Walking in winter

[brawblether]

Having completed one pilgrimage in summer last year I am looking ahead to my next. This time I'll be walking in winter (mid-late Feb) from Logrono to Leon. My question to those who have walked before me in the winter months is: what one thing, specific to walking in winter, would you recommend packing?

 

[robertt]

This is not a single thing, but a single notion. Treat everything as a layer. If it's cold, why am I carrying clothes rather than wearing them?

So I have this saying: "If it's not a layer, it's an at-home stayer." (Still waiting for that to catch on and go all proverbial. For some reason, it hasn't.)

Winter walking is great, just, er, very different.

Excited for you!

Rob

 

[mspath]

Having completed one pilgrimage in summer last year I am looking ahead to my next. This time I'll be walking in winter (mid-late Feb) from Logrono to Leon. My question to those who have walked before me in the winter months is: what one thing, specific to walking in winter, would you recommend packing?

Brawblether,

You must be very excited to be leaving again later this month!!

Gaiters can be very helpful!. The best advice is to BE PREPARED for extreme and varied weather. Nights can be bitter cold with freezing rain or snow. Learn to read the sky for possible storms.

Regarding the state of the path and weather forecasts be sure to ask the locals and watch TV reports. In bad weather many steep descents on the camino would be treacherous and following smaller parallel roads might be necessary. For example the stretch from Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada or across the Montes de Oca from Villafranca.

Sillydoll who is a Forum member has compiled encyclopedic information on Winter Walking at >> http://amawalker.blogspot.com/ Another good account of winter walking by a Forum member is the current 2013 blog http://agoodwalkunspoiled.blogspot.com/ .

Not all albergues will be open but the hospitaleros usually know who is on the next stage. You will find the welcome at those albergues which are open to be most sincere; generally they will either be heated or have blankets.

Have a safe and warm Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[brawblether]

And without opening up a boots v trainers debate, I can't wear boots so it will have to be trainers. Thinking specifically if this, any recommendations?

Thanks heaps for your replies above. I look forward to exploring the links you provided.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

And without opening up a boots v trainers debate, I can't wear boots so it will have to be trainers. Thinking specifically if this, any recommendations?

Thanks heaps for your replies above. I look forward to exploring the links you provided.

Given that rain is likely if you are wearing trainers I'd recommend waterproof socks as a strategy to avoid blisters: http://www.sealskinz.com/

 

[brawblether]

Thanks JW! I wore liner socks most of the days the last time I walked. Still haven't decided whether they were good or not! What are your thoughts on them with the waterproof socks?

 

[kiwipilgrimnz]

Hi there..i do alot of high altitude hiking in the mountains of NZ and its awesome..if you need ideas for a lightweight packing list let me know...i travel with a 45l pack and including food it never gets over 9kg in weight...id love to share my thoughts if at all interested..

Take care

 

[tomfriesen]

My first camino commenced on Feb 22 and ended on March 21st in Santiago with three more days out to Finisterre. 2005 was the coldest winter in 60 years according to one tv report at the time. Layers were definitely necessary but as the weather warmed up, it was actually harder to walk.
Walking on a layer of snow was not so bad but when it thawed by noon (especially in Navarra where the mud is exceptionally bootsticking) the path became much more taxing. The last couple of weeks also changed about 30 degrees C of temperature so I think of that as my three season Camino, The weight of snowpants, gaiters and a winterweight sleeping bag (for some of those unheated albergues) became much harder than when I was wearing the winter wear.
There were enough albergues along the Camino Frances to do this and often be the only ones there. I walked with two Mallorcan women who are still fast friends - one walked with me this past November from Zamora to Astorga and we three plan for another November Camino this year. To be the only three for the Pilgrim mass in Roncesvalles (in thigh deep snow) and in many other parts was terrific.
Taking along Spanish speaking people for a winter camino was very helpful to get the "inside scoop" although I think they only joined me because I had brought toilet paper and as a Canuck knew how to walk through snow with the occasional stop to make a snow angel.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Thanks JW! I wore liner socks most of the days the last time I walked. Still haven't decided whether they were good or not! What are your thoughts on them with the waterproof socks?

Have a look - liners might not be needed but of course you could try them!

http://www.sealskinz.com/technology

 

[JoanneDoe]

Hi there..i do alot of high altitude hiking in the mountains of NZ and its awesome..if you need ideas for a lightweight packing list let me know...i travel with a 45l pack and including food it never gets over 9kg in weight...id love to share my thoughts if at all interested..

Take care

:arrow: Hi, KiwiPilgrim,
I'd highly appreciate if you would publish your leightweight packing list.
I ALSO managed to keep my whole luggage (Daypack 2.5 kg and Backpack 6 kg) at under 9kg (it depended on the CaminoSnack stuffed into my Daypack), but I am always willing to learn a bit more on HOW TO DROP the total weight.
Thank you VERY MUCH beforehand,
Ursula

 

[SYates]

One thing to bear in mind is also that snow can cover a lot of the markings (arrows painted on trees etc) so be extra attentive when that situation arises, make a mental note of when you saw the last markings plus carry a guide that has reasonable maps. SY

 

[brawblether]

Great point SYates, thanks! I'm not very snow savvy so I really appreciate the tip.