Tips for Walking French Camino in July

[Cherylmayneill]

Kia Ora everyone. My sister and I are walking the French Camino in July from New Zealand. I am so looking forward to it. Has been in the planning for 2 years. Probably been in the back of my mind since I saw Martin Sheen's 'The Way' in 2011. Anyway the time has come. I have just had my 60th birthday. My concern is we are now in winter and July in Spain will be so hot. Do people recommend using the hydration backpacks or just use drink bottles? Will I get over the mountain on the first day??

 

[trecile]

How you carry water is personal preference - both hydration bladders and bottles work fine. I've walked in July and it was fine. On hotter days start and end early.

 

[henrythedog]

Personally: drinks bottles. If there are two of you, put your bottles in the outside pockets of the others rucksack. Easier to access.

Are you starting in St Jean? Are you stopping at Orrison or Borda?

It’s not a mountain; and ‘yes’ you very probably will.

 

[lovelyshell]

I personally think water bladders are a hassle. They seems to be difficult to take in and out of your backpack especially when refilling in the middle of the day. I also knew someone on the Camino who did not wash his or let it dry and mold grew and he got very sick.

 

[KiwiJohn]

Kia Ora everyone. My sister and I are walking the French Camino in July from New Zealand. I am so looking forward to it. Has been in the planning for 2 years. Probably been in the back of my mind since I saw Martin Sheen's 'The Way' in 2011. Anyway the time has come. I have just had my 60th birthday. My concern is we are now in winter and July in Spain will be so hot. Do people recommend using the hydration backpacks or just use drink bottles? Will I get over the mountain on the first day??

With plenty of training beforehand, you will both make the first day. I (72 years) am planning a overnight stay in Orrison which is 9kms in, to break up the Pyrenees section slowly working my way in. Positivity is a plus!

 

[thejoker]

I have never used water bladders. I always just use bottled supermarket water (VERY cheap across Spain) and store them in the side pockets of my pack. The sidepockets of my favored brand of backpack are very slightly more frontal than most, which makes it simplicity itself to gain access and return without missing a step.

 

[David Tallan]

Kia Ora everyone. My sister and I are walking the French Camino in July from New Zealand. I am so looking forward to it. Has been in the planning for 2 years. Probably been in the back of my mind since I saw Martin Sheen's 'The Way' in 2011. Anyway the time has come. I have just had my 60th birthday. My concern is we are now in winter and July in Spain will be so hot. Do people recommend using the hydration backpacks or just use drink bottles? Will I get over the mountain on the first day??

I walked the Camino Frances with my teenage son in July and August 2016. He liked a hydration bladder in his backpack with a tube. I liked a water bottle (1.5 L) in one of the side pockets of my backpack, generally with a baguette sticking out of the other side pocket. There were a couple of days when we were told to expect a long walk between fountains (e.g. after Carrion de los Condes). On those days I ight take a second water bottle that I bought in a store (or a 1.5 L bottle of sweet tea meant to be drunk cold).

If this is your first Camino, and there are still spaces available, I would advise reserving a spot in Orrison or Borda and taking two days to Roncesvalles.

 

[Paula P]

I have never used water bladders. I always just use bottled supermarket water (VERY cheap across Spain) and store them in the side pockets of my pack. The sidepockets of my favored brand of backpack are very slightly more frontal than most, which makes it simplicity itself to gain access and return without missing a step.

Can I ask which brand of backpack you use? I can reach mine with my Osprey but it is a challenge!

 

[FourSeasons]

I've walked the Frances in July/August 2019 and yes it can get hot. I didn't use a bladder on the Frances, just water bottles like many here have already suggested. Easy to fill, easy to replace. To beat the heat, Strategy #1; Start walking early. 5:30a then stop by noon or 1:00p. Strategy #2; find albergues with swimming pools.

You're going to have the time of your lives. So, excited for you two. Buen Camino!!

 

[Anamiri]

Kia Ora everyone. My sister and I are walking the French Camino in July from New Zealand. I am so looking forward to it. Has been in the planning for 2 years. Probably been in the back of my mind since I saw Martin Sheen's 'The Way' in 2011. Anyway the time has come. I have just had my 60th birthday. My concern is we are now in winter and July in Spain will be so hot. Do people recommend using the hydration backpacks or just use drink bottles? Will I get over the mountain on the first day??

Also from NZ.
I took bottles of water. First time a 1 litre, now I take 2 x 500 mls - fits better in my pack.
Fill up before you leave St Jean, fill again at Orrison, and again at the spring. There is also a caravan, where I bought a soft drink and a banana.
Im not a fan of bladders, other people like them - personal preference.
Yes you will notice the difference in temperature, I just started early to cope with the heat.
Walking to Roncesvalles is very doable in a day, most people walk it in a day. (The first 3 hours are the steepest). You cant book in before 3 anyway, so no point getting there too early. Just go at your own pace. On my first Camino I was 57 and my friend/aunt was 70. Age is not an issue on the Camino.

 

[SarahTheKiwi]

Hi I'm from NZ too. Just wanted to say all the best for your journey, and I'd love to hear about it when you return. I'm aiming for Apr/May 2024. Buen Camino!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hi Cheryl. Water bottles are my choice - two 500ml. But with a twist. I have a bladder hose, which screws on just like a normal cap. The hose is always just in front of you, which many bladder users point out - a real benefit to have it easy to access, encourages you to drink more! Easy to refill/clean, you know exactly how much you have, and still fits in the outside pockets if wanted. Although personally I found they keep cooler in the bag, assuming you have room .
My rucksack hasn't got any loop's on the shoulder straps - which many use to hang their water bottles , also good - so I had to get inventive.
As always at a fountain, you drink your fill, then top off the bottles. Mildly annoying pulling it out of the pack the first couple of times, but still easier than a bladder .
Buen Camino

 

[SarahTheKiwi]

Hi Cheryl. Water bottles are my choice - two 500ml. But with a twist. I have a bladder hose, which screws on just like a normal cap. The hose is always just in front of you, which many bladder users point out - a real benefit to have it easy to access, encourages you to drink more! Easy to refill/clean, you know exactly how much you have, and still fits in the outside pockets if wanted. Although personally I found they keep cooler in the bag, assuming you have room .
My rucksack hasn't got any loop's on the shoulder straps - which many use to hang their water bottles , also good - so I had to get inventive.
As always at a fountain, you drink your fill, then top off the bottles. Mildly annoying pulling it out of the pack the first couple of times, but still easier than a bladder .
Buen Camino

One camino video on I saw on YouTube, I'm pretty sure the guy had a bladder nose hooked up to a bottle of red wine!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Don’t tempt me

 

[Kirkie]

Experience leads me to say: two smaller bottle of water from a reliable source (aqua potable: from any tap in a home or albergue, from a labelled outdoor source). No need to buy water. We took litre bottles, not any more. Only one long stretch on the CF where you need to maybe buy an extra litre.
Have a wonderful camino!