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Newbie starting on April 5th from Pamplona!

verolero

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
First time walker - 5 April 2018
Starting from Pamplona
Hello Everyone

I know there are many posts about first time walkers heading out, but I wanted to throw out my own I have spent the last few months preparing for this walk, and it is almost a reality! On April 5th I will start my walk from Pamplona. I plan to make my way to Santiago de Compostela in about 25 - 30 days (flexible). I am a solo female walker, and this is my first time doing this walk.

Any tips on weather and what to pack in terms of cold weather clothing? Should I brace for snow on the ground and rain? I am planning on bringining a rain jacket, will this suffice? Any other tips for a solo female walker?

Anyone starting out/around this date? I hope to meet some of you
 
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Check out Stephen jones on youtube he is on the camino now.. I start from Saint Jean on 1 April so his video gave me a good idea of weather. Lots of resources on the forum using the search button. You will find several packing lists as well. It’s helped me a lot and of course many veterans here are always willing to help. As far as clothes I have a warm merino wool expedition pullover, long sleeve quickdry shirts, along with my rain jacket, exercise pants, rain pants, gloves , buff. Some people go for the zipoff pants its a personal choice I think. Anyway maybe I will see you along the way Buen Camino
 
verolero said:
what to pack in terms of cold weather clothing? Should I brace for snow on the ground and rain? I am planning on bringining a rain jacket, will this suffice?
Click to expand...
the weather gods can offer up a little of everything. Snow can happen in mountains but also on the meseta, at this time of the year~
View media item 5144
For spring walking, I take a merino undershirt and a polarfleece jacket, and it's enough to keep me warm - of course along with gloves and beanie (these last 2 are essential). For rain protection I ditched a gore-tex jacket in favor of a Altus poncho; it allows me to leave both rainpants and pack cover behind too. There are many threads here about the pros and cons of that if you look.
 
Altus ANDES 400 H30 sleeping bag
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-

Thank you for the tip on the youtube channel. I will check it out.
Maybe we will meet on the way


Thank you for the tips. I was thinking of taking a poncho, but I was leaning against it because the one I have is rather on the heavy side. I will see if I can find one that does the job, but is a little lighter.
 
Hi @verolero - I dress in thin layers, no matter the season. Sometimes in the morning I start out when it is very cold, but invariably as I walk I warm up. So I find it important to be able to easily shed layers and put them back on as needed. My list: 2 sets of undies, 2 walking skirts, 1 pair footless tights, 2 long sleeve silk/merino tops, 1 woollen sweater, 1 Houdini wind jacket, 1 Altus poncho, 1 pair gloves, 1 pair waterproof socks, 1 pair walking sandals, 1 pair crocs, 1 visor, 1 buff, 1 umbrella,

Don't forget that your rain gear can make a very warm outer layer if necessary.
 
Hey,

Take lightweight gloves, a beanie, and shoes with good traction. Beware of the: mud. May you have as little as possible.

Stay in Grañon albergue. See Templar castle in Ponferrada.

Buen camino.
 
Altus ANDES 400 H30 sleeping bag
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-

Thanks for the input. I will keep this list handy when packing

nycwalking said:
Hey,

Take lightweight gloves, a beanie, and shoes with good traction. Beware of the: mud. May you have as little as possible.

Stay in Grañon albergue. See Templar castle in Ponferrada.

Buen camino.
Click to expand...

Thanks for tip on the Grañon albergue. I will make sure to keep an eye on it.

On another note - how busy should I expect the camino to be? I'm looking forward to meeting people along the way

Thanks, all!
 

Oh! You'll meet plenty of folks.

Buen camino.
 
I loved my altus poncho. And whatever layers I had underneath it kept me dry and warm in all weather's.
 
Camino Inglés Walking Holiday - UK
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
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