- Time of past OR future Camino
- Some but not all, and other routes too.
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Hi there, not exactly sure when you'll be walking, but if in and around summer you should be ok with a poncho… I tried walking with waterproof trousers etc once but just found it burdensome stopping, finding shelter, opening my pack to dig everything out - just seemed far easier to drape the poncho over everything and head on. And don't worry the poncho doesn't act like a sail - but thanks for the image, it made me chuckle (sorry just my active imagination, picturing a pilgrim flying over the landscape ha ha...You're usually at your destination by lunchtime anyway, so even if your legs get wet for a couple of hours it's not the worst thing in the world, you'll be warm soon enough and everything will be dry by the next day… (of course that's just my two cents, I know everyone has their own comfort/tolerance limits!)
@Waka I find a jacket and rain pants too hot unless the weather is really cold, and a pain to put on and off. It means stopping and taking off your pack each time - intermittent showers are more usual than a solid day of rain. Getting wet from the inside because of sweat is just as much a problem as rain on the outside - and I don't believe any waterproof fabric really breathes.
I currently favour an Altus type poncho. It's not perfect, far from it, but the best choice so far. I wish they had pit zips and two way zips at the front like a Packa (A bit short and expensive).
Umbrellas are great.
View attachment 18124 View attachment 18125
We gave up the rain jackets and purchased ponchos along the way. Mine was an Altus (the lower priced one). Think I paid 45 Euros in Santa Domingo. My husband purchased one is Astorga (not an Altus) and only paid 29 Euros. His had lots of zippered pockets which came in handy. IMO..this was the best purchase we made on the Camino. We and our packs never got wet again. Make sure you get a good one, not one of those cheapies with flaps for arms. Ours were like long rain jackets with room for your pack inside.
My first Camino I carried no rain gear and no waterproof pack cover, but was fortunate and had zero rain days. Bright and sunny everyday.
Second Camino I carried a Columbia rain jacket (worked great and was breathable) and a good waterproof cover for my pack and also when it looked like it may rain put all my gear in the pack inside of a waterproof bag. Kind of double protection for the gear in the pack, which is really more important than keeping yourself dry. You dry off pretty quickly after the rain, but if all the gear in the pack gets wet, it really sucks and takes forever to dry.
Anyway, on my second Camino only had 1-1/2 rain days while walking. Otherwise bright and sunny.
And then of course there is the Umbrella. Keeps the rain off, provides shade against the noon-day sun, and I've never used one yet that got sweaty even on a steep hill
Yeah, no need to put too much effort or thought into it. If you found a good poncho, believe me you will be fine with it. The CF is far from being a survival hike. Not that big a deal if you forget to bring something.Mark
Wouldn't it be nice to have a rain free Camino, knowing my luck this won't happen. You were very brave to go with no rain gear, but as you say it worked out fine. Myself I tend to try and cover all eventualities.
Hi Waka, we walked Sept/Oct 2014 and only had a week of rain near the end. I carried an old set of golf rain gear and my wife bought Frog Togs, an inexpensive and very lightweight and functional set of pant and top which covered her pack. Buen Camino, Pete
Wolfdog, is that a white shepherd? I have one who looks like that (a shepherd/husky mix who looks like a shepherd), only mine has a pink nose.Hi Waka, we walked Sept/Oct 2014 and only had a week of rain near the end. I carried an old set of golf rain gear and my wife bought Frog Togs, an inexpensive and very lightweight and functional set of pant and top which covered her pack. Buen Camino, Pete
Hi Waka, I'm going in Sept/Oct too and I'm also struggling with the rain gear question. After this thread, I guess I'll skip the pants and pack cover and use a poncho, but won't we still need a jacket as an outer layer, especially in late October?Mark
I guess you're right I do tend to over think things a little, but having said that this is the biggest thing I've ever done, so don't want to be caught out. I should really just go with the flow.
Hi Waka, I'm going in Sept/Oct too and I'm also struggling with the rain gear question. After this thread, I guess I'll skip the pants and pack cover and use a poncho, but won't we still need a jacket as an outer layer, especially in late October?
Hi Waka, I'm going in Sept/Oct too and I'm also struggling with the rain gear question. After this thread, I guess I'll skip the pants and pack cover and use a poncho, but won't we still need a jacket as an outer layer, especially in late October?
Kanga
Really love the colour. The more I read the more I'm leaning towards the Poncho, I have identified a Trekmate Typhoon here in the UK which I think will fit the bill and at only £25.00. Might just order it and give it a whirl.
Hi Waka,
I have and use the Trekmates poncho, used it on both my Caminos and will use it on the upcoming one as well! It can get a little sweaty inside at times but I do consider it quite waterproof from the outside! Its a nice length, plenty of room for backpack, can be buttoned between the legs. Sleeves are a little on the short side. Weight around 350-400g
Buen Camino
Aidan
Hi All
I have spent a few days reviewing as many threads as I can on Rain Gear (Jacket & Trousers/Pants versus Poncho).
I haven't yet decided on what route to take. The poncho is certainly the cheapest option, but in the wind would it act like a sail and hamper walking. Certainly it would adequately cover the rucksack and keep 3/4 of the body dry.
I have identified jacket and trousers/pants from Berghaus Packlite that appears to be good but rather expensive, top and bottom coming in at £270.00. Weight of the trousers/pants coming in at 150g and the jacket at 362g, this roughly equates to the weight of a good poncho that I've been looking at.
I guess the advantage of the Berghaus Packlite is that you can use the jacket on its own in chilly mornings and evenings etc.
Having trawled through the reviews on their website they appear to have an excellent write up.
I would be interesting to know if any Pilgrims have bought and used the Berghaus gear.
Really liking the decision making and planning.
Hi Waka,
I walked the Camino from SJPdP starting in march 19th. The first week was almost all rain and wind not counting the snow on the ground. I loved having my GoreTex pants and shell jacket. Yet, when folded they took very little space and weighed little. Some weeks I never used them, which was ok since it meant sunshine. Now that I've completed my Camino and had the chance to compare my gear with other peregrino friends', I would still have my rain gear in my backpack. It's little weight difference (compared to the poncho) is totally acceptable for me.
Besides, having dry pants means no rain going down and seeping into your shoes/boots.
Well, here's my experience. I hope it brings you another point of view and ultimately it's you who decide. Some peregrinos swear by the poncho and that's OK too.
Buen Camino Waka
CSi
Top combo for varying weather: Merino inner, fleece over, windproof pertex top, merino buff around neck if chilly and if it rains you throw the poncho over the lot and zip up. No stopping and starting, and you will be dressed for any temperature or weather type.
I have been working on an "optimal" solution over my three Caminos: 2013, 2014, 2015. During these three pilgrimages I have tried trekking raincoats with rucksack "humps," gaiters, rain parkas combined with pack covers, and ponchos. The only combination I have not, nor will I even consider using, is a full pants and parka rain suit. Here is my considered opinion on the merits of each approach:
Trekking raincoats:
They work marvelously, especially in the "hip" seasons (April - May) and (October - November) they provide needed warmth and near total protection from the rain or snow. They are also highly effective at blocking wind. However, they DO cause excess perspiration that condenses INSIDE the raincoat. This means that regardless of the built in ventilation, when you stop and take it off, both you and your rucksack WILL be wet or soaked through with sweat instead of rain or snow. My recommendation if you like this style is to use it in conjunction with a pack cover or pack liner to keep your stuff dry (I prefer the cover).
Gaiters:
Sorry, but I am not convinced this is value for money spent or weigh carried. I tried these on my first Camino. MY finding is that wearing synthetic, fast drying, zip-off trousers, was a superior solution with no weight penalty. When sodden from rain or snow, the trousers dried within 30 minutes while walking. Once coated in mud, I just unzipped the lower portion and hand-washed them, rinsing the excess mud off in a shower. This left me able to wear the top portion as shorts. Simply wash, rinse, and ring them out very well, twisting one way then the other, hang to dry, and they should be at least damp but usable in less than one hour. I personally recommend not spending the time or money gaiters command. They make the most sense if walking through knee-deep snow during the winter. Rather few pilgrims walk the Camino during these conditions.
Rain Parkas with Pack Covers:
This combination is fine for light, sporadic showers in later May or October. However, in a heavy rain, rain will work between the outside back of the parka and into your pack through the uncovered back panel and around the elastic edges of the pack cover. Water does have a unique property to wick and find it's own way in. If you are going this route I recommend two things: (1) Get a parka with arm-pit zippers for optimum ventilation, and (2) use a bin bag or similar waterproof liner for your pack. The rain WILL get in and soak the pack material.
Ponchos:
I have come to the personal conclusion that a "modified" hiking poncho, one with a "hump" for a rucksack is the way to go, at least for me.
First, I wholeheartedly recommend siliconized nylon (or sil-nylon) as a very good, lightweight material.
Second, I have, and recommend "sealing" the snaps so they do not easily come free in wind or while moving. I first used duck tape, but that tore with hard movement. Then I used 3M reflective tape, cut into 1" (3 cm) wide strips to place over the snap like a "U." This worked, however the snaps could still become "unsnapped." The tape held the poncho closed.
My next iteration is going to be to super glue the snaps closed, then apply reflective "dots" I obtained in a Decathlon in Belgium on all 16 snap surfaces. There are 4 snaps on each side of my Sea-to-Summit Sil-Nylon poncho. Each snap has 2 sides. So that is 8 dots to each side.
Third, The reason I prefer a poncho, with a pack cover and a ball cap, is that it provides maximum rain protection together with maximum ventilation. The entire issue of securing the snaps closed is because, walking a Camino, a pilgrim usually never needs to use the poncho for anything other than rain protection. Yes, hypothetically, one might need or desire to open the poncho to use as a ground-cloth under a tent, expedient awning, or even a "blanket" in an albergue. However, in my experience, these are extremely rare occurrences. I simply assessed my needs and Camino-style and adapted my gear choices accordingly.
Additional Important Point That Runs Across Comments:
Regardless of the rain gear solution you choose, do wear a ball cap or visor, as discussed above, to improve forward and lateral vision while walking. Cinched-down hoods, on ANY rain gear causes tunnel vision, I almost fell off Alto de Perdon at the steep drop of section just before the sculptures, west of Pamplona, in 2013 because of this. They have since installed a barrier cable to prevent the sort of accident I nearly had. I use a brightly colored, synthetic material, mesh ventilated cap from Outdoors Research (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/hats/swift-cap-4.html). However, I have seen comparable caps for a fraction of the cost at Decathlon.
I sincerely hope this helps.
Rain Parkas with Pack Covers:
This combination is fine for light, sporadic showers in later May or October. However, in a heavy rain, rain will work between the outside back of the parka and into your pack through the uncovered back panel and around the elastic edges of the pack cover. Water does have a unique property to wick and find it's own way in. If you are going this route I recommend two things: (1) Get a parka with arm-pit zippers for optimum ventilation, and (2) use a bin bag or similar waterproof liner for your pack. The rain WILL get in and soak the pack material.
This is Milo, the vet tells us he's husky/wolf mix. His personality is completely different than any huskies we've had the last twenty years, very calm!Wolfdog, is that a white shepherd? I have one who looks like that (a shepherd/husky mix who looks like a shepherd), only mine has a pink nose.
All this is making me crazy! What to do? Everyone has a different experience! My concern is that I'm taking a long time to walk (I'm 73)) and I imagine that the weather at the beginning of Sept when I start will be different from that at the end of Oct when I finish. Maybe I'll take a fleece jacket, an optional base longsleeve underlayer, a short sleeved lightweight t-shirt, a longsleeve buttondown shirt for sun protection, an altus-type poncho for rain, and then purchase any additional clothing I might need on ythe way, if I need it. Any comments please?
Which rain gear? It depends on how warm/sweaty your body gets and whether wetness bothers you or not. Having walked through days and days of continuous rain on two Caminos, here is the system i have been successful with:All this is making me crazy! What to do? Everyone has a different experience! My concern is that I'm taking a long time to walk (I'm 73)) and I imagine that the weather at the beginning of Sept when I start will be different from that at the end of Oct when I finish. Maybe I'll take a fleece jacket, an optional base longsleeve underlayer, a short sleeved lightweight t-shirt, a longsleeve buttondown shirt for sun protection, an altus-type poncho for rain, and then purchase any additional clothing I might need on ythe way, if I need it. Any comments please?
Well, you have not been talking to the right people ... I have been very happy with my poncho under sustained rain. Are you sure it is the poncho they didn't like and not the rain?..... Never heard anyone say a good word about ponchos on the Camino after two or three days of rain.
I've carried a poncho plus rain jacket on my previous 4 caminos and have not needed the poncho. So I'm ditching the poncho for next week. A good water proof jacket and rain cover for your pack should suffice. Dry bags for your clothes help also.
If the weather is brutal, all you need to do is buy a poncho in a city.
Singingheart, My husband and I walked last September/Oct. We pretty much took what you have and it was sufficient, with the exception of one more shortsleeve T to wear at the end of the day while you are doing laundry. It will be quite warm in September, but as you get closer to Santiago in Ocotber, it will be cooler and wet most likely. Layering is the word. Make sure your fleece is very lightweight and when you put that longsleeve undrerlayer on in the morning, put it on over your shortsleeve T, that way you can just take it off without undressing as the day gets warmer.All this is making me crazy! What to do? Everyone has a different experience! My concern is that I'm taking a long time to walk (I'm 73)) and I imagine that the weather at the beginning of Sept when I start will be different from that at the end of Oct when I finish. Maybe I'll take a fleece jacket, an optional base longsleeve underlayer, a short sleeved lightweight t-shirt, a longsleeve buttondown shirt for sun protection, an altus-type poncho for rain, and then purchase any additional clothing I might need on ythe way, if I need it. Any comments please?
Thank you so much, Petitewalker! I've been wanting to hear from someone who walked in most of Sept. and Oct. You make me feel more confident in the way I've been leaning. The idea of putting a long sleeve under layer on over a shirtsleeve T makes a lot of sense. I tend to get warm pretty quickly. Did you wear convertible pants and if so, did you often wear them as shorts? Thanks again!Singingheart, My husband and I walked last September/Oct. We pretty much took what you have and it was sufficient, with the exception of one more shortsleeve T to wear at the end of the day while you are doing laundry. It will be quite warm in September, but as you get closer to Santiago in Ocotber, it will be cooler and wet most likely. Layering is the word. Make sure your fleece is very lightweight and when you put that longsleeve undrerlayer on in the morning, put it on over your shortsleeve T, that way you can just take it off without undressing as the day gets warmer.
I have been working on an "optimal" solution over my three Caminos: 2013, 2014, 2015. During these three pilgrimages I have tried trekking raincoats with rucksack "humps," gaiters, rain parkas combined with pack covers, and ponchos. The only combination I have not, nor will I even consider using, is a full pants and parka rain suit. Here is my considered opinion on the merits of each approach:
Trekking raincoats:
They work marvelously, especially in the "hip" seasons (April - May) and (October - November) they provide needed warmth and near total protection from the rain or snow. They are also highly effective at blocking wind. However, they DO cause excess perspiration that condenses INSIDE the raincoat. This means that regardless of the built in ventilation, when you stop and take it off, both you and your rucksack WILL be wet or soaked through with sweat instead of rain or snow. My recommendation if you like this style is to use it in conjunction with a pack cover or pack liner to keep your stuff dry (I prefer the cover).
Gaiters:
Sorry, but I am not convinced this is value for money spent or weigh carried. I tried these on my first Camino. MY finding is that wearing synthetic, fast drying, zip-off trousers, was a superior solution with no weight penalty. When sodden from rain or snow, the trousers dried within 30 minutes while walking. Once coated in mud, I just unzipped the lower portion and hand-washed them, rinsing the excess mud off in a shower. This left me able to wear the top portion as shorts. Simply wash, rinse, and ring them out very well, twisting one way then the other, hang to dry, and they should be at least damp but usable in less than one hour. I personally recommend not spending the time or money gaiters command. They make the most sense if walking through knee-deep snow during the winter. Rather few pilgrims walk the Camino during these conditions.
Rain Parkas with Pack Covers:
This combination is fine for light, sporadic showers in later May or October. However, in a heavy rain, rain will work between the outside back of the parka and into your pack through the uncovered back panel and around the elastic edges of the pack cover. Water does have a unique property to wick and find it's own way in. If you are going this route I recommend two things: (1) Get a parka with arm-pit zippers for optimum ventilation, and (2) use a bin bag or similar waterproof liner for your pack. The rain WILL get in and soak the pack material.
Ponchos:
I have come to the personal conclusion that a "modified" hiking poncho, one with a "hump" for a rucksack is the way to go, at least for me.
First, I wholeheartedly recommend siliconized nylon (or sil-nylon) as a very good, lightweight material.
Second, I have, and recommend "sealing" the snaps so they do not easily come free in wind or while moving. I first used duck tape, but that tore with hard movement. Then I used 3M reflective tape, cut into 1" (3 cm) wide strips to place over the snap like a "U." This worked, however the snaps could still become "unsnapped." The tape held the poncho closed.
My next iteration is going to be to super glue the snaps closed, then apply reflective "dots" I obtained in a Decathlon in Belgium on all 16 snap surfaces. There are 4 snaps on each side of my Sea-to-Summit Sil-Nylon poncho. Each snap has 2 sides. So that is 8 dots to each side.
Third, The reason I prefer a poncho, with a pack cover and a ball cap, is that it provides maximum rain protection together with maximum ventilation. The entire issue of securing the snaps closed is because, walking a Camino, a pilgrim usually never needs to use the poncho for anything other than rain protection. Yes, hypothetically, one might need or desire to open the poncho to use as a ground-cloth under a tent, expedient awning, or even a "blanket" in an albergue. However, in my experience, these are extremely rare occurrences. I simply assessed my needs and Camino-style and adapted my gear choices accordingly.
Additional Important Point That Runs Across Comments:
Regardless of the rain gear solution you choose, do wear a ball cap or visor, as discussed above, to improve forward and lateral vision while walking. Cinched-down hoods, on ANY rain gear causes tunnel vision, I almost fell off Alto de Perdon at the steep drop of section just before the sculptures, west of Pamplona, in 2013 because of this. They have since installed a barrier cable to prevent the sort of accident I nearly had. I use a brightly colored, synthetic material, mesh ventilated cap from Outdoors Research (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/hats/swift-cap-4.html). However, I have seen comparable caps for a fraction of the cost at Decathlon.
I sincerely hope this helps.
So is the pack liner something as simple as a plastic trash bag that pulls together at the top? Thanks, all this info and experience is so helpful for those of us who are novices.t2andreo, that's a good observation. No matter what the weather, you will get wet, or at least damp.
I live in the Lake District, therefore I know wet weather, otherwise we wouldn't have any lakes.
As long as you are comfortable when you're wet you're winning. As long as the clothes you're going
to change into at the end of the day are dry, you're also winning.
After many years of walking and five years of sailing I can say that nothing beats Gortex, preferably
3-layer pro. It works. It keeps the rain out and condensation to an acceptable level. Couple this with
a merino wool base layer and you can face any weather.
For my rucksack I gave up on rain covers and went for a liner, coupled with Exped waterproof bags for
my sleeping bag, spare clothes and camera / guide book / credential / prayer book. I used zip log bags
for non essential stuff that would sit inside the liner.
My non waterproof cross country runners got wet through if it rained, but my merino wool socks kept
me comfortable. The runners dried out overnight.
My thoughts were that it was pointless trying to fight the weather and concentrate on being comfortable
with being wet
That's what I used. One of the good, heavier duty ones. I think it was a 20 gallon size. I carried two of them rolled up in an outer pack pocket. They weigh nothing and take up no room. You don't need to buy expensive waterproof bags. Spend that money on Rioja wine.So is the pack liner something as simple as a plastic trash bag that pulls together at the top? Thanks, all this info and experience is so helpful for those of us who are novices.
I completely agree that once you are wet, because you are unprepared, it is best to just let it go, not fight it, and let it happen. It's the mental fight against it that makes it a pain. This being said, be smart about it. I got rained on, all day, on my very first day of my first Camino and was sooooo ill for the next 4 days. Not fun for me, nor my dormmates. I just choose to carry the extra pound to never get wet again, and never get ill again. The truth is, from May to October on CF you may not get a drop of rain over the 6 weeks of walking, but you very well may be walking in fields of mud, day after day, in the rain, and you will welcome the proper gear.
Anyone who says leave the stuff home should preface their response with "I have been blessed, I have never had a day of rain, so I don't know what it feels like, let alone 3-4-5 days so please take my advice with a grain of salt".
Hi.
It is supposed that everybody here is adult. I don't think Waka is going to take an advice and follow it without a question. We just give him our opinion based in our own experience that, obviously, is different from yours. Some people need to be safe from rain even if they are walking; others don't. I'm a runner and I use to run through rain and cold wind with shorts and a windjacket. Others need to wear fleece, gloves, hat and leggins.
No one can tell Waka what to do, he knows how does he feel and how does his body respond when is soaked through.
Anyway, as far as I know, cold and flu are infections. Having them depends on nutrition and immune system.
I have Berghaus Paclite rain gear that I used on the Frances last October and the Portuguese Camino this April. The quality is excellent and although I didn't need it much last year, I arrived dry and in good shape after hours in a steady rain. My pack has an integrated cover and it stayed dry too with the exception of the straps and waist belt. I was happy to be able to use the jacket as an extra layer around town too. It was around ten degrees when I used it and I didn't have overheating or condensation issues.Hi All
I have spent a few days reviewing as many threads as I can on Rain Gear (Jacket & Trousers/Pants versus Poncho).
I haven't yet decided on what route to take. The poncho is certainly the cheapest option, but in the wind would it act like a sail and hamper walking. Certainly it would adequately cover the rucksack and keep 3/4 of the body dry.
I have identified jacket and trousers/pants from Berghaus Packlite that appears to be good but rather expensive, top and bottom coming in at £270.00. Weight of the trousers/pants coming in at 150g and the jacket at 362g, this roughly equates to the weight of a good poncho that I've been looking at.
I guess the advantage of the Berghaus Packlite is that you can use the jacket on its own in chilly mornings and evenings etc.
Having trawled through the reviews on their website they appear to have an excellent write up.
I would be interesting to know if any Pilgrims have bought and used the Berghaus gear.
Really liking the decision making and planning.
I have Berghaus Paclite rain gear that I used on the Frances last October and the Portuguese Camino this April. The quality is excellent and although I didn't need it much last year, I arrived dry and in good shape after hours in a steady rain. My pack has an integrated cover and it stayed dry too with the exception of the straps and waist belt. I was happy to be able to use the jacket as an extra layer around town too. It was around ten degrees when I used it and I didn't have overheating or condensation issues.
However in April it was quite a bit warmer and more a case of on and off showers which required a lot of stops to put it on and take it off again. I soon began to see the advantages of the poncho, especially the Ferrino model which could be draped over the pack in between showers. The Paclite gear was very warm and I think I will consider a poncho for future warm weather walking. If you do decide to go for the Paclite have a look at the UK online suppliers, I paid a lot less last year for my (women's) jacket and trousers. Buen Camino!
All this is making me crazy! What to do? Everyone has a different experience! My concern is that I'm taking a long time to walk (I'm 73)) and I imagine that the weather at the beginning of Sept when I start will be different from that at the end of Oct when I finish. Maybe I'll take a fleece jacket, an optional base longsleeve underlayer, a short sleeved lightweight t-shirt, a longsleeve buttondown shirt for sun protection, an altus-type poncho for rain, and then purchase any additional clothing I might need on ythe way, if I need it. Any comments please?
For those of you have skipped over this rather than read it, it must be the best short explanation I have seen recently on the issues. If you are unfamiliar with how to navigate back to a quoted post, there is a little up-arrow in the first line. Click on that an it will take you back to @t2andreo's full post.To add something to this dialog, I believe that getting wet is actually part of the "pilgrimage process." Given the laws of biology and physics, as well as the properties of waterproof materials, there is no logical way to walk the Camino and remain dry at all times. Face it...you WILL get wet. It will either be from precipitation directly (rain or snow) or from respiration / sweat.
Simply put: "Wet and warm is good! Wet and cold is bad!" Wet, cold and windy is worst of all...unless you happen to take a dive into an icy mountain body of water.
I hope this helps.
For those of you have skipped over this rather than read it, it must be the best short explanation I have seen recently on the issues. If you are unfamiliar with how to navigate back to a quoted post, there is a little up-arrow in the first line. Click on that an it will take you back to @t2andreo's full post.
There are times when just liking a post doesn't quite say enough.Gee Doug, thank you kind sir! If you accept what I have written, my day is indeed made. Thank you again for your support.
T2andreo, I found your Overview to be spot on! I'm getting a poncho. I almost hesitate to ad this fact, but I will. . . During my Camino the end of April and the month of May in 2008, I had TWO DAYS OF RAIN only. In Galicia it was intense, but only 2 days. Amazing.
@t2andreo, I will definitely try and avoid walking at the same time as you! When I walked the CF in 2010, there were a couple of really rainy days, and a bit of drizzle. Last year it was fine until the day I returned from Finisterre, and by that time I was on the bus!
It was something that I put considerable thought into before walking St Olavs Way. It was clear that there would be days at a time where I might be alone, or at least without the company of other pilgrims. I think across the month, I walked with another pilgrim for less than a day in total. In the first ten days, I saw just two other pilgrims, walked with one of them for about an hour, and that was at the end of the day when we were both heading to the same herberge. In those circumstances, I was probably a bit more cautious than I would be in Spain. I was prepared to carry a bit more, and walk a bit slower as a result. It is still possible to cover the distances, it just takes longer.It was not until after I toughed it out and got to Santiago that the import of walking in solitude so much hit me. I enjoy the alone - me time immensely. But, once one is of mature years, the "what if" aspects start to creep in unconsciously.
When folks were hesitant to accept the ponchos, my standard line was that wet and warm is good and sometimes very good; whereas wet and cold is always bad. I added that NO ONE was going to get ill on my watch. The pilgrims always accepted the free ponchos. Sometimes the simplest caveats are the best, and easiest to remember. I hope this helps...
And then there are those people like @Pablokes who do not see a link between getting cold and wet and getting ill.
I have tried just about every combination of rain gear.
I have gone back to lightweight rain pants and a good rain jacket plus pack cover.
I usually do not take any rain gear (except umbrella) in July/August.
I have an Altus but find the pants/jacket more versatile for weight carried.
I would really like to take the full-zip pants that are so simple to put on and off...but the added weight is not worth it to me.
I do take an umbrella for sun/rain. Not too useful in wind and rain.
It it obvious that we each have preferences based on different criteria. Every method is correct if it works for you.
(Ruby S. I can loan you a small or large Altus (the original blue one) if you are near Seattle and have time.)
Ed
My Altus poncho was perfect (March-April), but it had sleeves and I wouldn't have wanted to do without them. You can always get an Altus on the way (I got mne in SJPP).The only down side I see in it is the length of the sleeves, they come a third of the way up my forearm, no big deal.
I'm really hoping not to use it, I keep telling myself the weather will be perfect.
... Every method is correct if it works for you. ...
Hi Anemone, I was quite interested in the Mac rain pants. I bought one rain pant and jacket rated at 2000mm (waterproof/breathability rating). Had a heavy rain recently and I took the chance to test it out. The rain started to seep in maybe 30 mins later. I could not find the rating for this Mac brand though.My latest Camino internet shopping arrived today and I am thrilled. I ordered a pair of Mac in a Sac rain pants. They are soooooo light, and breathable apparently. They come in their own little pouch as well and cost under US$30. .
Both shops are owned by the same helpful veteran pilgrim and are linked to this DC web -- www.directioncompostelle.comHi Viranai, would this be the Direction Compostelle?
Thanks, M.Both shops are owned by the same helpful veteran pilgrim and are linked to this DC web -- www.directioncompostelle.com
Oh no! Mine are 5000mm so hopefully they won't seep. They are much thinner than my older ones so fingers crossed. Some on this forum recommended then so I am hopeful. Not that I don't love the beautiful weather we are finally getting but when it rains again I will try them out. Thank you for the heads up.Hi Anemone, I was quite interested in the Mac rain pants. I bought one rain pant and jacket rated at 2000mm (waterproof/breathability rating). Had a heavy rain recently and I took the chance to test it out. The rain started to seep in maybe 30 mins later. I could not find the rating for this Mac brand though.
Here is the umbrella:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SUW260/?tag=casaivar02-20What does the Mac in a Sac actually weigh?
We need pictures of the hat....someone else mentioned they had one of these...but no pictures.
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