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sizing of altus ponchos

T

tbcan

Member
Donating Member
I know there has been lots of discussion about the altus poncho. I have lookedo at the sizing suggestions and wonder if anyone has comments about their accuracy. I am 5 feet 5 inches tall and weigh 112 pounds. My new pack is 36 litres. Supposedly a small would be appropriate. I am most concerned about the length. Comments?
 
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The size S Altus atmospheric poncho will fit you if:

– you are shorter than 170 cm (5 feet 7 inches), and
– your backpack is smaller than 40 L, and
– your weight is under 70 kg (154,3 lbs)

The size M-L Altus atmospheric poncho will fit you if:

– you are between 170 cm (5 feet 7 inches) and 185 cm (6 feet 1 inch) tall,
– the size of your backpack is between 40 and 50 Liters
– your weight is between 70 kg (154,3 lbs) and 90 kg (198,4 lbs)

The size XL-XXL Altus atmospheric poncho will fit you if:

– you are taller than 185 cm (6 feet 1 inches), and
– your backpack is bigger than 50 L, and
– your weight is over 90 kg (198,4 lbs)
 
I am 5’ 7” and ordered the Altus Medium for pick up in SJPP. When I got there and tried it on, i found it was too short. I switched to a Large. The Large comes to three inches below my kneecap.
 
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Icacos said:
I am 5’ 7” and ordered the Altus Medium for pick up in SJPP. When I got there and tried it on, i found it was too short. I switched to a Large. The Large comes to three inches below my kneecap.
Click to expand...
But the large probably is big enough to hold two of you inside. I agree that they are not as long as I would like, but there’s a limit to how big I can tolerate on the body.
 
Here’s a picture of my friend wearing my poncho; she’s just a bit shorter than I am. If wearing the Large, at 112 lbs the OP will likely be blown away in a breeze, but the OP was most concerned about length, and I hope this helps.
 
They do cut them shorter as sizes go down. They are cut loose but that helps as they don't breath so one can become very sweaty.
An alternative is the Decathlon MT900 (waterproofing is 5000mm head), a similar design but a third cheaper than the Altus and has the added benefit of underarm zips to help with that sweating problem.

Hiking rain poncho - MT900 - 75L - Red - S/M QUECHUA | Decathlon

Shield yourself from the rain with this waterproof poncho, tested in the French Alps. This rain cape is the perfect hiking accessory, providing full…
www.decathlon.co.uk

When I had my Altus, back in 2005, I gave up on the sleeves and kept my arms inside as they were just overheated and sweat wet all the time, used it as a cape - which is why I switched to a proper cape later on. But that is just me, I run hot when walking and the Altus is a great item.

Above Roncesvalles - when not being blown by mountain winds it ended just below my knee (5' 11" and an L/XL).

 
Last edited:
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I am 5'3" and just received a small. It hits about mid calf with a small (15L) pack on. There is plenty of room for a bigger pack with the pack portion opened up, so I don't think a larger pack would pull the length up very much, if any.
 
I'm 5'8" and tried on a friend's size small Altus and didn't find it to be too short, but I don't really care if my legs get wet below my knees. I use a homemade "Parcho" which is similar to the Altus with long sleeves and a full zip which hits me a couple of inches below my knees. It's always been plenty long.
 
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