Trekking or gym clothing?

[npazaky]

I am walking the Camino in June and have started doing some long walks to prepare myself. During my training walks I am wearing gym gear - tights, sports tops and singlets/t-shirts. I have been buying my gear and bought trekking pants with zip off legs and a pair of shorts. I am starting to wonder if these are better to wear than a good pair of gym tights. I am worried about chaffing with wearing pants/shorts and wondering if there is a solid reason why most wear trekking gear rather than normal gym workout gear?

Also, most people advise NOT to wear cotton. I am finding it hard to find plain t-shirts and/or singlets that aren't cotton or full on lycra. I don't want to overdo it on the trekking gear.

Really love some advice from past pilgrams on what clothing they wore, problems, suggestions, climate in June and what I absolutely should take with me in terms of clothing? Thanks

 

[LTfit]

This July will be my 4th summer on the Camino and I always wear my "gym" clothes. Couldn't see the sense in spending extra money when I had a draw full of sports outfits. I walk in 3/4 (capri length) tights and tops (synthetic). Not terribly attractive but definately no chaffing problem.

For the cool mornings or in the mountains I took a light weight fleece which doubled as a pillow. I didn't take a jacket and luckily didn't need it. June will be a bit cooler but who knows, this year has been crazy in Europe.

 

[NicoZ]

Cotton doesn't dry that quickly. Making it bad during cold weather. OTOH it's a plus if it's hot and dry out.

Gym gear is aimed at the gym. It might have problems with thorns and all the other stuff you meet in wild.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Well, first of all, I don't think you'll have a lot of problems with your cotton drying in June.

And secondly, I wouldn't exactly call the Camino "wild."

I've walked the Camino many times.
I've walked as early as April and as late as late November.
If you were walking in early spring or late fall, I might be concerned.
But not in June.
I mean, you may have one or two days where you wear slightly damp clothes, but I doubt it.

I've worn lightweight cotton, as well as polyester and wool.
I haven't had problems with any of them drying.
So I'd say wear what you're comfortable in.

One of the problems people say they have with the "quik-dry" gear is that it stinks after a few weeks. I've never had that problem, but maybe I can't smell myself? :lol: :lol:

The thing to remember is that you CAN have rainstorms in June and it CAN be cold.
So be prepared for cold and rain - take clothes that can be layered and a poncho or some type of rain gear. A couple of girls on my last trip carried umbrellas. I thought they were crazy at first, but now I'm convinced! I wouldn't want to carry the weight myself, but they stayed dry!

Last year, one of my clients sent me a lightweight merino wool shirt for my birthday.
This was a most excellent gift, and I've grown to love wearing merino so much that this year,
since I have some extra cash, most of my clothing will be merino wool. However, I'm walking earlier and it's likely to be cold and windy.