To thermal or not to thermal

[Locksley]

Hi, newbie here
I’m planning to walk from SJDP to Santiago in September (starting 14/9) and October. Some people have mentioned cold nights/mornings. How cold are we talking? Thermals cold? I’ll be staying in albergues and hotels. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Bradypus]

Walking the higher sections of the CF in October you may come across temperatures close to freezing. On my last CF walk I found frost one morning near Rabanal and had to wear a pair of socks as mittens as my hands were very cold. I usually carry at least one long-sleeved thermal shirt plus a pair of long johns which can also be used as sleepwear if albergues are cold.

 

[C clearly]

I take very light thermals to sleep in. But you can pull on rainpants or a second layer over your walking pants. They are easier to remove when it warms up.

 

[wcsjms]

Hi, newbie here
I’m planning to walk from SJDP to Santiago in September (starting 14/9) and October. Some people have mentioned cold nights/mornings. How cold are we talking? Thermals cold? I’ll be staying in albergues and hotels. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

We found layering the torso is enough even on the cold rainy days, the legs stay warm from constant exercise. We trekked the Frances Sept-Nov 2016

 

[Kitsambler]

Silk long underwear weighs only a couple ounces, compresses to a couple cubic inches, and adds immeasurably to comfort, both at night and mornings/evenings.

 

[wcsjms]

Silk long underwear weighs only a couple ounces, compresses to a couple cubic inches, and adds immeasurably to comfort, both at night and mornings/evenings.

We had these with us too....worked great ! Although we hardly used them.

 

[tomnorth]

A light base layer is great for those cold frosty mornings you’re likely to get later in October. Either silk, merino wool, or a lightweight synthetic product ought to work. I use a Smartwool base layer.

 

[Locksley]

Thanks guys. That gives me all the guidance I need. Much appreciated!

 

[Tincatinker]

In my view you need to turn some of this excellent advice around. I've walked in early cold Springs and late cool Autumns. And while walking I've been comfortable in my choices of merino tops & technical trousers, windbreakers & poncho. Long-johns & merino for sleeping. It all worked wonderfully while walking. It was when I stopped, for a break or for the night that I suffered from not having sufficient warm clothing for hanging out in the evening air. I'd be in bed by 8:30 just to keep warm.

These days I carry a compactable down jacket that provides snuggly comfort when required.

 

[jsalt]

These days I carry a compactable down jacket that provides snuggly comfort when required.

This has to be the best thing I’ve ever bought on a camino. A puffy sleeveless jacket, 15 euros in a China Store, at the beginning of November, when it started getting really cold in the evenings.

 

[Via2010]

Hi,

I would bring some thermal underwear. You can use it as sleepwear, too.

During the walk, a song-sleeve Shirt or Fleece will do. When sitting down for a rest outside, you might feel a bit cold. Most bars are warm and cosy, so just walk in. But in the evenings in the albergues or even in hotels it might be cold. Even if they have a heater this does not mean that it works and gives sufficient warmth. Especially if the albergue is adjacent to a bar, I often thought that they do not turn on the heating in the albergue because they want you to come over to the bar to spent your evening and Money there. When you are exhausted you are particularily sensible.

The CF passes some higher regions (montes d'Oca before Burgos, Montes de Leon, O'Cebreiro) where it can be rather cold at night.

BC
Alexandra

 

[Locksley]

I tend to feel the cold so I think it will be thermals and a down jacket for me. Thanks