce sweating a lot.
I can get it on sale at Deporvillage.net and with the $30 US shipping, the total is $76, which is only about $8 more than the cost of buying it from Altus.
This does look amazingly ingenuous! Have you tried it out? Pretty expensive if it is not going to really keep you dry. I love the innovation though.Have you considered a Packa? It's the cleverest design I've seen.
No, I haven't tried it myself as I made my own "parcho." (see my post above) But I walked with a couple who had Packas, and they loved them.This does look amazingly ingenuous! Have you tried it out? Pretty expensive if it is not going to really keep you dry. I love the innovation though.
The original reviews was that although a great design that it was super hot to wear. Might be OK in the winter?Have you considered a Packa? It's the cleverest design I've seen.
This does look amazingly ingenuous! Have you tried it out? Pretty expensive if it is not going to really keep you dry. I love the innovation though.
We used frogg toggs (jacket and pants) and kept dry despite deluges of rain. Highly recommend. They can make you quite warm as they don’t breathe, so plan accordingly. If you use them, you need a pack cover, works just fineOn my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
The Packa! I hadn’t even thought of them. Wow has that business changed. On my very first camino, in 2000, my walking partner ordered directly from the man who made these in his home/garage/workshop. She had a lot of interaction with him about sizing, and the clear impression was that he was making them one by one. Her pack arrived reeking of smoke.Have you considered a Packa? It's the cleverest design I've seen.
Watching the video, that was my first thought when I saw the sideways view - there looks like there's a big low spot for water to collect on one of those wet Basque or Galician days.non-trivial puddle of water that had collected in the pack cover part of the poncho.
And to be clear, she was certain this was from sweat not rain.Watching the video, that was my first thought when I saw the sideways view - there looks like there's a big low spot for water to collect on one of those wet Basque or Galician days.
I used to have Altus Altus light, loved front opening.On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
I use the Frogg Togg rain jacket so use a pack cover in rain, but as I have said on past threads, I use a sturdy white trash COMPACTOR bag to line my pack inside so no rain can penetrate. I fold the top over and clip it so I have no need of dry bags, instead preferring to use small mesh laundry bags.If you use them, you need a pack cover, works just fine
Ooh, if I hadn't recently bought a poncho, I may well have tried this. I like the fact that there is a large choice of colours.This poncho from Amazon has a full zip front, is pretty lightweight and inexpensive. You can also return it for free if it's not for you.
If you sew, I highly recommend making a "Parcho." You can buy a lot with everything you need from Quest Outfitters, though I recommend a different zipper that opens from either the bottom or the top.
Can I ask which of the decathlon ponchos you used, was it their cheapest? I think they have four levels of use and I've just bought the heavier duty one. Although it is the most expensive there, it is not expensive compared to some of the others. I'm hoping it will be sufficiently waterproofOn my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
Hi,If you sew, I highly recommend making a "Parcho." You can buy a lot with everything you need from Quest Outfitters, though I recommend a different zipper that opens from either the bottom or the top.
Hi, @Sue127Can I ask which of the decathlon ponchos you used, was it their cheapest? I think they have four levels of use and I've just bought the heavier duty one. Although it is the most expensive there, it is not expensive compared to some of the others. I'm hoping it will be sufficiently waterproof
Thanks @peregrina2000. Mine has the arm zips so I'm hoping that will keep me cooler. Winters coming, so plenty of time to try it out.Hi, @Sue127
It was about 30 euros, and looks like an Altus knockoff. I don’t think the waterproofing is an issue, at least that has never been my problem with ponchos. It has always been the sweating inside. I THINK, though my memory is unlikely to be precise, that I sweat more inside the Decathlon than the Altus. But my Altus was the “original” Altus and not the current Atmospheric model.
It’s all a compromise. Ponchos work well if rain isn’t accompanied by wind. With wind in the mix your going to get wet as the poncho blows around. If it’s warm rain, no big deal. If it’s cold and wet it sucks.On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
Yes, and Pierre and Nadia (both pilgrims) are very kind, knowledgeable and helpful. They’ve held things for me in the past.For those starting in SJPdP, the Boutique du Pèlerin in the rue de la Citadelle, just down from the Pilgrims Office, may also have the Altus.
In fact, Altus, Ferrino Trekker, Parcho and the like are not basic ponchos (a square and a hood) but raincoats, which do not flip around in the wind.It’s all a compromise. Ponchos work well if rain isn’t accompanied by wind. With wind in the mix your going to get wet as the poncho blows around. If it’s warm rain, no big deal. If it’s cold and wet it sucks.
Exactly. They are really oversized raincoats that will accommodate a backpack under them.In fact, Altus, Ferrino Trekker, Parcho and the like are not basic ponchos (a square and a hood) but raincoats, which do not flip around in the wind.
For those using a poncho, this minor modification will make walking in windy conditions a 'breeze'. Plus, it is quick to implement when needed.
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This is one very easy method IF you want a tie-off that stays attached to the poncho between uses.
Materials:
Two lengths of cord ( I prefer a 1.2 mm Dyneema tent cord) REI, Amazon, Zpacks, etc
Tape or self adhesive fabric to reinforce a small hole. (Tenacious Tape is great for this application)
With the poncho on, find your waist.
At the back edge of the poncho, on both your right and left sides, place a mark. If needed, have a helper make the mark. I just reach back an grab the edge myself.
With the poncho removed, at each mark, take a piece of of Tenacious Tape (duct tape, etc.), about 2" in length or a bit longer, and wrap the tape so that it goes over the top and bottom sides of the edge and then extends at least 3/4" from the edge of the poncho.
Next, make a tiny incision in the material through the tape. Keep the incision at least 1/2 from the edge of the poncho. Option: For those who wish to do so, you can attach a grommet
The amount of cord for each side of the poncho will depend on how much girth one has. You need two (2) lengths of cord. . one for each side of the poncho. Thread a length of cord through the incisions you made and tie it off using a square knot.
You will now have two thin, dangling lengths of cord hanging from the waist height of your poncho.
When needed due to wind, grab each length of cord, bringing them to the front of your poncho. Tie the ends together like a shoelace.
You can apply as little or as much tension as you wish, but do not over-tighten, as this will stress the poncho fabric unnecessarily. Now you can button up as much or as little of the sides of the poncho as you wish, adjusting for desired airflow.
When not needed, gather up the dangly cord into a bundle (do this for each side) like an extension cord. You will not notice it as you walk, but it is easily released if needed. I use a twist tie that is kept attached to each cord.
It takes all of 5 minutes to add the modification, and seconds to deploy when the weather calls for it.
Unsecured, that could be an issue, but that really is more of an issue of technique in the use of the poncho than of the poncho itself. Using the poncho on thru hikes (PCT and Colorado Trail) and on the Camino during very windy storms, it worked fine. Outside of Helly Hansen style rain gear, I have found wind driven rains can be problematic for rain jackets as well. Not to mention backpacks depending on a cover.It’s all a compromise. Ponchos work well if rain isn’t accompanied by wind. With wind in the mix your going to get wet as the poncho blows around. If it’s warm rain, no big deal. If it’s cold and wet it sucks.
You can order them from Spain but it will cost nearly $50 in freight…Unfortunately I didn't, @peregrina2000 . And we can't get it in Australia, as far as I know.
In 2018, I saw an Altus in SJPdP, and nearly bought it. I should have!
That is a dynamite knot for tying the two ends together; easily adjustable over the typical 'shoestring' style closure knot..See what you think of this way of tying a knot, Dave.
You can tighten or loosen it, it's easy to tie if you think of & and easy to untie too.
tying a drawstring
A great suggestion. I had read about this some time ago, but couldn't find supplies in Australia. And the freight to Australia is as much if not more than the kit ...If you sew, I highly recommend making a "Parcho." You can buy a lot with everything you need from Quest Outfitters, though I recommend a different zipper that opens from either the bottom or the top.
Thanks a million for this, @davebugg !! I have a copy of an earlier post you wrote, and that's the solution we currently use.For those using a poncho, this minor modification will make walking in windy conditions a 'breeze'. Plus, it is quick to implement when needed.
We bought a Euroschirm umbrella, but more for sun protection than for rain, as my darling, who used to have golden hair in her youth, has a fair skin. She used it in 2018, and we measured a 2°C drop in temperature under the umbrella. She loves her umbrella!The other alternative: A multitasking, warm weather, rain and sun protection.
Yes, they can be clipped to a shoulder harness rather easily. They deploy quickly, too.
We're so far away from everything...You can order them from Spain but it will cost nearly $50 in freight…
We stopped at a Dollar store when it started raining and abought 2 ponchos for 3 euro each....On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
I used the Altus. The cost was worth it and 7 years later it will go with me on more Caminos!On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
I threw away my poncho (too clunky, still got wet underneath) after a few hundred miles on the Appalachian Trail (lots of spring rain there) and bought a backpacking umbrella. Use releasable zip ties to attach it to your pack for hands-free use. Frogg Togg top for chill and wind. Use a trash compactor bag (heavy thickness) to line the inside of pack; everything stays 100% dry. Pack covers do not work during extended rains. Umbrella also covers the pack. I’ve used this configuration for more than 5000 miles. I wore rain pants to hike once - just got wet from the inside, sweating.On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
We bought Altus in April 2017 from SJPDP only need them a few times.Apart from the colour (red) which was the only ones available they worked very well and kept us dry. We took them on the Portuguese the following year in September and didn't need them once. A year or so ago we took them out for an airing and noticed that the waterproof inside "coating" on both ponchos was coming off. Tried them out in a heavy downpour and got soaked. Not sure what we'll use next camino if we get to do one that is !On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
You need not have worried about the colour. Like me, cattle are colourblind!I bought my first Altus in the sport shop below the stairs in Sarria I guess in 2007, having tried one without opening for some weeks. As a solo walker I needed help to put on the poncho, but the Altus solved that problem. It was read, and on the Via de la Plata in 2011, I really felt I was in the view from some of male or female cows after Camparra, so when I later found a lighter one in another colour in the sportshop in Santiago, I did not hesitate. I have not used the red one since then, so I could give it to anybody not afraid of oxes.
I too have the Altus poncho which I had shipped from Spain. It does all of the above which is useful. However the first time I wore it I thought it had a leak as it was wet inside, until I realised it was condensation. I wouldn’t be without it though as it is lightweight and as ranther says can be left on and tied back. The other thing I thought was, if I ever got stuck up a hill with poor visibility, it’s so big that I could use it as an emergency tent. You do need gaiters too as a poncho can drip into your shoes haha.I have 2 Altus ponchos, one of the very long with arms and zip and one shorter and lighter also with arms and zip. I think the lightest is a bit thinner, but I used it this summer in rain for a mountain walk of 6 hours and did not get wet. I love the Altus because of the ziplock and the arms, easy to put on without help, when it stop raining for a while unlock the zip, take out your arms and tie them around your waist still covering your backpack. I tried a couple of those without arms earlier and they were more complicated.
I always bring raingear as well, jacket, trousera and gaiters.
I, personally do not recommend a poncho simply because it is not ideal in all weather conditions, especially in windy conditions because ponchos are terrible in windy conditions. A large rain jacket fitting over your backpack is ideal since it allows room to breath since it is bigger than just a simple jacket, can be unzipped to allow some air to come in when hot outside, protects your gear, and is a good wind breaker. I would bring large overfitting rain pants with that when travelling in the shoulder season months (March, April, August, September, November) because the rain and wind can be quite strong making it colder. The rain pants will help keep you warm and dry....but they do make you sweat more. Having said that the breathable materials like Goretex is not worth the extra money in my experienced opinion.On my last camino, I used the Decathlon rain poncho that I bought in Lisbon. It was cheap, and you get what you pay for. After washing it, the taping is all coming off. So back to square one.
Most of the recent forum discussion focuses on the debate between poncho and rain jackets. I did see some poncho opinions but not as many as I had hoped.
I always used to wear an Altus (RIP), but the new Altus Atmorpheric has gotten some less than stellar reviews, and at least one good Spanish outdoor store, Barrabés, no longer sells the Altus. AJ, did you buy it? https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/poncho-altus-atmospheric-s3.66482/
@davebugg recommends Frogg Toggs, but it is very short. I guess it would go well with rain pants? It doesn’t look like it has a “hump” for the backpack, so that must make it very short in the back, no?
I see that @LesBrass went with Vaude and seems happy. But as @Anniesantiago commented in the Vaude thread, the fact that it doesn’t zip down front is a huge disadvantage IMO. I can get Vaude here in the US. I can’t get Altus here, but I can have it shipped from Spain and the cost for Altus poncho & shipping is about what the Vaude would cost.
I once had a Ferrino Trekker, but it has a metallic lining inside and just putting it on made me start to sweat. Someone explained that the metallic lining is to prevent hypothermia, so it may be a fine winter poncho, but not for me and the camino.
Sea to Summit is highly rated but also has no front opening.
I have a few months to obsess, so I would love some feedback.
I, personally do not recommend a poncho simply because it is not ideal in all weather conditions, especially in windy conditions because ponchos are terrible in windy condition
Zip it Dave! lol...Kidding aside, a raincoat fitting over a backpack is the best foul weather gear that I prefer. In hot and humid conditions, a poncho is better but it simply does not do well in very windy conditions - there are countless threads and blogs in countless websites echoing this problem. Though an added benefit of a poncho is that it can be used as a tarp or a groundsheet - bonus for campers. However, if I was forced to choose between the two, the raincoat, one which fits over a backpack, is my go-to choice.It pretty much depends on the technique used for wearing it during windy conditions. A jacket left unzipped in windy conditions has that same problem.
So basically an Altus?Kidding aside, a raincoat fitting over a backpack is the best foul weather gear that I prefer
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