Walking in Shorts in May

[Former member 32445]

Dear Pilgrims,
Firstly, apologies, am sure this topic has been killed on this site but...
I am walking this May (St Jean - Santiago and onto Finisterre and just plan on walking in running shorts (NOT Just!) (DRI-FIT or alike) and taking Waterproof Trousers.
Basically, from pilgrims that walk/have walked at this time of year (allowing for weather variations!) is this sufficient?
Warm Regards and Blessings in advance
Blu

 

[lynnejohn]

In May on the Frances, we walked in shorts. Had quick-dry pants and wore them I think twice on very cold mornings. I remember even wearing gloves those mornings. Even in rain though, I prefer shorts to long pants, even rain pants. Less hassle.
Buen camino!

 

[Wynne. Carson]

I think it totally depends on what your legs look like.

 

[Former member 32445]

In May on the Frances, we walked in shorts. Had quick-dry pants and wore them I think twice on very cold mornings. I remember even wearing gloves those mornings. Even in rain though, I prefer shorts to long pants, even rain pants. Less hassle.
Buen camino!

Excellent news and just loved the quote on your signature!
Blessings
Blu

 

[lynnejohn]

I think it totally depends on what your legs look like.

My legs are 70 years old and they are what they are

 

[jirit]

For the first set of caminos I did, I walked in shorts switching to long pants for the evening after we had stopped and showered. Seem to make sense especially in the warm Spanish spring weather. The only drawback was having to put sun screen lotion. In the really cold days ( they only a few) I wore rain pants over the shorts to provide some added warmth.

However more recently I have walked wearing long convertible pants. Surprisely I was not hot and in fact not having to wear sun screen lotion meant I was actually cooler, even on the warmest days.

I still take the rain pants but honestly unless it is raining like crazy, I rather not wear them.

To each his or her own but at this time of the year you may find two pairs of long convertible pants more appropriate; one for day and another for evenings.

 

[AJ]

Basically, from pilgrims that walk/have walked at this time of year (allowing for weather variations!) is this sufficient?
Warm Regards and Blessings in advance
Blu

I usually wear shorts, but if it is particularly cold I wear lightweight longs or waterproof pants over my shorts. I have worn shorts in April.

 

[NicoZ]

Dear Pilgrims,


I am walking this May (St Jean - Santiago and onto Finisterre and just plan on walking in running shorts (NOT Just!) (DRI-FIT or alike) and taking Waterproof Trousers.

Do you mean real running shorts? Basically no pockets and fairly short?

Wouldn't walking shorts make more sense?

 

[gittiharre]

So far on all my pilgrimages I have only worn shorts, the pic of me would be the only day on the me seta where I wore my evening pants, because I had not bothered doing my washing the night before. Some mornings there was a bit of a frost and my legs went bright red, but I walked fast and by 10 am I was warm. I don't mind my skin getting wet in the rain. It is a personal thing, but shorts it is for me in the true Kiwi Tradition!

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I usually take shorts, then use long ones after a few days to prevent sun burn down the back of my legs and insect bites. April can be very hot with a burning sun. I also often wear long-sleeved shirts [see my pic!] for the same reason and to keep off flies and mossies.

 

[Kathy F.]

I wore convertible pants. I walked the end of May to the end of June on the CF from SJPdP and it was miserably wet and cold. Freezing. The pants (somehow) kept my legs warm, dried quickly when they got wet, and protected my legs from the sun, when it finally appreared. I only zipped off the bottoms during the last week of my walk. WHOO WHOO!!
Yes, this actually is a picture of me celebrating finally unzipping my pants leaving Melide.

 

[Former member 32445]

Thanks Guys, great feedback, in answer to wouldn't walking shorts be better? I don't personally see this, the running shorts have pockets, for daily spending money, what else will you be carrying? and walking shorts just seem to me, a little too heavy, running shorts, dry quick and pack down to nothing, I just want to be as free and light as possible when walking...

Am DELIGHTED you got to expose your legs albeit only for the last week, sure a WOO HOO moment...

Am still struggling with the convertible situation, so think it will be shorts and take waterproof trousers should it absolutely bucket it down

Cannot wait now.....

Blessings
Blu

 

[mmm042]

I wear running shorts and add compression socks (a full sock that goes up to your knees) or calf sleeves (ankle-to-knee coverage). Those will keep your legs warm on days when it's a little nippy in the morning/late afternoon, yet they never feel too hot when the day warms up. Plus they keep your feet/legs from swelling and supposedly help your muscles. I also have compression sleeves for my arms. Those have been perhaps the top items I'd recommend for the Camino. They're lightweight, easy to pack and mean you often don't need extra pants or shirts.

Melanie

 

[Former member 32445]

I wear running shorts and add compression socks (a full sock that goes up to your knees) or calf sleeves (ankle-to-knee coverage). Those will keep your legs warm on days when it's a little nippy in the morning/late afternoon, yet they never feel too hot when the day warms up. Plus they keep your feet/legs from swelling and supposedly help your muscles. I also have compression sleeves for my arms. Those have been perhaps the top items I'd recommend for the Camino. They're lightweight, easy to pack and mean you often don't need extra pants or shirts.

Melanie

HMMMM, compression socks, sleeves, insightful advice, many thanks, when are you walking?

 

[Letsgocamino]

my husband & I walked from Ponferrada to Santiago in mid May 2013 and there was not a day I wore shorts. Just kind of too cold. I mean, we had snow going over Alto de Poio and mushed through it up the hill to O Cebreiro. But when the sun came out after that pass it was Heaven. Warm, sunny. T-shirt weather! One just never knows what kind of weather one will get so I say just be prepared for anything. I envy you your first walk. May it be a blessed one full of joy and happy memories.
Buen Camino, Graham.
Renee

 

[Al the optimist]

Like many above I wear convertibles. Last year I walked from SJPdP May 10th. Although it was cold a lot of the time I wore them as shorts almost all of the time. It is all a question of personal preference at the end of the day (well in our cases at each time of the day). Myself I prefer wet skin to wet trousers and take two pairs of convertibles for day and evening wear, but you just do what you feel is right for you. any day. Whatever you decide it is quite possible that you will have changed your opinion by the end of your Camino (if not after a few days, we all do!). While I enjoy each one I almost envy someone starting their first experience. Buen Camino.

 

[mgtstorey]

Great topic as I am cycling from Leon mid May n in my innocence thought the weather would be warm. Like yourself I plan on shorts but thanks to this thread I will pack leggings n change during day. All the running gear is v light weight, look out for the lidl or aldi specials

 

[JohnMcM]

I think it totally depends on what your legs look like.

Ah! If the look of my legs is a consideration, I guess that means no shorts for me then

 

[Former member 32445]

Great topic as I am cycling from Leon mid May n in my innocence thought the weather would be warm. Like yourself I plan on shorts but thanks to this thread I will pack leggings n change during day. All the running gear is v light weight, look out for the lidl or aldi specials

Hi Dude,
Yep, shorts all the way (DRI-FIT) although a development...now NOT taking waterproof trousers, will swap for Running Tights (FRI-FIT) super lightweight (NOT waterproof) BUT dry double quick and pack down to nothing, feel great to walk/cycle, added bonus can be worn in the 'buff' or with Y-Fronts, and being from Brighton love the SKINNY look, although those not comfortable with the look of their torso being so 'open' a pair of shorts worn over the top will solve...they are super warm for cold mornings...just putting that out there...
Blessings
Blu

 

[Wynne. Carson]

Ah! If the look of my legs is a consideration, I guess that means no shorts for me then

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