Cotton Shirts for the Coastal Portugues Camino?

ourgirl · Mar 5, 2015

So I've been reading about the need for merino shirts or quick-wicking shirts for caminos—as well as long sleeve shirts. I understand cotton is not a desired material—it dries slow, retains odors...but... I'm not sure merino or rayon blends are a good idea for a Coastal Camino. I work in a vineyard and in the summer, it's def loose, light colored cotton (no buttons!) that's preferred.

Any thoughts from those who have walked a coastal camino? Am I cool in choosing loose, light colored cotton?

Former member 22438 · Mar 5, 2015

@ourgirl. I can only speak for myself.. In my backpack are the modern fast drying and light fabric hemds and trousers and socks.
Three hemds. One wearing and two in the back.we wash everyday.. If something is not dry we hang it outside the backpack during the daywalk
We take a piece of rope with us and some pegs to use in the hostals where we sleep to dry the cloths during the night. Bom caminho

JohnnieWalker · Mar 5, 2015

You're correct - the only problem with cotton is the drying time. That may not be a huge problem in summer. In summer I tend to wear tops which I bought in the cheapest shops...thin and useless in winter but shake them after washing and they are nearly dry in summer.

dougfitz · Mar 5, 2015

I regularly wear cotton or cotton rich shirts in summer on walks. It is not a good fabric when it is cool and wet, but if it is hot and dry, that is a completely different matter.

Anniesantiago · Mar 5, 2015

What Doug said.

wayfarer · Mar 5, 2015

I use cotton or linen when on holidays during the summer even for day hiking, but on Camino I use merino T shirts which I normally buy a size bigger for looseness and shrinkage, and tech shirts by Rohan. I find these handle temperature variations better and dry easily.

JohnnieWalker · Mar 5, 2015

The rohan shirts are excellent

jefferyonthecamino · Mar 5, 2015

ourgirl said:
So I've been reading about the need for merino shirts or quick-wicking shirts for caminos—as well as long sleeve shirts. I understand cotton is not a desired material—it dries slow, retains odors...but... I'm not sure merino or rayon blends are a good idea for a Coastal Camino. I work in a vineyard and in the summer, it's def loose, light colored cotton (no buttons!) that's preferred.

Any thoughts from those who have walked a coastal camino? Am I cool in choosing loose, light colored cotton?

it's cotton for me. no problems so far drying or smelling

Mark Francis Auchincloss · Mar 5, 2015

JohnnieWalker said:
The rohan shirts are excellent

Entirely agree with Johnnie ! I allways wear Rohan gear, lightweight, practical,well designed and long lasting well worth spending a little bit more on clothes that last !

Former member 22438 · Mar 5, 2015

jefferyonthecamino said:
it's cotton for me. no problems so far drying or smelling

Hmm.... that's why I avoid places like albergues....I still smell when reading your comment, that guy in the Betanzos albergue last year who , I guess , did not wash himself and his cloths for about a week. No thank you !

Former member 22438 · Mar 5, 2015

MyDestinationGalicia said:
Entirely agree with Johnnie ! I allways wear Rohan gear, lightweight, practical,well designed and long lasting well worth spending a little bit more on clothes that last !

That looks good . Unfortunately I have never seen this brand on the continent.

edumad · Mar 6, 2015

I've walked and cycled in July and August and even then drying stuff can be a challenge.
You need warmth and circulating air. If you don't get that because after washing its late in the afternoon and / or you are hanging stuff inside then you spend the day carrying damp clothes on your backpack hoping they dry.
On foot it might be ok, but on a bike they never get properly clean as you a very likely to get dust on them.

My advice is go for fast drying anything to minimize this problem.

Another benefit is less clammy uncomfortable clothes if you sweat alot. In summer, even if you don't, your back will with a backpack on.

Above all this is comfort, if cotton is the only thing that will do, then go ahead. If you haven't tried the alternatives, try them, they are popular for a reason.

jefferyonthecamino · Mar 6, 2015

Albertinho said:
Hmm.... that's why I avoid places like albergues....I still smell when reading your comment, that guy in the Betanzos albergue last year who , I guess , did not wash himself and his cloths for about a week. No thank you !

If you don't bathe, it doesnt matter what you're wearing

ourgirl · Mar 6, 2015

Thanks, everyone—I'll look into rohan shirts. I'll be walking in May, which I'm sure will be variable in temperature and precipitation!

Arn · Mar 6, 2015

Cotton kills!
If you are in a situation...very cold, walking into a sweat...your body cannot dry the cotton...instead, your body begins to lose body heat. If you are in 75 degree heat and you sweat up your cotton shirt and there is a breeze...same result...you lose body heat. No matter what you put on over the cotton...unless you strip down and remove the shirt...replacing it with quickdri shirt...you will not regain body heat.
This is not a "well it's your Camino" do what you want. It's both comfort and survival. If you must have cotton...consider either 70% polypropylene 30% cotton or at most 50/50.

Utgaard · Mar 6, 2015

I used Ex Officio shirts that were 80% polyester/20% cotton. I bought one shirt from their sale rack as a test and it almost immediately turned into my favorite walking shirt so I went back and bought a second. They worked great - light weight, quick dry, and packable.

Chris Gallacher · Mar 6, 2015

Marino wool base layer, its magical. Expensive but you won't regret it. Marino is the best for wicking moisture and not smelling, even after a few days.

Former member 22438 · Mar 6, 2015

jefferyonthecamino said:
If you don't bathe, it doesnt matter what you're wearing

You are right ! Here in the Netherlands we use to say." Water and soap cost nothing ! "

Arn · Mar 6, 2015

Chris Gallacher said:
Marino wool base layer, its magical. Expensive but you won't regret it. Marino is the best for wicking moisture and not smelling, even after a few days.

Chris, you and others have touted the Merino wool as top flight for physical activities, especially while on Camino.
I not only push light weight packs, I push inexpensive.
But now, I will explore Merino.
Why you may ask. Here's my thought.
When I am through walking for the day I wash my clothes, put on the extra poly pro shirt and hit the town. Often it's a bit chilly so I add my windbreaker.
If I had the Merino wool option, I may not need the jacket and I will look really stylish and smart.
See AL, you can teach an old dog new tricks

Former member 22438 · Mar 6, 2015

Arn said:
Chris, you and others have touted the Merino wool as top flight for physical activities, especially while on Camino.
I not only push light weight packs, I push inexpensive.
But now, I will explore Merino.
Why you may ask. Here's my thought.
When I am through walking for the day I wash my clothes, put on the extra poly pro shirt and hit the town. Often it's a bit chilly so I add my windbreaker.
If I had the Merino wool option, I may not need the jacket and I will look really stylish and smart.
See AL, you can teach an old dog new tricks

Hope it is not freezing when you hit the town,walking the "catwalk "Arn or is it "the Merino sheep"walk ?

Arn · Mar 6, 2015

Albertinho said:
Hope it is not freezing when you hit the town,walking the "catwalk "Arn or is it "the Merino sheep"walk ?

At the end of the day...I am super happy to be able to walk at all
Now about the cat walk...should there be any around...they may just like my Merino Macho Manner

Shairn · Mar 6, 2015

Light, loose, and fast drying. I walked the Camino Portugues two summers ago. It was HOT! We wet our shirts and hats at every chance, and let the evaporation cool us. I thought it would have been good to have a gauze sari to drape over my head and shoulders for shade...

Arn · Mar 6, 2015

Chris Gallacher said:
Marino wool base layer, its magical. Expensive but you won't regret it. Marino is the best for wicking moisture and not smelling, even after a few days.

I was thinking (yes know AL: Arn and thinking is an oxymoron ), hey, I think I have a Marino wool T-shirt in my summer gear I took to Calif two years ago.
Out to the barn, into the duffel bag...out with the gear. Birkenstock's, a gift I wore one week. USC ball caps and, em moth eaten polo...YES..,my Marino (torn, used as a nest for mice). Better pack better next time. Drat!

SYates · Mar 7, 2015

At least the mice babies had a really high quality, temperature regulated and no-stink nest! St. Francis would be so proud of you SY

ourgirl · Mar 7, 2015

Shairn said:
Light, loose, and fast drying. I walked the Camino Portugues two summers ago. It was HOT! We wet our shirts and hats at every chance, and let the evaporation cool us. I thought it would have been good to have a gauze sari to drape over my head and shoulders for shade...

Ok, so that's what I was thinking, very lightweight, light color, 3/4 or long sleeve. I'll look into cotton blends. Maybe that's the way to go. I would also have a jacket with me to retain body heat. I'm the type that generates body heat pretty easy.

Laura Sutherland · Mar 8, 2015

Shairn said:
Light, loose, and fast drying. I walked the Camino Portugues two summers ago. It was HOT! We wet our shirts and hats at every chance, and let the evaporation cool us. I thought it would have been good to have a gauze sari to drape over my head and shoulders for shade...

I see you walked the Portugues Camino. Can u tell me if there is plenty of cheap accommodation and did you walk the same number of days as in John Brierleys guide

Former member 22438 · Mar 8, 2015

Laura Sutherland said:
I see you walked the Portugues Camino. Can u tell me if there is plenty of cheap accommodation and did you walk the same number of days as in John Brierleys guide

Depends on where you will start ! Lisbon..Porto..Valença de Minho/Tui ?
From Lisbon to Porto hostals and privat albergues cost you per night about 18€.
Do you start in Tuí Spain there are xunta albergues which cost you 6€ per night.
We walked all stages in John Brierleys guide from Lisbon with some restdays in Coimbra, Porto and Barcelos in total 32 days .with a max of 20 kms a day

Bom caminho

susanawee · Mar 8, 2015

ourgirl said:
So I've been reading about the need for merino shirts or quick-wicking shirts for caminos—as well as long sleeve shirts. I understand cotton is not a desired material—it dries slow, retains odors...but... I'm not sure merino or rayon blends are a good idea for a Coastal Camino. I work in a vineyard and in the summer, it's def loose, light colored cotton (no buttons!) that's preferred.

Any thoughts from those who have walked a coastal camino? Am I cool in choosing loose, light colored cotton?

I am gravitating more and more these days to very light cotton (cotton voile if I can get it) tops which are loose. I tend to get very hot when I walk anyway and find that the synthetic fabrics (good though they may be) tend to be too hot and clingy for me. I live in Western Australia and this has been a pretty hot summer (still experiencing hot days even though it is now Autumn) and I've worn my cotton tops exclusively for my walks each day..)..

Nickan · Mar 8, 2015

This will be my first camino but I have done shorter trek (for a week) in the Himalayas and Patagonia. I have never used anything but cotton shirts/clothes and have never had problems with smells. Yes it might take some time to dry but maybe that is a sign to plan in an exta restday?

Rikkitikkitavi · Mar 9, 2015

Patagonia silk weight T-shirts are great. They come in Merino and Capiline. The Camino is not an exercise in survival, but whenever I think of cotton clothing in the context of hiking I recall the phrase "cotton kills".

ourgirl · Mar 9, 2015

Albertinho said:
Depends on where you will start ! Lisbon..Porto..Valença de Minho/Tui ?
From Lisbon to Porto hostals and privat albergues cost you per night about 18€.
Do you start in Tuí Spain there are xunta albergues which cost you 6€ per night.
We walked all stages in John Brierleys guide from Lisbon with some restdays in Coimbra, Porto and Barcelos in total 32 days .with a max of 20 kms a day

Bom caminho

Just researched and booked for May:
Porto: private hostel bunk beds, $15-17 a night.
Matinsohos: private hotel (didn't see any hostels) twin room, $46 a night

We're headed up the Portuguese coast, not inland. I was going to not book following night stays, but I'm starting to rethink that. There are not many inexpensive choices in Villa do Conde and Povoa de Varzim and Booking.com is showing them 60% booked. While I understand that may be a marketing ploy, I do think there might be some merit in booking ahead, since these are coastal towns and may fill-up if the weather is good. I might book until Caminha/A Guarda. I'm careful to make sure I'm choosing refundable bookings, so we can change our mind a day ahead.

Mark Francis Auchincloss · Mar 9, 2015

Good choices ourgirl check out the quick video I did of camino between Porto and Baiona

Former member 22438 · Mar 9, 2015

ourgirl said:
Just researched and booked for May:
Porto: private hostel bunk beds, $15-17 a night.
Matinsohos: private hotel (didn't see any hostels) twin room, $46 a night

We're headed up the Portuguese coast, not inland. I was going to not book following night stays, but I'm starting to rethink that. There are not many inexpensive choices in Villa do Conde and Povoa de Varzim and Booking.com is showing them 60% booked. While I understand that may be a marketing ploy, I do think there might be some merit in booking ahead, since these are coastal towns and may fill-up if the weather is good. I might book until Caminha/A Guarda. I'm careful to make sure I'm choosing refundable bookings, so we can change our mind a day ahead.

In Matosinhos it is not called a hostal I see now but a pensão ! We stayed there a couple of days . it was great.
http://www.pensaocentral.net/

The booking.com is allways lying about the availability. That's why I don't book via them.on the Porto to Caminha / a Guarda leg are several albergues in case you could not find any place.
There is also the AIRBNB app and on the app I saw privat rooms for rent in the area.
And I am curious about Ivar's app which shows the places around where you are (I hope also in Portugal )

ourgirl · Mar 9, 2015

MyDestinationGalicia said:
Good choices ourgirl check out the quick video I did of camino between Porto and Baiona

Thank you! I've watched this video many times as I've been planning our camino—my boys know what I'm doing when they hear the music playing. Very nice!

19SY69 · Mar 9, 2015

ourgirl said:
Just researched and booked for May:
Porto: private hostel bunk beds, $15-17 a night.
Matinsohos: private hotel (didn't see any hostels) twin room, $46 a night

We're headed up the Portuguese coast, not inland. I was going to not book following night stays, but I'm starting to rethink that. There are not many inexpensive choices in Villa do Conde and Povoa de Varzim and Booking.com is showing them 60% booked. While I understand that may be a marketing ploy, I do think there might be some merit in booking ahead, since these are coastal towns and may fill-up if the weather is good. I might book until Caminha/A Guarda. I'm careful to make sure I'm choosing refundable bookings, so we can change our mind a day ahead.

I've booked a hostel in Matosinhos called 'Oportocean'. Bunk bed €18 a night! So there is at least one hostel in Matosinhos!

ourgirl · Mar 9, 2015

19SY69 said:
I've booked a hostel in Matosinhos called 'Oportocean'. Bunk bed €18 a night! So there is at least one hostel in Matosinhos!

Awesome! What a well done website and the hostel looks brand new and clean! Thanks for posting!

ourgirl · Mar 9, 2015

19SY69 said:
I've booked a hostel in Matosinhos called 'Oportocean'. Bunk bed €18 a night! So there is at least one hostel in Matosinhos!

Are you looking at Vila do Conde or Póvoa de Varzim?

19SY69 · Mar 10, 2015

ourgirl said:
Are you looking at Vila do Conde or Póvoa de Varzim?

Thers is an albergue in Póvoa de Varzim.
http://www.paroquiasaojoseribamar.pt

Robo · Mar 19, 2015

Utgaard said:
I used Ex Officio shirts that were 80% polyester/20% cotton. I bought one shirt from their sale rack as a test and it almost immediately turned into my favorite walking shirt so I went back and bought a second. They worked great - light weight, quick dry, and packable.

Do you know which 'model' of shirt they were? I've looked up al the ex officio shirts at my local store and they are either nylon or polyester/nylon.

This is the one piece of gear I am really struggling with. On my training walks over the last year I have been wearing cotton polo shirts from work. They are really comfortable but quite heavy and only short sleeved. So I have been trialling lightweight long sleeved with no success.

The 'tech' nylon based lightweight fabrics are like wearing a plastic bag, so I gave up on those.

Last week I bought a Marino LS Icebreaker to try. It was better. But very rough to the touch and still very hot to wear.

Maybe......I'll just go with lightweight cotton. But if I can find your Ex Officio Poly/Cotton mix I'll certainly give it a try.

Utgaard · Mar 20, 2015

Robo said:
Do you know which 'model' of shirt they were? I've looked up al the ex officio shirts at my local store and they are either nylon or polyester/nylon.

I think it was the Next to Nothing shirt. This looks like the closest one in their current line:
http://www.exofficio.com/products/details/mens-next-to-nothing-estallado-short-sleeve-shirt

If you have one of their stores nearby, their sale room has all the prior year models for half off or more the website prices.

Robo · Mar 20, 2015

many

Utgaard said:
I think it was the Next to Nothing shirt. This looks like the closest one in their current line:
http://www.exofficio.com/products/details/mens-next-to-nothing-estallado-short-sleeve-shirt

If you have one of their stores nearby, their sale room has all the prior year models for half off or more the website prices.

many thanks. I'll see if I can find one.

Rikkitikkitavi · Apr 12, 2015

ourgirl said:
So I've been reading about the need for merino shirts or quick-wicking shirts for caminos—as well as long sleeve shirts. I understand cotton is not a desired material—it dries slow, retains odors...but... I'm not sure merino or rayon blends are a good idea for a Coastal Camino. I work in a vineyard and in the summer, it's def loose, light colored cotton (no buttons!) that's preferred.

Any thoughts from those who have walked a coastal camino? Am I cool in choosing loose, light colored cotton?

Cotton kills.

Cotton Shirts for the Coastal Portugues Camino?

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