Weather? Ski Jacket vs Rain jacket

[Eduardo Hernandez]

I will be walking El Camino Frances starting April 21 at SJPDP and wondering how cold/rainy it will be. Trying to decide whether to bring my lighter rain jacket and a very thin fleece or bring my heavier jacket which is a ski jacket but has vents. I'm thinking it might get cold if it rains for awhile

 

[naplesdon]

I have never walked in the winter but I have walked in April and I have never seen a puffy ski jacket.

 

[Eduardo Hernandez]

OK Thankyou! Jacket is a thin ski jacket that rolls up easily but is definitely heavier than a regular rain jacket

 

[Buz Radican]

Layers. In 2015 I walked started 1 May. Some quite cool mornings but the temperature quickly turned warm during the day. I am a skier also and would not recommend a ski jacket. I am starting 1 May this year and am taking a rain jacket, and lightweight mid and base layers.

 

[Arn]

Light fleece, quality windbreaker, poncho “Altus”, and a “lifesaver” (you may call it a trash bag). When worn separately, or in combination you can comfortably trek in adverse weather. Light weight, easy to maintain with the”lifesaver” providing a waterproof vapor barrier that can,indeed, save your life. It also serves as a chew toy for my pup ( witness the picture).

 

[C clearly]

Always - two thin layers rather than one thick layer! The combination provides much more versatility, and dries faster.

 

[Suzanne S.]

Layers. In 2015 I walked started 1 May. Some quite cool mornings but the temperature quickly turned warm during the day. I am a skier also and would not recommend a ski jacket. I am starting 1 May this year and am taking a rain jacket, and lightweight mid and base layers.

@Buz Radican Yay for you! I walked the Portuguese last year. Buen Camino!!!

 

[Buz Radican]

@Buz Radican Yay for you! I walked the Portuguese last year. Buen Camino!!!

Hi Suzanne, I looked at both the Portuguese and the Norte for this , my third Camino. For several reasons decided on the CF.....lots of alburges and no long distances between them. Hope all is well with you and the rest of our Red Gaggles.

 

[Susan Peacock]

I have walked in April about a week before you and the year I went it was cold for a good part of the time. I needed a fleece and a light puffy jacket as well as my rain gear. There were times that I needed four layers and wore everything I had. We even had snow. I am leaving again on April 14th and watching the weather closely as from all accounts they are having a cold and late winter. I am hoping we will get some more reports from those on the trail. I have a friend who walked into Granon today and she said "a cold front pushed in and temps dropped into the 30's. The northeast winds kicked in and blasted the pilgrims in the face the entire way (sustained head winds at 30+ mph with gusts to 50+mph)." Last time I walked I didn't have gloves or a beanie and almost got frostbite on my fingers in a snowstorm. I know you aren't supposed to pack your fears, but I am taking gloves and a beanie this time. It is spring, expect anything. It does make it interesting and weather is just part of the experience.

 

[Arn]

What Should I Take

What should I take Stuff my pack full
With this and that Till bursting
I’ve never walkedThis far before
“It’ll fit” claimed I, while cursing

What should I take besides the gear
Are there folks back home awaiting
Can I carry love or a warm embrace
Life’s sustaining grace creating

What should I take I can drop as stones
Hurt feelings, hate, or cause of tears
I’ve heard it said and I believe
You should never pack your fears

What should I take if your asking me
May I suggest an open heart
Fill with wonder, joy, Thanksgiving
As the Camino plays it’s part

 

[Annaluisa]

Hi. I am walking from SJPP april 15 to Orisson, then on to Burquete. I have a beanie and gloves and am trusting to the merino layers and an Altus. That said, I will follow the sage advice of the Pilgrim office. Just want to say, I really appreciate all the postings.

 

[J F Gregory]

I use a smart wall long shirt or T-shirt plus a Lightweigh fleece and then my raincoat that seems to give me plenty of layered warmth. We want in Winter lots of snow I think when you walk and April you'll be great but I wouldn't bring a have a Heavy coat

 

[RJM]

Fleece and rain jacket

 

[Annaluisa]

Thanks

 

[Anniesantiago]

I walk nearly every April and I usually just take a lightweight fleece. By the time I walk 10 minutes, I'm peeling it off. A ski jacket is OVER kill!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I prefer a ski jacket more, because it's warmer

You don't need it. You'll be leaving it in the free box after the first day.

 

[Buz Radican]

We all have opinions and mine is leave the ski jacket at home and follow the good advice, above. I ski five days a week during the season (Ski Patrol) and have a collection of ski jackets for all conditions. I have also hiked the Camino Frances three times, once in October - November, when it was reasonably cold, including a bit or sleet and snow. Going again in October, God and the government of Spain in agreement. The “layer” system worked very well for me, so based on experience, I recommend against a ski jacket.

 

[Susan Peacock]

Just thought I would point out that the original was asked in 2018

 

[Anniesantiago]

I often get cold and even in the summer I wear a hoodie

When walking/hiking and carrying a pack? I'm usually cold for about 5 minutes, then I'm peeling off layers. Anyway, your choice, but a ski jacket seems like overkill to me .

Just thought I would point out that the original was asked in 2018

Thanks. I was responding to today's 5 am post.

 

[henrythedog]

Set out cold and hydrated.

 

[C clearly]

Just thought I would point out that the original was asked in 2018

I was responding to today's 5 am post

That post has been deleted as it was later edited by the OP to insert a commercial link.