• Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.

Search 74,075 Camino Questions

Fleece or light rain/wind jacket?

Andrea Mayfield

it's about the journey.....
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (May 2015)
Camino Portugues - Porto to Santiago (June 2018)
I'm walking the Camino Frances beginning on September 13. My internal temp. usually runs warm. So, I'm leaning toward packing short sleeved wool t-shirts (1 long sleeved) and a puffy vest along with a light weight North Face wind/rain jacket with hood rather than a fleece. I have an Altus poncho for serious rain. This is my first fall Camino - I'd appreciate advice on your experience with temperatures this time of year. Thank for your thoughts.
 
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.
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!
What I've learned from cycle touring is that anything that retains water is bad. One trip my rain jacket was soggy for days ... next trip I upgraded to an expensive shake dry. Layers dry faster and if your clothes can't be reasonably dried rolling in a towel they will stay wet too long.
 
Layers, that's what works best. You just have to decide how many layers work for you.

I wear three layers, the second being a light cycle zip up top, the third being a lightweight goretex raincoat.

You mentioned wool t-shirts. You just need to ensure your chosen tops will dry as fast as more technical fibres.

I finished the CF mid October last year and at times it was 5c in the mornings. But, it rarely lasted long, and walking raises your core temperature anyway.
 
I'm walking the Camino Frances beginning on September 13. My internal temp. usually runs warm. So, I'm leaning toward packing short sleeved wool t-shirts (1 long sleeved) and a puffy vest along with a light weight North Face wind/rain jacket with hood rather than a fleece. I have an Altus poncho for serious rain. This is my first fall Camino - I'd appreciate advice on your experience with temperatures this time of year. Thank for your thoughts.
Layers good as others have said. A bit of mixed weather in September in northern Spain is a distinct possibility.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Layers, that's what works best. You just have to decide how many layers work for you.

I wear three layers, the second being a light cycle zip up top, the third being a lightweight goretex raincoat.

You mentioned wool t-shirts. You just need to ensure your chosen tops will dry as fast as more technical fibres.

I finished the CF mid October last year and at times it was 5c in the mornings. But, it rarely lasted long, and walking raises your core temperature anyway.
Thanks Dave. Only long sleeved T-shirt is 100% Merino wool - for coldest times. Other t-shirts are 60% merino wool and 40% poly - very light weight.
 
Sounds like you're well prepared with wool based clothing, the poncho alone should suffice for any possible rain.
I did the CF last year in September and only had to use the poncho twice over 33 days. It was quite hot until around Leon (started early September) and I bought a fleece in Leon for the cooler evenings.
Looks like this year it could be an Indian summer as well.

Buen Camino!
 
Your layers sound good. I walked last year in September and found early mornings and afternoons to be chilly after Leon. So chilly that I bought a pair of pants to go over my leggings and a jacket to go over the merino hoodie I had. I also had a pair of ultralight merino glove liners that I wore some mornings.

In late september/early october expect mornings to be 5-15C. I adjusted layers frequently throughout the day, removing or adding layers as I needed them.

Buen Camino!
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I'm walking the Camino Frances beginning on September 13. My internal temp. usually runs warm. So, I'm leaning toward packing short sleeved wool t-shirts (1 long sleeved) and a puffy vest along with a light weight North Face wind/rain jacket with hood rather than a fleece. I have an Altus poncho for serious rain. This is my first fall Camino - I'd appreciate advice on your experience with temperatures this time of year. Thank for your thoughts.
I usually take stretchy silk singlet, short-sleeved Merino, light fleece or uniqlo light down jacket and the light Altus or Sea to Summit poncho. It has been a great combo for years in June or Septemberin Spain, France, Portugal.
 
Take both. You will use both, and it gives 4 options;
1) Nothing
2) Fleece only
3) Rain jacket only
4) Fleece and Rain Jacket (which has performed well for me even through a Canadian Winter.
Heat is retained close to the body and the Rain Jacket will not only keep everything dry but also deflect cold winds, as well as snow and sleet. If it gets colder, add another larger fleece.
 
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Most read last week in this forum

Being of an age where luggage becomes mysteriously heavier with each passing year, I’ve realised what I’ve learned about packing light for Camino is relevant for all kinds of travel. Gleaned from...
I am having a hard time finding a hyper/ultralight raincoat that won't break the budget (Less than $20). It would be nice to have one that isn't the clear plastic version. Any recommendations or...
Every year around this time, I buy the soon to be outdated Altra Lone Peak. Lots of sites have the Lone Peak 8s on sale, in anticipation for the Lone Peak 9. I like to be a year behind because...
This is the first time I've worn these headphones, or even this kind of headphone, on Camino, and I thought I would share the experience, the pros and cons for anyone considering them or something...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Back
Top