Evening Wear

[Richard Theil]

In May, is it important to have a down jacket in the evening when there is no heat in the Alb?

 

[rubyslippers]

Space blanket or long johns to sleep in. I wore my ski silks to bed and only needed an extra layer twice.

 

[grayland]

The thread title "Evening Wear" and then we have Ruby Slippers discussing Silks to sleep in...very appropriate.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Pearls are optional, but it is safe to leave one's tiara at home.
God help the pilgrim who slips into his bunk without looking put-together!

 

[Stephen]

I suppose the opportunities to wear a tuxedo of an evening would be fairly limited. Maybe not worth taking?

 

[jsalt]

In May, is it important to have a down jacket in the evening when there is no heat in the Alb?

Hi, a down jacket could be overkill in May. A lightweight fleece may be better. Jill

 

[mspath]

My late autumn/winter tenu de soiree for bed/bunk chic includes a wooly hat with ear flaps. The effect is a cross between Goldylocks grandma and the wicked witch of the west; nevertheless it is a toasty topping for sleeping in any unheated albergue.

 

[Al the optimist]

What to wear in the evening? The set of clothes that are not still drying! If it's chilly then the coat you wear when it's chilly for the first few hundred yards before you warm up in the morning? No pilgrim needs to look sartorially elegant and any extra clothing is just weight you don't need.

 

[Tia Valeria]

A fleece, maybe 2 of them layered (1 mid-weight, 1 lighter weight). The same applies for early morning as well as evening. Just looking at the weather maps last night a second fleece in early May looks like a good idea.

 

[rubyslippers]

I'm laughing so hard! When I think about being cold my mind immediately goes to night time in the Albergue! I never needed a jacket anywhere while awake and in the upright position. hahahaha I have a -33 degree Marino long sleeve under layer that I take EVERYwhere with me. When it's chilly this piece is warm and snuggly. Dries very quickly too. Grayland, I needed a good chuckle this morning and I thank you.

 

[Kialoa3]

In May, is it important to have a down jacket in the evening when there is no heat in the Alb?

Maybe not in the albergue, but depending upon where you are a lightweight down jacket (4-5 ounces) could feel quite nice when you are out walking about. I sure appreciated having mine.

 

[rubyslippers]

They have such lightweight, stuffable jackets now too. My husband and I both bought one for our recent trip to NZ and AU. Folded into it's own pocket.

 

[Lachance]

Slightly off topic....but I got turned away from a restaurant in Leon due to my lack of appropriate dress. I was so embarassed.
I went around the corner and had a flash burger. ☺

Tell all! What were you [not] wearing? What sort of restaurant was it? I would really like to stay in a Parador 1 night but have this nightmare vision of snooty un Camino tourists muttering unkindly at my lack of appropriate dress.

 

[Al the optimist]

We stayed in the SDC Parador without and snootiness, though we only ate breakfast there.

 

[Kathy F.]

Evening wear? I'm packing my sequins. And, of course, a touch of perfume goes a long way - "Eau d'Albergue."

 

[Lachance]

It was a very flash resturant in a hotel ( Hotel Regina?)
I was wearing my dry clothes....
Grey marl quick dry t-shirt. It may or may not have had a olive oil stain on it.
Black leggings
Sandals
And a blue dressy scarf.
And chap stick ☺ So there was so gloss.

I then had to limp back up the stairs. It took ages. I was pretty emotional as my camino had come to an end in Leon due to my injury. So...i had to fight back the tears...

But.....i went onto have a yummy burger with some great staff.
By the end of the night I had laughed it off.

Thanks Lise. Sounds like you were trying to give yourself a bit of a treat. Then to cop that! I've seen tourists in 5* hotel restaurants here dressed a lot worse. There are unenlightened persons (euphemism) like that maitre de all over. I would have balled my eyes out. Good on you for moving on. Ultreia!

 

[rubyslippers]

I'm sure one of the loveliest things about you is your delicious Wit! Made me smile

 

[Kanga]

Thank you @Richard Theil - I love the picture your heading "Evening Wear" conjures up. Please forgive us some levity, I see your original question got at least some sensible replies....

I've always had trouble in Paris and Madrid. Hiking pants and joggers just don't cut it at the Lido. The year I took a black shirt and sandals (I thought quite classy) I was told I looked like a poor Greek peasant.

 

[Al the optimist]

You would probably look like a rich one now unfortunately.

 

[rubyslippers]

Thank you @Richard Theil - I love the picture your heading "Evening Wear" conjures up. Please forgive us some levity, I see your original question got at least some sensible replies....

I've always had trouble in Paris and Madrid. Hiking pants and joggers just don't cut it at the Lido. The year I tool a black shirt and sandals (I thought quite classy) I was told I looked like a poor Greek peasant.

Kanga, I travel standby for an airline so they have "regulations" in-case you get put in first class. I always take a pair of black leggins and a black Merino wool sweater. Easy to dress up or down and I add a pair of nice "skiffs" in patent leather. They stuff well and are cheap enough I could even toss them if need be. (I can't believe they said that to you!)

 

[uniQ]

I'm taking a Berghaus Hypertherm hooded jacket this year. They're reversible according to the marketing; one side keeps you warmer by blocking the wind and the other side lets the wind through keeping you cooler. Weighs 210g and packs into the size of a small apple. I also take a lightweight merino jumper around 180g it's nice if you do go for a meal or spend a few days somewhere after the camino and can also be layered with a t-shirt underneath.

 

[SeaHorse]

Googled images "Greek peasant". Not that bad. Anyway, this gave me the inspiration at least to go wash the crocs I'm packing.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Buy please whatever you do ..... wear something.