Preparation for Sept/Oct

[s3sfamily]

I read a thread recently where the guy thought it was good to bring a goretex jacket, a fleece, a poncho, gloves and a insect net for your head. Of these I was planning on a rain poncho only. Any thoughts much appreciated! Thanks

 

[CaptBuddy]

Assume you mean Frances.
You can plan on rain and cold in Galicia for Sept/Oct.
Also in La Rioja and Leon, fierce storms can drop over the mountains from the north.
I'm going in Sept/Oct (was there in Sept 2012) and I'm planning on being wet and cold.
Rain jacket with fleece liner, gloves, boots, shemagh, and silk scarf. And I'm lining my pack with a trash compactor bag.

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

What Capt Buddy said. You know I was there in Sept/Oct 2012 too. Did we meet? AND I will bet there again this fall. How weird is that? Maybe we should meet.

 

[CaptBuddy]

What Capt Buddy said. You know I was there in Sept/Oct 2012 too. Did we meet? AND I will bet there again this fall. How weird is that? Maybe we should meet.

I sent you a PM-Conversation.

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

How do I get to a PM-conversation?
Oy I'm such a luddite!

 

[whariwharangi]

I read a thread recently where the guy thought it was good to bring a goretex jacket, a fleece, a poncho, gloves and a insect net for your head. Of these I was planning on a rain poncho only. Any thoughts much appreciated! Thanks

Anyone can be uncomfortable on the camino ...

 

[s3sfamily]

I suppose that is true. I thought it would be mostly warm and rain some days. What clothes I pack will be different if it's cold and rainy. I just don't want to be caught
off guard if I can help it. Thank you for the responses.

 

[gerardcarey]

What clothes I pack will be different if it's cold and rainy. I just don't want to be caught off guard if I can help it. Thank you for the responses.

Sep/Oct I took 4 layers.
Thermal base layer
Long sleeved shirt
Fleece
Altus Poncho
Never needed more than that.
Regds
Gerard

 

[bystander]

Sep/Oct I took 4 layers.
Thermal base layer
Long sleeved shirt
Fleece
Altus Poncho
Never needed more than that.
Regds
Gerard

Where's the Alka Seltzer in your packing list?

 

[Kiwi-d]

This subject worries me a bit too, I have Reynauds, so feel the cold much more than most people. I have included leggings and a long-sleeved merino shirt, fleece and very light puffer jacket, and rainpants, and am tossing up whether to take my Gorotex jacket (550gms) or buy a lighter waterproof jacket. (Don't really want to spend the money, but I'm at 8kgs now, and would like to lighten the load a little.) Oh, and I have included merino gloves and a buff.

 

[CaptBuddy]

How do I get to a PM-conversation?
Oy I'm such a luddite!

Upper right hand of this page should show your forum name and next to it an envelope icon. If there is a number in the envelope, you have a Conversation message, called a PM on some other forums. It is an ongoing private conversation between members.

 

[CaptBuddy]

This subject worries me a bit too, I have Reynauds, so feel the cold much more than most people. I have included leggings and a long-sleeved merino shirt, fleece and very light puffer jacket, and rainpants, and am tossing up whether to take my Gorotex jacket (550gms) or buy a lighter waterproof jacket. (Don't really want to spend the money, but I'm at 8kgs now, and would like to lighten the load a little.) Oh, and I have included merino gloves and a buff.

If you can layer the fleece and light jacket that should be enough. I'm carrying a slightly heavier fleece/jacket combo because I'll be in Scotland in November. The wool base layer will be fine.
8kgs seems like a lot. But not unmanageable.

 

[gerardcarey]

Where's the Alka Seltzer in your packing list?

Not soft like you cobber.
Just checked your spreadsheet. See one day of 37 ks.
Crikey! Think you are superman or something?

 

[bystander]

Not soft like you cobber. too true, mon ami!
Just checked your spreadsheet. See one day of 37 ks.
Crikey! Think you are superman or something?

Thank you for pointing out the error of my "ways"!
Will have a re-think - am trying to find somewhere decent to stay overnight between Leon and Astorga.
Any suggestions?

 

[mspath]

The private Albergue Verde in Hospital de Órbigo is a gem. Reassembled recently from old farm barns it is hyper clean, comfortable and spacious. Vegetables from the surrounding organic garden are prepared by the hospitalera for a most delicious donativo dinner. What a happy find!

Be sure to scan this earlier Forum thread for other posts re the Leon to Astorga routes.

MM

 

[petitewalker]

?

Sep/Oct I took 4 layers.
Thermal base layer
Long sleeved shirt
Fleece
Altus Poncho
Never needed more than that.
Regds
Gerard

Gerard, did you ever wear a short sleeve shirt? I plan on taking a base layer(top only) short sleve tech tops, long sleeve spf sunshirt, lightweight fleece and rain jacket. Did you use short sleve shirts or was it too cool. I'll be leaving SJPP on September 9th and will fly home end of October. Do you think this will be enough?
Linda

 

[C clearly]

Even in early November you could have short sleeve days. For sure in September!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I plan on taking a base layer (top only), short sleeve tech tops, long sleeve spf sunshirt, lightweight fleece and rain jacket. Do you think this will be enough?

Five layers should do it even on a cool evening! My "rain jacket" is a very light wind shirt, and I have a poncho to cover everything, so I have one more layer than you. I don't think I ever used six layers...

 

[gerardcarey]

?
Gerard, did you ever wear a short sleeve shirt? I plan on taking a base layer(top only) short sleve tech tops, long sleeve spf sunshirt, lightweight fleece and rain jacket. Did you use short sleve shirts or was it too cool. I'll be leaving SJPP on September 9th and will fly home end of October. Do you think this will be enough?
Linda

Us antipodeans seem to be a little more careful as regards sun exposure.
I took one polypropylene s/s Baselayer. Used it mainly as nightware.
The good thing about long-sleeve synthetic shirts is that they are versatile, and multi-purpose.
With the sleeves down they are a bit warmer on inclement days, and on chilly mornings.
As the day warms up, roll up the sleeves and you've got short sleeved shirt.
And you can unbutton the front, to varying degrees, for more ventilation.
They are also perhaps a little more dressy at night-times, and for before and after Caminos.

So, if it looked like a chilly start, after a wash I'd pull my base-layer back on, then a l/s shirt, then the fleece.
This was always sufficient - unless it was raining when the poncho was added. (Also used the poncho as a wind-breaker when needed)
As the day warmed up the the fleece came off (the poncho first if in use), then the base layer (ladies would need a tree/bush or cafe with toilets), leaving just the l/s shirt.
I was never unpleasantly cold or wet.
I took 3 x l/s shirts.
I figured I could always double up with the l/shirts if required. Never needed to.

As to the time factor I first attempt to ascertain the no of ks I can average per day. I figure I can happily average 20-ish ks a day.
That means it will take 40 days plus any rest days. I want a rest day in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and another some where on the final run down into Santiago. Then I'll need a couple in Santiago itself to sightsee. Shared a rental car out to Finisterre and Muxia last time. That was a good idea.

You changed your leaving St Jean date to Sep 9th? DeadFred's calendar has you leaving St Jean on Sep 12th, same day as me. I was going to gather my tribe, grab Mary (barber 1586) and come pay you guys a visit at Bieleri on the 11th.

GETTING CLOSER NOW!

Regds
Gerard

 

[JoeNYC]

The good thing about long-sleeve synthetic shirts is that they are versatile, and multi-purpose.

Gerard- What brand of LS synthetic shirt are you referring to? Does it have a collar and a button on the sleeve to in SS mode?

 

[Kanga]

I layer as follows: a short sleeve ultra fine merino t-shirt, a long sleeve lightweight cotton/silk or synthetic shirt (can be left open down the front), a merino cardigan, a sleeved poncho like an Altus or a Packa. That combination allows me to strip down to a t-shirt, but is warm, wind proof and waterproof if necessary.

 

[gerardcarey]

Gerard- What brand of LS synthetic shirt are you referring to? Does it have a collar and a button on the sleeve to in SS mode?

An example is the Columbia Tamiami 11 LS Shirt, which are made for women too.
http://tinyurl.com/nksaks9
Yes they have a collar and the button on the sleeve.
The collar is good for a turn up to help protect the neck from sun. The button is perhaps an overkill (I cut them off).
There are many other manufacturers around who are just as good and probly cheaper.
Regds
Gerard

 

[petitewalker]

Us antipodeans seem to be a little more careful as regards sun exposure.
I took one polypropylene s/s Baselayer. Used it mainly as nightware.
The good thing about long-sleeve synthetic shirts is that they are versatile, and multi-purpose.
With the sleeves down they are a bit warmer on inclement days, and on chilly mornings.
As the day warms up, roll up the sleeves and you've got short sleeved shirt.
And you can unbutton the front, to varying degrees, for more ventilation.
They are also perhaps a little more dressy at night-times, and for before and after Caminos.

So, if it looked like a chilly start, after a wash I'd pull my base-layer back on, then a l/s shirt, then the fleece.
This was always sufficient - unless it was raining when the poncho was added. (Also used the poncho as a wind-breaker when needed)
As the day warmed up the the fleece came off (the poncho first if in use), then the base layer (ladies would need a tree/bush or cafe with toilets), leaving just the l/s shirt.
I was never unpleasantly cold or wet.
I took 3 x l/s shirts.
I figured I could always double up with the l/shirts if required. Never needed to.

As to the time factor I first attempt to ascertain the no of ks I can average per day. I figure I can happily average 20-ish ks a day.
That means it will take 40 days plus any rest days. I want a rest day in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and another some where on the final run down into Santiago. Then I'll need a couple in Santiago itself to sightsee. Shared a rental car out to Finisterre and Muxia last time. That was a good idea.

You changed your leaving St Jean date to Sep 9th? DeadFred's calendar has you leaving St Jean on Sep 12th, same day as me. I was going to gather my tribe, grab Mary (barber 1586) and come pay you guys a visit at Bieleri on the 11th.

GETTING CLOSER NOW!

Regds
Gerard

Sorry Gerard, we are leaving SJPP on the 12th. It's the 9th from the US. Oops! So my long sleve spf must be like yours and can be rolled up. Planned on bringing only one of those, but maybe two. I am also thinking the same amount of days as you for the walk, bet we see lots of each other.
Can't wait to meet you guys and Mary on the 11th. We will also be there on the night of the 10th. When are you getting into SJPP? It is getting closer!!!!

 

[Jason Loke]

Hello experienced pilgrims, I cannot find the Altus poncho. Where can get one? Pls help. I am going in Sep/Oct this yr.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

the Altus poncho. Where can get one?

Sporting goods stores in SJPdP have them.

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.162...m4!1e1!3m2!1snPFgUCw3aTY8jKkLOXUcWg!2e0?hl=en

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.161...m4!1e1!3m2!1srArldK4qD3l3MzZhMifkUg!2e0?hl=en

 

[mspath]

Hello experienced pilgrims, I cannot find the Altus poncho. Where can get one? Pls help. I am going in Sep/Oct this yr.

Jason,

Equipment for pilgrims is available in Saint Jean Pied de Port in the two shops Boutique du Pelerin at 32 rue de la Citadelle and Direction Compostelle nearby on the place Floquet.
Both are run by the same helpful, experienced pilgrim. See --http://directioncompostelle.com.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[whariwharangi]

I suppose that is true. I thought it would be mostly warm and rain some days. What clothes I pack will be different if it's cold and rainy. I just don't want to be caught
off guard if I can help it. Thank you for the responses.

You need to pack so that you are ready for the worst case scenario. Keep in mind that a shirt under a raincoat with a pack on will likely be enough, particularly when walking uphill ... you just can't stop for breaks. A poncho over the raincoat is useful in real weather because of condensation ... the extra layer of rain gear helps.

The main issue for warm gear is evenings. Albergues are often not heated. The walk to and from the restaurant or store is after you have stopped walking and you will feel cooler.

 

[s3sfamily]

Thank you Whariwharagni, that makes sense. I will look for a raincoat. I really appreciate everyones help!
I pour over this forum with all the different conversations learning, learning, learning.

 

[fortview]

We also walked sept/ oct 2012 . It was very hot to start off with. I had 2 t shirts and a light fleece jacket .Don't forget, you can buy stuff as you go along. I bought an Altus in Leon, didn't need it before then ,also an extra fleece. Got gloves and a beanie in Fromista, and hiking sandals and more socks in Castrojeriz. IMHO it's better to start with as light a pack as possible, and add to it as you get more used to carrying it and your back becomes stronger.
Buen camino!

 

[Jason Loke]

Thanks a lot for yr quick replies. Will look for raincoat in Sjpdp.

 

[dougfitz]

I layer as follows: a short sleeve ultra fine merino t-shirt, a long sleeve lightweight cotton/silk or synthetic shirt (can be left open down the front), a merino cardigan, a sleeved poncho like an Altus or a Packa. That combination allows me to strip down to a t-shirt, but is warm, wind proof and waterproof if necessary.

@Kanga makes a good point here, and that is that your layering needs to allow you to add and remove layers on the road, and not have to seek out a private place to make the adjustments. I got caught coming out of Logrono in 2010 needing to add a layer, and only having my thermal long johns left to add. When I thought that I had found a suitable spot to do this, what had previously seemed to be just a smattering of fellow pilgrims suddenly became a crowd as I stripped to the point where I could don my thermals

 

[michryan]

@Kanga makes a good point here, and that is that your layering needs to allow you to add and remove layers on the road, and not have to seek out a private place to make the adjustments. I got caught coming out of Logrono in 2010 needing to add a layer, and only having my thermal long johns left to add. When I thought that I had found a suitable spot to do this, what had previously seemed to be just a smattering of fellow pilgrims suddenly became a crowd as I stripped to the point where I could don my thermals

Hahaha Dougfitz that's happened to me on the few occasions. Or sneaking off to relieve oneself only to walk back to the trail to find other pilgrims.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

your layering needs to allow you to add and remove layers on the road, and not have to seek out a private place to make the adjustments.

[COLOR=#000000]For a similar reason I stopped using a rain suit. All rain wear for me is hot and humid, so I get out of it as soon as it stops raining. With a rain suit I had to remove my pack to remove pants and jacket, and find a dry spot to sit down. An Altus poncho (and then a Packa) solved that problem. When the rain stops, I can slip the poncho off, and let it hang from my pack as a pack cover, all without breaking stride. When the rain begins again, I just slide my arms through the armholes and zip up. I did have to settle for wet ankles or wearing gaiters. Boots actually stayed a bit dryer with gaiters than with rain pants.[/COLOR]

 

[ksam]

I layer as follows: a short sleeve ultra fine merino t-shirt, a long sleeve lightweight cotton/silk or synthetic shirt (can be left open down the front), a merino cardigan, a sleeved poncho like an Altus or a Packa. That combination allows me to strip down to a t-shirt, but is warm, wind proof and waterproof if necessary.

I tend to layer rather like this too. But consider adding cycling arm warmers, which are essentially removable sleeves. This way your short sleeve shirt can become another long sleeve layer early in the day. Then as you warm up, you can roll them down to your wrist or simply remove and stow in a pocket or in your pack. They're available at places like REI or any bicycle shop. I love mine. I may have to bring my Sheila Moon ones this time! They've often left fellow cyclist thinking I've got full sleeve tattoos! Till I peel'em down!

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

I just found a hiking kilt... I don't have to take it off to add or subtract from the lower half. It's a quick dry material with a light water resistance. Of course in a soaking deluge like I experienced cycling into Burgos in 2012, I might as well had on a bathing suit. That was one of the most epic rains I have ever been out in. AND I have lived in the tropics where it rains all day every day in the rainy months.

 

[Kanga]

I just found a hiking kilt... I don't have to take it off to add or subtract from the lower half. It's a quick dry material with a light water resistance. Of course in a soaking deluge like I experienced cycling into Burgos in 2012, I might as well had on a bathing suit. That was one of the most epic rains I have ever been out in. AND I have lived in the tropics where it rains all day every day in the rainy months.

I've seen a waterproof kilt - to wear instead of rain pants - the idea being that it is less sweaty. Would go well with a short poncho or a Packa. Here it is http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/cloudkilt.shtml

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

Thanks Kanga I've seen those online. Actually, I'm not sure how I will go about it in the rain. I have an old pair of rain pants that I can slip on over leggings and just take the kilt off and stow it in my pack.

 

[david g]

What Capt Buddy said. You know I was there in Sept/Oct 2012 too. Did we meet? AND I will bet there again this fall. How weird is that? Maybe we should meet.

Add me to the list of those who travelled in autumn of 2012 (SJPD sept. 6-Santiago oct.9, Finisterre oct.14). What you wear is so dependent on how you tolerate heat or cold. I tended to wear shorts and a t-shirt for the bulk of my walking, up until the last few days, starting off some mornings with a flannel shirt until the day warmed up. About three days out of Santiago it became much more rainy, so the raincoat was worn, but still shorts and t shirt, simply because I get way too warm in a rain coat. I think the main thing to remember is that you can't plan and pack for every eventuality (well, you CAN, but I wouldn't want to carry your backpack!). Take what you would feel comfortable wearing at home in the type of weather you expect on the Camino. If there's something that shows it's needed, buy it there.