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.