CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS FOR MARCH/APRIL

You can find information on average temperatures etc here:
http://groups.msn.com/ElCaminoSantiago/ ... rances.msn
You will need to be prepared for snow in some places.

Hi Jeff offers good advice. This time of the year you need need to make "all weather" preparations. What you buy much depends on how much you are prepared to pay - I'd say invest in a very good base layer like a merino wool vest and some long johns. Next priority for me is some lightweight synthetic technical clothes as a middle layer and lastly a good rain and windproof outershell. Drying wet or washed clothes is a serious consideration at this time of the year and you'd be advised to go for quick dry synthetic materials. But the searching is fun!

I walked last year from Roncesvalles--March 8-April 4. I brought:

1 long sleeved Champion brand synthetic quick dry lightweight shirt
1 long sleeved LLBean synthetic lightweight shirt (with collar)--quickdry
1 duofold polyester/merino wool blend pullover shirt (it might have been an army surplus item)
2 pairs Champion brand lightweight synthetic trousers--quick dry
1 pair goretex LLBean brand trousers
1 synthetic quick dry t-shirt
2 pairs silk long johns
1 long sleeved silk long underwear shirt
1 fleece jacket (cheap--$10.00 at Target)
1 Mountain Hardware (I think this is the brand) lightweight/breathable hooded rain jacket
3 or 4 pairs Smartwool adrenaline hiking socks
1 pair lightweight cotton regular socks for evening/after shower wear
1 lightweight fleece stocking cap
1 cheap lightweight pair knit gloves

On cold days, the wool/poly shirt layer along with fleece (and silk layer) was warm enough. The silk longjohns made the lightweight trousers warm enough. I generally wore the t-shirt and 1 pair of silk long underwear as pajamas. I did not bring shorts. I hadn't originally packed the goretex trousers but the day I left I saw there was snow in Roncesvalles. They proved useful on the snowy days. There were some warm days where I wore the t-shirt or the long sleeves. The long sleeve shirts and the trousers are so lightweight that on warm and sunny days, they are fine. I have since bought a smartwool brand longsleeved base layer wool shirt which is lighter weight than the poly/wool shirt but should so as well. I had both snow and warm days and these clothes worked well for me. I also live in No. Virginia and bought nearly everything at REI, Hudson Trail Outfitters, or target. Summer walkers might think it seems like a lot but it worked out well for the varying temperatures. My packweight was about 14 pounds (6-7 kg) so I didn't think it was too much. Things don't always dry quickly in winter so I liked having plenty of socks. I thought March was a great time to walk. Have fun.

A good mail order source for discounted clothes and equipment:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Sign up for their credit card, and shipping is free!