Rain pants and Altus Poncho

[hieudovan]

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!

 

[wayfarer]

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.

 

[dougfitz]

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.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

That's what I do: rain pants and Altus.

 

[Tia Valeria]

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.

 

[VNwalking]

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.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

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

 

[wayfarer]

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.

 

[MileHighPair]

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!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Go out in the rain with your backpack on, then put on the rain pants. Decide afterward if you want to take them.

 

[Camino Chris]

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.

 

[Susan Peacock]

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.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

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.

 

[Camino Chris]

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.