Colin Decker
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances (2017)
I started on August 27th and walked until October 4th. Started from St. Jean. The first week was hot, but then it cooled off. Zip off pants were definitely a plus. Shorts not so much. Mornings started at 8 - 10 degrees C. and then got up to 20 - 25 degrees in the afternoons. I only had two days with sprinkles so rain gear pretty much stayed in my bag. I brought a heavy North Face raincoat, but could have gotten by with a light windbreaker. I brought an umbrella, but I only used it once. A sleeping bag was unnecessary, a light sleep sack would have done fine. All albergues had blankets. I brought a plugin heater for coffee, only used it once. The REI day first aid kit was pretty much useless. So in summary August - October was pretty cool, dry and ideal walking weather. I could have cut 5 - 10 lbs from my pack by cutting rain gear and the sleeping bag. I had a fleece vest, but some mornings sleeves would have been great. Shoes and sandles a size and half larger and double socks prevented blisters. no glide or Vaseline. Trekking sticks were a definite help, particularly on up hills and downhills. Look at pensions and Casa Rual's for rooms as well. There are some room deals out there. Wise Pilgrim, hostelworld and booking.com help. Also I saw several camel backs leak so a couple 500 ml bottles of water work just fine. and don't soak your clothes. Aquarius and bananas are your daily prevention against foot and leg cramps.