Using my knee length down filled jacket as a blanket?

[Asel]

Hello, I am starting my Camino on April 16, 2016 and I'm so excited about the idea of hiking everyday. I think that my excitement would definitely be squashed if my pack was too heavy so I'm trying to pare it down as much as possible and have items that are multi purpose. I was thinking of using my knee length down filled jacket during the hiking and a blanket at night, it is light as a feather . But I'm worried about it getting wet during the day if it is rainy and windy although I was hoping a long wet weather poncho would keep it dry. Does anyone have any thoughts or any experience with a down jacket?
Thank you for any information
Avi

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola Avi - The trouble with down jackets is that they are worse than useless when wet. They will either get wet from rain or from the condensation by being worn under a poncho or rain jacket. I tried with a down jacket I still have but would never now take on Camino. As well as being hopeless when wet it also proved to be too warm for long distance walking. Layering is the answer IMHO with a good outer shell so you can take off and put on according to conditions.

Buen Camino

John

 

[SYates]

I agree with @JohnnieWalker

If you need help with your packing list just put it up here in the forum and we all give our opinions ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Asel]

I agree with @JohnnieWalker

If you need help with your packing list just put it up here in the forum and we all give our opinions ;-) Buen Camino, SY

Thank you! Is there a specific spot to post my packing list on this forum? I'm still learning the ways!

 

[Asel]

Hola Avi - The trouble with down jackets is that they are worse than useless when wet. They will either get wet from rain or from the condensation by being worn under a poncho or rain jacket. I tried with a down jacket I still have but would never now take on Camino. As well as being hopeless when wet it also proved to be too warm for long distance walking. Layering is the answer IMHO with a good outer shell so you can take off and put on according to conditions.

Buen Camino

John

Oh I never thought about the condensation, that would definitely be a problem. And you're probably right that it would be too warm because I overheat easily anyways when I'm hiking. Ok, I will have to rethink what to do about a blanket.
Thank you!

 

[SYates]

It might be a good idea starting a new thread in the sub-forum of the way you plan to walk. If you really want to make us happy state month(s) + gender together with 'packing list' in the thread title. That should draw in the critics quickly ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[GreatDane]

Hello, I am starting my Camino on April 16, 2016.
Avi

Hi Avi!! I am due south of you in WA so we're probably experiencing like weather. What I'd suggest (and what I am doing right now for my April CF continuation camino) is try all sorts of layer combo's during your training walks, then subtract one or two!!! I'll be on the meseta and I've looked at the historical April temps. I have the high end of the temps under control with what I packed last time and now through my snow covered training walks know what I need to layer just in case it does get to the 0C range. PM me if you want to see my list.

 

[Asel]

Hi Avi!! I am due south of you in WA so we're probably experiencing like weather. What I'd suggest (and what I am doing right now for my April CF continuation camino) is try all sorts of layer combo's during your training walks, then subtract one or two!!! I'll be on the meseta and I've looked at the historical April temps. I have the high end of the temps under control with what I packed last time and now through my snow covered training walks know what I need to layer just in case it does get to the 0C range. PM me if you want to see my list.

Hi GreatDane, Sorry I'm still figuring out this forum and didn't know that you had responded to me. Thank you for your input, yes we probably have similar weather. I too went out for a hike on Thursday in the snow and I had 2 long sleeve merino shirts and a thin jacket and was too warm even though the temperature was around 2 degrees celsuis. My hands were cold though and so were my feet but there was a slight rain and my gloves got wet. I don't know how to do PM yet.

 

[Asel]

It might be a good idea starting a new thread in the sub-forum of the way you plan to walk. If you really want to make us happy state month(s) + gender together with 'packing list' in the thread title. That should draw in the critics quickly ;-) Buen Camino, SY

Thank you SYates, I will do this once I have decided what to bring, I'm still figuring it out. I want to go as light as possible, I'm thinking 10 lbs if I can so everything I have so far is miniture and light weight. I definitely need input though because I'm confused about bringing a sleeping bag or just a silk liner and other such things. Thank you again

 

[Anniesantiago]

Personally, there is no way I'd walk in April without a sleeping bag.
I've frozen in June some years.

 

[SYates]

... I definitely need input though because I'm confused about bringing a sleeping bag or just a silk liner and other such things. Thank you again

April? Definitely bring a sleeping bag, unless you are always and only staying in pensions and hotels. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Asel]

April? Definitely bring a sleeping bag, unless you are always and only staying in pensions and hotels. Buen Camino, SY

Ok thank you!

 

[Asel]

Personally, there is no way I'd walk in April without a sleeping bag.
I've frozen in June some years.

Thank you for your input