Decisions, Decisions

[waveprof]

We step off from SJPdP on May 19. For a variety of reasons specific to our group's circumstances, we will each be carrying more weight than we should or would like to (between 13 and 20% depending on the person). We've spent a lot of money buying light weight gear and a lot of time parsing the list to make it smaller and smaller. Overall, there just isn't much left that can be cut at this point.....so there is no point in turning this into a "pack light" thread.

But one item we keep going back and forth on is whether or not we really need a jacket. We will each have two light weight short sleeve base layers, one light weigh long sleeve base layer, a fleece, and a Spanish rain poncho (the altas ponchos)---which could be worn for warmth I guess---do you think we could get through without a jacket on top of that? It seems a heavy and bulky item that could be lost, but I also worry about getting into the Pyranees and freezing our cabooses off.

 

[Harry_Murph]

My thoughts on this would be to leave the coats behind. Layers work great because you can add/shed as needed. The average daytime temp in the Pyrenees for May is around 70 degrees F. Believe me, you will work up a good sweat making your way up the steep inclines in the Pyrenees! I ended up losing all the unnecessary items in my bag on the way way to Orisson.

 

[nidarosa]

I'd say that if you needed to lose pack weight and there is *nothing* else you can leave behind, then yes, leave the jackets. If they are not ultra lightweight, at least. With layers and an Altus each you should be fine, along the Frances there are places to stop and wait out the worst weather anyway. And from May it should be warm enough while you are walking, and if you get cold, walk faster My jacket was probably my least used item of clothing when I walked in Aug-Oct, come to think of it. You'll have a great time, jacket or no jacket.

Buen camino,
Linda

 

[mspath]

....
But one item we keep going back and forth on is whether or not we really need a jacket. We will each have two light weight short sleeve base layers, one light weigh long sleeve base layer, a fleece, and a Spanish rain poncho (the altas ponchos)---which could be worn for warmth I guess---do you think we could get through without a jacket on top of that? It seems a heavy and bulky item that could be lost, but I also worry about getting into the Pyranees and freezing our cabooses off.

waveprof,

I sincerely doubt that while walking IN ANY SEASON would you be comfortable in a jacket you describe as "heavy and bulky". Leave it at home! Often on many caminos I have seen pilgrims heavily sweating under bulky garments and further suffering from bearing that additional unnecessary weight. Personally I have always found several thin, lightweight (and easily removable) thermal layers to provide vastly more comfortable insulation than one thick layer EVEN IN WINTER. While you walk your sweat will keep you warm; if you are chilly in the evening wear all your clothes.

Have an un-bulky and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Anniesantiago]

I bring a jacket and never use it

Each year I tell myself to leave the jacket home

I brought it again this year

It should have stayed home

Leave the jackets home. :lol:
Layering with fleece is enough and when you start walking you'll be peeling off layers. The Altus works as a great windbreaker and keeps you warm.

Next year I'm leaving the danged thing home!

 

[Susannafromsweden]

I would not take a heavy jacket either.
But I'm taking an ultralight wind jacket myself (86 gram). I always got one of these with me.
I believe it's very common to have a light wind proof jacket as the outer layer.

 

[RENSHAW]

Swop the jacket for a waterproof top that will help insulate you as well as keep you dry ... May can still be very chilly!

 

[waveprof]

Thanks for the advice, which so far has been pretty unanomous, so we certainly plan to take it.

That said, to be clear, the jackets aren't really "big and bulky". They are marmot thick windreakers. I simply meant big and bulky compared to other cloths we would be packing.

 

[Olivares]

Take it from experience: a light, waterproof windbreaker that can be easily folded and bundled up is all you will need. Leave ANYTHING that's heavy and bulky. Walking will generate heat so dress in layers in the AM that can be easily taken off and put away. If you get cold it will likely be due to wind chill or rain, which is when the light windbreaker + Poncho will be your winning combo. If you take a look at my avatar, that red jacket is a light windbreaker that I bundled up to the size of a handkerchief and stored away or simply hanged from my backpack.

Buen Camino!

 

[Terrri]

Like Olivares said, a windbreaker that folds very small and is very light - that is what I am also bringing. A thick windbreaker still sounds pretty bulky. I know I kept seeing pictures of people in their heavier jackets and really had to stick to my plan of just a light, shell windbreaker and fleece.

 

[waveprof]

We fly tomorrow so I doubt we'll be able to add "super thin windbreakers". But the advice seems pretty uniform against the jackets, so we will try it with fleeces alone. Altas if necessary to help with warmth too. What about at night? Are albuergas heated at all?

Highs in the upper 50s for the next 8 days in SJPdP. Shivering already :mrgreen:

 

[Terrri]

I believe most albergues have blankets or you can always wear your fleece to bed. I am only bringing a liner and no sleeping bag and but I am bringing clothes that I can layer on at night if necessary.

Sounds like you will have an excellent temp. for walking.