Tilley Rain Poncho

I expect you know the effects wind has on ponchos. But if you want something substantial, how about one from the Army Surplus? Are they still around?

If you decide on the Tilley poncho be sure it is water proof. Dillard’s has a very cute Tilley’s but the description says water resistant. I don’t know about the full Tilley’s line.

I do a lot of hiking and have never seen a local wearing a poncho of any kind here in the highlands or in Skye. The wind is ferocious. Everyone here wears wind and waterproof jackets and pants. Also sealskin socks and gloves and a decent hat. The photos of these ponchos do not look as though they would be up to the task of our windy, wet weather. We have frequently had snow squalls in May.

You're traveling to Scotland, the best place on earth to purchase rain gear. Trespass and Mountain Warehouse stores have many excellent styles at very affordable prices, Jack Wolfskin offers some good stuff, and Sunderland and Sunice cannot be surpassed for quality and waterproofing.

Bottom line: buy something after you land.

Hi KB -

I think you may well have answered your own question in the first para. Scotland/Nova Scotia. There’s an obvious link there! I wouldn’t use a poncho in Scotland (or Wales or England for that matter), the wind plays havoc with them. That said, I do see more of them over here these days, but I think that’s more a case of “the USA sneezes and the U.K. catches a cold/monkey see, monkey do” thing - certainly my own attempt to use one many years ago was a dismal failure and it’s an experiment I’ve not felt the need to repeat! I’d stick with your current waterproof set up.

Ian

P.S. If you’re in the Orkney’s in early May, I may see you up there. I’m the one not wearing a poncho!

Thanks for the replies. I definitely have rain gear and don’t use a poncho here. But, I’m not generally out with my camera in windy rainy weather here either.

The poncho idea was more to keep the camera a bit covered in addition to the rain sleeve.

There is actually a Mountain Warehouse here in NS. They have great prices.

I understood you wanted the poncho to save your photo gear. Not having that sort of equipment, I had to look up rain sleeve and can see your hesitation as to whether it would be sufficient. Tilley calling that a poncho is a little deceiving, but as it isn't really a coat either; what would one call it? Are those lateral pleats in front the pockets? Have you tried it on with your gear to see if it even fits underneath comfortably?
I still wonder if you can MacGyver something with a much cheaper Army Surplus poncho. They are waterproof. Any friends with sewing machines and some skills?
And it may be worth finding a FB group of photographers to ask how they do it....

In May 2022, we were on Skye, and met.ie recorded 80mph winds in downtown Portree. Walking the Quiraing was more of controlling your lift than protecting gear. Staying dry wasn't even a consideration. Two days of that weather surrounded by beautiful sunny calm.

Just for your camera? Would this work?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/937742-REG/dicapac_wp_s3_waterproof_case_for_mirrorless.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A6879&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqpSwBhClARIsADlZ_Tn0VaVmfT1Yn-0OJlt5vTcu_huW0dKtTq1GMvY5BjpJvvKjA45a0KMaAiZCEALw_wcB

jphbucks that one is for snorkeling and that.

I think I will look at something a bit higher end than my current sleeve, but that is much cheaper than the Tilley.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/870837-REG/LensCoat_LCRSMGR_RainCoat_RS_Rain_Sleeve.html

We bought good quality ponchos years ago and have rarely used them. A good waterproof jacket, rain pants, waterproof shoes, waterproof cover for your backpack and a plastic rain cover sleeve for your camera are all you need.