Advice on clothing packing list in October (Camino Frances)

[justynak]

Hello, I'll be walking Frances in October starting from SJPdP. It's my first time walking. My backpack is now 7.5kg all included but I'm looking to reduce weight. I'm looking for advice re: clothing. Based on my research, I should expect all types of weather, starting with higher temperatures and then colder and more rain. Do you think I can reduce anything from the below? Many thanks in advance!

1x Rain poncho
1x 3-in-1 Jacket (rainproof outer jacket with an insulated puffer jacket) -> Can I drop one of these e.g. just keep the puffer?
1x Fleece jacket (mid warm)
1x Merino long sleeve 260 -> Should I drop this one as it's a very warm layer, and replace with another long sleeve (I don't have more merino but have a functional / sports long sleeve similar to merino 150/200)
1x Merino long sleeve 150
2x T-shirt (not merino but quick dry; also for sleeping)
1x Zipper hiking pants -> Do I need rain pants in addition? (I didn't plan, but these are fairly light pants)
1x Thermal leggings
1x Merino-blend capri pants (for after hike and for sleeping)
3x Merino socks
3x Underwear
1x Brimmed hat for rain and sun protection
1x Merino buff
1x Wool head band -> Should I pack a beanie instead?
1x Gloves

1x Hiking shoes
1x Hiking sandals
1x Flip flops

 

[J Willhaus]

I think you should just take the puffy. I would drop one of the long sleeved shirts, but that is me.

 

[JDKOcean]

Winter hat for mornings

 

[lt56ny]

Hello, I'll be walking Frances in October starting from SJPdP. It's my first time walking. My backpack is now 7.5kg all included but I'm looking to reduce weight. I'm looking for advice re: clothing. Based on my research, I should expect all types of weather, starting with higher temperatures and then colder and more rain. Do you think I can reduce anything from the below? Many thanks in advance!

1x Rain poncho
1x 3-in-1 Jacket (rainproof outer jacket with an insulated puffer jacket) -> Can I drop one of these e.g. just keep the puffer?
1x Fleece jacket (mid warm)
1x Merino long sleeve 260 -> Should I drop this one as it's a very warm layer, and replace with another long sleeve (I don't have more merino but have a functional / sports long sleeve similar to merino 150/200)
1x Merino long sleeve 150
2x T-shirt (not merino but quick dry; also for sleeping)
1x Zipper hiking pants -> Do I need rain pants in addition? (I didn't plan, but these are fairly light pants)
1x Thermal leggings
1x Merino-blend capri pants (for after hike and for sleeping)
3x Merino socks
3x Underwear
1x Brimmed hat for rain and sun protection
1x Merino buff
1x Wool head band -> Should I pack a beanie instead?
1x Gloves

1x Hiking shoes
1x Hiking sandals
1x Flip flops

dumo the wool head band. You can use your buff with that. Get a beanie. It seems like you have alot of warm clothing. In October it can still be quite warm, but you did not say when you are going to start. If you have a rain poncho why bring a rainproof jacket? I would also drop the heavy Merino long sleeve. Don't know what the 260 means. You may be surprosed that you will be wearing those 2 t-shirts when you walk. It is amazing how quickly you warm up even when the temperatures are close to or below freezing. You could have a light or medium weight merino undergarment to use for both walking and for sleeping. Merino wool absorbs smells and sweat amazingly well. You might want to think of a light pair of gloves. If it is really cold I have used my poncho as an extra layer of warmth. I have a light long sleeve fleece that I wore on some mornings when it was really cold and ended up taking it off most days and that was in early December. I personally wear trail runners as they are so much lighter but that is your choice. Oh yea I would buy a cheap pair of rain pants. I have also worn them on super cold days for (below freezing) and was fine.

 

[lettinggo]

Hola

I take it you are a man?

Give us some information about you: height and weight.
I think your pack looks fine, but it depends on your physical state.

Lettinggo

 

[woody66]

This was mine September October

WOODYS PACK LIST 2024	Wear	Pack
Walking	OSPREY TALON 33		0.910​
	OSPREY ULTRALIGHT DRY SACK 30 L**		0.066​
WEATHER
	ULA RAIN KILT**		0.070​
	ULTRA LIGHT SWING UMBRELLA		0.180​
			0.063​
	DISPOSABLE PONCHO		0.040​
WEARING	HOKA STINSON ATR6**	0.660​
	HAGLOF LIM JACKET	0.240​
	COLUMBIA ZIPP OFFS**	0.318​
	MERINO T SHIRT**	0.150​
	RUNNING BRIEFS**	0.045​
	DARN TOUGH SOCKS **	0.051​
	BB CAP **	0.055​
	SUNGLASSES**	0.035​
	FITBIT	0.022​
SPARECLOTHES	DARN TOUGHS X 1**		0.051​
	COLUMBIA ZIP OFFS/NO LEGS X 1**		0.267​
	RUNNING BRIEFS		0.045​
	MERINO LINER GLOVES **		0.049​
	BUFF**		0.049​
	GHOST WISPERER VEST**		0.190​
	MERINO T SHIRT**		0.150​
	SEAL SKINZ		0.80​
	SUN HOODY		0.200​
	ARM WARMERS		0.080​
BATHROOM
	TOOTHBRUSH**		0.003​
	SHAVER**		0.122​
	TOOTHPASTE**		0.023​
	DEODORANT **		0.041​
	TOILET ROLL**		0.050​
	SUNSCREEN/SHOWER		0.080​
MEDS/FEET
	PARAMOL 21/VITD 5/ ASP 1 /ANUSOL 40/IMODIUM 1		0.070​
	NUUN **		0.016​
	LEUKOTAPE/MOLESKIN**		0.120​
	SHEEPS WOOL**		0.030​
	NAIL CLIPPERS**		0.075​
ELECTRONICS
	GOOGLE PIXEL 7 PRO**	0.211​
	EURO CHARGER**		0.038​
	HEADLIGHT**		0.079​
	CHARGEING CABLE FOR PHONE **	0.048​
	SONY WI-XB400 EARPHONES**	0.035​
	POWERBANK		0.122​
DOCUMENTS	CREDENTIAL x 1**	0.022​
	PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT** (ON PHONE
	TRAVEL INS ** (ON PHONE
	BANK CARDS**	0.005​
	FLIGHTS/ BOOKINGS/ON PHONE	0.025​
	PASSPORT**	0.035​
	BOOK/WISE PLIGRIM APP ON PHONE
OTHER	SEA SUMMIT ULTRA SIL DAY PACK**		0.072​
	DRY BAGS**		0.180​
	ZIPLOCK BAGS**		0.030​
	SAFETY PINS X 5**		0.028​
	WASH LINE LEASTIC**		0.012​
			A
	ROLLER		0.150​
All Yellow Boxes are Calculated for You		Wear	Pack
Totals	KG	1.96​	4.55​
	Pounds	4.31​	10.03​
	FSO Weight (From Skin Out) KG	6.51​	6.5%​
	Pounds	14.35​
	Pack Weight and as % Body Weight KG	4.55​	4.6%​
	PACK WEIGHT IN POUNDS	10.03​
	Target Starting Body Weight & Body + All Gear KG	100	106.51​

 

[512]

I would edit thusly:

1x Rain poncho
1x Fleece jacket (mid warm)
1x Merino long sleeve 150
2x T-shirt
1x Zipper hiking pants
1x Merino-blend capri pants (for after hike and for sleeping)
3x Merino socks
3x Underwear
1x Brimmed hat for rain and sun protection
1x Merino buff
Beanie
1x Gloves
1x Hiking shoes
1x Hiking sandals
1x Flip flops

But, I run warm and don't mind being wet

 

[justynak]

I would edit thusly:

1x Rain poncho
1x Fleece jacket (mid warm)
1x Merino long sleeve 150
2x T-shirt
1x Zipper hiking pants
1x Merino-blend capri pants (for after hike and for sleeping)
3x Merino socks
3x Underwear
1x Brimmed hat for rain and sun protection
1x Merino buff
Beanie
1x Gloves
1x Hiking shoes
1x Hiking sandals
1x Flip flops

But, I run warm and don't mind being wet

Thanks, I like the trimmed down list! I tend to get cold especially when still so would probably keep the puffer and the rest as above

 

[justynak]

This was mine September October

WOODYS PACK LIST 2024	Wear	Pack
Walking	OSPREY TALON 33		0.910​
	OSPREY ULTRALIGHT DRY SACK 30 L**		0.066​
WEATHER
	ULA RAIN KILT**		0.070​
	ULTRA LIGHT SWING UMBRELLA		0.180​
			0.063​
	DISPOSABLE PONCHO		0.040​
WEARING	HOKA STINSON ATR6**	0.660​
	HAGLOF LIM JACKET	0.240​
	COLUMBIA ZIPP OFFS**	0.318​
	MERINO T SHIRT**	0.150​
	RUNNING BRIEFS**	0.045​
	DARN TOUGH SOCKS **	0.051​
	BB CAP **	0.055​
	SUNGLASSES**	0.035​
	FITBIT	0.022​
SPARECLOTHES	DARN TOUGHS X 1**		0.051​
	COLUMBIA ZIP OFFS/NO LEGS X 1**		0.267​
	RUNNING BRIEFS		0.045​
	MERINO LINER GLOVES **		0.049​
	BUFF**		0.049​
	GHOST WISPERER VEST**		0.190​
	MERINO T SHIRT**		0.150​
	SEAL SKINZ		0.80​
	SUN HOODY		0.200​
	ARM WARMERS		0.080​
BATHROOM
	TOOTHBRUSH**		0.003​
	SHAVER**		0.122​
	TOOTHPASTE**		0.023​
	DEODORANT **		0.041​
	TOILET ROLL**		0.050​
	SUNSCREEN/SHOWER		0.080​
MEDS/FEET
	PARAMOL 21/VITD 5/ ASP 1 /ANUSOL 40/IMODIUM 1		0.070​
	NUUN **		0.016​
	LEUKOTAPE/MOLESKIN**		0.120​
	SHEEPS WOOL**		0.030​
	NAIL CLIPPERS**		0.075​
ELECTRONICS
	GOOGLE PIXEL 7 PRO**	0.211​
	EURO CHARGER**		0.038​
	HEADLIGHT**		0.079​
	CHARGEING CABLE FOR PHONE **	0.048​
	SONY WI-XB400 EARPHONES**	0.035​
	POWERBANK		0.122​
DOCUMENTS	CREDENTIAL x 1**	0.022​
	PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT** (ON PHONE
	TRAVEL INS ** (ON PHONE
	BANK CARDS**	0.005​
	FLIGHTS/ BOOKINGS/ON PHONE	0.025​
	PASSPORT**	0.035​
	BOOK/WISE PLIGRIM APP ON PHONE
OTHER	SEA SUMMIT ULTRA SIL DAY PACK**		0.072​
	DRY BAGS**		0.180​
	ZIPLOCK BAGS**		0.030​
	SAFETY PINS X 5**		0.028​
	WASH LINE LEASTIC**		0.012​
			A
	ROLLER		0.150​
All Yellow Boxes are Calculated for You		Wear	Pack
Totals	KG	1.96​	4.55​
	Pounds	4.31​	10.03​
	FSO Weight (From Skin Out) KG	6.51​	6.5%​
	Pounds	14.35​
	Pack Weight and as % Body Weight KG	4.55​	4.6%​
	PACK WEIGHT IN POUNDS	10.03​
	Target Starting Body Weight & Body + All Gear KG	100	106.51​

Wow, 4.6% pack weight as % of body weight! Thank you for sharing the list

 

[justynak]

I think you should just take the puffy. I would drop one of the long sleeved shirts, but that is me.

Yes, I thought so too that 3-in-1 jacket will be too much. I'll keep the puffy. Thank you!

 

[justynak]

dumo the wool head band. You can use your buff with that. Get a beanie. It seems like you have alot of warm clothing. In October it can still be quite warm, but you did not say when you are going to start. If you have a rain poncho why bring a rainproof jacket? I would also drop the heavy Merino long sleeve. Don't know what the 260 means. You may be surprosed that you will be wearing those 2 t-shirts when you walk. It is amazing how quickly you warm up even when the temperatures are close to or below freezing. You could have a light or medium weight merino undergarment to use for both walking and for sleeping. Merino wool absorbs smells and sweat amazingly well. You might want to think of a light pair of gloves. If it is really cold I have used my poncho as an extra layer of warmth. I have a light long sleeve fleece that I wore on some mornings when it was really cold and ended up taking it off most days and that was in early December. I personally wear trail runners as they are so much lighter but that is your choice. Oh yea I would buy a cheap pair of rain pants. I have also worn them on super cold days for (below freezing) and was fine.

Seeing also the other lists, I'll definitely add a beanie. 260 is weight of the fabric, so the higher the more warm. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[Gthiker]

A pair of arm warmers and a t-shirt can be substituted for a long sleeve shirt

 

[mattythedog]

Thanks, I like the trimmed down list! I tend to get cold especially when still so would probably keep the puffer and the rest as above

You only need one pair hiking shoes. Ditch sandals. You only need 2 sets of underwear and socks; the ones you wear and wash each day, and the dry set in your pack…..alternate them

 

[woody66]

A pair of arm warmers and a t-shirt can be substituted for a long sleeve shirt

Two merino t shirts and a pair of arm sleeves ;gives you two short sleeved tops and two long sleeved tops; that's the point of the arm warmers saves weight!

 

[henrythedog]

In October I pack lightweight waterproofs; but it’s rarely so cold that just one insulation layer would be inadequate. If you’re walking and you’ve a waterproof jacket that’ll be fine on its own; but it can be cool when the sun goes down.

I compromise between lightweight and comfort - so I have a set of clothes for the evening - double bagged - and an ultralight pair of boxers and t-shirt to sleep in. I also weight absolutely everything including passport and cash.

@woody66 ’s pack as a percentage of body weight is impressive - but he’s choosing a disposable poncho and umbrella (fair choice, but not mine) - and like me, I doubt anyone’s ever called him petite.

Waterproof trousers. October, no. November through early March, yes.

 

[woody66]

Winter hat for mornings

I wear basebal cap and if cold put my buff to cover ears and over the top

 

[woody66]

I doubt anyone’s ever called him petite.

My ballet teacher often calls me his petite choux
As well as the disposable poncho my, Haglof LIM has 28000 hydrostatic head
I love my rain kilt it matches my ballet shoes; i love pink

 

[AllisonMarie]

Hello, I'll be walking Frances in October starting from SJPdP. It's my first time walking. My backpack is now 7.5kg all included but I'm looking to reduce weight. I'm looking for advice re: clothing. Based on my research, I should expect all types of weather, starting with higher temperatures and then colder and more rain. Do you think I can reduce anything from the below? Many thanks in advance!

1x Rain poncho
1x 3-in-1 Jacket (rainproof outer jacket with an insulated puffer jacket) -> Can I drop one of these e.g. just keep the puffer?
1x Fleece jacket (mid warm)
1x Merino long sleeve 260 -> Should I drop this one as it's a very warm layer, and replace with another long sleeve (I don't have more merino but have a functional / sports long sleeve similar to merino 150/200)
1x Merino long sleeve 150
2x T-shirt (not merino but quick dry; also for sleeping)
1x Zipper hiking pants -> Do I need rain pants in addition? (I didn't plan, but these are fairly light pants)
1x Thermal leggings
1x Merino-blend capri pants (for after hike and for sleeping)
3x Merino socks
3x Underwear
1x Brimmed hat for rain and sun protection
1x Merino buff
1x Wool head band -> Should I pack a beanie instead?
1x Gloves

1x Hiking shoes
1x Hiking sandals
1x Flip flops

If the raincoat is light and could double as a windbreaker I would keep it along with the fleece and ditch the puffer, or else ditch the fleece. I love my merino long sleeves when I walked in late September-October even though we had a lot of hot days. Love my merino Tees too.

 

[justynak]

Hello, I wanted to report back for future reference for those who might be researching. I adapted my list based on recommendations posted in this thread - thank you to everyone who responded to my initial post! I was happy with my final selection. Sharing below with some caveats:

- It was the whole month of October, starting from SJPdP
- Every October is different so I'd say to be prepared for all kind of weather (for example my Camino in October 2024 was relatively little rain and fairly warm compared to other years)
- The below is based on items that I already own, my budget and my personal preferences, and I would recommend to also consider that (for example, I tend to get cold so need what others would consider extra layers; I wanted to use clothes that I already have but wouldn't repurchase if I was starting from scratch)

1x Rain poncho
1x 3-in-1 Jacket (rainproof outer jacket with an insulated puffer jacket) -> The outer jacket was definitely extra and I could do without it but I'm glad I had it when it was too warm for the puffer and too cold for just a long sleeve; or when the puffer felt too sweaty and not fresh. If it was very cold, the puffer alone wasn't enough (in my case only a couple of days)
1x Merino long sleeve warm 260 -> I'm glad I took it, it was a saver when I got a cold and was wearing it day and night on top of another long sleeve
1x Merino long sleeve light 150
1x Functional wear long sleeve (comparable to any merino long sleeve medium 200) -> I alternated this and Merino 150, and walked in them even on what others considered warm days; I know some people take only one to save on weight but I'm glad I had two
1x T-shirt -> I ended up only sleeping in it or wearing it for a couple of hours while I did laundry of all my other clothes; so it could be excluded
1x Zipper hiking pants
1x Thermal leggings (extra layer and for after hike)
1x Sweat pants (for sleeping; so they could be excluded and sleep in leggings)
3x Merino socks
3x Underwear
1x Brimmed hat for rain and sun protection
1x Merino buff
1x Merino beanie
1x Gloves

1x Hiking shoes
1x Hiking sandals
1x Flip flops
(I was happy I had all three pairs and some days I just hiked in sandals when terrain was less demanding or I wanted to give my feet a break; but I'd say sandals could be excluded)

 

[Stephan the Painter]

1x T-shirt -> I ended up only sleeping in it or wearing it for a couple of hours while I did laundry of all my other clothes; so it could be excluded

Yes, I just wore my rain jacket rain jacket when I did laundry.

1x Zipper hiking pants

But I took along two pairs of lightweight pants. I didn't want wear the same pair of pants after I finished hiking. I also didn't have to do laundry as often.

1x Hiking shoes
1x Hiking sandals
1x Flip flops

But I made up for that weight by only taking one pair of hiking shoes. I had some OOFOS slip- ons ( similar to Crocs, but more comfortable) that served both as shower flip-flops and walking shoes in the evening. And you could conceivably hike in them....
Anyway, glad it all worked out!