Thermals in April/May 2013?

[billbennettoz]

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?

 

[wayfarer]

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.

 

[billbennettoz]

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!

 

[tyrrek]

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!

 

[billbennettoz]

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!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

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.

 

[billbennettoz]

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?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Three socks is sensible, but three of the others is overkill, I think.

 

[billbennettoz]

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.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

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

 

[cajunun]

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.

 

[Tia Valeria]

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.