What coat

[Gazer]

Hi I am starting camino on the 10th april and was going to wear my north face coat which is quite heavy. Do you think I will need this or should I take a lighter weight coat. Thanks Gary

 

[wayfarer]

IMO I would go with a mid weight coat because when the weather gets dry and warm you still have to carry it. Concentrate on layers rather than heavy garments so you can add for the cold and take off as necessary.
Buen Camino.

 

[mspath]

Gazer,

Perhaps a thin waterproof jacket with a lightweight polar fleece would be a good combo. Also a long sleeve technical tee shirt combined with a short sleeve technical tee would provide various degrees of warmth. Wear only the short sleeve technical tee if it gets hot and pile it all on if it is cold. Check out what is available at your nearest Decathlon store; almost all my gear and kit has come from them.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[unadara]

I have 3 experiences, Berghaus coat, normal weight for winter walking here, stayed in bag all time, heat wave. Same coat 2nd Camino didn't keepout the persistent rain, all day for 10 days (BUT it wasn't cold) 3rd time got a light weight 500 isotex?, a packable item 400g, was great, extra layer for coldish mornings and evenings and did keep out showers/was no persistent rain. THIS time "new coat" arrived this am in post. It is a Goretex paclite, 200g!! weight, lovely blue colour, only 1 small chest pocket, (expensive/ a treat). Weigh all your gear, layer up, bring as light a coat as you can.

 

[Metropolly]

I'd recommend leaving the coat at home, and relying on layers and a waterproof poncho. Goretex coats look smarter but they're too hot to wear in a spring rain shower. Also they get grubby and you can't wash them en route, unless you're prepared to carry the specialist detergent with you. A poncho gets clean every time it rains!

 

[Odem]

Gazer,

Perhaps a thin waterproof jacket with a lightweight polar fleece would be a good combo. Also a long sleeve technical tee shirt combined with a short sleeve technical tee would provide various degrees of warmth. Wear only the short sleeve technical tee if it gets hot and pile it all on if it is cold. Check out what is available at your nearest Decathlon store; almost all my gear and kit has come from them.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

Hello Margaret. I follow your advices as much as I can since you appear to be a knowledgeable person. I will start my Camino May 3rd. Do you think I need to take shorts? I got a pair of those pants that you unzip the legs and I am planning to take another light pair of pants and leggings to sleep or to wear under my pants if needed. Do you think this is OK?

 

[mspath]

Convertible pants that zip into shorts plus another pair of light pants should do the trick!
Leggings might be too hot for sleeping in May. What about gym shorts and a clean tee shirt instead?

MM

 

[Odem]

Convertible pants that zip into shorts plus another pair of light pants should do the trick!
Leggings might be too hot for sleeping in May. What about gym shorts and a clean tee shirt instead?

MM

Thanks Margaret. Blessings to you!