MStypula said:
Tyrrek:
The thought just occurred ....
Hi Merril.
I was a dreadful pilgrim, so I'm quite selective about giving advice on practical issues. For example, I accidentally left my sleeping bag in the first albergue I stayed in. That's how competent I was.
That said, I didn't freeze, didn't starve, and am still alive. And I will offer advice based on my mistakes!
When it rains it can be heavy (take a rest day!), but it was more often like a misty rain/drizzle, which can actually be quite refreshing! It is worth having a cover for your pack, and a rain jacket but at that time of year I personally don't think you have to worry about a seriously warm jacket too much. I think 80% of the time I was walking in shorts and a t-shirt. A decent fleece is good, especially for the evening when it cools down.
It will be a bit chilly at night if the sky is clear, so a sleeping bag rather than liner is a good idea. You'll notice in the morning when you start walking that there's still a chill in the air for an hour or so, but that just means that it will be warm later. You will need sun cream at times.
Clear skies at night mean beautiful starry skies so remember to enjoy them, especially when you're in an albergue away from the towns and cities. I might be wrong, but the air seems so much clearer in spring before all the summer dust. Find somewhere just to lie down, look at the sky and wonder!
Overall I think we sometimes overstate the equipment that is desirable on this forum. I took old or cheap t-shirts etc so I could just bin anything that I found was not necessary. Everything you put on your feet should be good quality, though, and quick-dry clothes are most certainly a plus. Remember that you're not climbing Everest. If you ever feel uncomfortable you can get what you need in Spain.
Buen Camino!