What Layer to Take

[Waka]

Experience from previous walkers on the VDLP please.

I have a Marino Wool Fleece and also a RAB Down Jacket, weight wise there's not much in it, if you had my dilemma which one would you take on the VDLP starting in February next year?
From an excited pilgrim who still keeps packing and unpacking.

 

[MaryLynn]

The down jacket would be better protection against wind and cold (and snow), I think.

 

[Waka]

The down jacket would be better protection against wind and cold (and snow), I think.

Thanks for the advice, but will I encounter snow? I'll be leaving Savilla at the beginning of Feb.

 

[t2andreo]

If you have a water resistant shell (parka / raincoat) to wear over either garment, I recommend the merino pullover. This is especially true if the merino pull has sleeves.

Down is useless when wet. Just allow that on Camino, Murphy's Law rules, if water can get to the down, it will.

Conversely, Merino is effective even when wet. It dries quickly and does not retain odors. Overall, the merino garment will be more useful to you, on and off the Camino.

My personal choice for Camino layering is microfleece, instead of natural merino wool. But vive la difference!

The key to remaining warm is always layering.

Hope this helps.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I have walked that route, and I'd take the Merino Wool Fleece.

 

[Anniesantiago]

My personal choice for Camino layering is microfleece, instead of natural merino wool. But vive la difference!
.

I love Merino fleece, but do you have a source for merino MICRO fleece? Sounds like something I might want to explore.

 

[t2andreo]

I am fully invested in synthetics at this point. I have a variety of different weights and styles. Also, I learned while walking from Lisbon last April - May that I did not need a proper fleece outer garment. A separate, long-sleeve Underarmour polo shirt did very nicely as a lightweight, smaller alternative as an intermediate layer, under a shell, but over a t-shirt. I was pleasantly surprised.

That said, I am walking the Invierno as from this coming Friday. I WILL be carrying a proper fleece, even if it has to be strapped to the top or bottom of my new, smaller 38-liter Osprey Kestrel rucksack. I know better than to trust weather forecasts for Galicia in April.

When I got home last year I did some online research. According to the folks at Underarmour, their synthetic fibers are hollow, like merino wool. That is why they are singularly good at providing warmth, and cooling. Their patented synthetic threads mimic the performance of hollow natural fibers,like: merino wool, angora, or possum hair (a Kiwi speciality) at lower cost and with machine washability and increased durability over wool. At least, that is what their corporate story is...

So it goes...

 

[Kanga]

@Waka February is winter, so yes, you could get snow, particularly if you are taking the Sanabres.

I have chosen a merino motorcycle sweater over a down jacket for the VdlP this month. My down jacket has a water resistant shell, but that means it does not breath very well. So for me the merino is a better choice.

 

[Waka]

Thank you all for the helpful responses, I have to say I'm a lover of marino and all my layers are marino, just needed convincing that I wasn't over thinking things.