Equipment guidance

[Stuartwe]

I am planning to walk the Camino del Baztan starting in early September next year before joining the Camino Frances to hopefully complete in Mid October.

Any advice regarding any differences in equipment/clothing etc?

Thank you

 

[dougfitz]

On my first Camino, I carried some warm gear to cross the Pyrenees in early Apr that I knew I wouldn't want to keep. Two points:
a. I warmed up quickly enough to not need it. It would have been easier not to have worn it in the first place.
b. On subsequent pilgrimages I have carried a "warm bag" of clothing items for really cold days. This now consists of thicker gloves, neck warmer and beanie. That's all. Gone are things like the extra thermal underwear and thicker socks, and I haven't missed them.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

For crossing the Pyrenees if you take anything extra make sure it is old so you feel better about discarding it in Pamplona or earlier.

 

[FLEUR]

Last year in September on the Baztan it was mostly warm and sunny but sometimes rainy. We had Summer gear and ponchos or light rain jackets. As always, layers are best.
Monastery and albergues had blankets.

 

[NYSE]

I carried two Merino wool under shirts (one in the bag and one on the back), a wool sweater and a raincoat for my April camino. I wore the sweater and the jacket on those very cold mornings and the sweater most days. Closer to May it was the Merino wool under shirt only. I was adequately protected.

 

[mmmmartin]

Wherever you go a three metre phone charging cable and plug is very useful because there are many times when you want to lie on your bed and use the phone and the plug socket, I can guarantee, will never ever be near your bed.

 

[t2andreo]

I carry a 1 meter standard charging cable, plus a Euro-spec, two round pin, multiple-device charger that allows others to share one electrical outlet. This helps.

The longer cable would weigh more of course. In the end, it is about choices.

 

[Marbe2]

I am planning to walk the Camino del Baztan starting in early September next year before joining the Camino Frances to hopefully complete in Mid October.

Any advice regarding any differences in equipment/clothing etc?




So, I haven’t walked the Camino Baztan but the elevations appear less than 1000 meters so you will not be facing elevations higher than the CF.
It can occasionally drop to high 30s fahrenheit or even cooler on mountains in the mornings. Layer clothing using whatever system works for you. Usually you will need to peel layers off as the day warms. We have hit some snow on mountain passes... but not cold enough warrant winter gear. That said be aware that you will later in Oct be walking up to abt 1500 meters and youcouldhave significant snow aswell as icy conditions. But alayeredsystem should allow youto prepare forsuch conditions. InSept/Oct I bring a lite pair of gloves which protect my hands from chaffing using the poles...and provide some morning warmth. I would bring something with a hood or lite hat-in case of a really cold morning. Definitely figure out a rain protection system for yourself.



Thank you

 

[FLEUR]

I recommend walking poles that are adjustable.

 

[muddy-mama]

I am (God willing) going to walk the Frances from the 1st September next year. I may see you somewhere along the way Stuartwe.

 

[C clearly]

Any advice regarding any differences in equipment/clothing etc?

Ha! That's an open-ended question! You ask about "differences" - from what? In September-October you need to be prepared for almost all weather conditions but I would expect the weather to be mostly warm and sunny. I carry virtually the same things whether it is March, April, May, September, October, November. I haven't walked in the other months, but would expect only minor variations.

To "cross the Pyrenees" or other higher-elevation areas on the Camino, you do not need any special items. You should have a hat or buff anyway, and socks can be used as gloves if you don't have gloves. You will be there in early September, which is late summer. Check in the pilgrim office to confirm that the weather conditions are acceptable. On one occasion at the end of October, I found it very cold and windy but my rain jacket, gloves and rain pants kept me safe.

You should take several layers of lightweight clothes - if you have unusually cold weather on one or 2 days, you can put on all your layers - a couple of shirts, rain jacket with a hood, hat or buff, socks on your hands. You don't need "different" items - just layer them all on.

Be sure to keep one complete set of clothes, including a long-sleeved shirt, dry for the evening. I take a sleeveless down vest as an extra layer for evenings and sleeping, not for walking.

 

[RJM]

Complete it in mid October? I would guess there's a 99% chance you will not experience cold weather at all.

 

[Stuartwe]

I am (God willing) going to walk the Frances from the 1st September next year. I may see you somewhere along the way Stuartwe.

Good luck Muddy-Mama,I am sure you will do it and maybe our paths will cross.

I hope it isn’t too muddy though!

 

[Stuartwe]

Complete it in mid October? I would guess there's a 99% chance you will not experience cold weather at all.

That’s what I was hoping to hear

Thank you

 

[Stuartwe]

Ha! That's an open-ended question! You ask about "differences" - from what? In September-October you need to be prepared for almost all weather conditions but I would expect the weather to be mostly warm and sunny. I carry virtually the same things whether it is March, April, May, September, October, November. I haven't walked in the other months, but would expect only minor variations.

To "cross the Pyrenees" or other higher-elevation areas on the Camino, you do not need any special items. You should have a hat or buff anyway, and socks can be used as gloves if you don't have gloves. You will be there in early September, which is late summer. Check in the pilgrim office to confirm that the weather conditions are acceptable. On one occasion at the end of October, I found it very cold and windy but my rain jacket, gloves and rain pants kept me safe.

You should take several layers of lightweight clothes - if you have unusually cold weather on one or 2 days, you can put on all your layers - a couple of shirts, rain jacket with a hood, hat or buff, socks on your hands. You don't need "different" items - just layer them all on.

Be sure to keep one complete set of clothes, including a long-sleeved shirt, dry for the evening. I take a sleeveless down vest as an extra layer for evenings and sleeping, not for walking.

Thank you for your very comprehensive reply and sound advice

 

[Stuartwe]

I recommend walking poles that are adjustable.

Fleur,

Did you buy them when you arrived?

 

[Stuartwe]

Thank you for the detailed response

Much appreciated

 

[Stuartwe]

For crossing the Pyrenees if you take anything extra make sure it is old so you feel better about discarding it in Pamplona or earlier.

Good thinking,my brother will be returning back to the UK when we reach Pamplona so I can always land him with any gear I want to keep,but the wear and discard approach definitely appeals

 

[FLEUR]

Fleur,

Did you buy them when you arrived?

No we took ours with us. There is a sports shop in Bayonne but I don't know whether they stock walking poles.