Mid March Planning Head Aches

[PaulZA]

Hi everyone

I'm really having problems with planning what to pack for my walk from SJPP during mid March.

From what I understand the Napolean route will still be closed?

And the big headache is what to pack for this seasonal transition. I believe it will still be cold, can rain and can also be quite warm towards Santiago de Compostela 5 weeks later.

Here's my thoughts on what to pack:

1. Rain gear: Rain pants & poncho
2. 2 x Convertible long pants, 1 x short pants
3. Warmish jacket
4. Sweater
5. Light gloves?
6. 3 x long sleeve shirts
7. Sleeping bag liner or cool weather sleeping bag?

Am I going to be warm or cold, over or under packed?
Any advice will be much appreciated!

 

[HeidiL]

Too warm. Walking in Northern Spain in March, I tend to start my days wearing a t-shirt, a thin fleece jacket and a rain jacket, with gloves, scarf and wooly hat. I have never needed an extra layer under my zip-off trousers, while my husband occasionally wears a set of long underwear - the kind we also use for albergue sleepwear.
After a few hours, I'm usually wearing a t-shirt and a scarf (and trousers).

If the long pants are convertible, you don't need short pants in addition.

Warmish jacket, sweater and 3 long sleeve shirts sounds like too much. Remember you can layer all your clothes if it's chilly, but the outer layers won't need washing, so you can use them again.

You will be sleeping indoors, and I'd definitely bring a sleeping bag. If it's cold in the night, scarf/buff and hat helps a lot.

What are you planning to use as sleep wear? We bring a full set of long underwear (synthetic, thin, dries fast, can be worn under normal clothes in unexpected cold conditions) each.

 

[RJM]

You're talking about March 2025?
You have almost a year to decide what to bring. I would think that's more than enough time to research internet weather sites for past years weather for the particular Camino you want to walk. You can find out the average precipitation, temperature highs and lows. After learning that you can decide for yourself what you need to bring. Only you know what you will need.

 

[Former member 22438]

Hi everyone

I'm really having problems with planning what to pack for my walk from SJPP during mid March.

From what I understand the Napolean route will still be closed?

And the big headache is what to pack for this seasonal transition. I believe it will still be cold, can rain and can also be quite warm towards Santiago de Compostela 5 weeks later.

Here's my thoughts on what to pack:

1. Rain gear: Rain pants & poncho
2. 2 x Convertible long pants, 1 x short pants
3. Warmish jacket
4. Sweater
5. Light gloves?
6. 3 x long sleeve shirts
7. Sleeping bag liner or cool weather sleeping bag?

Am I going to be warm or cold, over or under packed?
Any advice will be much appreciated!

Anyway Paracetamol

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@PaulZA , welcome.

Correct, the Napoleon route will still be closed.

I agree with @HeidiL :

You won't need both shorts and convertible pants. Because of your time frame I would just take the two pairs of convertible pants. (Normaly I have one
of each)
I have two T-shirts, one long sleeve - all of which are Merino. Plus a pair of long johns (can be slept in - normally I use a pair of boxer shorts) Three pairs of Merino socks, and underwear.

Just the (hopefully lightweight) warm Jacket, not the sweater.
I also have light Merino gloves, a warm buff, and a Merino beanie. A hat/cap.

In March/April a sleeping bag - unless you're going to use private accommodation.

Remember even though it will likely warm up as you progress, evenings can still be very cold at times.

 

[dick bird]

March is a very unpredictable time of year. Not only that, different parts of northern Spain can have very different weather, and averages are meaningless because there is year on year variation. Be prepared for cold weather and wet weather and accept that you may end up carrying it all. Shorts are superfluous though, and at least one merino long sleeve would be a good idea.

 

[tjz]

We have always walked in March (Frances and Norte) and find you have to be prepared for just about anything. This last March was the coldest I can remember - wet, cold, and windy. But I've been sweating in the hot sun, too, in March-April. Like any hiking, it's all about layers and you'll likely find yourself adjusting from day to day and sometimes even during the day.

When you're walking, you'll be burning calories and you'll trend warm. When you stop for a picnic or walk around town at night, you'll be colder.

This has worked for me and lets me do laundry every other day or so. Everything is synthetic or wool.

2x travel pants - I don't bother with zip-offs or shorts anymore
2x long-sleeve hiking shirts
3x short-sleeve wicking t-shirts
3x underwear
3x socks - I carry 2x double-layer writesocks, and 1x injini toe sock liners + single-layer wool socks
medium-weight fleece jacket
rain jacket
rain pants
warm hat
brimmed hiking hat
light gloves (liner gloves)

If it's warm it ends up like:

pants
short-sleeve t-shirt
brimmed hat

If it's cold it ends up like:

pants
rain pants
short-sleeve t-shirt
hiking shirt
fleece
rain jacket
warm hat
gloves

If it got *really* cold, I'd just throw on another t-shirt. I've not had to yet on the Camino.

For sleeping bag, you'll be indoors, so bring a summer bag. You'll probably want more than a liner in some albergues. I've used 40-50°F bags and they've been fine. Wear your warm hat and/or fleece if you need to.

 

[PaulZA]

Too warm. Walking in Northern Spain in March, I tend to start my days wearing a t-shirt, a thin fleece jacket and a rain jacket, with gloves, scarf and wooly hat. I have never needed an extra layer under my zip-off trousers, while my husband occasionally wears a set of long underwear - the kind we also use for albergue sleepwear.
After a few hours, I'm usually wearing a t-shirt and a scarf (and trousers).

If the long pants are convertible, you don't need short pants in addition.

Warmish jacket, sweater and 3 long sleeve shirts sounds like too much. Remember you can layer all your clothes if it's chilly, but the outer layers won't need washing, so you can use them again.

You will be sleeping indoors, and I'd definitely bring a sleeping bag. If it's cold in the night, scarf/buff and hat helps a lot.

What are you planning to use as sleep wear? We bring a full set of long underwear (synthetic, thin, dries fast, can be worn under normal clothes in unexpected cold conditions) each.

I

Too warm. Walking in Northern Spain in March, I tend to start my days wearing a t-shirt, a thin fleece jacket and a rain jacket, with gloves, scarf and wooly hat. I have never needed an extra layer under my zip-off trousers, while my husband occasionally wears a set of long underwear - the kind we also use for albergue sleepwear.
After a few hours, I'm usually wearing a t-shirt and a scarf (and trousers).

If the long pants are convertible, you don't need short pants in addition.

Warmish jacket, sweater and 3 long sleeve shirts sounds like too much. Remember you can layer all your clothes if it's chilly, but the outer layers won't need washing, so you can use them again.

You will be sleeping indoors, and I'd definitely bring a sleeping bag. If it's cold in the night, scarf/buff and hat helps a lot.

What are you planning to use as sleep wear? We bring a full set of long underwear (synthetic, thin, dries fast, can be worn under normal clothes in unexpected cold conditions) each.

Thanks @HeidiL

I was considering just sleeping in shorts and maybe a sweater if it's cold. I'm not a big fan of long underwear unless it's really cold and never need them where I live, so thanks for the advice! I will definitely be layering up!!!

Too warm. Walking in Northern Spain in March, I tend to start my days wearing a t-shirt, a thin fleece jacket and a rain jacket, with gloves, scarf and wooly hat. I have never needed an extra layer under my zip-off trousers, while my husband occasionally wears a set of long underwear - the kind we also use for albergue sleepwear.
After a few hours, I'm usually wearing a t-shirt and a scarf (and trousers).

If the long pants are convertible, you don't need short pants in addition.

Warmish jacket, sweater and 3 long sleeve shirts sounds like too much. Remember you can layer all your clothes if it's chilly, but the outer layers won't need washing, so you can use them again.

You will be sleeping indoors, and I'd definitely bring a sleeping bag. If it's cold in the night, scarf/buff and hat helps a lot.

What are you planning to use as sleep wear? We bring a full set of long underwear (synthetic, thin, dries fast, can be worn under normal clothes in unexpected cold conditions) each.

 

[Grousedoctor]

Although it will be about five weeks after your start that you walk through Galicia, I’d always plan for rain. You’ll find in this Forum, a number of threads on rain gear preferences. My personal preference is a rain jacket over a poncho. I’ve carried rain pants in the past, but rarely have I pulled them out of my pack. Quick drying shorts and long pants have worked well for me.

You’re probably overpacking on the items you’ve mentioned. High quality, quick drying clothes will allow you to carry fewer items. But specifically, I do carry a light pair of gloves, a buff, and a stocking cap. All three items have gotten good use on my spring Caminos.

Because of the time of year, a lightweight,1-season sleeping bag should work well for you. I think there will be a number of nights that a liner will not be enough.

I’d suggest that over the next few months to focus on the weight of the kit you want to carry (I try not to go much over 12 pounds) and then choose your clothing appropriately. Keep in mind that you don’t need much on the Camino so carrying duplications of some items won’t be necessary.

Enjoy both your planning process and your future Camino.

 

[PaulZA]

@PaulZA , welcome.

Correct, the Napoleon route will still be closed.

I agree with @HeidiL :

You won't need both shorts and convertible pants. Because of your time frame I would just take the two pairs of convertible pants. (Normaly I have one
of each)
I have two T-shirts, one long sleeve - all of which are Merino. Plus a pair of long johns (can be slept in - normally I use a pair of boxer shorts) Three pairs of Merino socks, and underwear.

Just the (hopefully lightweight) warm Jacket, not the sweater.
I also have light Merino gloves, a warm buff, and a Merino beanie. A hat/cap.

In March/April a sleeping bag - unless you're going to use private accommodation.

Remember even though it will likely warm up as you progress, evenings can still be very cold at times.

Thanks @Peterexpatkiwi it looks like those long johns are now on my shopping list and I'll toss the sweater.

 

[PaulZA]

@dick bird

Thanks, it's your comment on the unpredictability of the weather that hits the nail on the head. I don't mind carrying a little bit extra, but then it has to be the right little bit extra.

March is a very unpredictable time of year. Not only that, different parts of northern Spain can have very different weather, and averages are meaningless because there is year on year variation. Be prepared for cold weather and wet weather and accept that you may end up carrying it all. Shorts are superfluous though, and at least one merino long sleeve would be a good idea.

 

[PaulZA]

We have always walked in March (Frances and Norte) and find you have to be prepared for just about anything. This last March was the coldest I can remember - wet, cold, and windy. But I've been sweating in the hot sun, too, in March-April. Like any hiking, it's all about layers and you'll likely find yourself adjusting from day to day and sometimes even during the day.

When you're walking, you'll be burning calories and you'll trend warm. When you stop for a picnic or walk around town at night, you'll be colder.

This has worked for me and lets me do laundry every other day or so. Everything is synthetic or wool.

2x travel pants - I don't bother with zip-offs or shorts anymore
2x long-sleeve hiking shirts
3x short-sleeve wicking t-shirts
3x underwear
3x socks - I carry 2x double-layer writesocks, and 1x injini toe sock liners + single-layer wool socks
medium-weight fleece jacket
rain jacket
rain pants
warm hat
brimmed hiking hat
light gloves (liner gloves)

If it's warm it ends up like:

pants
short-sleeve t-shirt
brimmed hat

If it's cold it ends up like:

pants
rain pants
short-sleeve t-shirt
hiking shirt
fleece
rain jacket
warm hat
gloves

If it got *really* cold, I'd just throw on another t-shirt. I've not had to yet on the Camino.

For sleeping bag, you'll be indoors, so bring a summer bag. You'll probably want more than a liner in some albergues. I've used 40-50°F bags and they've been fine. Wear your warm hat and/or fleece if you need to.

@tjz Thanks for the detail, I'm starting to get a better idea now. I was about to ask what a worst case dressing up for cold and wet weather was, but you have mentioned it already. Thanks again.

 

[PaulZA]

Although it will be about five weeks after your start that you walk through Galicia, I’d always plan for rain. You’ll find in this Forum, a number of threads on rain gear preferences. My personal preference is a rain jacket over a poncho. I’ve carried rain pants in the past, but rarely have I pulled them out of my pack. Quick drying shorts and long pants have worked well for me.

You’re probably overpacking on the items you’ve mentioned. High quality, quick drying clothes will allow you to carry fewer items. But specifically, I do carry a light pair of gloves, a buff, and a stocking cap. All three items have gotten good use on my spring Caminos.

Because of the time of year, a lightweight,1-season sleeping bag should work well for you. I think there will be a number of nights that a liner will not be enough.

I’d suggest that over the next few months to focus on the weight of the kit you want to carry (I try not to go much over 12 pounds) and then choose your clothing appropriately. Keep in mind that you don’t need much on the Camino so carrying duplications of some items won’t be necessary.

Enjoy both your planning process and your future Camino.

@Grousedoctor I prefer the rain jacket as well and I get the general idea a sleeping bag liner won't do the trick.

Planning is half the fun and this forum is great!

Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[Bradypus]

@Grousedoctor I prefer the rain jacket as well and I get the general idea a sleeping bag liner won't do the trick.

Me too. I use a large roll-top dry bag as a pack liner and put everything that is vulnerable to rain in that. So the pack getting wet is not a problem. I find ponchos are awkward things to use. I don't mind a few extra ounces for a decent sleeping bag because my pack for an albergue-based Camino is going to be a trivial load anyway. Probably half of what I could comfortably carry if necessary.

 

[David]

It is a dilemma and one that cannot be happily compromised on. I have seen thick snow in early April all the way to Burgos (about 2007?), I have seen solid hot summer weather in late March .. dry, wet, no wind, strong winds - you just cannot predict - and that is the thing, with weather patterns as they now are you cannot predict by looking at the past.
Oh - was forgetting Galicia, it is deep green for a reason - lots of rain, same as Ireland.

So were it me I would pack for the worst and hope for the best - good Merino thermals are light, pack away small(ish) and can be a life-saver .. add good socks and a woolly hat and there is a base layer that can cope with real cold - then add what you need on top.
You can still pack not too heavy - forget all this "3 x everything" and so on - it is wear one, pack one, plus heavy rain/ice cold gear.

Re the outer - dry freezing cold and/or snow? I would go raincoat. Warm and wet? Poncho for me.
Whatever the climate .. March? Lightweight sleeping bag, not just a liner.

Though - ten months away? Forget about it all, really, don't even think about it until maybe early next year - we might be in the middle of WW111 or another global plague by then! - keep an eye on the forecasts and decide from that. If you do pack for a late winter and the opposite happens then just buy a box in the post office and send your spare gear to Ivar in Santiago.

 

[Martyduc]

@tjz Thanks for the detail, I'm starting to get a better idea now. I was about to ask what a worst case dressing up for cold and wet weather was, but you have mentioned it already. Thanks again.

First week of April,,2 years ago, , coming into Grañon!!
It can get cold!!

 

[joramos]

Hi everyone

I'm really having problems with planning what to pack for my walk from SJPP during mid March.

From what I understand the Napolean route will still be closed?

And the big headache is what to pack for this seasonal transition. I believe it will still be cold, can rain and can also be quite warm towards Santiago de Compostela 5 weeks later.

Here's my thoughts on what to pack:

1. Rain gear: Rain pants & poncho
2. 2 x Convertible long pants, 1 x short pants
3. Warmish jacket
4. Sweater
5. Light gloves?
6. 3 x long sleeve shirts
7. Sleeping bag liner or cool weather sleeping bag?

Am I going to be warm or cold, over or under packed?
Any advice will be much appreciated!

If you are walking from SJPdP in mid-March, yes, most probably the Napoleon Route is still closed. But the only way to find out is when you get to SJPdP's, inquire with the Pilgrims Office. They can tell you more precisely the conditions up the unpredictable weather up the Pyrennes. If that's the case, you might have to walk via Valcarlos' paved and maintained roads to Roncesvalles.

When I walked up the Pyrennes in early April 2023, the Pyrennes was okay; sunny bright and light wind. However, when I was walking towards Espinal/Bizcarret that there was light snow which I thought was cool. However, it quickly turned into rain, and I became very cold. Once I started getting closer to Pamplona, the weather was almost ideal.

The concern will be weather at Pyrennes when you walk. The five items in your list will serve you well if the Pyrennes turns unpredictable. Near or past Pamplona cold weather clothing are not really advised. But again, it's better to be ready for contingencies. A friend got caught in a bad thunder/hail storm just before Castrojeriz mid-May last year. Castrojeriz is in the middle of the meseta! He had to hide in a ditch because the hail storm was really bad. I would not disregard anything for safety.

Buen Camino!

 

[NYSE]

Hi everyone

I'm really having problems with planning what to pack for my walk from SJPP during mid March.

From what I understand the Napolean route will still be closed?

And the big headache is what to pack for this seasonal transition. I believe it will still be cold, can rain and can also be quite warm towards Santiago de Compostela 5 weeks later.

Here's my thoughts on what to pack:

1. Rain gear: Rain pants & poncho
2. 2 x Convertible long pants, 1 x short pants
3. Warmish jacket
4. Sweater
5. Light gloves?
6. 3 x long sleeve shirts
7. Sleeping bag liner or cool weather sleeping bag?

Am I going to be warm or cold, over or under packed?
Any advice will be much appreciated!

Too much. Bring a wool sweater, medium to light weight and a thin rain coat. If it gets cold, wear both. Two pairs of pants is plenty. Honestly, I usually wear shorts if it’s in the upper 30sF. A thin pair of gloves might be useful in the morning on a few days.

 

[davejsy]

A sleeping bag over a liner, that's a no-brainer.

Rain pants for me are pretty pointless, you will overheat and still get wet, especially your feet. Top-half is the most important part to plan for in that scenario. I'm not a poncho fan but that and layers will do the job, just make sure it's a decent poncho able to deal with any weather and wind.

 

[jsalt]

Rain pants for me are pretty pointless, you will overheat and still get wet, especially your feet.

I take rain pants in winter more for insulation from the cold than as, well, rain pants. Although they do work for me in torrential rain as well. They kind of cover my boots as well as my legs, so my feet stay dry, as well as my hiking pants. I bought some rain pants from Decathlon one year for 10 euro, and, like my sleeveless puffa jacket from a China store for another 10 euro, they are some of the best things I ever bought on the camino. I never take rain pants Apr to Oct. But in very cold weather they are fantastic for warmth.

 

[David Tallan]

You're talking about March 2025?
You have almost a year to decide what to bring. I would think that's more than enough time to research internet weather sites for past years weather for the particular Camino you want to walk. You can find out the average precipitation, temperature highs and lows. After learning that you can decide for yourself what you need to bring. Only you know what you will need.

I think that this is not a very charitable response. There is more than weather that goes into determining what is needed. And many people, either unfamiliar with long walks or familiar with different kinds of long walks, do not know at the outset what they will need. That's why they come to places like this where many people (although clearly not all, with a response like this) are happy to provide a bit of advice, steer them clear of obvious errors, and help them along. This kind of response, which comes across as "go away, there is no help for you here", is not the kind of welcome I, for one, would like new forum members to receive.

 

[davejsy]

I think that this is not a very charitable response. There is more than weather that goes into determining what is needed. And many people, either unfamiliar with long walks or familiar with different kinds of long walks, do not know at the outset what they will need. That's why they come to places like this where many people (although clearly not all, with a response like this) are happy to provide a bit of advice, steer them clear of obvious errors, and help them along. This kind of response, which comes across as "go away, there is no help for you here", is not the kind of welcome I, for one, would like new forum members to receive.

Not to mention that past weather trends are all but worthless in our new warming world.

 

[C clearly]

Rain pants for me are pretty pointless, you will overheat and still get wet, especially your feet.

This is not a universal opinion or experience. I have taken rain pants on my 10 Caminos and will continue to do so, as I have always had occasion to use them. I don't sweat excessively in them, and if they get too warm, I take them off. Perhaps I wouldn't take them in July-August. I do not like to be cold, and find them to be very comfortable over my lightweight walking pants. I have even worn them in the laundromat when everything else was being washed!

 

[davejsy]

I have even worn them in the laundromat when everything else was being washed!

In the spirit of decency I hope you had more than just a pair of rain pants on

 

[C clearly]

In the spirit of decency I hope you had more than just a pair of rain pants on

Well, we weren't discussing jackets.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

In the spirit of decency I hope you had more than just a pair of rain pants on

Well, we weren't discussing jackets.

I've used my poncho in a similar fashion. I got rather odd looks sitting there for an hour and 10 minutes while everything washed and dried.
Of course that might have been simply because I was actually reading a book rather than staring at a phone....

 

[HappyValerie]

We are all so different. I walked March - April 2022. I walked through snow on at least 3 occasions, & often when not snowing the wind was icy. I wore almost everything, including my covid mask under my buff to protect my face. I wore my puffy parka under my waterproof jacket. Thermals under my long convertible pants, with rain pants keeping off the icy wind. My temperature control was beanie & scarf on/off. My hands still froze in my 2 pairs of gloves. Wrapping them round a mug of cafe con leche helped. Some nights, my backpack was virtually empty because I was wearing everything ( toiletries excepted!).
For my March-April 2025 Camino I won't be ditching much.
Of course there were teeshirt days in between.
And it was all a fabulous experience!!!!

 

[trecile]

If you are walking from SJPdP in mid-March, yes, most probably the Napoleon Route is still closed.

The Napoleon route is definitely closed in March. April 1st is the earliest date it is open, depending on the weather.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I suggest taking a really old sweatshirt or sweater that you have or buy secondhand and get rid of it in Pamplona.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

@dick bird

Thanks, it's your comment on the unpredictability of the weather that hits the nail on the head. I don't mind carrying a little bit extra, but then it has to be the right little bit extra.

Layers are always the best bet.