Rain gear...

[aussieval]

Hi everyone, I was told that I may have to walk in the rain at least a few days during May/June... I got a kind of nylon poncho but it's quite bulky and a bit heavy... on the other hand, I don't think the really thin disposable kind of rain poncho would be adequate... Does anyone have any suggestion about the ideal kind of gear for rain protection?

 

[crhutch]

When you get to Spain buy a poncho by Altus. It is really more like a rain jacket with a hump on the back that covers your backpack. We just finished our camino and the Altus was great! It also weighs little and can be folded quitr flat.
Buen Camino

 

[aussieval]

Thanks for the hint crhutch, is it easy to find or do i need to go to a specialist shop? And do you have idea of cost?

 

[Steve.Belfast]

They're €33 including tax.

 

[crhutch]

I ordered via Internet from a Spanish outdoor store so if that is something you would want to do just google Altus poncho. Otherwise once in Spain you will find them at most outdoor shops as well as Camino shops. I was told by one walking companion they can also be found in SJPP.

 

[vinotinto]

We just finished our camino

Congratulations! Wow, you made pretty good time. Any favorite Spanish vino to recommend?

Buen post-Camino,

VT

 

[Janeh]

Hi Val,
definately go with the Atlus Poncho - I know several people who used them (myself included) and found it great. You can order over the internet and it will take about 10 days to get to you from Europe. A friend who has just left for the camino did this and it only took that length of time, all the best, you may see her along the way as she plans to take it slowly.... look out for Cynthia from Adelaide. Buen camino, Jane

 

[aussieval]

Hi there, i went to the website and found two types of altus ponchos. The 'basic' type is much lighter, PVC, hood, with buttons/velcro on sides. Has anyone used these? Were they reasonably effective? If so, I'll go for these as weight is an issue for me as I'm short and slim (less than 50kg).

 

[Lemonkid]

You shouldn't have problems getting ahold of the Altus, I'm in China, bought one from a Spanish (?) website and had it shipped to my friends in Paris. I can't remember which website, but it was one someone had posted a link to in this forum. I believe they shipped worldwide.

 

[Janeh]

http://www.altus.es/default.aspx?info=00022D

the above link is the atlus that I have and it's fantastic. Seeing as you are small then definitely get the smallest one they have as their sizes are quite generous. Cheers, Jane

 

[dmmorris]

I just bookmarked a site posted on the forum for Altus... something like Barrabes.com out of Madrid. My question is this:

For traveling late June to first of August, will I need rain gear? If so, I'm thinking that with the crowds, I want to order now to be sure I've got one of these Altus ponchos unless there is a better suggestion out there?

Grazie~ Denise

 

[Anniesantiago]

The rain in Spain falls gently on the plain... all year long! ::laughing::

It rained for us in August, Sept, Oct, Nov both times we went... on occasion. Not every day, but especially in Galicia.

Other folks will have to vouch for the other months.

 

[nidarosa]

I can honestly say it has been raining every single time I've been to Galicia, and over the course of a month of walking you will get downpours at one point or another. Also it can happen very quickly, which is why I love my Altus. One day I was walking with it permanently over my pack and just put my arms in and pulled it on as and when I needed - it was fifteen minutes of bucketing down, then fifteen with birdsong and sunshine ... :roll: you'd never get your pack rain cover, rain pants and rain jacket on and off in time. So even though it adds a bit of weight in the pack, when it comes to my Altus I would much rather carry it and not need it than need it and not carry it. You can spread it out on wet grass and sit on it, cover yourself with it to keep warm ... well worth the investment.