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Thank you for the words of wisdom! I was hoping my layered approach would work. I am pretty minimalistic on the Camino so not having to worry about bringing a coat makes me happy!I have done this a few times in mid April. To be honest, the coldest weather I have encountered was always on the Meseta, not in the Pyrenees. That said, not to worry. The first few days were cool, but I was fine wearing my layers. In my case, a base layer, a polyester "sweater" really just a heavy-ish long sleeve shirt, a fleece hoodie, and my rain jacket. With those elements, I'm comfortable to below freezing, and it won't be that cold when you go. Don't take a "Coat". Keep your pack light, and think about wearing everything in your pack in layers to handle the coldest day you will encounter.
perfect! Ty! This is the first time I am bringing a bag heavier than a liner. I have had many a chilly night on past Caminos where I pile on all my layers lol. Can’t wait to have a little more comfort this time around.I agree with Rick. The Meseta seems more cold to me than the Pyrenees, especially in May.
If you wear a fleece and a raincoat, I suspect you'll be peeling those off after a few minutes walking.
As far as the sleeping bag, I always bring a down blanket since my "freezing" experience in June in Santo Domingo.
Wow, so all seasons within a few daysWe crossed the Pyrenees in early May. Definitely layer (I had merino wool baselayer, a fleece shirt, and a raincoat - possibly another long-sleeve shirt, along with a wool skull cap, ball cap, glove liners, and fingerless gloves). The weather can be nice or crappy. For example, when we crossed from Valcarlos to Roncessvalles, we wound up wearing t-shirts and shorts. The next day, it snowed. Be prepared for spring weather.
Thank you for the reminder! I need to buy waterproof mittens. My boots did not survive my second Camino so I tried switching to Hokas. I love the shoes but I am thinking about checking out their boots. Seems like they would help me more on uneven terrain and in mudI walked the Napoleon Route in sleet and light snow on May 1, 2018. Temperature was around 0 deg C all day and the wind was strong at times. Layers of things you would normally carry (eg, long sleeve tee and a fleece and a waterproof jacket / rain pants were adequate. Light weight wool gloves and waterproof mittens kept hands warm. Wool watch cap helped a lot. Trail was sloppy in places such that boots were better than low cut shoes. Next day and all others that followed were mostly pleasant. By the time you get to the Meseta the weather should be warmer.
Buen camino
Except for the fingerless gloves, this is exactly what I plan to bring! Lots of layering possibilities to adjust to the weather.(I had merino wool baselayer, a fleece shirt, and a raincoat - possibly another long-sleeve shirt, along with a wool skull cap, ball cap, glove liners, and fingerless gloves
Nice! I’m excited to try out my lightweight sleeping bag. It will be a nice switch from my liner.Scully, I am starting on 26th April, taking a light sleeping bag and looking to layers as protection from the cold.
I have never walked in May so I can't say but I have had lots of experiences in different weather conditions. I personally would rather feel cold than hot. If you are cold in an albergue there is always something to wear. One night on the Norte in November, I only had a sleep sack and you could see your breath (ever so slightly in the albergue) I bundled up and slept fine I was on the Meseta in 3 years apart and the exact same time in October. In 2012 it was 90+ almost every day (other days 85+) without a cloud in the sky. In 2015 it never got above about 45 (This is all Fahrenheit readings not Celcius of course). It was below 40 in the mornings, rain usually hard all day and a high wind in my face to make sure i got the full force of the rain. Last December in early afternoon I walked from Finestere to the lighthouse in a t-shirt with my jacket tied to my waist. My point is, drumroll please,, who knows what will happen! And I guess my philosophy is I can always keep adding but I can only subtract so much.Thank you for the reminder! I need to buy waterproof mittens. My boots did not survive my second Camino so I tried switching to Hokas. I love the shoes but I am thinking about checking out their boots. Seems like they would help me more on uneven terrain and in mud
Pauline, Don't bring anything other than a wool cap and perhaps some waterproof mittens for for cold weather. Most of the days will be temperate to warm weather. Some will be hot. Rain, wind and cold can happen but you can manage cold weather with layers. Also remember you will be walking and that alone generates a lot of body heat.I am interested in this subject as well as I am leaving 1 May. How much warmer does it get from there to mid June as you progress along the St Frances, as I can't decide what ratio of cloths to bring for sun/rain/wind etc.
Thanks, very comprehensive answer. Have my waterproofs sorted, so I'll rethink some of the longer sleeved stuff as I need to shed some weight in the pack.Pauline, Don't bring anything other than a wool cap and perhaps some waterproof mittens for for cold weather. Most of the days will be temperate to warm weather. Some will be hot. Rain, wind and cold can happen but you can manage cold weather with layers. Also remember you will be walking and that alone generates a lot of body heat.
On rainy days - hot or cold-- you definitely need light weight rain- and wind-proof outerwear. IMO jackets are better than ponchos in wet and windy conditions you may encounter in late spring. After that it's all about layers.
I carry short and long sleeve shirts -- one light-weight fleece pull over, one long sleeve shirt with a collar (my "dress" shirt for restaurant dinners in cities) and one long sleeve merino wool tee shirt (Icebreaker 200 weight is good). Everything else is short short sleeve and light weight so it can be worn on hot days either with sleeves rolled up or down to keep the sun off.
Odds are the worst weather you will experience in May will be a few cold windy rainy days. On those days you can stay warm by wearing everything in your pack. Start a short sleeve tee shirt (or two) against the skin, then a long sleeve merino tee, then the long sleeve shirt, then your light fleece, then your rain shell. To keep your legs warm wear the convertible long pants under your rain pants. With gloves (wool glove liners are great) and a wool cap you're good to go on the coldest of days. If your hands get cold easily, bring a pair of light weight waterproof mittens to go over your gloves. (They weigh nothing - I've used them three or four times over 100+ days of Camino walking). And, lastly a buff will keep your neck and face warm if the weather is really nasty.
Bottom line is all of the items above are on the standard packing lists. You prepare for adverse weather by creative use of these limited resources. It's all part of the adventure!
Since this is only 2 days of your walk and you already have layers, I would just add wooly head covering and gloves.
@Scully, I am with @Priscilla NC on this, as well as others. When I crossed from SJPP in late March, 2010, I had to remove the thermal layers I thought I needed. I was sweating profusely I was that warm, much more than I would usually when walking. Finding a place to do that was interesting!Could I double up on those or am I underestimating the weather in the Pyrenees in May?
I'm also starting out May 1! I've done my packing list zillion times trying to decide on layers, etc.I am interested in this subject as well as I am leaving 1 May. How much warmer does it get from there to mid June as you progress along the St Frances, as I can't decide what ratio of cloths to bring for sun/rain/wind etc.
I was reminded that May 1 is a holiday in Europe by arriving in Bayonne that day and having an "interesting" time getting to SJPDP. You can probably get more solid information about just what will be closed/have a different schedule by checking online.I am interested in this subject as well as I am leaving 1 May. How much warmer does it get from there to mid June as you progress along the St Frances, as I can't decide what ratio of cloths to bring for sun/rain/wind etc.
Thank you. I am actually arriving late on 29th April and will buy any provisions and go to the office on 30th. Only thing to do on 1st is walk to Auberge Borda and Laurant is expecting us. Still probably useful for others arriving on 1st.I was reminded that May 1 is a holiday in Europe by arriving in Bayonne that day and having an "interesting" time getting to SJPDP. You can probably get more solid information about just what will be closed/have a different schedule by checking online.
Oh just to add that the 1st is a Sunday, and so the public holiday would be more likely to be on Monday 2nd.Thank you. I am actually arriving late on 29th April and will buy any provisions and go to the office on 30th. Only thing to do on 1st is walk to Auberge Borda and Laurant is expecting us. Still probably useful for others arriving on 1st.
Wow! That wind is wild!!!@Scully On April 16, 2016, my second time going over these Pyrenees. It was chilly and oh so windyI thought I was going to take flight. There was snow at the top. Here’s a look at how I used my buff hold on to your hats. Also, a video at the top. Be ready for the unexpected.
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I used a lightweight down vest under my wind/rain jacket on those chilly mornings. Oh and that lightweight sleeping bag is like a cocoon on those chilly Spring nights.
Buen Camino
Don't throw it away! Put it in the donation box at an albergue. I guarantee someone else will snap it up!You can bring some old sweatshirt or something that you are about to throw away at home and discard it in Pamplona instead.
Always! I love the donation boxes along the way. I have given and taken many useful items during my other Caminos…one time one of my Camino family found a chocolate bar!!Don't throw it away! Put it in the donation box at an albergue. I guarantee someone else will snap it up!
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