Do I need to pack waterproof trousers & jacket?

[dimdog]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

 

[J Willhaus]

@dimdog, we carry rain gear winter and summer. If you don't need it that's great, but if you don't have it you might be pretty uncomfortable.

This summer we are taking Frog Toggs ponchos and no rain pants.

 

[Rick M]

If it rains, and it will, you will get wet. Don't worry. You're not made of sugar, you're not going to dissolve. You DO want to take a rain jacket. This is part of your warmth layering, which you need even in the summer time. I never recommend gortex since it tends to be heavy. The preferred solution is a simple rain jacket, the kind that scrounges up into a ball. As for rain pants, I never use them. You will get wet, then the sun comes out, and your legs will dry.

Buen Camino

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I say...bring rain gear....its a bit like travel insurance....better to have it and not need it....

 

[Rick M]

I say...bring rain gear....its a bit like travel insurance....better to have it and not need it....

Except that travel insurance has no mass, and excess gear does. The MOST important part of preparing for Camino is having the right shoes, and the second most is lightening your pack. Everyone packs their fears the first time around, and winds up discarding them along the way.

 

[dimdog]

Thanks all......

 

[Marbe2]

If you are going in the summer, wearing a rain jacket and pants in the heat,will make you sweat and you will be drenched anyway. Recommend a lite poncho to wear if, it should be a bit cool. No need for rain pants in summer. I actually don’tuse themfor winter caminos either. Plan on getting wetit it rains hard and steady..unless you bring an an umbrella. However,if its windy and they aren’t Ideal either.

 

[J Willhaus]

It it rains hard your pack will be wet. A poncho and pack cover will help. Or Pack in dry bags or use a pack liner. We use sil nylon Sea to Summitt dry bags. Very light, but pricey. (Nothing worse that a wet sleeping/liner bag or wet clothes/documents when you escape the rain.)

In the winter when it rains all day and is cold rain pants do help. Summer they are less useful.

 

[dimdog]

Thanks, all, I've packed everything into bergen liners, & i have a decent cover,I don't mind getting wet, was just trying to get an update on the weather conditions, to pack accordingly,

 

[RJM]

Summertime? Definitely no rain pants. Rain jacket? Sure, if it's lightweight and packable and can do double duty as a cool weather jacket. A two for one. That's the downside of ponchos. They make poor cool weather jackets and not practical to roam about town in when you finished walking for the day.

 

[MarkN]

A rain coat with 'pit zips' when it's warm works very well for me.

You can always check the 'average' weather, but it's always a guess. I did bring rain pants once but not on my other walks as it was warm enough that when my legs got wet it wasn't really a bother.

 

[domigee]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

Imo you don’t need the trousers. A rainproof jacket, yes, definitely and make sure everything in your pack is waterproof. Or have a poncho To protect the lot.
Your legs will get wet but it doesn’t matter, as long as your body doesn’t get cold

 

[NYSE]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I did and they came in handy (started April 1).

 

[Albertagirl]

It depends on when you walk, and the weather. I always walk in the autumn and there is bound to be some cold rain. Also, I walk long routes (almost three months this year) and the weather gets colder, and often wetter, as the autumn progresses. I started one camino with a lightweight poncho, which I got rid of as the weather worsened, and replaced with a breathable jacket, a pack cover and rainpants, a little long, to keep my boots, and my feet, dry. I might have left the rainpants behind if I were walking in a warmer, dryer season, as you will be. Buen camino.

 

[LesR]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

You will not need the rain gear if it doesn't rain...

Will it rain? - now that is a different question altogether...

 

[dougfitz]

I carry both, and have used both every time I have walked in Spain. A good jacket is invaluable in wet, windy and cold conditions, and I find mine gets more use than rain trousers because I will wear it on colder mornings when I just need to keep the wind off my torso.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

A poncho and an umbrella will do.

 

[El Cascayal]

Though getting your legs and socks wet and splashing in puddles is fun, and yes if it stops raining eventually all of this will dry out, I get blisters everywhere when my socks and shoes squish, squish for every step. So, waterproof shoes, pants and jacket as lightweight as possible and packable are needed. Walking in Spring & Fall when I go, rain gear is necessary. If you are planning to reach Santiago by walking through Galicia green, expect rain 🌧.

 

[Former member 22438]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

Sem palavras. Without words

 

[nedjinski]

Rain jacket: 6oz - Rain pants: 3oz - It's cheap insurance - no fun being soaked, especially if it cools down while you are all wet.

 

[Andorinha]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I did not bring, but I was a little "jelly" when I was getting wet and chafing legs, and my then walking pal was putting on her gore tex leggings. Norte might be pretty wet?

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

Back ten years or so ago we took rain suits(top and bottoms) and we found we were just as wet from perspiration and the gear not breathing, we left the in Zubri. When we got to Pamplona we bought light weight pull over jackets that fold into their own front pocket. Also made for a nice pillow If I was you and I'm not...I'd leave them behind. Enjoy your Camino

 

[nedjinski]

More thoughts on this -
Poncho vs. Pants - Pants because they will keep your lower legs dry - otherwise, wet pants means wet shoes means wet socks and wet feet which means blisters.
Waterproof shoes vs ventilated shoes - Vented shoes because waterproof shoes are impossible to dry out once they get wet. Walking in wet squishy shoes means blisters. Vented shoes will dry out as you walk (once it stops raining).
Rain Jacket vs Poncho - Rain Jacket because they are light and packable, vented - front zips and pit zips - so they can breathe and keep you cool if it's hot, Ponchos are a bit of a sweat tent. If it's windy, ponchos are a pain because they can get blown all around where a jacket is more tight fitting.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Except that travel insurance has no mass, and excess gear does. The MOST important part of preparing for Camino is having the right shoes, and the second most is lightening your pack. Everyone packs their fears the first time around, and winds up discarding them along the way.

yes, we balance the many paths..Buen Camino

 

[good_old_shoes]

You should bring some sort of lightweight rain gear when hiking. Always.

Packing lightweight rain gear is NOT packing fears. Rain gear is one of the essential things to bring, no matter what season.

When it's warm and there's only a light rain, and the town where you'll sleep that night is not far, you might not need it at all and can enjoy the warm summer rain shower, but on a cold windy day up on a mountain with many kms still to go, that's a different story.

I don't get how some people still say that packing rain gear is "packing your fears".

If you want to go Super Ultra Light, bring a disposable poncho, the kind that is used for festivals. Weighs almost nothing.

 

[trecile]

I walk in hiking sandals and bring waterproof socks for really wet days. Works perfectly for me!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Poncho over rain jacket and pants.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

More thoughts on this -
Poncho vs. Pants - Pants because they will keep your lower legs dry - otherwise, wet pants means wet shoes means wet socks and wet feet which means blisters.
Waterproof shoes vs ventilated shoes - Vented shoes because waterproof shoes are impossible to dry out once they get wet. Walking in wet squishy shoes means blisters. Vented shoes will dry out as you walk (once it stops raining).
Rain Jacket vs Poncho - Rain Jacket because they are light and packable, vented - front zips and pit zips - so they can breathe and keep you cool if it's hot, Ponchos are a bit of a sweat tent. If it's windy, ponchos are a pain because they can get blown all around where a jacket is more tight fitting.

News paper!

 

[trecile]

Poncho over rain jacket and pants.

Sounds like a sauna suit!

 

[J Willhaus]

In 2016 we carried our rain pants and jackets for 56 days and did not need them once.

In 2018 my husband walked all day in a cold driving rain and was glad to have them. The expensive jacket failed and wetted through. His pack was a sodden mess, but the cut rate rain pants kept him dry from the waist down.

Fortunately he had packed in dry bags so he did have a dry warm sleeping bag and clothes. He was the only pilgrim that early December day and the hospitalero helped him out of the wet things, brought him a heater, and made him some hot stew. A simple albergue with a welcoming host turned the miserable day into a fond memory.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Poncho over rain jacket and pants.

That a little overkill isn't it. Your body has to breathe, and so you get a little wet.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

That a little overkill isn't it. Your body has to breathe, and so you get a little wet.

A jacket and pants are much less breathable than a poncho where the entire bottom is open.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Sounds like a sauna suit!

It depends on the style of poncho I used. But hey, opening up arm pit flaps are much smaller than the entire bottom of the poncho being open. Plus, with a poncho, a pack rain cover is not needed.

 

[Andorinha]

I did not bring, but I was a little "jelly" when I was getting wet and chafing legs, and my then walking pal was putting on her gore tex leggings. Norte might be pretty wet?

Also, just saying, a tired body, end of day, you are getting soaked, it is chilly Galicia, and hypothermia is creeping up on you - just take the equipment

 

[Scott Sweeney]

A jacket and pants are much less breathable than a poncho where the entire bottom is open.

If rain pants and jacket are intended to keep water out perspiration isn't going to get out either.

 

[Albertagirl]

If rain pants and jacket are intended to keep water out perspiration isn't going to get out either.

I certainly found this to be true years ago, when I wore totally waterproof rain pants. But my new rain jacket and rainpants are breathable, adequately so that I can stay dry from rain and from perspiration. Very warm rainy weather might be an exception.

 

[RussB]

I have rain jacket and trousers, have worn both . Everything goes into dry bags so not too bothered about covering rucksack. I find ponchos too billowy in the wind and prefer to have sleeves

 

[Andorinha]

If rain pants and jacket are intended to keep water out perspiration isn't going to get out either.

I would suggest to pay the big bucks and buy breathable

 

[Scott Sweeney]

I would suggest to pay the big bucks and buy breathable

I'm happy with my lightweight/ poncho and my backpack cover.

 

[mattythedog]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I have walked 8 caminos through 3 seasons: last week of April to beginning November, and I have tried a variety of rain apparel. I have settled on an extra large FroggToggs raincoat which covers both me (175 lb, 5'-9") and my pack (Ospray talon 33 filled with 13 lbs food, water, gear). If rain gets above a light drizzle, I wrap a $12 sil-nylon rain skirt around my waist and roll my pants up above my knees to keep them dry. Don't even need to drop the pack or take off the coat to put the skirt on. My sleep sack and all clothing fit inside a small Sea to Summit drybag in the pack. I use a $2.00 plastic bag type pack liner from GarageGrownGear inside my pack as second protection. Pack does not need its outer rain shell because coat (third protection) covers all and keeps the pack bone dry and free from weighty water absorption. Coat has benefit of arms so I can use trekking poles unhindered. Coat can be opened by varying degrees and hood used or not for appropriate ventilation. Coat can be used as regular coat around town or for wind block. Hey, coat is ugly, but I always look GOOD! Footwear is Brooks Ghost trail runners which are like sieves, but dry quickly, along with Smartwool socks. The skirt keeps feet mostly dry until rain gets heavy or splashy, or if there are puddles. If feet get soaked, I just wring out the socks every 2 hours and put them back on. I use vaseline between my toes and have NEVER had any blisters on any Camino. I keep about 1 meter of Duck brand duct tape wrapped around one of my trekking poles to plug tears in the cheap FroggToggs if necessary. The duct tape also can be used to protect hotspots on feet and make a myriad of other repairs. If I were trekking through the winter, I would take my Columbia rain pants.

 

[trecile]

That a little overkill isn't it. Your body has to breathe, and so you get a little wet.

It depends on the style of poncho I used. But hey, opening up arm pit flaps are much smaller than the entire bottom of the poncho being open. Plus, with a poncho, a pack rain cover is not needed.

But you said a poncho over rain jacket and pants.

Poncho over rain jacket and pants.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

I like rain pants for one important reason: if you need to sit down somewhere, to take a rest or have something to eat on the trail - you will get a very wet bottom without them! I’m in Melide at the moment and we’ve had torrential rain - the heaviest I’ve experienced since living in Singapore!

 

[dougfitz]

I would suggest to pay the big bucks and buy breathable

Breathable means it will let vapour transpire through the membrane. Sweat is a fluid, and won't transpire, and you will get wet inside and out! It won't matter once sweat has formed how much you have paid, it will still be a sauna inside.

There may be some delay if you have bought something with a higher effective transpiration rate, but I don't think it will make all that much difference in warm, wet conditions.

 

[Old walker]

For over two decades our standard gear includes cheap light weight Frogg Togg jacket and pants (large size for the jacket) and an umbrella. As noted by Mattythedog, the jacket can be worn over the pack for rain, or backward in front with the arms for cold wind protection. I find the Frogg Toggs to breath better and to be warmer than Gortex, for unknown reasons. Our son-in-law, a veteran of two PCTs, knows more than me, likes his gortex jacket. Like Mattythedog, I bring duct tape wrapped around a pole to patch holes. Plowing through thorny brush is not a good idea. I don’t mind looking like I’m part of a toxic chemical abatement team. I like umbrellas. The pants have only been used with windy rain and snow and then gave sneaky,wonderful warmth. Our son promotes the skirt method, but if heat loss isn’t an issue, I don’t mind my nylon pants getting wet. I always wear long pants because of sun protection. You will figure out what works best for you and have stories about what didn’t work. Cheers

 

[mattythedog]

I like rain pants for one important reason: if you need to sit down somewhere, to take a rest or have something to eat on the trail - you will get a very wet bottom without them! I’m in Melide at the moment and we’ve had torrential rain - the heaviest I’ve experienced since living in Singapore!

perfect reason to take a rain skirt

 

[domigee]

Breathable means it will let vapour transpire through the membrane. Sweat is a fluid, and won't transpire, and you will get wet inside and out! It won't matter once sweat has formed how much you have paid, it will still be a sauna inside.

There may be some delay if you have bought something with a higher effective transpiration rate, but I don't think it will make all that much difference in warm, wet conditions.

I bought an Altus poncho in St Jean pde Port in April as the weather was…. dire! Biblical downpours! And cold of course, there was still snow on the ground walking to Roncesvalles.
It was like a portable sauna going up… Wouldn’t use it again.

 

[Old walker]

If you are still looking for ways to protect yourself from ground moisture and want to add a little weight, bring along a small roll of Tyvek. It just needs to be big enough to lie down on for those welcome little breaks, or a genuine afternoon nap when you can give your feet and body a delicious little rest. I learned that from another pilgrim. On the flight over before one of our pilgrimages, I caught the flu, and continued on the hike. It has been said that all pilgrims suffer, or have suffered. I certainly suffered less being able to rest/nap on that piece of ground sheet while I recovered.

 

[WestKirsty]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I live in Bilbao and can say that it rains a lot in the Basque country! I've also spent a fair amount of time in Galicia and same there. Having said that, the actual weather conditions you'll experience can't really be predicted! My first June here, it was cool and rained for weeks at a time...often heavy. The next was beautiful with just rainy days here and there!

I visited a friend in Santiago 2 summers in a row. The first time, amazing sunshine. The same time frame the next year, I had to go shopping to buy warm clothes and it rained constantly.

If you're doing the full Norte, a month or so of walking, there really is no way of knowing what the weather will be the whole way. For this reason, I always pack rain gear on a long journey. If you're just doing a week, the weather forecasts can help.

Buen camino!

 

[dimdog]

Hi, thanks for that, I did the camino Frances last Aug, & it was in the 40's, I'm doing the full Norte, so I've packed everything in bergen liners, & I'm prepared to get wet.....Still living in the UK I should be used to it.
Graham

 

[WestKirsty]

Hi, thanks for that, I did the camino Frances last Aug, & it was in the 40's, I'm doing the full Norte, so I've packed everything in bergen liners, & I'm prepared to get wet.....Still living in the UK I should be used to it.
Graham

Hi again! Just also wanted to mention that the weather in the North can change very quickly! With the influence of the ocean and mountains, it can be a little wild! For example, today was warm (26 or so), mostly clear skies. The temperatures then dropped 10 degrees with a shift in the winds and I'm currently watching a great lightening storm over the hills! Heavy rain just now ...

Have a great time! The Norte was my first and I loved it

 

[dimdog]

Hmmmmm, your not selling it

 

[J Willhaus]

But you said a poncho over rain jacket and pants.

Maybe she likes a poncho more than rain jacket and pants? Like Jacks over 10's in cards?

 

[trecile]

Maybe she likes a poncho more than rain jacket and pants? Like Jacks over 10's in cards?

Yes, I was wondering if that was the case.

 

[donalomahony]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I strongly agree with bringing the rainjacket. Walked the Norte in Summer 2019 and got a few v wet days.

I always use a bin liner inside the backpack and when wet, a cover outside.

On the wet days you can get v cold, hence my recommendation above...

Just my pennies worth...

 

[Anamiri]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

Coat or poncho, but no rain pants. Skins dries quickly, and you're not walking in winter.

 

[Rita Flower]

Sounds like a sauna suit!

I think she meant ‘as opposed to’ - not both together

 

[LouiseEdin]

Personally, I take a light plastic tourist poncho, and buy a big umbrella if I need it. Love these spanish umbrellas, big enough to cover the rucsac too

 

[WestKirsty]

Hmmmmm, your not selling it

Sorry about that! I'm just one of those 'always be prepared' (for the weather) kind of people. And I love storms...I was excited If it's any consolation, it'll be nice walking weather today - mild, 20 degrees. Not too hot, not too cold!

Buen Camino!

 

[John Holland]

As many viewpoints as there are pilgrims so I thought I would add my view. You can't beat a poncho and lightweight rain pants. If you have a poncho you do not need a cover for your pack or dry bags thus reducing weight. They are easy to put on and take off while wearing a pack. Just keep the poncho in a side pocket which is easy to get to. You cannot do that with a jacket as it will not go over the pack. Lightweight rain pants are better than gortex. If you have zippered sides they are easy to put on and take off. Also, they will protect your boots/shoes from getting so wet. Keeping boost/shoes dry means fewer blisters. Again, keep the pants in a side pocket.

 

[mattythedog]

As many viewpoints as there are pilgrims so I thought I would add my view. You can't beat a poncho and lightweight rain pants. If you have a poncho you do not need a cover for your pack or dry bags thus reducing weight. They are easy to put on and take off while wearing a pack. Just keep the poncho in a side pocket which is easy to get to. You cannot do that with a jacket as it will not go over the pack. Lightweight rain pants are better than gortex. If you have zippered sides they are easy to put on and take off. Also, they will protect your boots/shoes from getting so wet. Keeping boost/shoes dry means fewer blisters. Again, keep the pants in a side pocket.

FroggToggs jacket goes on over my pack

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

But you said a poncho over rain jacket and pants.

Ya, I did say that. In translation, Poncho is my choice over rain jacket and pants.

Doing it the other way would definitely create a sauna. LOL.

 

[Barbara]

Ok, you have a few more opinions than the total number of answers. Now you do this.

You can easily get average conditions for a given time of year for pretty much anywhere on the planet. Given your start and finish dates, think about what you will need. Short of a quick dash from Sarria, no forecast can possibly be accurate for the whole of your Camino.
So you allow for conditions being somewhat warmer, colder, wetter or drier than typical for the time of year and that's what you pack for. All of them.
Before stuffing everything into your bag, try to do a kind of weighted average of what you expect. Hot every day? Cool in the mornings and evenings? Lots of time at altitude? Lot of walking on the Atlantic coast?
Leave out the extras and duplicates. Layer. Rain gear is not an extra. Consider though if you will use it more than two or three days in say twenty days. Hot and wet or cold and wet? Hot and wet you can walk bare legs. Cold and wet you won't want to.
Also decide how much you will have in the way of drying facilities. You might decide to get stuff you can throw away and replace easily.
But whatever, you will be more comfortable dry....

I haven't answered your question. But I hope I have helped you decide.

 

[dimdog]

I think my heads about to explode.....skins waterproof.
Thanks everyone, hopefully will meet some of you over the next 5 weeks

 

[Barbara]

I think my heads about to explode.....skins waterproof.
Thanks everyone, hopefully will meet some of you over the next 5 weeks

Well, it's what we used to do when we couldn't ask the whole world.

 

[blawrence]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I asked myself the same question recently, while walking from Le Puy. The next day the temp dropped to 12 degrees, from 30 the day prior, lots of rain and strong wind. I was so grateful to have both lightweight gortex jacket and pants. For me they are vital insurance against unforeseen bad weather. 400 grams - worth it.

 

[lbeckhusen]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

Wearing rain pants in warm weather was uncomfortable! A light weight hooded water resistant shell or a strong and light poncho (Altus atmospheric) worked best for me!

 

[wanderlustesq]

No. I wouldn’t. I’m currently on the P

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

No. I am currently on the Primitivo and it’s rained every day. But my rain gear is worse to wear than getting wet! It’s not even hot, but the humidity is so high I am drenched anyway. My merino wool tshirts, panties and sports bra dry really quickly and I don’t overheat. My convertible hiking pants repel water to some extent, but also dry quickly. I’d love to dump my Pack A poncho/jacket that’s ultra light weight and has arms, zippered arm pits, and a pack cover all in one. But it cost $100 and I just dont want to.

 

[dimdog]

Thanks for your reply, I'm going to take my lightweight jacket, but leave the over trousers,

 

[gittiharre]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

I am now on my 20th camino. I have walked between May and September always and have only once taken a gortex jacket and hated it, sweating ++, never ever took rain pants.
I take either an Altus light at 280 grams or Sea to Summit cape at 145 grams.
I wear shorts and short socks and gortex trail shoes and just let my lower legs get wet. I like it like that, no paraphernalia and skin dries fast.

 

[Barbara]

You are all correct, skin dries fast. That's fine in warm weather. Because it's Spain doesn't mean it's always warm. Factor in the time of year and the altitude as well. For your comfort.

 

[gittiharre]

You are all correct, skin dries fast. That's fine in warm weather. Because it's Spain doesn't mean it's always warm. Factor in the time of year and the altitude as well. For your comfort.

Of course....in NZ we don't usually heat our houses like they do in the US or Germany. We put a sweater on, when it gets cold, so we are a bit hardy..I wear shorts, when there is a bit of frost on the ground. My legs go bright red and I love it! As long as feet and core are warm.

 

[john newman]

If you’re doing the full del Norte you will probably get lots of rain.
If you decide to veer off to the Primitivo (many do) you may get cold as well.
In addition there will be beautiful hot days (but not as hot as the other side of the hills).
Pack for the conditions. No point in being miserable for the sake of a couple of hundred grams.

 

[cbacino]

Hi all, I'm starting the Del Norte on Saturday, can anyone advise me on whether or not to pack gortex trousers & jacket, just trying to keep the weight down. If its only a light rain, then skins waterproof & I can crack on, but if its lashing it down, well, no one likes to be wet, do they.......
Thanks
Graham

Waterproof clothing will only make you wet from the inside. On the Norte-Primitivo (mid-June to early July ’18) I always walked with pant legs zipped off. Legs didn’t get cold and with shorts there is less wet clothing to deal with. An umbrella kept my torso and head dry (no rain in the face) and my pack dry.

 

[Peregrino andante]

Ultralight rain pants have to serve other purposes. I take hiking pants, rain pants, and hiking shorts. Note that I've done caminos only in the spring and fall, so I'm not necessarily making a recommendation for a summer walk. I generally walk in my hiking pants because the backs of my legs get sunburned, regardless of the season of the year. I wear the rain paints in the evening if it's too cool to wear just my hiking shorts over compression tights, which feel really good on tired leg muscles. The rain pants are black, so they are perfectly fine for walking around town when it's chilly. I can wear them over my hiking pants on cold mornings (I've done that only a couple of times) if necessary. I also wear them on laundry day when everything else is getting washed. They proved incredibly useful while walking in the cold, driving April rain on the endless road from Carrión de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios. I may have worn them other times due to the rain, but, at the moment, I can't recall when. They roll up smaller than a fist and weigh next to nothing, so I think of them as a pair of pants that can also be worn when it rains.