Outer clothing for January Camino

[Brodie]

Hi. I was wondering if anybody who has done a winter camino can offer me advice on clothing. I'm sure this may have been asked before but I cant find specific information. I'm planning to walk the Frances next month. I have merino tops and I own a Patagonia Nano puff. I'm trying to keep the back pack weight down and I was wondering if the merino layers with the Nano puff on top merino buff, beanie and gloves would be enough to keep me warm and comfortable while walking. I also have a windproof and waterproof hard shell which could go on top of the puff if needed. Thanks for any advice.

 

[C clearly]

I have added the tag "winter" to your thread. Clicking on it should lead to many threads about preparing for a winter Camino.

What do you think would be warm enough while walking in winter at home?

I haven't walked the Camino in mid-winter, but I walk regularly in winter at home. I think that the layers you describe would be versatile and warm enough - several merino layers, puff jacket or vest, waterproof shell, along with buff, beanie and gloves. Make sure you have some wool socks in case your feet might get wet. I would add a pair of waterproof mittens over the gloves, although dishwashing gloves might do the job as well.

Also be aware that you should always keep one layer dry to wear in the evenings at the albergue. This isn't usually a problem because the coldest weather is more likely to be dry. So, when you need all the layers for cold, hopefully you won't get wet while walking.

Walking does generate heat, so you will likely find that you start off with many layers in the morning and soon need to remove some. So, keep that in mind as you layer up. The buff and beanie are easy to remove quickly after, say 30 minutes, but you may need to stop and remove your backpack in an hour of two. You do not want to get sweaty!

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

I've only walked an early spring camino, but I always like to point people to this excellent blog on walking the camino in January. I'm linking the packing breakdown here; click on the packing list to see clothing.

buen camino!

 

[henrythedog]

Hi. I was wondering if anybody who has done a winter camino can offer me advice on clothing. I'm sure this may have been asked before but I cant find specific information. I'm planning to walk the Frances next month. I have merino tops and I own a Patagonia Nano puff. I'm trying to keep the back pack weight down and I was wondering if the merino layers with the Nano puff on top merino buff, beanie and gloves would be enough to keep me warm and comfortable while walking. I also have a windproof and waterproof hard shell which could go on top of the puff if needed. Thanks for any advice.

It’s very likely to be cold, windy and wet, and it all depends on how warm you get when walking with a pack on.

Wear layers and adjust them as necessary.

Personally - being a fat bloke - I overheat easily and if I do, I sweat like a pig. (Probably enough detail). I have an excellent ‘event’ hardshell; but the advertised breathability simply isn’t up to the job.

So:

daytime - merino baselayer, thin fleece, hard shell. woolen hat, thermal buff, gloves if needed.

Evening - complete change of clothes. Merino baselayer, thin down jacket, thin beany hat.

Don’t underestimate how much you cool down when you stop walking.

 

[J Willhaus]

I wear a merino midweight long sleeved zip neck with Duluth Flexpedition pants. I have a light synthetic puffy coat (Thermoball), and light merino gloves, a merino buff, and an ear band. I wear midheight gortex boots.

In the evening I have a merino dress and merino tights.

I carry an Altus Poncho because it rains a lot in winter (especially in Galicia.) Last winter my pack weighed 12 pounds and included my sleep sack and CPAP machine.

 

[Marbe2]

Layers, Layers, Layers. It can be quite cold, but then you may experience a warmer day, where you would prefer less layers. I am sure you will get loads of suggestions about specific clothing. Make sure you have good rain gear and are prepared for snow as well and possible fierce winds for a Winter camino. I bring a Polyester balaclava, which is adjustable to wear only around the neck or cover the full head and mouth. I put a baseball cap under the balaclava when it rains to prohibit water from dripping down my face. Then I wear a poncho with hood and that keeps the balaclava dry. However, there were winter days when the storm winds hit 75km an hour. I saw most of the pilgrims who were out in that weather bending over as they walked into the winds….struggling to see, holding their hands over their faces, even with caps on. I bring a pair of light weight plastic construction worker glasses. They fit perfectly over my glasses, and slide inside the balaclava. They cost circa $11 at Lowe’s. My eyes and prescription glasses stayed dry and when the winds were raging into my face, I did not need to bend my head down to protect my face. I take them now on all my caminos.

 

[SeñorJacques]

I haven't walked a winter Camino (yet) — but I do walk other winter routes and can recommend a piece of kit that was first recommended to me by Andy, aka Camino Ninja (RIP) in a thread here a few years ago: The Patagonia Houdini windshell is an excellent base layer to wear between your merino top and your Patagonia NanoPuff (same winter jacket that I wear, fwiw) for added warmth and wind protection. It weighs practically nothing and scrunches down into its own pocket for easy portability, so it's worth keeping in your kit no matter what time of year you're walking.

https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-houdini-windbreaker-jacket/24147.html?dwvar_24147_color=TMBL

https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-houdini-windbreaker-jacket/24142.html?dwvar_24142_color=BLK

 

[K_Lynn]

You will need a waterproof layer. A longish rain coat or poncho like the Altus or from Decathlon and waterproof pants. Snow, like rain will soak your outerwear. Waterproof hiking boots instead of the usual trail runners/shoes are recommended. You do not want to get wet. It can be miserable in summer in the rain, but wet and winter equals death.

Just read your post again and you have a waterproof jacket! Excellent.

Take more water than usual. Or an extra Powerade/Gatorade to keep you hydrated.

How far will you be walking? Roncevalles got hit with a lot of snow this week and O Cebreiro is notorious for deep snow in winter.

I'd scroll through here for more winter advice and google winter Camino gear/experiences for more opinions and options. I am not a winter person, but admire people who are!

Buen Camino!

 

[roving_rufus]

In winter I prefer a windproof shell on most on the time. I keep my down-like jacket for evening and only wear during the day if really below zero (I had -5°c for a few days in freezing fog on VF and needed it!) . I generally have 2-3 layers at least 2 are merino, plus the windproof jacket as outer layer - then beanie hat, scarf, buff, gloves - and thermal bottoms under my trousers. I tend to run warm when hiking - so layers are key. I then have a good raincoat and raintrousers plus an umbrella. As I have problems with finding boots to fit I wear waterproof hiking shoes plus gaiters.
If I take a break I make sure to add a layer - even if it is just wrapping my scarf around my shoulders.

It's then having a completely dry and warm outfit for evening!

I will admit that I watch the weather- and take warnings of poor weather seriously and try to adjust plans - walking in gale force winds or a snowstorm are not wise choices. With that in mind I always carry an emergency bivvy bag which is especially wise in winter.

 

[Brodie]

You will need a waterproof layer. A longish rain coat or poncho like the Altus or from Decathlon and waterproof pants. Snow, like rain will soak your outerwear. Waterproof hiking boots instead of the usual trail runners/shoes are recommended. You do not want to get wet. It can be miserable in summer in the rain, but wet and winter equals death.

Just read your post again and you have a waterproof jacket! Excellent.

Take more water than usual. Or an extra Powerade/Gatorade to keep you hydrated.

How far will you be walking? Roncevalles got hit with a lot of snow this week and O Cebreiro is notorious for deep snow in winter.

I'd scroll through here for more winter advice and google winter Camino gear/experiences for more opinions and options. I am not a winter person, but admire people who are!

Buen Camino!

My intention is to do the whole thing. I was wondering if crampons would be necessary for the snow.

 

[K_Lynn]

My intention is to do the whole thing. I was wondering if crampons would be necessary for the snow.

I have a pair of spikes that slip onto my boots, super light, very useful when ice is hidden beneath the snow. I'd pack them and put them on at the first sign of ice.

 

[Marbe2]

Layers, Layers, Layers. It can be quite cold, but then you may experience a warmer day, where you would prefer less layers. Make sure you have good rain gear and are prepared for snow as well and possible fierce winds for a Winter camino, I bring a Polyester balaclava, which is adjustable to wear only around the neck or cover the full head and mouth. I put a baseball cap under the balaclava when it rains to prohibit water from dripping down my face. However, there were winter days when the storm winds hit 75km an hour. I saw most of the pilgrims who were out in that weather bending over as they walked straight not the winds….struggling to see, holding their hands over their faces, even with caps on. I brought a pair of light weight plastic construction worker glasses. They fit perfectly over my glasses, and slide the balaclava. They cost circa $11 at Lowe’s. My eyes and prescription glasses stayed dry and when the winds were raging into my face, I did not need to bend my head down to protect my face. I take them now on all my caminos.

My intention is to do the whole thing. I was wondering if crampons would be necessary for the snow.

No…crampons are not necessary. The Napolean section from SJPdP is closed till April. There are two other mountain areas with hiking paths that might close temporarily. When that happens,most pilgrims follow the alternative streets once they are plowed.
The paths can sometimes have deep snow, but crampons really aren’t much of a benefit, especially given the fact you would be schlepping them for 800km.

 

[henrythedog]

My intention is to do the whole thing. I was wondering if crampons would be necessary for the snow.

Categorically no. It’s not Scotland or north Scandinavia.

 

[PeregrinaHelena]

Walking last year in November, I found waterproof socks essential. I only wore them on really wet days to keep my feet dry, or when I got to an albergue to keep my feet warm when my shoes were off. Just be careful not to get your feet too sweaty in them.

 

[dfox]

It was the first week of May. I checked-in an albergue, in Melide, which did'nt have heat.

It might be a cost-saving measure by the albergue becuase at the time I was there, there were 3 or 4 pilgrmis, but it could easily 30 to 40 people.

 

[Moniq]

Hi. I was wondering if anybody who has done a winter camino can offer me advice on clothing. I'm sure this may have been asked before but I cant find specific information. I'm planning to walk the Frances next month. I have merino tops and I own a Patagonia Nano puff. I'm trying to keep the back pack weight down and I was wondering if the merino layers with the Nano puff on top merino buff, beanie and gloves would be enough to keep me warm and comfortable while walking. I also have a windproof and waterproof hard shell which could go on top of the puff if needed. Thanks for any advice.

What I sometimes do when it is really cold is to put on a rain trouser when walking. Keeps the wind away!

 

[backpack45]

Thank you so much. Excellent advice.

"What do you think would be warm enough while walking in winter at home?" Not everyone lives where it snows, or gets freezing cold in the winter, so it certainly pays to ask those who have that kind of experience and knowledge. I have been to the snow, and hiked in it many miles on occasion, but if I were planning to walk in winter conditions across Spain, I would be asking questions too. In addition to the excellent advice already given, I would add that it's important to check the condition of any raingear you plan to take and be sure it is still adequately protective. If your rain gear is dirty, or sweat has accumulated, it will have lost much of its water resistance and should be properly washed and waterproofed as necessary. You can check it in the shower to determine this.