Are shorts necessary in March/April?

[stelrey]

I realize that weather is unpredictable, but in general are shorts necessary on an early spring camino? I've spent a lot of time thinking about layering for warmth...and now I'm worried that I'll end up being too hot near the end! Ha!

I don't like zip-off trousers. At all. They just don't feel comfortable to me. So if I bring shorts (or a hiking skirt, which is probably more likely), it will be an extra thing to carry.

 

[Laliibeans]

I'm wondering the same thing. I heat up very quickly and don't really feel the cold, so on all my previous hikes I've been sweltering (even in late autumn). I'm thinking for the Camino I might give hiking shorts a try, and take some knee high socks (personal favourites) for the mornings, which can then be swapped out for crew socks later in the day.

It's a bit out of my comfort zone though, I love zip-offs, except the ones where the zip manages to line up directly with the squishy bit right under your knee and bruises every time you kneel down :roll: So I'm interested in what others have to say, too.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

In March you can have snow. You want to walk in shorts? Fine, maybe a little unusual.
April is often the rainy month. Similar question!
I always take shorts and longs. In May and after the sun can be hot enough to burn when you're out for hours at a time. As soon as I feel the burning I change into longs. I also sometimes wear long-sleeve shirts for the same reason. The important thing is to be comfortable: it doesn't really matter what you look like!

Buen camino!

Stephen.

 

[stelrey]

In March you can have snow. You want to walk in shorts? Fine, maybe a little unusual.
April is often the rainy month. Similar question!
I always take shorts and longs. In May and after the sun can be hot enough to burn when you're out for hours at a time. As soon as I feel the burning I change into longs. I also sometimes wear long-sleeve shirts for the same reason. The important thing is to be comfortable: it doesn't really matter what you look like!

Buen camino!

Stephen.

I don't really want to walk in shorts. I'm just wondering if I'll be too hot in Spain in late April. Judging from your response, it sounds like i won't really need them. I think I'll plan on leaving them behind, and if i get too hot, i can always pick up a pair along the way. Thanks!

 

[stelrey]

It's a bit out of my comfort zone though, I love zip-offs, except the ones where the zip manages to line up directly with the squishy bit right under your knee and bruises every time you kneel down :roll: So I'm interested in what others have to say, too.

If I loved zip-off trousers, then I'd definitely go with them. They're so versatile. I just really don't like how they feel on. I have sensitive skin, and the zipper rubs and chafes.

 

[Kanga]

I just wear light quick drying long trousers. I also don't like the feel of zippers - one of those small things that gets magnified 200% on the Camino.

 

[Laliibeans]

They're not great in the desert in the middle of a dust storm either! So many extra places to build up scratchy grit.

 

[fortview]

Shorts and leggings to go underneath when it was cold, worked for me. It is possible to have some hot days in April. The leggings don't weigh much. Just another idea for you

 

[mmm042]

I wore shorts a lot in March, coupled with knee-high compression socks. I also like compression arm sleeves. They keep your arms a lot warmer than a long-sleeve shirt because they're tight, and can easily be rolled down or taken off if you get too hot.

Melanie

 

[stelrey]

I've never thought of using compression socks/sleeves. Interesting!