- Time of past OR future Camino
- Some but not all, and other routes too.
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
I think that you should also contemplate that this is an indication that your clothing choices are actually working, and that your shirt is wicking moisture (typically sweat) to the inside surface of the rain jacket. At that point, if the water vapour does not transpire, or if it does not turn to vapour and is in its liquid phase, it will collect on the inside surface of the jacket as condensation.I took a nice walk in the rain today to test out me existing rain jacket (I have the Berghaus Paclite), I was surprised that although I wasn't soaked through, there was wet pockets, I also think that some of the inside wetness may have been due to humidity. My shirt was really dry, but I was only out for about an hour, tackling a full day of rain on the Camino might show different results.
I'm am thinking of buying a new lightweight rain jacket, so can the experts please help with advice.
This post reminded me of the pilgrim I met back here in Australia who complained that he had bought five (yes, five) rain jackets at various places along the camino, and they had all failed because they leaked. He didn't think that he sweated!Currently I have an Arcteryx and Mountain Hardwear. Both are excellent in keeping the rain out. The problem is sweat. Even with pit zippers, there just isn't enough ventilation. So, I've been researching ponchos. The ventilation is better and they tend to cover more of your legs.
Normally the rain jacket I own would be way above my budget, but last year I luckily stumbled upon an add on Marktplaats (sort of the Dutch Ebay for secondhand goods). I payed about a third of the retail value and from then on I was the happy wearer of an Arc'teryx Theta AR jacket. I love it.
Mind you, after a full day of rain, I still get slightly damp inside, but I think there isn't a jacket out there that'll keep you bone dry, whatever the marketing department claims.
Apart from being wind- and waterproof, there are three things about this jacket that I will look for whenever I'll need a new one. First the length of it: it falls just over my rear end, so I can sit on wet grass and not soak my pants.
Secondly, zippers under the arms, so that you can dump heat (and condensation) on a rainy but otherwise warm day. I was surprised at the difference that makes regarding build up of dampness inside the jacket. Because you will sweat when you walk long distances, especially with a pack.
Which brings me to point three: reinforced fabric at the shoulders, arms and hips. Vital to avoid wear and tear when you wear a backpack all day.
I had it with me for three months of heavy duty wear last year and it never let me down.
I really like Arc'teryx stuff , the performance is amazing generally but it's just normally so expensive, you did well to get your jacket. It also looks great too and is probably the coolest stuff out there
I got mine from a guy who had won it in a competition in a magazine, he already owned one so he sold me the new one, direct from Mountain Hardwear...unlikely to ever be repeated or so lucky again.
I took a nice walk in the rain today to test out me existing rain jacket (I have the Berghaus Paclite), I was surprised that although I wasn't soaked through, there was wet pockets, I also think that some of the inside wetness may have been due to humidity. My shirt was really dry, but I was only out for about an hour, tackling a full day of rain on the Camino might show different results.
I'm am thinking of buying a new lightweight rain jacket, so can the experts please help with advice.
Currently I have an Arcteryx and Mountain Hardwear. Both are excellent in keeping the rain out. The problem is sweat. Even with pit zippers, there just isn't enough ventilation. So, I've been researching ponchos. The ventilation is better and they tend to cover more of your legs.
Normally the rain jacket I own would be way above my budget, but last year I luckily stumbled upon an add on Marktplaats (sort of the Dutch Ebay for secondhand goods). I payed about a third of the retail value and from then on I was the happy wearer of an Arc'teryx Theta AR jacket. I love it.
Mind you, after a full day of rain, I still get slightly damp inside, but I think there isn't a jacket out there that'll keep you bone dry, whatever the marketing department claims.
Apart from being wind- and waterproof, there are three things about this jacket that I will look for whenever I'll need a new one. First the length of it: it falls just over my rear end, so I can sit on wet grass and not soak my pants.
Secondly, zippers under the arms, so that you can dump heat (and condensation) on a rainy but otherwise warm day. I was surprised at the difference that makes regarding build up of dampness inside the jacket. Because you will sweat when you walk long distances, especially with a pack.
Which brings me to point three: reinforced fabric at the shoulders, arms and hips. Vital to avoid wear and tear when you wear a backpack all day.
I had it with me for three months of heavy duty wear last year and it never let me down.
Thanks, I'm struggling with what to get for the outer layer & rain jacket (I like longer, pockets must be accessible not blocked by pack hip straps) . 1. Does the Arcteryx theta serve as your outer layer/rain/wind all in one? 2. Is this jacket suitable for mid March-April CF weather/temperatures? 3. How to estimate size when buying online (I'm EU size 38 top)? 4. Do you use a fleece or puff as 2nd layer? Thanks
Currently I have an Arcteryx and Mountain Hardwear. Both are excellent in keeping the rain out. The problem is sweat. Even with pit zippers, there just isn't enough ventilation. So, I've been researching ponchos. The ventilation is better and they tend to cover more of your legs.
I've seen other people make valid points while I typed that out, I'm writing presuming that you have got your mid/base layers sorted with good wicking properties etc.
It's also worth seeing if you can send the your Berghaus to Gore Inc for examination, but it will take a while and obviously up to you if you want to be without it for some time.
BC!
Much appreciated!Yes to your first two questions. The pockets on the Theta are high up by the way, well above the hip belt of your pack.
As for size, I seem to remember Arc'teryx falls large. I'm 1.80, medium build and wear a medium. Maybe first try one out in an outdoorshop and then order. Or check the return policy of your online shop.
A thin fleece was all I needed, I don't get cold quickly. But don't bundle up, layer up. Get a merino T-shirt, a warm tech pullover and a thin fleece. That should be more than adequate.
We have used ponchos with great success rather than jackets on the Camino. Our jackets are by Rohan, they might still have some in their sale section. They do what they say, turn water and are not sweaty. That said I think mine would benefit from some reproofing (after 4 years). The Nikwax spray on breathable re-proofer is good but do make sure you get the one for fabric not for wax jackets. If your jacket is older that might be all it needs. They do a wash in type as well but we have used the spray on our ponchos and put it where most needed rather than wash in and then proof.Thanks to all who have responded, I can already see that it's an expensive minefield out there. My request continues to find the perfect jacket for me at a reasonable price.
We have used ponchos with great success rather than jackets on the Camino. Our jackets are by Rohan, they might still have some in their sale section. They do what they say, turn water and are not sweaty. That said I think mine would benefit from some reproofing (after 4 years). The Nikwax spray on breathable re-proofer is good but do make sure you get the one for fabric not for wax jackets. If your jacket is older that might be all it needs. They do a wash in type as well but we have used the spray on our ponchos and put it where most needed rather than wash in and then proof.
I researched some of the waterproof jackets people have mentioned and prices are astronomical (300-700€$). I personally wouldn't buy online without trying a jacket on especially if I can't first find it in a store. My sister keeps reminding me that this is a Pilgrimage and one will never be prepared for every situation. I'm walking middle March to end of April and after trying on a Millet goretex, which would be too heavy for average seasonal temps in Spain (for me as a Canadian ), I went with a larger sized (I like long sleeves and mid thigh) 360 Vertigo 2 breathable waterproof (15000-19000mm) & windproof soft shell with a great adjustable hood, pockets that zip up to chest level, 2 inner pockets and underarm ventilation zips + a very cozy close fitting LaFuma fleece and good rainpants. If I need a poncho or Altus I'll get one.
A thin fleece was all I needed, I don't get cold quickly. But don't bundle up, layer up. Get a merino T-shirt, a warm tech pullover and a thin fleece. That should be more than adequate.
Yes the prices are very scary, almost makes you think it's worth getting wet.
In my misspent youth I was quite an avid bushwalker and backcountry skier(knees a bit shot now).
My first, expensive Goretex jacket leaked like a sieve. While visiting the US I walked into the Eddie Bauer shop in Washington DC (before they went trendy), and theyvwere very sceptical about my claims. The next day I took the offending jacket in, asked for two glasses, one empty and one with water, put a random section of fabric over the empty one and dribbled a bit of water on it. It ran straight through.
Subsequently, I bought two more expensive Goretex jackets, one with a heavier duty inner lining (Paddy Pallin brand). They also both leaked like sieves. I used the latter on my Camino and was sopping wet every time it rained, but stayed dry when it snowed. It was excellent as a windproof.
But some people never learn. I picked up a virtually brand new one at St. Vinnie's for twenty bucks. Caution and light showers maybe.
For something like the Camino I would be looking for a poncho covering my pack with a drawstring at the bottom to avoid the thing shredding in heavy wind.
But whatever, there is a problem with Goretex when wearing a pack for any extended time. The inner lining/teflon will wear through under the shoulder straps even with the heavier fabrics.
De Colores
Bogong
A good cheap Regatta jacket from Go Outdoors did the job for me. I bought it to replace another Regatta jacket because of its weight, just 0.5kg. Both kept me dry on very wet daysI took a nice walk in the rain today to test out me existing rain jacket (I have the Berghaus Paclite), I was surprised that although I wasn't soaked through, there was wet pockets, I also think that some of the inside wetness may have been due to humidity. My shirt was really dry, but I was only out for about an hour, tackling a full day of rain on the Camino might show different results.
I'm am thinking of buying a new lightweight rain jacket, so can the experts please help with advice.
Hi Waka, I've a Berghaus Paclite too. I love it, but it can get a bit sweaty sometimes and I wish it had those pockets in the armpits. Or perhaps as @dougfitz suggests, maybe a different grade of fabric would do a better job - but the 'better' goretex jackets are so expensive! I'm due to replace mine this year - I might get another Paclite, but perhaps in a looser fit.
On a separate but related note, I see that TX Maxx was mentioned in one of the replies. If you're on the look-out for outdoor gear, it's worth browsing in your local store from time to time. I've picked up some great bargains there - including Keen hiking shoes, Brooks trail running shoes , a Vaude lightweight jacket, Columbia shirts and lots of other bits and pieces. All at around 50% (and in some cases much less) than the normal retail price.
Also - although we talk a lot here about the 'best' gear for the Camino, have you noticed that most of the Spanish pilgrims seem to buy their stuff in Decathlon? And they manage just fine
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?