Using the Altus with off and on rain

peregrina2000 · Sep 14, 2022

Now I don’t know why it has taken me more than 15 years to figure this out, but I must be a slow learner. The last two days have been very rainy. But there are always short periods of no rain and even sun. It just didn’t make sense to take the poncho totally off every time the rain stops, since it was likely to start up again soon.

My solution was to take my arms out of the sleeves and then put the sleeves under my backpack straps. No chance of having the poncho fall off and easy to get it back on again.

I am sure many of you have already figured this out, but just in case, and since it took me so many years, I thought I’d share it.

lt56ny · Sep 15, 2022

peregrina2000 said:
Now I don’t know why it has taken me more than 15 years to figure this out, but I must be a slow learner. The last two days have been very rainy. But there are always short periods of no rain and even sun. It just didn’t make sense to take the poncho totally off every time the rain stops, since it was likely to start up again soon.

My solution was to take my arms out of the sleeves and then put the sleeves under my backpack straps. No chance of having the poncho fall off and easy to get it back on again.

I am sure many of you have already figured this out, but just in case, and since it took me so many years, I thought I’d share it.

Great idea. I will try this this year. I usually take it off and then stuff it between the waist strap and between my back and the pack. Great way to put it on for me is to face the wind put it over my head and put one hand through the sleeve, grab the bottom and pull it down and then put the other hand through the sleeve grab the other side and zip it up. Works great for me and the back of my Altus doesn't get caught up on the back of my pack. What camino are you on?

peregrina2000 · Sep 15, 2022

lt56ny said:
What camino are you on?

I’m on the Torres from Salamanca. I understand that all the rain is from Hurricane Dennis. And that we’ll get rain from hurricane Earl next week. It would be pretty bad to complain, since Spain has had such a terrible drought. As long as there’s no thunder and lightning, I’m fine with the rain.

Try the sleeve idea. It is so simple and quick.

JudyWanaWander · Sep 15, 2022

peregrina2000 said:
Now I don’t know why it has taken me more than 15 years to figure this out, but I must be a slow learner. The last two days have been very rainy. But there are always short periods of no rain and even sun. It just didn’t make sense to take the poncho totally off every time the rain stops, since it was likely to start up again soon.

My solution was to take my arms out of the sleeves and then put the sleeves under my backpack straps. No chance of having the poncho fall off and easy to get it back on again.

I am sure many of you have already figured this out, but just in case, and since it took me so many years, I thought I’d share it.

I've never been a poncho wear and have always used a raincoat for rain when I backpack but I'm seriously considering using a poncho. There's pros and cons with the raincoat. Can you tell me why you prefer a poncho over a raincoat and if you don't bring a raincoat what do you use as a windbreaker or a jacket of some sort.

trecile · Sep 15, 2022

JudyWanaWander said:
I've never been a poncho wear and have always used a raincoat for rain when I backpack but I'm seriously considering using a poncho. There's pros and cons with the raincoat. Can you tell me why you prefer a poncho over a raincoat and if you don't bring a raincoat what do you use as a windbreaker or a jacket of some sort.

The Altus isn't really a poncho. It's an oversized raincoat that has space for a backpack.

haikutaxi · Sep 15, 2022

peregrina2000 said:
Now I don’t know why it has taken me more than 15 years to figure this out, but I must be a slow learner. The last two days have been very rainy. But there are always short periods of no rain and even sun. It just didn’t make sense to take the poncho totally off every time the rain stops, since it was likely to start up again soon.

My solution was to take my arms out of the sleeves and then put the sleeves under my backpack straps. No chance of having the poncho fall off and easy to get it back on again.

I am sure many of you have already figured this out, but just in case, and since it took me so many years, I thought I’d share it.

That's the beauty of the Altus ... it's a raincoat cut to wear over a backpack. We did a very off-and-on rainy Portuguese coastal Camino a few years ago and the Altus we're fabulous. Easy to slip on and off when the sun came out & your pack is always covered. They kept us dry in some torrential downpours.

VNwalking · Sep 15, 2022

peregrina2000 said:
My solution was to take my arms out of the sleeves and then put the sleeves under my backpack straps. No chance of having the poncho fall off and easy to get it back on again.

I tie the sleeves around my waist. Either way, this is definitely the superpower of the Altus. No hassle, no taking the pack off and on, and a quick transition either way. Good to put the word out to everyone - thanks and buen camino, @peregrina2000!

Orujo · Sep 15, 2022

Altus wearers - do you also take a pack rain cover, or does the Altus suffice?

lt56ny · Sep 16, 2022

peregrina2000 said:
I’m on the Torres from Salamanca. I understand that all the rain is from Hurricane Dennis. And that we’ll get rain from hurricane Earl next week. It would be pretty bad to complain, since Spain has had such a terrible drought. As long as there’s no thunder and lightning, I’m fine with the rain.

Try the sleeve idea. It is so simple and quick.

Definitely going with your sleeve idea in October. Buen Camino, have fun and stay safe.

Charles Barry · Sep 16, 2022

I get really hot in a regular poncho, but the Altus opens up in the front to let in the breeze. Of course, if you're walking into the rain, you close it back up for a while.

Paul McAmino · Sep 16, 2022

Sus1 said:
Altus wearers - do you also take a pack rain cover, or does the Altus suffice?

Hi @Sus1 No point to a backpack cover if you and your pack are entirely covered with your Altus. Not to mention that water will get between your back and your pack if you only use a pack cover.
Standard disclaimer: your mileage may
vary.
All the best,
Paul

VNwalking · Sep 16, 2022

Sus1 said:
Altus wearers - do you also take a pack rain cover, or does the Altus suffice?

Just the Altus has been fine for me.

peregrina2000 · Sep 16, 2022

I just got a PM from a forum member including a picture of me walking about five years ago with the Altus poncho sleeves going through my backpack straps.

I guess that shows that one of the (very few) joys of having a fading memory is that the delight of new discoveries happens more often!

Kanga · Sep 16, 2022

Sus1 said:
Altus wearers - do you also take a pack rain cover, or does the Altus suffice?

The Altus suffices.

Kanga · Sep 16, 2022

The sleeves tucking method works, but an alternative (and possibly quicker to get on again) is as follows: undo the front zip of the Altus almost to the bottom, but not quite, so that it is still around the bottom of your legs. Take your arms out of the sleeves, push the altus completely off your shoulders and upper body, but leave it hanging off your pack. It is then still attached around the front at the bottom. It is easy to pull back on if it rains, and can't blow away or fall off without you knowing, but your upper body, and below your waist to about knee height, is free.

I wish they'd put pit zips in the Altus.

NomadJMJ · Sep 18, 2022

The Packa

Full Coverage Backpacking Rain Parka

www.thepacka.com

haikutaxi · Sep 20, 2022

Sus1 said:
Altus wearers - do you also take a pack rain cover, or does the Altus suffice?

The Altus suffices.

VNwalking · Sep 20, 2022

@haikutaxi ~

Walking to Burgos
The spring rain blows sideways -
Only the wind gets in.

Former member 44959 · Sep 20, 2022

Paul McAmino said:
Hi @Sus1 No point to a backpack cover if you and your pack are entirely covered with your Altus. Not to mention that water will get between your back and your pack if you only use a pack cover.
Standard disclaimer: your mileage may
vary.
All the best,
Paul

The backpack cover is useful once you get to your destination and take off your poncho. Water from poncho doesn't get into backpack, and, if it's still raining, backpack stays dry til you get indoors. Also, if it's been raining, you don't want to put the pack down in the water/mud, so the cover is useful there, too.

joeboybollo · Jun 15, 2023

Kanga said:
The sleeves tucking method works, but an alternative (and possibly quicker to get on again) is as follows: undo the front zip of the Altus almost to the bottom, but not quite, so that it is still around the bottom of your legs. Take your arms out of the sleeves, push the altus completely off your shoulders and upper body, but leave it hanging off your pack. It is then still attached around the front at the bottom. It is easy to pull back on if it rains, and can't blow away or fall off without you knowing, but your upper body, and below your waist to about knee height, is free.

I wish they'd put pit zips in the Altus.

That sounds like a good method.Ive had my Altus for ages.Havent used it too many times,but I was very,very glad I had it when I actually needed it.I was a bit shocked when I saw the price it is now though.

Donna Sch · Sep 3, 2023

Question: if it is windy, do you have problems with the Altus acting like a parachute and then trying to wrap itself around your neck? Had this occur with a Sea to Summit poncho in a storm with high winds so my top half got absolutely drenched.

trecile · Sep 3, 2023

Donna Sch said:
Question: if it is windy, do you have problems with the Altus acting like a parachute and then trying to wrap itself around your neck? Had this occur with a Sea to Summit poncho in a storm with high winds so my top half got absolutely drenched.

Since the Altus is not really a poncho - it's an oversized raincoat with room for the backpack, full sleeves, and a front zip, that's not a problem.

Anniesantiago · Sep 4, 2023

peregrina2000 said:
Now I don’t know why it has taken me more than 15 years to figure this out, but I must be a slow learner. The last two days have been very rainy. But there are always short periods of no rain and even sun. It just didn’t make sense to take the poncho totally off every time the rain stops, since it was likely to start up again soon.

My solution was to take my arms out of the sleeves and then put the sleeves under my backpack straps. No chance of having the poncho fall off and easy to get it back on again.

I am sure many of you have already figured this out, but just in case, and since it took me so many years, I thought I’d share it.

I been tellin' you Lucy! (with her best Dezi voice)

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