- Time of past OR future Camino
- May-July 2023
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When walking the Camino be aware of how much weight you need to carry in your bag....so, bring a light poncho that will cover you and your bag comfortably....if it rains.....Buen CaminoMy Camino Frances will primarily take place in June and the first week or so in July. I have read that this is the dry season in Spain so maybe not too much rain. But I want to be prepared. I have seen the Altus Ponchos but I tend to get hot easy and those don't look too breathable.
So what would you recommend for rain protection just in case. pack cover and a light rain jacket/poncho or go with the Altus?
Thanks!
Yes I'm balancing the weight of the pack with something I might not need much but if i do need it, I'll regret not bringing it!When walking the Camino be aware of how much weight you need to carry in your bag....so, bring a light poncho that will cover you and your bag comfortably....if it rains.....Buen Camino
Thank you! Should I worry about a cover for my pack? I do plan to have my stuff inside the backpack in waterproof sacks so I'm leaning towards no.June and July will have little chance of rain.
If you want 'just in case' rain gear, I'd just bring along one of those very light plastic ponchos.
Chances are you'll only get an occasional rain shower, if at all, so a light jacket that's somewhat water resistant might suffice when a shower passes over.
We walked the Frances in May of 2017 and had two days when we actually had to put on our rain ponchos.
I wouldn’t if you’re trying to minimize your weight.Thank you! Should I worry about a cover for my pack? I do plan to have my stuff inside the backpack in waterproof sacks so I'm leaning towards no.
I am now imagining being up on the route Napoléon in a raging summer lightning storm with an umbrella as my only protection! Thanks, but noA umbrella, good for rain and better for sunny days.
LOL... that is why I still bring a rain jacket with an umbrella! I do love my lightweight hiking sun umbrellaI am now imagining being up on the route Napoléon in a raging summer lightning storm with an umbrella as my only protection! Thanks, but no
(Edit: I met several people who were happy with their umbrellas, so don't get me wrong, it can be a solution for some, and to use them for protection from sun sounds like a good idea in summer).
I have used an Altus and it can get hot for sure. It does a great job of keeping you and your backpack dry. I have never walked in June so I do not know what the weather is generally during early summer. It can rain anytime that is for sure. If you get a lightweight poncho that covers both you and your backpack completely that should be all you need. If yo want to get a good umbrella that cuts down on the sun and the UV exposure I am sure that is a good idea. Better for the sun and hopefully keeping you a little cooler than protection from rain. You are outdoors and wind and rain can be strong coming from different directions.My Camino Frances will primarily take place in June and the first week or so in July. I have read that this is the dry season in Spain so maybe not too much rain. But I want to be prepared. I have seen the Altus Ponchos but I tend to get hot easy and those don't look too breathable.
So what would you recommend for rain protection just in case. pack cover and a light rain jacket/poncho or go with the Altus?
Thanks!
I carry a couple of emergency ponchos. The little plastic ones from walmart for 1$ super light works great in a pinch.My Camino Frances will primarily take place in June and the first week or so in July. I have read that this is the dry season in Spain so maybe not too much rain. But I want to be prepared. I have seen the Altus Ponchos but I tend to get hot easy and those don't look too breathable.
So what would you recommend for rain protection just in case. pack cover and a light rain jacket/poncho or go with the Altus?
Thanks!
I was referred on this forum to the A Pack. It’s ultra light weight, is a jacket with a poncho back that goes over your pack, and it has armpit zippers for ventilation. I had it in two days from the designer in the southeastern USA (I’m in the west). It’s a small, but is still quite large. I think it might be the perfect solution for me!My Camino Frances will primarily take place in June and the first week or so in July. I have read that this is the dry season in Spain so maybe not too much rain. But I want to be prepared. I have seen the Altus Ponchos but I tend to get hot easy and those don't look too breathable.
So what would you recommend for rain protection just in case. pack cover and a light rain jacket/poncho or go with the Altus?
Thanks!
Do you mean the Packa?I was referred on this forum to the A Pack. It’s ultra light weight, is a jacket with a poncho back that goes over your pack, and it has armpit zippers for ventilation. I had it in two days from the designer in the southeastern USA (I’m in the west). It’s a small, but is still quite large. I think it might be the perfect solution for me!
Oops. Yes!Do you mean the Packa?
Thank you! Should I worry about a cover for my pack? I do plan to have my stuff inside the backpack in waterproof sacks so I'm leaning towards no.
soooo Many options that depend on your actual anxiety/comfort with long distance trekking and experience. For me in summer, I carry a Bag Cover ~ and merely Truck On In the rain. Later, I change in to dry tops whenever I stop. My experience is that while actively hiking, I generate so much heat that I quickly get as wet under a poncho as without one. I tend to step lively on Camino. So pace enters in to your considerations. On the French Way, you will be surrounded by other helpful smiling pilgrims, don’t worry. Jump in! Pack Weight IS your instant to instant concernThank you! Should I worry about a cover for my pack? I do plan to have my stuff inside the backpack in waterp
Thank you! Should I worry about a cover for my pack? I do plan to have my stuff inside the backpack in waterproof sacks so I'm leaning towards no.
soooo Many options that depend on your actual anxiety/comfort with long distance trekking and experience. For me in summer, I carry a Bag Cover ~ and merely Truck On In the rain. Later, I change in to dry tops whenever I stop. My experience is that while actively hiking, I generate so much heat that I quickly get as wet under a poncho as without one. I tend to step lively on Camino. So pace enters in to your considerations. On the French Way, you will be surrounded by other helpful smiling pilgrims, don’t worry. Jump in! Pack Weight IS your instant to instant concern
You had all the right letters!Oops. Yes!
My Camino Frances will primarily take place in June and the first week or so in July. I have read that this is the dry season in Spain so maybe not too much rain. But I want to be prepared. I have seen the Altus Ponchos but I tend to get hot easy and those don't look too breathable.
So what would you recommend for rain protection just in case. pack cover and a light rain jacket/poncho or go with the Altus?
Thanks!
Likewise, I took two ultra light emergency ponchos in March, Burgos to Rabanal, across the Meseta and Tierra de Campos. Worked great, didn’t get wet (well maybe a little, mostly feet), added a little heat (it was cold, windy & rainy) and very easy to pack & take out. The first one ripped on a windy rainy day but was big enough to wrap around and stay dry. I ditched it and it never rained again.I carry a couple of emergency ponchos. The little plastic ones from walmart for 1$ super light works great in a pinch.
Ponchos are cumbersome and not very effective. I threw mine away after 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail, then got an umbrella. Never have rain in your face or several meters of wet fabric in a hostel or tent. Great for sun too. No regrets after 5000 miles of use.My Camino Frances will primarily take place in June and the first week or so in July. I have read that this is the dry season in Spain so maybe not too much rain. But I want to be prepared. I have seen the Altus Ponchos but I tend to get hot easy and those don't look too breathable.
So what would you recommend for rain protection just in case. pack cover and a light rain jacket/poncho or go with the Altus?
Thanks!
I concur. This is what we brought and it worked well.The Frogg Toggs poncho gets good reviews, and is inexpensive and lightweight.
Frogg Toggs® Ultra-Lite2 Rain Poncho
Details Gear up in the frogg toggs® Ultra-Lite2 Rain Poncho and experience ultimate rain protection. Featuring an adjustable attached hood with cord locks and side snaps for added defense, this poncho offers full coverage during downpours. It packs down inside its included stuff sack and weighs...www.froggtoggs.com
Totally agree with lite weight disposable poncho. Works well and light weight.June and July will have little chance of rain.
If you want 'just in case' rain gear, I'd just bring along one of those very light plastic ponchos.
Chances are you'll only get an occasional rain shower, if at all, so a light jacket that's somewhat water resistant might suffice when a shower passes over.
We walked the Frances in May of 2017 and had two days when we actually had to put on our rain ponchos.
Ditto. I have carried that same exact poncho before. It weighs almost nothing.I concur. This is what we brought and it worked well.
Absolutely agree that the Altus is the best we’ve used after going through a range of ponchos from el cheapo to expensive. They keep you dry, cover your pack and breathe well. My only problem is that because they are generous in length, and I’m short, I look like a raspberry with feet! Lol!We tested just about every rain gear option by walking in the rain before we left. In the end my wife and I found that the poncho - good quality Altus - was the most comfortable and gave the best protection. Lots of venting so they were not hot. They also folded tighly so took little room in the pack. In the end we walked the first three days in the rain over the Napoleon, and it never rained a drop the rest of our walk to Santiago. The ponchos did come in handy as ground cover for sitting as @Terrri said. Since the ponchos covered our packs that was not an issue. Like so many things this is aa personal choice, but that was our experience.
This is the exact reason I opted for a rain jacket and pack cover instead of Altus. I am on Camino Frances now and it has been cool and raining since St Jean. I am just as wet inside as out, a walking steam machine! Many ponchos on trail and those folks appear to be drier. I am going to give in and try an Altus type poncho even if I need to cut off the bottom! BTW, folks are really wrestling with the plain ponchos that do not have a pack compartment as they blow around.Absolutely agree that the Altus is the best we’ve used after going through a range of ponchos from el cheapo to expensive. They keep you dry, cover your pack and breathe well. My only problem is that because they are generous in length, and I’m short, I look like a raspberry with feet! Lol!
Light weight Frogg Toggs. The jacket can be worn over the pack when warmth isn't an issue. Less sweat. I always carry a light umbrella and look forward to rain.A umbrella, good for rain and better for sunny days.
Simple! If you're starting at SJPdP check the weather forecast before you leave home. But make sure you have a good windproof jacket. Travel light.My Camino Frances will primarily take place in June and the first week or so in July. I have read that this is the dry season in Spain so maybe not too much rain. But I want to be prepared. I have seen the Altus Ponchos but I tend to get hot easy and those don't look too breathable.
So what would you recommend for rain protection just in case. pack cover and a light rain jacket/poncho or go with the Altus?
Thanks!
good idea to cross use for safety!I had a “worker’s” yellow pack cover which had a fluro stripe. I also used it in the early morning (not before sunrise) and on overcast days when road walking as a safety measure.
To be honest I like rain haha. I'm in Georgia and the summers are plenty hot so for the most part, I'll enjoy it! But downpours can get miserable I will admitsoooo Many options that depend on your actual anxiety/comfort with long distance trekking and experience. For me in summer, I carry a Bag Cover ~ and merely Truck On In the rain. Later, I change in to dry tops whenever I stop. My experience is that while actively hiking, I generate so much heat that I quickly get as wet under a poncho as without one. I tend to step lively on Camino. So pace enters in to your considerations. On the French Way, you will be surrounded by other helpful smiling pilgrims, don’t worry. Jump in! Pack Weight IS your instant to instant concern
Even better is to line the inside of your pack with a white trash compactor bag. They are very sturdy and keep the inside of your pack dry, not just the waterpoof bags within. A pack cover is only needed if you prefer the outside of your backpack itself to be kept dry; water weight will weigh it down somewhat in torrential rain.Thank you! Should I worry about a cover for my pack? I do plan to have my stuff inside the backpack in waterproof sacks so I'm leaning towards no.
During the hotter summer months? Why? So many more practical options these days. For instance I ditched my old leather and rubber soled army boots years ago for the more modern, lighter, cooler technology that vibram and cordura nylon brings to the mix.Personally, I use a great big black pilgrim cape.
Don't cut off the bottom! The zip goes all the way down the front, cut it and you're stuffed!This is the exact reason I opted for a rain jacket and pack cover instead of Altus. I am on Camino Frances now and it has been cool and raining since St Jean. I am just as wet inside as out, a walking steam machine! Many ponchos on trail and those folks appear to be drier. I am going to give in and try an Altus type poncho even if I need to cut off the bottom! BTW, folks are really wrestling with the plain ponchos that do not have a pack compartment as they blow around.
Only if it rains, in summer. It doubles as a blanket, and it's great on cooler wetter days.During the hotter summer months? Why?
Size 14½ (US 15-16½) French army boots it is for me !! (I have need of the extra ankle support ; and they're great in wet weather and on wet terrain)So many more practical options these days. For instance I ditched my old leather and rubber soled army boots years ago
Thank you! I have an Osprey Talon but will look up info on its water resistance!Pack covers. Not highly effective if depending on one to be absolutely capable of keeping the interior of your backpack dry. They can most definitely help, but shouldn't be counted on.
A better strategy is assess the backpack to determine if it can be made reliably water resistant. Start by assessing the flap or zipper closure of the main compartment. Does the flap easily cover by a good margin the opening into the bag? Are the zippers covered by a flap of material? Is the backpack already treated for water repellency or is it mad from a coated fabric? If these are in place, the backpack is already pretty impervious to rain.
If the fabric is not treated (or even if it is), or does not have a interior coating, then you can remedy this.
First, use a seam seal to seal the interior seams on the backpack. Even a backpack that is already water repellant you want to check the seams inside the pack.
Next, use a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treatment to treat the fabric of the backpack, which is easily done at home.
[The blue text are clickable suggestions of products that have good track records, but there are several reliable products that can do the job.]
Doing this will also help keep the fabric of the backpack from soaking in water and increasing its weight.
Waterproof bag liners have already been mentioned, which are big, capacious sacks that sit inside the main bag and come in different flavors, from compactor bags to ready made products designed as accessories
Hi wunderlustesq: How did the Packa work out for you? My husband and I are thinking about getting them. Thanks!I was referred on this forum to the A Pack. It’s ultra light weight, is a jacket with a poncho back that goes over your pack, and it has armpit zippers for ventilation. I had it in two days from the designer in the southeastern USA (I’m in the west). It’s a small, but is still quite large. I think it might be the perfect solution for me!
Sorry, I haven't used the Packa but a couple that I walked with in 2016 did, and I thought that it was quite clever, but for the price and weight, I'd go with an Altus.Hi wunderlustesq: How did the Packa work out for you? My husband and I are thinking about getting them. Thanks!
Ended up a zero!Hi wunderlustesq: How did the Packa work out for you? My husband and I are thinking about getting them. Thanks!
In what way?Ended up a zero!
Does that mean you didn't end up using it? Or that it was terrible?Ended up a zero!
Agreed. I find it puzzling how few pilgrims use an umbrella.A umbrella, good for rain and better for sunny days.
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