Advice for New Peregrino Starting in May

[afc479]

Hello! I am planning to walk the Camino de Santiago with my mom starting the very end of April (28/29th) so April/May and walking the Frances route. I am looking for any and all advice particularly on packing for the weather. Unsure if it will be raining or if the things I am planning on taking will be wrong for the weather.
For reference, this is my rough packing list so far:
- two pairs of shorts
- one pair of long pants
- two short sleeve shirts
- one long sleeve shirt
- fleece pullover
- rain jacket
- socks
- underwear and bra

Other items:
- headlamp
- fanny pack
- baseball cap
- sleeping bag liner
- journal
- small first aid kit

Thank you for any advice!

 

[nycwalking]

Hello! I am planning to walk the Camino de Santiago with my mom starting the very end of April (28/29th) so April/May and walking the Frances route. I am looking for any and all advice particularly on packing for the weather. Unsure if it will be raining or if the things I am planning on taking will be wrong for the weather.
For reference, this is my rough packing list so far:
- two pairs of shorts
- one pair of long pants
- two short sleeve shirts
- one long sleeve shirt
- fleece pullover
- rain jacket
- socks
- underwear and bra

Other items:
- headlamp
- fanny pack
- baseball cap
- sleeping bag liner
- journal
- small first aid kit

Thank you for any advice!

Lists looks good.

Take a lot of pictures. If using cellphone download as soon as possible.

Allow the Camino to bring what it wishes to you.

Take as much time as you possibly can. Soak up every nook and cranny of the way: churches, albergues, museums, fellow pilgrims, each other.

Buen camino.

 

[C clearly]

Welcome to the forum!

I assume that this list includes what you are going to wear on a typical day? I get chilled easily, so I would take an additional lightweight long sleeved shirt, a lightweight sleeping bag, and buff. You need to be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Several lightweight layers are more versatile than a single heavy layer.

Also, most of us (but not all) take a second pair of footwear - sometimes just flip-flogs or Crocs - for the evenings.

Don't forget a charger for your phone, ear plugs, small towel, and a rain cover for your backpack (or dry bags to protect clothes inside).

 

[henrythedog]

Welcome.

It is entirely possible that you may have some rain at that time of year and that it may be chilly early morning and evening. The central section of the CF is at altitude, although as flat as a pancake and so ‘it’s Spain so it must be warm’ doesn’t necessarily apply.

If you have a search on the forum you will find countless posts on packing lists. Yours is not a bad start. You don’t need specialist gear - although choose your footware with care - and I doubt you’ll need a head torch in May.

 

[amancio]

you will need a towel for your showers too!

 

[Harland2019]

It may be in your small first aid kit but make sure you have sunscreen. Other thoughts water bottle, stone to place at Cruz de Ferro, sunglasses, covid vaccination certificate if needed by then, face masks, washing kit - personal and laundry, not essential but penknife - having bought a "Swiss Army Knife" years ago I hate not to take it with me!

 

[Roland49]

Beside all other good tips: don't rush, socialize, have fun!

BC
Roland

 

[afc479]

Welcome to the forum!

I assume that this list includes what you are going to wear on a typical day? I get chilled easily, so I would take an additional lightweight long sleeved shirt, a lightweight sleeping bag, and buff. You need to be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Several lightweight layers are more versatile than a single heavy layer.

Also, most of us (but not all) take a second pair of footwear - sometimes just flip-flogs or Crocs - for the evenings.

Don't forget a charger for your phone, ear plugs, small towel, and a rain cover for your backpack (or dry bags to protect clothes inside).

Yes! I included what I could be wearing so the shorts and short sleeve shirt will probably be my daily outfit. Rain cover is definitely a must!

 

[afc479]

It may be in your small first aid kit but make sure you have sunscreen. Other thoughts water bottle, stone to place at Cruz de Ferro, sunglasses, covid vaccination certificate if needed by then, face masks, washing kit - personal and laundry, not essential but penknife - having bought a "Swiss Army Knife" years ago I hate not to take it with me!

I've read quite a few blogs about how they wished they had a pocketknife, what all did you use it for? I am also planning on flying and carrying on my bag so are there places in or near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to purchase one there?

 

[Harland2019]

To be honest not a lot on the Camino apart from cutting bread, cheese, fruit, etc. although when in the Uk I use it more frequently cutting brambles away from the path and taking the stones/mud out of my boots - a stick would do that! I keep the knife easily available in the top of my rucksack and have always thought that I could use it if I felt threatened - not sure about the legality of that but being male 6'4" and 100 kilos (although less when walking the Camino) I am not the most attractive target for a thief/mugger!

 

[trecile]

covid vaccination certificate if needed by then

I would bring it anyway, even if it's not required when you arrive. You never know what can change while you are on the Camino.

I've read quite a few blogs about how they wished they had a pocketknife, what all did you use it for?

Lots of people like to bring a knife, but I never have needed one.
I only brought nail clippers on my first Camino and did fine.
I now bring little folding scissors which I use to cut the tape that I use for blister prevention.

 

[Luther]

I think you'll want gloves. Most mornings will be cold, possible below freezing. I brought zip off pants and only wore the shorts one time between April 20 and May 20, 2016. I wore the gloves I purchased the second day, every day. Also good for wiping your nose which will drip every morning!

 

[JerryStroebele]

I carry a small folding knife made by Opinel in France to cut cheese, apples, chorizo, etc. Stop in any ferreteria (hardware store) in any town in Spain and ask for a cuchillo pequeno Opinel Inox. Inox means stainless steel. The carbon steel knives are and stay sharper but rust easily. These Opinel knives come in all sizes, a 3" is light and good enough. These folding knives have an apple wood handle and a locking ring. Maybe 8 - 10 euros. Nice souvenir from the Camino. Buen Camino

 

[lt56ny]

I've read quite a few blogs about how they wished they had a pocketknife, what all did you use it for? I am also planning on flying and carrying on my bag so are there places in or near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to purchase one there?

In regards to a knife, similar to a Swiss Army Knife. At Caminoteca, near the Jesus and Maria albergue in Pamplona they sell a basic knife similar to the Swiss Army Knife for less than 10 Euros. I always buy a basic knife because I carry food with me virtually every day and will prepare a sandwich, cheese etc. on a rock or under a tree. I use my knife just about every day. If you are sleeping in a big city before you go to SJPP ask at your hotel and they can direct you or google cuchillerias near me. You will find one quickly. i am sure they would sell them in St. Jean too but I have no idea what they are called in French. Last October I bought a perfectly good knife in Sevilla before I did the VDLP for 6 Euros.
You didn't include socks, merino wool would be good and no more than 4 pairs are needed. I think a Poncho works great because it will keep you dry and cover your backpack. People covered just about everything else you neglected to add. I seperate my things in 4 small mesh laundry bags to help with organization and to get to what i need quickly. I carry wet naps also.I also carry some zip lock bags in to put food in to keep fresh, and if nature calls or to just do general clean up to put my soiled wet naps (towelettes) in so I do not litter.
Just listen to your body and go at your own pace and be as open and friendly and helpful as possible and you will have the experience of a lifetime.

 

[T0M]

For drying your clothes if they are rain-wet or if you hand wash some clothes: a couple of meters of light, nylon cord and clothes pins or binder clips. You can set up a clothes line just about anywhere or hang wet clothes on the back of your backpack to dry as you walk. This kit was invaluable for me.

I had to downsize three times.

I loved having a stainless steel camp cup... the red wine at the monastery tasted delicious.

From REI (and other sources) I got a knife, fork, and spoon... they look like heavy plastic, but actually made from some more high tech, durable material, clipped together with a carabiner.

My small Swiss army knife has a cork screw.

Likely your smart phone will have a flash light app. Ditch the head lamp.

 

[TinaB]

Hello! I am planning to walk the Camino de Santiago with my mom starting the very end of April (28/29th) so April/May and walking the Frances route. I am looking for any and all advice particularly on packing for the weather. Unsure if it will be raining or if the things I am planning on taking will be wrong for the weather.
For reference, this is my rough packing list so far:
- two pairs of shorts
- one pair of long pants
- two short sleeve shirts
- one long sleeve shirt
- fleece pullover
- rain jacket
- socks
- underwear and bra

Other items:
- headlamp
- fanny pack
- baseball cap
- sleeping bag liner
- journal
- small first aid kit

Thank you for any advice!

Each time I have walked I always take a poncho with sleeves that also is made to fit over your backpack. Perfect cover. No flapping in the wind or wet arms. Rolls up small. Be sure to take flip flops or open trecking sandals to ‘air your feet’ in the evening. Enjoy! Buen Camino.

 

[benny aumala]

You have a lamp in your phone?
Then the second is not needed.

 

[trecile]

You have a lamp in your phone?
Then the second is not needed.

It's hard to use the phone as a light when you are using trekking poles.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @afc479
First a very warm welcome to the Forum.
I note that many of the experienced (female) pilgrims have offered advice. But I did not see any on the following issue. If you have not been to this part of Spain, definitely take the time to "smell the flowers"along the way.
If you will forgive an old man may I suggest that you consider including a skirt (maybe below the knee in length). If you spend an extra day in Burgos or Leon you may wish to go out at night and you may not wish to ware those "trekking clothes" seven days and nights.
As for the weather -well it can rain and even snow even into early June in the Pyrenees and also in the low mountains west of Rabanal or Galicia so come prepared. A very warm Buen Camino.

 

[Jennifer1959]

Welcome! I walked April May 2019 - had sun, rain, wind and even snow! You have to be prepared for all.
My advice is plan for layers, everything in your pack should be able to layer over each other in response to weather ... plus well worn boots, two layers merino socks (thick and thin) and good wet weather gear are all a must in my opinion. However if you find you don't have right kit there are plenty of good places to buy gear in bigger towns along the way if needed. I bought wet weather gloves there as there were days my hands were freezing. Ultreia & Buen Camino!

 

[Stinky Pilgrim]

As a second pair of shoes, you can’t go wrong with the original Teva sandals, link below. They are very comfy for wearing post-hike, but they offer the added bonus of being sturdy enough to use for walking the Camino if your boots give you problems. Good luck

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8PPS6M/?tag=casaivar02-20