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Rain pants and Altus Poncho

Time of past OR future Camino
2010, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2024
I just bought an Altus Poncho. I thought it would be longer. It only goes to my knees. I wonder if I should bring my rain pants. I was hoping the Altus would replace both my raincoat and rain pants. Looking forward to hearing from your experiences. Buen Camino!
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
My advice is yes, bring both. If it is very wet the rain will run off the Altus and onto your legs and down into your boots which will cause wet and cold feet and then possibly blisters. I wore both during the wet days and I also wore slightly long rainpants that also covered my boots, this can also be achieved by pulling the rainpants slightly down on yor hips. Hope this helps.
Buen Camino.
 
I have used a poncho on local walks, but not on the Camino. It comes down to mid-calf level, and I find long gaiters sufficient to keep the rain off my legs and from running down into my boots. The other option which I have seen in Europe, might be more readily available in the US but not here in Australian shops, is rain chaps rather than full pants.
 
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Poncho and pants kept everything dry. My poncho is long, but I still like to wear the pants with it against 'run-off' . I am not a fan of gaiters and the pants are minimal weight.
 
Since I walk in a skirt, rain pants are impractical. So I have an Altus, and live with the run-off--though I take one of those big black rubbish bags with the bottom slit open to use as a skirt cover if it's hosing. Since I walk in glorified hiking sandals, wet shoes are not a big deal.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Since your projected date is 1-April I'd consider taking the rain pants instead of Gators. There will be plenty of brisk mornings and the pants will serve dual purposes of keeping wet (and wind) out and some small amount of heat in. If you have the type of rain pants with zippers on the sides it's pretty easy to slip in and out of them as needed. In a pinch they can also serve as your 'pants' while you are laundering your 'normal' pants.
Buen Camino
Jordon
 
Good advise Jordon, I wore my rain pants as much for the cold as for the rain.
 
Just confirming what others have said, the Altus alone will result in wet socks and feet due to the dripping water (in a heavy rain). Extra long rain pants do act as gators, so that is what I like. Each person has their own preference when it comes to raingear. Buen Comino!
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
I had "some" rain on the Norte/Primitivo in spring 2016. I used my Frogg Togg rain jacket, but never felt the need to pull out the pants. Since I wear a trail running type shoe, the water just drained out and I didn't incur blisters from my wet socks. Maybe I was just lucky.
 
Wore the Altus on two Caminos. I am obviously shorter as it was much longer on me. I did not experience any run off into my boots. In April when there was a lot of rain I also wore the sealskin waterproof socks. After so much rain even the best boots are wet and the socks kept my feet nice and dry.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Last May, in the early morning it was raining cats and dogs. I kept,telling myself that I was not going out in that. And the the light when on: I have rain pants! Put then over leggings and off I went, happy as a clam, with my rain pants, altus and umbrella. Completely changed my outlook on the day.
 
Yep, if we can stay as dry and comfortable as we can, the rain aint so bad.
 

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