What kind of jacket (how light or heavy)?

[irisbs]

I have read some of the packing lists posted and want to know specifically...if traveling in June and July...what is the heaviest single item to take...what kind of jacket or fleece..how lightweight or not..?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Im opinion in June and July as light as possible

 

[Davroos]

Lightweight windproof which rolls up to nothing

 

[KiwiNomad06]

lol just to confuse the issue..... in June..... not necessarily..... I posted home my good windjacket in Estella and had ample reason to wish I still had it when biting winds blew in places like Azofra, Granon..... But I gather I walked in the coldest June in 10 years.
Margaret

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The light jacket will be sufficient. If it gets cold, layer. Pick a jacket that doubles as rain gear, thus avoiding two jackets.

 

[Anniesantiago]

In this case, I agree with Falcon. If you can layer under a poncho or rain jacket, you'll be fine. It's more the WIND that cuts through you than the cold in the summer storms.

So, I would take NO jacket except for rain jacket or poncho, and a lightweight fleece to wear under.

 

[Mediana]

So, I would take NO jacket except for rain jacket or poncho, and a lightweight fleece to wear under.

Would you say the same for early April? My plan is only to bring a fleece and poncho, but I'm having second thought.

 

[gittiharre]

If you go in April you will need a lightweight longsleeved merino top as well as a midweight windproof/fleece type jacket under your poncho.
In June I would take a lightweight shortsleeved merino top, a lightweight fleece and a lightweight rainjacket or poncho. I have walked 2700 km in May/June and September in Spain, France Austria and Czech Republic in pretty much all weathers and that is what I would take after lots of deliberation. Regards, Gitti

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I think Gitti is giving good advice. The merino wool layers are expensive but a very good investment imho. They don't smell even after several days use, dry reasonably quickly and can be worn on their own or as a base layer. Vert flexible.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

As a friend from NZ has just pointed out to me - Merino wool garments aren't expensive everywhere!

 

[Anniesantiago]

And merino is a lovely, soft wool.

 

[Mediana]

Went to my local outdoor store to look at Merino wool. (Thanks for the tips by the way) They had some from SmartWool, but Ohh they are pricey. I'm not kidding, they are exactly 90% more expensive than on SmartWools website. They seem like a great investment but I don't wanna pay that kind of money. I will however pick some up on my trip to Seattle in August before I go to Alaska.

So, my question now. Is there anything else I could use instead of Merino wool?

 

[Anniesantiago]

Of course! If you are in Seattle, go to your local Goodwill store. Find one closest to an "upscale" neighborhood and you can find wonderful lightweight fleeces for under $5

That's how I got most of my gear...

Look for the "ACTIVE WEAR" section.

You do NOT have to have wool
Fleece works just as well (well, almost) and if you buy lightweight items, you can layer.
Often, it's cold in the morning when you begin, but you quickly warm up and start peeling off layers.

 

[gittiharre]

Bivouac ( they have a sale on )in New Zealand stock Icebreaker Merino clothing, fantastic brand, you can order on line and they will send it out. A 150 weight is what I have, it is the lightest. Prices start at around 59 NZ dollars and they do last for years. I have had mine for 5 years, worn them hundreds of times and washed them on 30 degrees in the machine, followed by a light spin. Best of all they don't smell and they don't scratch and dry quickly. I hate wool normally.Good luck, Gitti

 

[gittiharre]

You could always use a polypropyline t shirt instead of a merino, they are thermal underwear type stuff, that could double as a t shirt, but they do get smelly and you will end up throwing it out at the end of your walk. They are about half the price of the merino items here. Gitti

 

[lynnejohn]

Last year I wore a merino shirt and loved it. It wore well, washed well, packed light and never smelly!

This is the brand I wore and it's widely available as you can see from the drop-down country list.

http://www.icebreaker.com

lynne

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yes, I had an Irish girl tell me that wool is self-cleaning, and I almost believe her! I have lots of wool now. I buy BIG old merino sweaters at goodwill, then wash them in the washer/dryer to felt them. They're lightweight, soft, and WARM. I rarely have to wash them. Just air them out.

I do agree that wool is wonderful.. just saying it's not actually "necessary."

And yes, that other stuff certainly does stink after a while ::laughing:: You'll find yourself smelling your own armpits going, "Is that me????"

I took Cuddle duds for cold weather underwear. Lightweight and warm. Doubled as night clothes in cold weather.

 

[Mediana]

I'll take another look and see what I can find. I stopped buying wool years ago since we have problem with carpet beetles. All out expensive sweaters and shawles got holes in them, so I just stopped. However, as you say. Its a great material and I would love to own some again.