rain gear _ Norte

[peter_]

Hey guys 🕊 I would like to ask about your experiences and opinions with rain weather on Norte. Do you think I have to bring rain gear (waterproof shoes, pants and jacket)? Or os it OK just with poncho? I dont know what to do, because now I have only my Salomon trail runners (they are not waterpfoor at all) and Teva sandals... and poncho if it comes to rain. I start my camino August 17th from Irún and forecast is storm-rainy weather first three days in a row, and also many rainy days in next month. What do you think? Thanks for any recommendations!
~ Peter

 

[trecile]

Footwear is going to get wet no matter what you are wearing. The important thing is how quickly it will dry out. I have found sandals to be perfect on rain and mud.

I also bring waterproof socks to wear with my sandals for really wet days.

 

[Vacajoe]

I wear wool socks and trail runners, changing my socks when they get too wet and letting them dry overnight. Has worked perfectly on four Caminos, including snow, pouring rain, and heat. Waterproof anything tends to eventual fail and then you have clothing keeping water INSIDE and your body not being able to breathe and shed heat.

We walked two weeks on the Norte (Bayonne-Bilbao) in October and did just fine with just rain jackets. We got wet from the waist down on the few days in rained, but they dried just fine

 

[xin loi]

Walked the entire Norte in August and Sept of 2019. Wore rain pants and jacket which were great for the frequent day long persistent rain events. Prior to walking the Norte I did a practice hike from Santiago to Muxia to Finisterre. While walking I met people who had just finished the Norte and they advised me that i better be prepared to sleep outside a few nights due to lack of beds. I took their advise and carried two extra ponchos --one for under my sleeping bag and one for over the bag. Also had an extra rain coat but I gave it to a woman who walked without any rain gear. I know i carry too much but I learned the hard way that is better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Unless your poncho covers your backpack you should have a waterproof rain cover for your pack AND a waterproof bag inside. I strongly suggest an umbrella also. Buen Camino.

 

[lt56ny]

Have a poncho that covers you and your pack. Have newspaper to put in your trail runners at night. As soon as you get to the albergue stuff them with newspapers and if you can do it again before you go to bed. They will definately be dry in the morning. Predicting the weather especially these days????? I don't think it is possible.

 

[KimR]

Hey guys 🕊 I would like to ask about your experiences and opinions with rain weather on Norte. Do you think I have to bring rain gear (waterproof shoes, pants and jacket)? Or os it OK just with poncho? I dont know what to do, because now I have only my Salomon trail runners (they are not waterpfoor at all) and Teva sandals... and poncho if it comes to rain. I start my camino August 17th from Irún and forecast is storm-rainy weather first three days in a row, and also many rainy days in next month. What do you think? Thanks for any recommendations!
~ Peter

It rains most days especially in the Basque Country whether it’s a light mist, fast downpour, a gentle shower or all day. The albergues have news paper to stuff in your boots which works well. I was kitted out in rain jacket, rain pants, pack cover , waterproof stuff bags but regretted not bringing an umbrella. It is perfect for light misty rains in warmer, humid weather when other gear is just too hot. The locals always carry an umbrella in one hand to be ready.
Buen Camino

 

[Lleslie]

Wet weather on the Le Puy route ,May 2018, really thankful for water proof boots and rain pants to keep water from filling boots from the top. Usually didn't bother with rain jacket unless it was really wild (one memorable thunderstorm!) Or cold. Just used unbrella which regulated the heat. Yes, sometimes a few 'wardrobe' changes throughout the day as rain pants came off and on as the showers came through but for me much better than our sodden shoes on the Frances May 2014.

 

[Daddyfrog]

We walked the Norte in May-June 2018. It rained all the way from Basque country to Galicia - everything from light misty rain to torrential rain and gale force winds! We wore goretex jackets and trousers, which kept us completely dry and warm in all conditions. We were very thankful we decided to take them!

 

[Gavala]

Footwear is going to get wet no matter what you are wearing. The important thing is how quickly it will dry out. I have found sandals to be perfect on rain and mud.

I also bring waterproof socks to wear with my sandals for really wet days.

Seeing how you've been through this, would it be possible to recommend your brand of waterproof socks?

 

[trecile]

Seeing how you've been through this, would it be possible to recommend your brand of waterproof socks?

Mine are made by Sealskinz. DexShell is another popular brand.
Here's an article that you might find useful.

Waterproof socks to see you through the wettest runs

Waterproof socks to see you through the wettest winter conditions

www.runnersworld.com

 

[David with new Kit!]

We start the Norte on Monday August 22nd and have taken the advice to buy Sealskinz socks for both of us. Its our emergency pair in case our shoes get too wet, at least our feet will be dry.

We also have full weatherproof trousers and jackets Oh yes, and a lightweight brolly.

@peter_ From your start date, you should be on the Norte now - How is the weather?