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Shorts OK?

Sweenardo

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Via de la Plata in May of 2017 from Ourense to Santiago. Bilbao to Santander on Camino Norte (2018).
Last year on the Via de la Plata I made sure to bring long pants as I wanted to have them to wear in the cathedral in Santiago and along the way as needed. As many of you know, lots of people wear shorts in the cathedrals and I found myself wearing them also on occasion. I may have misinterpreted but local folks didn't seem to care as long as I was respectful and acted appropriately (no photos where prohibited; quiet; not walking where I wasn't supposed to go etc.)

I am tempted to not bring long pants on my Norte camino this year to save weight. What do those of you who have hiked the Norte think? Will it be ok from a cultural perspective?

Thank you.
 
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Last year on the Via de la Plata I made sure to bring long pants as I wanted to have them to wear in the cathedral in Santiago and along the way as needed. As many of you know, lots of people wear shorts in the cathedrals and I found myself wearing them also on occasion. I may have misinterpreted but local folks didn't seem to care as long as I was respectful and acted appropriately (no photos where prohibited; quiet; not walking where I wasn't supposed to go etc.)

I am tempted to not bring long pants on my Norte camino this year to save weight. What do those of you who have hiked the Norte think? Will it be ok from a cultural perspective?

Thank you.
When are you leaving? I'm pretty sure that I'd want to have some long pants with me during the fall or winter months.
 
Leaving from Bilbao on the 25th. I've done a lot of backpacking and find my legs dry faster than pants (if it rains) and temps look pretty moderate. Something to consider though.....
 
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If the shorts are modest, there is no problem. Locals know that pilgrims are limited in wardrobe. Good hygiene is a more important consideration, you do not want to stank or be grimy. :)

Others have appropriately noted the issue of shorts and weather. It is a consideration that is worth noting. I only wear shorts while hiking. I only carry 1 pair of shorts and no pants (although I list them on my packing list, I always leave them). So I have a pair of shorts to wear and one pair that is in the pack. These are a longer length Pearl Izumi running short with a built in liner, so they also replace the need for under shorts.

If it is a bit chilly, I wear my lightweight SmartWool base layer under the shorts. If it is a heavy rain and water is splashing my legs under the poncho, then I put on my rain kilt. If that isn't sufficient, then I can put on the base layer. I can't recall the last time I've needed to do that, though
 
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Join our full-service guided tour of the Basque Country and let us pamper you!
Last year on the Via de la Plata I made sure to bring long pants as I wanted to have them to wear in the cathedral in Santiago and along the way as needed. As many of you know, lots of people wear shorts in the cathedrals and I found myself wearing them also on occasion. I may have misinterpreted but local folks didn't seem to care as long as I was respectful and acted appropriately (no photos where prohibited; quiet; not walking where I wasn't supposed to go etc.)

I am tempted to not bring long pants on my Norte camino this year to save weight. What do those of you who have hiked the Norte think? Will it be ok from a cultural perspective?

Thank you.
I walked the Norte in June 18. Lots of people wearing shorts even in the cathedral( no "short" shorts though)
 
The 9th edition the Lightfoot Guide will let you complete the journey your way.
I'm currently at Vilar do Barrio on the Via de la Plata, wearing a kilt.
 
I walked the Norte in May when it rained every day and only wore shorts. The Cathedral in Bilbao has a sign by the door that states no shorts. My friend and I decided not to go in but asked for a stamp. The young lady at the little shop asked if we were Pilgrims and we said yes. She said it was free for us. We told her we couldn’t go in as we had shorts on and she pulled out a couple of large scarves for us to wear. Such a nice gesture. And that little shop has the nicest little string bags. Silky feeing, blue with the Camino shell onntgem. Never saw them anywhere else.
 
Last year on the Via de la Plata I made sure to bring long pants as I wanted to have them to wear in the cathedral in Santiago and along the way as needed. As many of you know, lots of people wear shorts in the cathedrals and I found myself wearing them also on occasion. I may have misinterpreted but local folks didn't seem to care as long as I was respectful and acted appropriately (no photos where prohibited; quiet; not walking where I wasn't supposed to go etc.)

I am tempted to not bring long pants on my Norte camino this year to save weight. What do those of you who have hiked the Norte think? Will it be ok from a cultural perspective?

Thank you.
Long pants will be good if you are walking anytime except summer.
 
The 9th edition the Lightfoot Guide will let you complete the journey your way.
Long pants will be good if you are walking anytime except summer.
Long pants can also be excellent in summer if they are light in colour, light in weight and loose around the legs. They shade the skin. There is a reason many peoples in hot, sunny climates wear long, loose clothing.
 
Walked with family on Norte, lady wore long pants and gent a skirt every day and after trekking. Pleny of Who wears the Pants in you family comments
 

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