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See, for example, http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co...trekking-shirts-c124/all-trekking-shirts-c227.What is a "trekking shirt"?
... Will a mid layer lightweight fleece be enough to keep warm over top or should I invest in a windbreaker as well? What has been your experience? One over another or both? I should mention too that I will be using a poncho for rain gear. Thank you so much in advance for your help ...
I am walking between April 12 and May 30, so a little earlier than you. As of today, I am bringing both a lightweight fleece and a windbreaker, plus parka and rain pants. The only thing I'm not sure of is whether to also bring a NorthFace Nanopuff. I am trying out different combinations while doing my training walks, and will make that decision closer to when I'm leaving.Thanks so much for your input. Am still undecided, but getting there .... I'm so excited, this being my first Camino, been 'researching' non-stop, it seems. Thank you for being here ...
I am trying out different combinations while doing my training walks, and will make that decision closer to when I'm leaving.
Make the most comfortable decision you can and realize you can always make adjustments later.
Buen Camino!
Yeah, that was little confusing. I meant poncho, not parka. The windbreaker isn't waterproof. And I tend to agree that the nanopuff is not likely to be needed. There'll be times I might wish I had it, but I think I can make do. Thanks for the input.Try it all out and find the ideal combo, thats perfect, but fleece, windbreaker, parka AND nano puff seems to be overkill. I think nano puff or fleece, but both?
And what do you consider a Parka? An outershell? Isn't that a windbreaker already?
I have walked the camino twice, both times took a light weight fleece and a waterproof rain jacket, and both got used regularly.I will be walking Camino France's mid May thru June. First Camino. Will be bringing one l/s and a couple s/s merino first layers. Will a mid layer lightweight fleece be enough to keep warm over top or should I invest in a windbreaker as well? What has been your experience? One over another or both? I should mention too that I will be using a poncho for rain gear. Thank you so much in advance for your help ...
I like to go lightweight, so wherever possible, things in my pack have more than one purpose. Walking in May/June I don't carry gloves, but for the odd cold morning I start off with my spare socks on my hands.We walked the Camino Francis starting early May last year with cotton shirt, sweater, fleece vest, and light weight waterproof jacket. And it was more than adequate. The only thing I sort of wanted that I didn't have was gloves for a few cold mornings. But hands in vest pockets worked great. I'd skip the base layer and poncho.
We walked the Camino Francis starting early May last year with cotton shirt, sweater, fleece vest, and light weight waterproof jacket. And it was more than adequate. The only thing I sort of wanted that I didn't have was gloves for a few cold mornings. But hands in vest pockets worked great. I'd skip the base layer and poncho.
This is the first time I have seen someone mention the "free boxes" of clothing. After all of this reading, I was wondering what happens to all of the things pilgrims leave behind. It's nice to know you can find something if you leave home without it, or the weather changes suddenly!hahaha! We are such a diverse group!
I think the question for you is "Do you tend to be too hot or too cold?"
I am more likely to get cold than hot so on ALL my Caminos, no matter what time of year, I take both a featherweight fleece (or cashmere sweater) AND a windbreaker.
The weight of the cashmere/fleece is so minimal, it's worth it for me to be prepared.
If I were going to absolutely choose between the two, I'd take the windbreaker.
It can be cold on some of those mountain passes.
Two years ago in JUNE, I had on everything I owned in Santo Domingo, and it was snowing in the mountains.
Like others mentioned, once you begin walking, you begin peeling off layers
However, once you STOP walking, and you're sweaty and the weather is cool, you don't want to get chilled.
It's just impossible to know the weather.
On the other hand, you can almost always pick up extra clothing in the FREE BOXES in the albergues or in shops along the way.
It would (for me) be easier to find a long-sleeved shirt or fleece than a windbreaker.
I had to look up "nanopuff" lolYeah, that was little confusing. I meant poncho, not parka. The windbreaker isn't waterproof. And I tend to agree that the nanopuff is not likely to be needed. There'll be times I might wish I had it, but I think I can make do. Thanks for the input.
This is the first time I have seen someone mention the "free boxes" of clothing. After all of this reading, I was wondering what happens to all of the things pilgrims leave behind. It's nice to know you can find something if you leave home without it, or the weather changes suddenly!
The base layer can be the cotton shirt---but make it Merino wool.
Wowww....stop the press....for the layer system to work, all the layers have to be right and adjusted to each other and cotton is never ever a part of any layer system, not for summer, not for winter, not for hiking, not for mountaineering....never ever in any situation.
(Merino)wool, various hitech synthetics, down are all good fabrics for a 2, 3 or 4 layer system, but cotton as a (base)layer is a big no no and as a baselayer it would probably be the worst of all layers.
the names they gives clothing just because its tech fiber is so funny.
I find it difficult to believe that anyone keeps repeating the urban myth that cotton shouldn't be used, as @Dutch so quaintly puts it, 'never ever in any situation'. The advantages of cotton in hot and drier climates are manifest, and for those conditions it is often the fabric of choice. When in those climates, layering is generally not the issue - sun protection and cooling are the issues, and cotton clearly has advantages over other materials in those circumstances. The very characteristics that do make it a dangerous choice in cold, wet conditions are going to make it a good choice for hot and dry conditions.Wowww....stop the press....for the layer system to work, all the layers have to be right and adjusted to each other and cotton is never ever a part of any layer system, not for summer, not for winter, not for hiking, not for mountaineering....never ever in any situation.
(Merino)wool, various hitech synthetics, down are all good fabrics for a 2, 3 or 4 layer system, but cotton as a (base)layer is a big no no and as a baselayer it would probably be the worst of all layers.
I find it difficult to believe that anyone keeps repeating the urban myth that cotton shouldn't be used, as @Dutch so quaintly puts it, 'never ever in any situation'. The advantages of cotton in hot and drier climates are manifest, and for those conditions it is often the fabric of choice. When in those climates, layering is generally not the issue - sun protection and cooling are the issues, and cotton clearly has advantages over other materials in those circumstances. The very characteristics that do make it a dangerous choice in cold, wet conditions are going to make it a good choice for hot and dry conditions.
I work in the tropics and wear silk shirts at work most days and enjoy it immensely and at the right time of year, I agree silk could have a rightful place on a Camino gear list. Although I haven't researched extensively, the upside is comfort, exceptional temperature moderation (both hot and cold) and the highest natural fabric strength while the challenges I note of using it are cost, lack of anti-bacterial properties (everyday washing required) and general availability (aside from silk bag lines and the occasional silk liner socks, I can't really remember seeing silk clothes designed for athletic use?) From personal experience, I far far prefer to wash, line dry and wear my synthetic and merino wool garments than I do my silk garments and since daily washing would be required, not sure that would be a whole lotta fun.I have found the whole topic of "baselayers" to be confusing. And I couldn't help but wonder at times whether the idea of a baselayer was some marketing myth created to get us to buy new stuff. After all, what's the difference between a baselayer with clothing on top and just layering up your clothing?
After researching it a little, I guess I'm convinced that a layer that stays close to the skin works differently than just layering on your clothing in cold-weather situations. It can add warmth without as much bulk as just layering up clothing would do. Of the articles I read, I liked this one the best: How to Choose the Perfect Base Layer.
So, here's my question: I'm curious why silk is not mentioned as a good base layer for walking the Camino? I wear silk tops and bottoms at home during the winter, since we keep our house temperature between 63-65F (17-18C). (It's an old house that's too hard to heat despite all the insulation we've put in.) Has anyone worn silk?
Definitely have a windbreaker with you! Yes, if you have a lightweight down jacket, or a warm fleece, you'll be able to wear your windbreaker or rain jacket over it and you'll be prepared for all sorts of weather. Backpacking in Chile, doing the West Coast Trail in British Columbia and on the Camino, having all 3 always allowed me to adjust for the weather conditions of the day. You won't regret having a windbreaker with you!I will be walking Camino France's mid May thru June. First Camino. Will be bringing one l/s and a couple s/s merino first layers. Will a mid layer lightweight fleece be enough to keep warm over top or should I invest in a windbreaker as well? What has been your experience? One over another or both? I should mention too that I will be using a poncho for rain gear. Thank you so much in advance for your help ...
I probably traveled too light. My one spare set of socks were usually still damp in the morning.I like to go lightweight, so wherever possible, things in my pack have more than one purpose. Walking in May/June I don't carry gloves, but for the odd cold morning I start off with my spare socks on my hands.
having read all of the comments. What about June/July Camino, same dilemma. Fleece, windbreaker? Yes No??
The Spanish weather agency site provides excellent access to their climate data. Here is the data on the normal values for Santiago Airport. You might expect minimum temperatures in the low teens (Celcius) and on average eight days of rain in June, six in July. For me, that wouldn't quite be warm enough not to want a fleece on at the start of each day, but I don't think it would be on for long once I started walking.having read all of the comments. What about June/July Camino, same dilemma. Fleece, windbreaker? Yes No??
Thank you kind sir!The Spanish weather agency site provides excellent access to their climate data. Here is the data on the normal values for Santiago Airport. You might expect minimum temperatures in the low teens (Celcius) and on average eight days of rain in June, six in July. For me, that wouldn't quite be warm enough not to want a fleece on at the start of each day, but I don't think it would be on for long once I started walking.
I'm so glad that I have your approval. In that case I will ensure that I have at least one cotton item in my packing and use it every time that it rains, even if it will be in May and Jun, and not JulyYes @dougfitz i have no problems at all with you wearing cotton safely, especially on a rainy day in july underneath your raincoat or poncho.
Stay dry now, you hear.
I'm so glad that I have your approval. In that case I will ensure that I have at least one cotton item in my packing and use it every time that it rains, even if it will be in May and Jun, and not July.
@JillGat, thanks for your concern, but for some reason I don't have a down jacket on my packing listBe sure to wear a down jacket over that!
It won't keep you warm! Wool will definitely be a great investment and you'll be a happy hiker!@JillGat, thanks for your concern, but for some reason I don't have a down jacket on my packing list. But I do want to know how this cotton item performs on cold and wet days, so I will be wearing it then as well as on hot and dry days.
@JillGat, thanks for your concern, but for some reason I don't have a down jacket on my packing list. But I do want to know how this cotton item performs on cold and wet days, so I will be wearing it then as well as on hot and dry days.
One of the reasons it isn't on my packing list!I was actually joking, because the only thing worse than cotton in wet weather is down.
I am walking between April 12 and May 30, so a little earlier than you. As of today, I am bringing both a lightweight fleece and a windbreaker, plus parka and rain pants. The only thing I'm not sure of is whether to also bring a NorthFace Nanopuff. I am trying out different combinations while doing my training walks, and will make that decision closer to when I'm leaving.
Make the most comfortable decision you can and realize you can always make adjustments later.
Buen Camino!
I am leaving the same day for Camino Frances. Where are you now with what you are taking in the way of jackets/protection?
Hope to see you, Seabird! I bought a Patagonia Houdini wind jacket online and on sale today. It's just 3.5 ounces, and water resistant, though not a substitute for rain protection. I figure I can layer with light fleece and Packa as needed.
The lowest temperature I've walked so far was 32F (0C). I'm finding the combination of fleece & windjacket (very similar to the Houdini) to be just fine, even with just a wool short-sleeved pullover and a synthetic treking shirt on. So at this point, I'm likely to leave the Nanopuff home. I do think about how nice it would be wear it in the evenings......
Thanks for the info. This will be my first Camino - I am going with the fleece and rain/wind jacket and hope it will keep me warm enough - living in Southern California I am not very experience in hiking in cold weather.
I have the same issues, and use a wool/polyester blend base layer rather than pure wool most of the time. A couple of my older pure wool long sleeved tee shirts have reached the level of softness that they are acceptable for base layers, but it has taken a couple of years to get there. The trouble is that by the time they got to be soft enough, they are full of (extra) holes where the knit has snagged and opened up. Other knitted tops that I have are much more durable than my pure wool ones.Just gave a merino long sleeve T a chance today, but when I tried it on is was raspy, itchy. Back to the store it goes. I really wish I could find a comfortable, and in a light colour...
I grew up in Ventura, so I know what you mean. I've adapted to a much colder winter climate here in Virginia. So just remember that it's a very personal decision. You neither want to overpack nor be miserable! I'm making the best educated guess I can, since this will be my first Camino and will supplement/discard as needed. Good luck!Thanks for the info. This will be my first Camino - I am going with the fleece and rain/wind jacket and hope it will keep me warm enough - living in Southern California I am not very experience in hiking in cold weather.
I would add that it's important to get the long sleeved base layer shirt by Icebreaker if you are easily irritated by wool. I have both base layers shirts and t-shirts by Icebreaker and the t-shirt is a 150 weight and really rather scratchy whereas my 200 weight L/S base layer shirt is really soft, so much so that it's hard to believe it's wool!If you don't have a long-sleeved merino wool shirt on your list, you could consider adding that as a layer. Icebreaker, Smartwool etc make them in lighter and heavier weights. I'm taking the 200 weight (medium, they run 150, 200, 250 weight) for a base layer in cool weather, and figure I can wear it to keep the sun off when it's warmer, plus as a sleep shirt.
They're on sale now http://www.icebreaker.com/en/womens...ipe/101370_WS.html?dwvar_101370__WS_color=001
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