• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.
  • Get your Camino Frances Guidebook here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Thermals in April/May 2013?

billbennettoz

Veteran Poster
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances 2013
Camino Portuguese 2014
Via di Francesco 2015
I have now booked my flight, and I will be starting my first Camino in SJPP on April 11th. I am working out my packing - and wondered if I'll need thermals? I have some Icebreaker merino thermals but they weigh in at 440gms, and that would put my pack at 8kg. Are thermals needed at that time of the year?
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Bill I brought silk thermals for the same time last year. I thought I might also use them as PJs for night time. Cold an all as it was I didn't use them, but you are coming, like my brother, from Australian summer so you may feel the cold more. Silk is warm but much lighter than merino even though I love merino.
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Thanks Wayfarer - yes, silks are a good idea, but I've already spent a lot on my clothing and gear! So I think I might follow your advice and leave my merinos behind.

I got today from Paddy Pallin in Sydney a Western Mountaineering sleeping bag - goose down - weighing in at 468 gms. That is the single biggest expenditure I've made on this trip, but it probably will be worth it!
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
April/May last year was apparently quite cool, but the year before it was absolutely perfect walking weather and I was generally walking in shorts and a t-shirt. I guess it depends on luck.

It does cool down in the evening and will still be cool when you start early morning, even if the day turns out to be quite hot. I just changed into long trousers and wore a fleece in the evenings.

A decent sleeping bag will serve you well.

Buen Camino!
 
tyrrek said:
It does cool down in the evening and will still be cool when you start early morning, even if the day turns out to be quite hot. I just changed into long trousers and wore a fleece in the evenings.

A decent sleeping bag will serve you well.!
Thank you Tyrrek for this - I guess like the entire walk, I'll have to take it as it comes!
 
Walking keeps me pretty warm, so I rarely used my silk or thermal underwear except for sleeping when I did not take a sleeping bag. You can probably leave the thermals behind and be quite comfortable.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
falcon269 said:
Walking keeps me pretty warm, so I rarely used my silk or thermal underwear except for sleeping when I did not take a sleeping bag. You can probably leave the thermals behind and be quite comfortable.
Thank you Falcon for this advice. I have my pack at about 8kgs now, without water, mainly because of my iPad and camera. These are essential for me though and I'm trying to reduce elsewhere. I figure though with the possibility of rain, 3 prs of socks, undies, and t-shirts is preferable, rather than 2 prs?
 
Three socks is sensible, but three of the others is overkill, I think.
 
falcon269 said:
Three socks is sensible, but three of the others is overkill, I think.
Ok- thanks. That saves me a bit! My knees will be grateful.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I used polyprop leggings on a few occasions under my shorts on particularly cold or very wet days in April/May- usually at altitude eg on the Aubrac Plateau. This happens to be the way we Kiwis tend to do things here though others might find it odd to look at. Only problem was, if it warmed up, or I warmed up- on occasion I had to find a discrete place to strip that lower layer off...
Margaret
 
I took pure silk thermals (long johns and t-shirt) - very very lightweight, compact but worth it when required. WOrth the money and, if looked after, is a good investment. I purchased mine online from NZ Nature and they sometime have specials. Worth investigating.
 
So true Margaret. I wore my thermals nearly every evening but not for walking. If it was cold walking I wore my breathable waterproof trousers. Kept the wind and cold out and fairly easy to remove once I warmed up. My short sleeved T-shirt top and long sleeved shirt plus fleece(s) were enough as top layers.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

Most read last week in this forum