AlongTheAway
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- September (2016)
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Agreed, leave the tank tops at home. Too early in the season, but even in the middle of summer you would get little use out of them as you would be looking for sun protection and a good layer between your shoulders and backpack straps.
Also, in April you are likely to get rain. Will a merino sweater dry easily enough? There is something to be said for polar fleece.
Doug, at this point can we say you "stink?"I agree with the general trend of this advice, but was wondering how you were planning to layer the various options. You appear to have enough to create five layers, which might not be your intention, and is probably going to be too much even in early spring. My own experience is that at this time of year I started the day with three layers, and after an hour or so reduced that to two. If it rained, I would add my rain jacket to whatever I was wearing. Very rarely did I use a full four layer system, but when it was needed, it was really needed.
My camino layering pattern is:
While I find that pure wool knits are not robust enough for my local walking, conditions on the camino are more benign, and a pure wool knit might well survive intact. However, I have never found the 'no-smell' promise to be believable or achievable. I sweat, and even pure wool will have an obvious smell. It won't be as bad as some synthetics like polypropylene, but I wouldn't want to go without washing my clothes most days.
- base layer - light wool blend tee shirt (mine are from OR). These are more robust than any pure merino garment, which I find tear and get holes too easily.
- mid-layer - long or short sleeved shirt, depending on the conditions. I sometimes use a long sleeved knit during walks locally, but have always chosen a conventional, woven fabric, shirt for the camino. The mid-layer knits I use are now synthetic - pure wool knits are even less robust as an outer layer for me, and I now don't bother with them in this role.
- insulating layer - light weight polar fleece 1/4 zip
- wind/rain layer - I have tried several over the years, ranging from light-weight and short to heavy-weight and long. They all have some compromises.
All these things are in the eye of the beholderDoug, at this point can we say you "stink?"
I did about the same in May of 2014. While walking, my 150 icebreaker long sleeve shirt and rain jacket to break the wind kept me plenty warm. In the evening I wore an icebreaker short sleeve tee and my icebreaker hoody. I will do the same in May of 2017. I also had a silk liner for my 45° sleeping bag but only needed it a few times because most of the albergues had blankets.I would agree with Kanga on this. I carried two Merino short sleeve T's and one long sleeved, the weight was 150. I opted for a 1/4 zip fleece rather than the Merino jacket, I used my rain jacket as the top layer when it was very cold. I walked from 19th April in a very wet and cold Spring. I also carried a lightweight sleeping bag and a silk liner as some of the albergues could be cold enough.
Buen Camino.
Lots a great advice, excellent thread.
As a guy I think a tanktop would be a waste. Sy's right, sleep in some fresh&dry stuff you plan to walk in the next morning.
Lot of your decision making should be based on how much you sweat and your tolerance to cold. You want the merino wool to wick and dry as you walk, rather than creating your own personal sauna. I find the light weight t's are all I need but understand I generally only walk between May and September. The best thing about Merino is unlike cotton or polyester it doesn't stink from perspiration odors after years of repeated abuse and I'm sure there are some who will vouch for me that I'm the expert at that.
I bought the Patagonia nano puff vest for my trip last month to Moratinos, it is wonderful light weight addition to a pack.
My son who is from Denver and an avid outdoors man convince be to buy a Arc'teryx fleece from REI for my recent trip. I would not have survived without it.
Love the Icebreaker as well! My suggestion for you is less about which pieces you decide to carry for layers but rather how many you take with you.
One of the greatest features of quality Merino wool (as compared to the really cheap stuff you can find in various wholesale stores) is that you can wear it literally for weeks without generating any adverse smells! This was Icebreakers claim so to test it myself I wore the same Icebreaker t-shirt everyday for 32 days one summer at home when I was working around the house and yard. After those 32 days the shirt still didn't smell!! I hand washed it after that and it was plain to see that the shirt was filthy (dirt) but their claims about not smelling really did hold true so when I left for my subsequent spring Camino I just took 2 150 weight Icebreaker shirts (1 for walking, 1 for sleeping) as they dry faster on the odd occasion that they actually need to be washed.
This could save you a small amount of weight and a large amount of money. Have fun deciding and Buen Camino!!
I walked last year from April 14- May 21 and also had extreme cold, rain, sleet and snow. It wasn't really short sleeve (in the daytime) weather until the last 10 days and we did encounter a snow storm at Cruz de Fero on May 12th. So I agree with leaving the tanks at home and I would only take one short sleeve shirt, as I doubt you would wear one in the evening. I would have 3 layers for evening which you can also sleep in, as it can be cold and damp in some of the albergues. For this time of year I also was really glad to have my Ferrino rain poncho (thats not really a poncho.) All of my comments are specific to the time of year you are walking as pilgrims 2 weeks behind me had very different weather.
I wore my icebreaker 150 for 28 days and washed it twice (washed myself daily)! Did not sweat much, and did not stink. This was independently verified, dougfitzMy other layers were a thin but warm cashmere pullover sweater, a lightweight 1/4 zip fleece, a super light pullover wind shirt, a short sleeve merino tee, and my rain Parcho. I also wore a lightweight scarf and used a buff as well. I tend to feel cold, but these layers worked well and I often used all the layers together. I also had a dedicated sleep shirt that could have been used if I needed more warmth. For bottom layers, I had thin tights, a hiking skirt, and long underwear bottoms. Most days I started off with the long bottoms under my skirt, and easily removed them if the day warmed. I plan on repeating this system in 2017. I walked the Francès mid April - May this year. My pack weighed 6-7 kg depending on how much jamon and queso I carried. Don't forget, you can always buy an extra layer if needed. Pack light and Buen Camino!
I wore my icebreaker 150 for 28 days and washed it twice (washed myself daily)! Did not sweat much, and did not stink. This was independently verified, dougfitz
I'll plug the other brand here. I wear a Smartwool cami at night. I like changing too!Many people sleep in the next day's clothes so sleepwear is not essential. Personally, I'm really attached to the idea of a cosy clean top to wear just for sleep (totally accept I may change my mind of Camino day 2) but I take the point of making it a tshirt which could do double duty.
For those that haven't read every post in detail, no-one has suggested that wool garments will stink, although if you are inclined to ignore basic hygiene practices like washing yourself and your clothes, that is more likely than not. What I have found, and so it seems have others, is that they do retain an odour, and benefit from regular washing. If you base your clothes washing regime on some sniff test, you may find it possible to reduce the frequency of washing, particularly for outer garments. I prefer to wash my base layer garments daily, even if it is just a hand wash and rinse.Did not sweat much, and did not stink. This was independently verified, dougfitz
In addition to my two merino dresses I also brought a pair of lightweight merino leggings and a light merino sweater. I also machine washed and dried all of my merino wool clothing when exposed to bedbugs, and they all came out fine.Icebreaker recommends that its garments not be put in the dryer but "dry rapidly in the shade." I was exposed to bedbugs and washed my icebreaker garments in hot water and put them in the dryer and they came out just fine. I still wear the same things a lot and they look like new. I got melted cheese on my long sleeve top a week ago and thought it was ruined, but the grease came out. Forgot to mention before I also had a pair of lightweight icebreaker leggings I wore under my skirts when needed on Camino -- 2 skirts and the leggings were my only below the waist garments (other than underwear) on the camino.
Just teasing!For those that haven't read every post in detail, no-one has suggested that wool garments will stink, although if you are inclined to ignore basic hygiene practices like washing yourself and your clothes, that is more likely than not. What I have found, and so it seems have others, is that they do retain an odour, and benefit from regular washing. If you base your clothes washing regime on some sniff test, you may find it possible to reduce the frequency of washing, particularly for outer garments. I prefer to wash my base layer garments daily, even if it is just a hand wash and rinse.
I also generally prefer to keep my hiking clothes distinct from my evening clothes, although a fleece might serve either. That way I always have a fairly clean dry outfit to wear in the evenings and in my sleeping bag, and I don't need need to wash my walking clothes so often. Of course there are exceptions, mainly due to extreme weather, but that is my routine.Also, while I keep reading here about people sleeping in their next day clothes I have yet to see any one do it. I like you like my lounge wear, used for sleep and perhaps also in the pm/evening for comfort. It may be the leggings and a longsleeve I would wear during the day if I felt I needed extra layers, but certainly not my hiking pants or skirt.
There are always some interesting debates on clothing. A bit like footwear and packsWe are all different though. Here are two perspectives....
One thing that I did find was that the Icebreaker shirts were not hard wearing at all. Particularly the lighter weights. We only walked about 12 days this year and used them another 2 weeks back packing around Europe. By the end the shirts were getting holes in them. Icebreaker offered to replace them if we went back to the store, but I never got around to it.
It may have been partly due to the washing regime. We washed them after each wear, using a Scrubba Washing Bag, which I have to say I found very effective. But the 'nodules' on the Scrubba, or perhaps the zips on the shirts, may have caused damage in the washing process, who knows.
I agree on the making holes business. I came home with my trusty 150 grms longsleeved icebreaker with what I termed to be a "golf shirt" as it had 24 holes. But I confess it had been drenched, wringed and subsequently torn. Maybe it´s a man thing.....
It has no extra fibers, so IF you want a perfect tearproof clothing in the merino section , go to the damned Swedes who make Woolpower in flat and looped quality and in different weights. We damn the Swedes; as our neighbours they make brilliant products. These merinoes are made for the military and wash at up to 60 dgrs centigrade!!
Do look them up.
The weight is next to the product. In "base layers" the Item CREWNECK 200, the 200 refers to the weight.They look really good. But there was no weight information on the products. Any idea how the Lite compare with the IceBreaker weights?
I agree on the making holes business. I came home with my trusty 150 grms longsleeved icebreaker with what I termed to be a "golf shirt" as it had 24 holes. But I confess it had been drenched, wringed and subsequently torn. Maybe it´s a man thing.....
It has no extra fibers, so IF you want a perfect tearproof clothing in the merino section , go to the damned Swedes who make Woolpower in flat and looped quality and in different weights. We damn the Swedes; as our neighbours they make brilliant products. These merinoes are made for the military and wash at up to 60 dgrs centigrade!!
Do look them up.
I don't think it is necessarily a man thing so much as a difference in the mechanical properties of pure wool vs a synthetic or synthetic blend. The latter have far greater tensile strength, and won't break as easily when snagged. Wool yarn is not as strong, and holes form in the knit when a thread breaks. With similar usage, none of my synthetic or synthetic and wool blend garments have holes with up to five years of use. Pure wool garments seem to only last that many months before becoming holey!
I agree on the making holes business. I came home with my trusty 150 grms longsleeved icebreaker with what I termed to be a "golf shirt" as it had 24 holes. But I confess it had been drenched, wringed and subsequently torn. Maybe it´s a man thing.....
It has no extra fibers, so IF you want a perfect tearproof clothing in the merino section , go to the damned Swedes who make Woolpower in flat and looped quality and in different weights. We damn the Swedes; as our neighbours they make brilliant products. These merinoes are made for the military and wash at up to 60 dgrs centigrade!!
Do look them up.
Hi everyone
Thanks to all the advice on the forums and the excellent post Christmas sales I am making progress on my Camino gear (including two pairs of shoes being tested and just bought my backpack today!)
Now moving on to the top part of me. As a big Icebreaker fan I am thinking about going with the following layers:
2 x Icebreaker tank top (150 & 150 - second is to sleep in)
2 x Icebreaker tshirt (135 & 150 - second is to alternate while washing)
2 x Icebreaker long sleeve top (180 & ? haven't bought a second yet, it's to alternate while washing)
1 x Icebreaker long sleeve full zip jacket (?)
1 x Marmot Precip for rain/wind
My big question is - what weight should I get for the long sleeve full zip jacket? There is an Icebreaker sale on at the moment and I have a choice of 200, 230 or 260.
I will be walking from 8 April 2017. I checked the average temps for April (3-6 to 14-16c) and May (6-10 to 16-22c). I tend to feel the cold easily when I'm still, but heat up when I walk. Based on this I'm leaning toward the 230 or 260 but I don't have a lot of experience (yet!) with layering while being active, I'm wondering if I should go for lighter... I guess layering is best. Just wanted some opinions on what the experts think
Thanks very much in advance!!
Dear AlongTheAway,
I concur with the general trend of most of the replies. I started on April 2nd from SJPP and arrived in SdC in second week of May. On the way I encountered all kinds of weather conditions: snow, sleet, rain, wind, sun... I think your list of uppers is too long. You can probably eliminate at least one of the short and/or long sleeve. I left my Merino 230 half zip long sleeve home and only took a 150 short and 150 long sleeve t-shirts on the trip - and was fine (for layering I had a light Pantagonia down vest, a Merino jacket and an OR Helium II windbreaker/rain jacket.) To keep weight down (11 pounds including the backpack but not the water or food) I only brought a silk sleeping bag liner. On the couple of nights when it was cold in the albergue I just slept with my hiking pants and jacket on and was just fine. Good luck with your planning and training. Buen camino!
Have moved on to products that do contain some other fibres ; HH Warm for first layer and said woolpower in different products. Both lines last a little longer..
Fellow Oregonian, I plan to start about May 20. What day did you start in May? I am planning to take only a sleep sack, counting on blankets to keep me warm. Do you think that is a mistake? Hiking, I find that I warm up rather quickly, especially with a pack on my back, so I theorize that keeping warm shouldn't be a problem.I did about the same in May of 2014. While walking, my 150 icebreaker long sleeve shirt and rain jacket to break the wind kept me plenty warm. In the evening I wore an icebreaker short sleeve tee and my icebreaker hoody. I will do the same in May of 2017. I also had a silk liner for my 45° sleeping bag but only needed it a few times because most of the albergues had blankets.
I really liked my Uniqlo lightweight merino wool cardigan. I wore it by itself in the cooler evenings, or under this Uniqlo lightweight hoodie. I bought the hoodie thinking that I'd wear it for sun protection, but I ended up just relying on sunscreen. These two layers were a few ounces more than a fleece hoodie, but I felt that they were more versatile than one piece.[/QUOT
I really liked my Uniqlo lightweight merino wool cardigan. I wore it by itself in the cooler evenings, or under this Uniqlo lightweight hoodie. I bought the hoodie thinking that I'd wear it for sun protection, but I ended up just relying on sunscreen. These two layers were a few ounces more than a fleece hoodie, but I felt that they were more versatile than one piece.
I used a silk liner and a 7 ounce down blanket from Montbell. It just covered my body, but when tucked inside the silk liner kept me nice and warm on the few cold nights at the end of my Camino. Together my sleep gear was only 12 ounces.Trecile, you seem to be the most weight-conscious of posters. Do you use a sleeping bag? I plan to leave St. Jean in late May, and I am wanting to use a sleep sack. What are your thoughts?
I did about the same in May of 2014. While walking, my 150 icebreaker long sleeve shirt and rain jacket to break the wind kept me plenty warm. In the evening I wore an icebreaker short sleeve tee and my icebreaker hoody. I will do the same in May of 2017. I also had a silk liner for my 45° sleeping bag but only needed it a few times because most of the albergues had blankets.
I don't know if the same where you live, but in the UK sleeping bags are described as 1,2 ,3 , or 4 season. 4 Season is def camping in the winter (ours are not that cold in the Southern England). 1 season is indoors or camping in the summer, with or without heating. 2-3 tend to be used for Spring / Autumn camping. After experimentation I have a 1 season bag + silk liner for inside use, heated or not. I would be surprised if you needed anything heavier. If we have been cold, or thought we might be, we just leave more clothes on. Hope that helps.Thanks, I'll be walking CF about March 25th 2017 (not rushing). I heard I'll need a sleeping bag since little or no heat in albergues at that time. Please recommend sleeping bag criteria (temperature, weight, etc ) and why do you take a silk liner? I heard a silk liner and pillow case will keep bed bugs away? Thank you!
While this might be a bit off topic, there is an explanation for why one might use a liner here. There is also an explanation about the differences between silk and cotton, etc.what is the purpose of the silk liner?
Colette, take a look at these:Thanks CaptNoglos, what is the purpose of the silk liner? At our mountaineering stores in Ottawa they sell for $150 CAD. Just trying to keep cost and extras to a reasonable level. Please explain. I will go for an indoor fully zip opening for my March-April 2017 walk.
Thanks, Doug.While this might be a bit off topic, there is an explanation for why one might use a liner here. There is also an explanation about the differences between silk and cotton, etc.
There is no evidence that silk has any deterrent effect on bed bugs.
I simply found it much nicer and more comfortable with a silk liner than without. The website links others have posted give more info. It also gave me the option of just using the liner if I was too hot, as I do get cold just sleeping on top of the bag. That is a massive price though, I would not spend that much personally, in the UK they are a third of that. This link might help as well, [URL="https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/sleeping-bags.44697/"]sleeping bags[/URL]Thanks CaptNoglos, what is the purpose of the silk liner? At our mountaineering stores in Ottawa they sell for $150 CAD. Just trying to keep cost and extras to a reasonable level. Please explain. I will go for an indoor fully zip opening for my March-April 2017 walk.
Thanks for great link. Except for size and weight concerns what else should I be looking at? Your ebay link showed silk liners for as little as $7 ... $25.... to $41! The specifications all look about the same. (I am 5'3" so length is not a concern.) Vietnamese mulberry silk seems to be most common. Do you have any experience to advise me on this price dilemma?Colette, take a look at these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-100-Pure-Mulberry-Silk-Single-Sleeping-Bag-Liner-Travel-Sheet-Sleepsack/322306748733?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=2&asc=38530&meid=ca644a5417a74abbb32d80a5e7f360c6&pid=100005&rk=2&rkt=6&sd=131897648696
Just make sure they are really silk and that the size suits you as they sometimes are a bit narrow. You can use them as a sleeping bag on their own, late May into late September on the CF for example, or as a liner with a sleeping bag to add some warmth and keep the sleeping bag clean. Silk is great because it adds warmth but also allows you to stay cool in hot summer nights (I used to use an egyptian cotton blanket at home in the summer and it was too hot. I now sleep with a mulberry silk duvet and sleep like a baby, all covered up even in July and August).
I have not (yet) bought one. When looking through the different option on Ebay be careful as the small print sometime tells you it's not really silk. This couls explain the price difference. Push comes to shove, email the vendor for more details. Also look at the width: I like a roomy bag so I would opt for a wider one.Thanks for great link. Except for size and weight concerns what else should I be looking at? Your ebay link showed silk liners for as little as $7 ... $25.... to $41! The specifications all look about the same. (I am 5'3" so length is not a concern.) Vietnamese mulberry silk seems to be most common. Do you have any experience to advise me on this price dilemma?
I always go for the lightest and finest - I find even in the coldest weather than layered light garments are plenty warm enough, provided I have a windbreaker, in my case a Patagonia Houdini. You have the Precip.
With what you already have I doubt you need the long sleeve full zip jacket, although it might be nice for evenings. If you do buy one then you certainly don't need the second long-sleeve Icebreaker top as well. And you probably only need one tank top. In early April you are unlikely to wear the tank top by itself, and you will heat up when walking so it will be too warm to wear as underwear. A merino t-shirt and long sleeve top makes perfect sense, with the Precip over the top if it is windy or cold.
Hi Kanga,
I am looking for a waterproof jacket for a Winter Camino - i have been thinking of getting a Marmot Precip but i already own a Patagonia Houdini - do they do the same job?
Thanks kanga. Are there particular items/brands you would suggest/recommend? I'm not use to walking in the rain at all.No definitely not - the Houdini is a super-light wind breaker - but it is not waterproof. The Marmot Precip has a DWR coating it is waterproof (provided the DWR coating is in good condition).
I would not walk a camino without waterproof gear.
Thanks kanga. Are there particular items/brands you would suggest/recommend? I'm not use to walking in the rain at all.
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