Winter Clothing for Camino Frances

Caminowilts,

Check out the links in this earlier post

Please read what I wrote regarding winter storms here and also read the links within the post.

Carpe diem and Buen camino

@caminowilts, as mspath - our winter-walking guru said, there is a recent post with lots of info.

Regarding your pack - depends how minimalist you are!!!! I walk with an Osprey Kestral 38. My sleeping bag weighs just under 1kg and measured approx 21cm/19 cm packed in its bag. It fit in the bottom section of my pack. I had a large microfibre towel that folded up palm size, I carried a short and long merino shirt, thick hiking pants, wet weather pants, toiletries, a lunch bag full of 8 weeks work of medicine, 4 headlamps (family of 4 walking,), a few other items. Despite the minimal amount stated above, cant say I packed ultralight. My pack was full but not overflowing, it weighed approx 7.5kg.

First camino with a water bladder (similar to camelback), second with water bottle.

This is my sleeping bag - was toasty warm each night - sometimes a bit too warm!!!

If walking in winter, I would recommend ear warmers (headband style), a buff, beanie and very warm gloves. My husband and kids didn't bother with a beanie, they fashioned their buff into a hat, then one son wanted to wear my beanie all the time haha.

I walk in winter with 33L pack with no real issue, but it is heavier than my summer kit. And figuring out lots of layers is the key - merino wool is great too as it doesn't need washed as often which is better in winter when getting gear dried is trickier. Also, given shorter days or more inclement weather its wise to make sure that you have something reflective/fluorescent that makes you more visible to drivers.

My preference in winter is a thermal liner with a (cheap) down quilt - but in regards to sleeping bags its a personal thing - because weight, cost and even if you sleep warm or cold can effect which choice to make. You are sleeping indoors, and even though heating is not plentiful in albergues you probably don't need a sleeping bag that is rated sub-zero, but a summer weight bag isn't going to cut it either.

Finally, it is very important to make sure that you carry some food with you - don't rely on cafes and bars being open in smaller towns and villages, eg some may open restricted hours or only certain days. You may get unlucky and not find anything open from getting up to going to bed so having some food in your rucksack is vital.

But honestly I am very jealous - I wish I could get walking this winter!

caminowilts said:

Hi all,

I am seriously thinking of starting the Frances from SJPD to Santiago next week. I’ve taken some time out from work and want to make best use of it. What I am curious to know is what sorting of clothing and sleeping bag pilgrims take in the winter and will my 33L pack used for spring/summer/autumn caminos be big enough?

Click to expand...

Very little difference from spring / autumn which include ski-vest and nordic walking poles….

Extra;

A thin beanie, runner mittens and down light weight isolation jacket…..

You will enjoy your walk very much

Ultreia!