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CF starting March 14 from SJPDP

TaraWalks

Peregrina without a skateboard
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances 2016 & 2018, planning for Le Puy 2019/2020ish and for some shorter Caminos stacked
Hi everyone, I've been lurking on this forum for a couple of years but this is my first thread!

My partner and I start the CF in mid March. I have walked it previously in Aug/Sept 2016 and despite lots of trawling of the threads here, I would like whatever advice you care to share.

What I already garnered is that it will probably be cold and that there will be rain/snow/storms/really cold weather and mud.

1. I'm packing my merino tshirt (x2, one for sleeping), long sleeve and hoody (also both merino), I also have hiking pants and 2x thermals (also one for sleeping) for the bottom half. Not enough or over kill?

2. I have a poncho for rain and am considering gaiters but am also considering the hard shell and rain pants + rain cover combination. Thoughts on this?

3. I have great waterproof hiking shoes and will be wearing merino socks (but also have synthetic too). Also with rain pants/gaiters do you think they will be ok with all the mud?

I'm sure I'll think of other things to ask but I'll be happy with whatever extra advice you can give me

Thanks in advance!

Tara
 
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1. I'm packing my merino tshirt (x2, one for sleeping), long sleeve and hoody (also both merino), I also have hiking pants and 2x thermals (also one for sleeping) for the bottom half. Not enough or over kill? What will you wear out to dinner in the evenings if your one pair of hiking pants is wet? Maybe your second "thermals" could be used for that (depending on your personal fashion statement , or you replace one pair with a dual purpose pant.

2. I have a poncho for rain and am considering gaiters but am also considering the hard shell and rain pants + rain cover combination. Thoughts on this? My thoughts are that I prefer rain jacket and pants, but others prefer ponchos.

3. I have great waterproof hiking shoes and will be wearing merino socks (but also have synthetic too). Also with rain pants/gaiters do you think they will be ok with all the mud? They will be as OK as anything, and better than many footwear choices! In other words, if the mud is bad you cannot avoid a mess.
 


Haha thanks for the practical advice. Re evening wears I'm tossing up between packing a hiking skirt to go over the second set of thermals or taking some lightweight (but super warm) fleece pants.

Yep still tossing up on the rain jacket and pants combo - I need to do a few more practice hikes in my poncho/jacket to figure that one out.

And phew re shoes

Thanks again!
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Instead of 2 x thermals, I suggest some leggings (eg https://www.kathmandu.com.au/trenah-women-s-leggings.html). These are really comfortable for walking. The hiking pants can then be your "evening wear". I also take a short hiking skirt to wear over the top of the leggings on occasion.
 
I will be in SJPD on the 15th from Melbourne, I am just taking extra thermal top as I use compressions, and a poncho if not raining but cold a puff jacket that is light and I can squash, I will also be drinking vino to ward off the cold and evil spirits...fourth walk.
 
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THanks for that. Have you walked all of your walks in early spring or have they been in other seasons?
 
TaraWalks said:
THanks for that. Have you walked all of your walks in early spring or have they been in other seasons?
Click to expand...
Early Spring both the CF and the De Levante from Valencia.
 
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2024 edition: The Brierley Camino Frances Guide
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Thanks everyone for your responses, they've been a great help. I realise that no two Caminos are the same and it makes me feel better to know that I'm getting there with adequate prep
 
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