Summer Weather

[zimmecp]

Hello all!

I am planning my beach stroll...hahaha

I'd really love some opinions about rain gear! I have whittled my options down to two choices...one being slightly heavier than the other...but still quite light. I've just read that the average weather is significantly cooler than what I am used to (here in Texas) - so am wondering if the slightly heavier rain jacket (300 grams) would be an ok choice. I actually like it better...

Any opinions on rain gear?

Thanks!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

To stay dry an Altus raincoat is the way to go, as it will cover your backpack.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Take the light-weight jacket and something light that will fit over your walking clothes and under the jacket.

 

[formerly multipurpose]

I bought an Altus poncho from Amazon U.K. and they shipped it to my home in Sacramento CA. no problem. It's not available in North America that I'm aware of. We had a lot of rain this year, so I had many chances to try it out and it worked like a charm. Very well made, I think it's made in Spain, at least Altus is a Spanish company. It has a fold-able flap on the back to fit over a pack and sleeves that go all the way to my wrists, so it is sort of a cross between a rain jacket and a poncho. I am only 6' 1" but I bought the largest size they had and it goes about halfway down my shins so my shoes and part of my shins will get wet in a rainstorm, but that's good enough for me. It is not breathable but loose fitting enough to prevent major condensation, has chest vents and a full length YKK zipper (the best brand) down the front that can be opened for further ventilation. A poncho type garment may seem heavy compared to a rain suit but the Altus is pretty light considering, made out of nylon and much sturdier than those clear plastic things. and I think well suited to the El Camino. With a rain suit you are talking about pants, jacket, and a pack cover which may exceed the weight of the Altus, plus your pack straps are made out of water absorbing foam and going to get wet in a rainstorm when using a rain jacket, adding to the weight of your pack. It's your choice between a rain suit and a poncho type garment, but I'm taking my Altus on my El Camino in April/May 2018.