Rain Gear

[GuyA]

I will be walking the Camino Frances in October into early November. I have both the Altus poncho and a Goretex light jacket. My backpack is an Osprey with a built in rain cover. Should I leave the Altus at home? If I do do I need rain pants?

Thanks

Guy

 

[Kiwi-family]

I'd suggest you pray to the rain gods for a couple of days of driving rain between now and then - and get out in your gear with your pack to see which you prefer. It seems to be a very personal thing whether you like the poncho or not. If you do, you could always remove the pack cover (if you want to reduce weight)

 

[SYates]

This is just my personal preference: In that time of the year rain is pretty much a certainty, so I would take a rain poncho and rain trousers, ideally ones that cover the top of my shoes to avoid that water enters them. As the previous poster has mentioned, take your gear out in the next heavy rain storm and test you what works best for YOU. SY

 

[colinPeter]

Hola Guy,
I took a preclip jacket, super-sil poncho & rain pants in 2009 and didn't get much rain and obviously kept dry. In 2012 I opted for Altus and lightweight gaiters, also took preclip jacket but no rain pants or super sil-poncho, got days of continual rain and again kept dry.
I'm planning to walk again in October-November and will stick with the Altus & gaiters.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[Corwen]

The Pelerine type poncho, available at Decathlon stores in France and Spain, is very good and since it has sleeves and a zipped front, and a hunch to cover your pack, combines the best of waterproof coat and poncho. Very lightweight too. Not breathable, but well ventilated. Combine with waterproof trousers in winter, without in summer.