First Camino in May/June

[Librarian75]

Hello! My partner and I will be walking the Camino Frances, starting in Pamplona, from May 18- July 4.

My questions are in terms of weather:

1- I have a pair of North Face fleece running tights that fit perfectly and are really comfortable, but I wonder if those would be too hot for May and June.

2- If I'm bringing a long sleeve shirt and a rain jacket, do I need a light jacket as well?

3- Will it be warm enough to bring just a sleep sack or liner, or is a sleeping bag necessary?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[David]

Hi.
1. Comfort over everything else - if too hot take a pair of scissors to them and you will have North Face fleece running shorts ... though .. fleece? In June/July???? (keep what you cut off as you can nappy pin (diaper pin) them back together if you need to).
2. one jacket is best, can't wear both, take the light one - or a good poncho! Of which, fab thing to do is to put your waterproofs on, with your rucksack as the straps press into the material, and go and take a cool shower - you will quickly find out if they are waterproof or not. (anything waterproof that I buy I always re-spray waterproof it before using as I have found that factory waterproofing can be hit an miss).
3. Ah - should be lovely hot weather then but nowadays in western Europe the weather is a little odd - your decision but I would go for the liner only, if for some weird reason it does go cold you can always wear all you have at night!

But, really depends where you come from. I have known Aussies think it pleasantly cool when Scots were almost fainting in the heat - you know your body best!

Top tip! - Just remember that what you walk around with when 'testing' the weight at home is totally nothing like the reality of carrying that pack day after day after day - every refugio has an area where people just abandon things they no longer want to carry, so don't take what you want, take only what you really need.

Buen Camino

 

[Juspassinthru]

I started almost the same time last year. A strong storm had hit the Pyrenees and was still lingering when I left SJPP. It was cold crossing to Roncesvalles and near freezing when I headed to Zubiri. 2 days later, 80/90 F. Layers are key and you rain gear will block the wind.

 

[David]

and yet I did my first Camino in early March and apart from the minor blizzard up on the Napoleon Way I had heat and dry all the way, except for two days of light rain in Galicia- you just cannot tel!!

 

[Librarian75]

Hi.
1. Comfort over everything else - if too hot take a pair of scissors to them and you will have North Face fleece running shorts ... though .. fleece? In June/July???? (keep what you cut off as you can nappy pin (diaper pin) them back together if you need to).
2. one jacket is best, can't wear both, take the light one - or a good poncho! Of which, fab thing to do is to put your waterproofs on, with your rucksack as the straps press into the material, and go and take a cool shower - you will quickly find out if they are waterproof or not. (anything waterproof that I buy I always re-spray waterproof it before using as I have found that factory waterproofing can be hit an miss).
3. Ah - should be lovely hot weather then but nowadays in western Europe the weather is a little odd - your decision but I would go for the liner only, if for some weird reason it does go cold you can always wear all you have at night!

But, really depends where you come from. I have known Aussies think it pleasantly cool when Scots were almost fainting in the heat - you know your body best!

Top tip! - Just remember that what you walk around with when 'testing' the weight at home is totally nothing like the reality of carrying that pack day after day after day - every refugio has an area where people just abandon things they no longer want to carry, so don't take what you want, take only what you really need.

Buen Camino

I appreciate the tips, David- especially the reminder about the difference between backpack weight at home and wearing it on the trail!

I should clarify that the leggings are fleece lined. The reasons I’m considering bringing them is because:
1- I’m wearing dresses, and have heard the mornings and evenings can be cool, even in May and June.
2- I want to bring something multipurpose—for warmth when it’s cold and to sleep in at night
3- I already own them, so even though they’re fleece lined, if I brought them I wouldn’t have to buy a new pair. Although considering your comment about cutting them, maybe I should just buy a cheap pair! No way I’m cutting my North Face gear!
Btw- I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and am used to 30+ Celsius in summer and -30 in winter. So, I like to be prepared!

 

[David]

hahaha - I was just being jokey - the real thing is you must wear what you want to wear ... though maybe not as far as a rabbit onesie

 

[Anniesantiago]

1. Bring the leggings
2. I’d leave the second jacket home in favor of a warm undershirt.
3. This year seems cold. Bring the sleeping bag. But in the end nobody can tell you what the weather will be be. Every year is different. I go almost each year at this time and I’ve been cold at night more than warm.

 

[Librarian75]

hahaha - I was just being jokey - the real thing is you must wear what you want to wear ... though maybe not as far as a rabbit onesie

 

[Librarian75]

Ha!