It Will Rain on Your Camino
Rain gear is not optional. It is essential. Even in summer, rain can strike at any stage.
Galicia, the final 200km to Santiago, is one of Spain's wettest regions. The Pyrenees crossing is notorious for rapid weather changes.
Whatever season you are walking in, pack rain gear as a non-negotiable item.
The Great Debate: Rain Jacket vs Poncho
This is one of the most debated topics among Camino pilgrims. Many experienced pilgrims carry both.
Rain Jacket
- +Doubles as windbreaker and warmth layer
- +Fits snugly, does not flap in wind
- +Versatile for evenings in town
- +Works in all walking conditions
- -Does not cover your backpack
- -Can cause heat and sweat build-up
- -Pack straps can pump water through fabric
Rain Poncho
- +Covers body and backpack in one piece
- +Quick on and off without removing pack
- +Good airflow underneath
- +Generally cheaper than a quality jacket
- -Flaps in strong wind
- -Less versatile as a layer
- -Awkward in dense vegetation
Our recommendation: A lightweight waterproof jacket is the most versatile single piece of rain gear. If you must choose one, choose the jacket.
Waterproof Ratings Explained
Adequate for short summer showers. Not suitable for sustained rain.
Handles sustained rain. The minimum recommended for Galicia.
Storm-rated. Recommended for spring, autumn, and the Pyrenees.
Breathability matters as much as waterproofing. Look for jackets with pit zips and a breathable membrane to prevent sweat build-up from the inside.
Rain Covers for Your Backpack
If you use a jacket instead of a poncho, you need a rain cover for your backpack. Many packs come with one built in — check before buying separately.
Important: In heavy wind, rain covers can act like parachutes and get ripped off. As a backup, always line the inside of your pack with a heavy-duty bin bag or a lightweight dry bag.
Visibility in Rain
Choose rain gear in a bright, visible colour. Rain brings low visibility, fog, and sections of shared road with vehicle traffic. Being seen is a safety issue, not a fashion choice.
How to Pack and Deploy Rain Gear
Keep your rain jacket or poncho in an easily accessible place: the top of your pack, a side pocket, or clipped to the outside.
If the sky looks grey when you leave in the morning, have your rain gear ready to deploy in seconds. Most people who get soaked do so not because they lacked rain gear, but because it was buried at the bottom of their pack.