Down jacket or No?

[LisaWalker]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

 

[dick bird]

If it is very light, why not? Otherwise, wear one merino top over the other one. That will keep you warm. You warm up pretty quick when you walk.

 

[roving_rufus]

If you feel the chill then I would bring the jacket - as you will be crossing over mountains too.

 

[Former member 92300]

I always bring a down puffy. In June/July 2021 it was unseasonably cold espially in the AM and at night. I wore it a lot, along with my other layers and rain jacket and bought a fleece too in Spain. In late May-June 2022 I wore it occasionally (I finished right before the heat wave).

 

[LisaWalker]

If you feel the chill then I would bring the jacket - as you will be crossing over mountains too.

If it is very light, why not? Otherwise, wear one merino top over the other one. That will keep you warm. You warm up pretty quick when you walk.

It is 200g . Super light.I will bring it. Thank you

 

[koknesis]

One relevant combination might be to make sure your rain jacket fits over the down one. Not necessarily on CF in May, but in mountains rain/cold wind often come together.
I doubt whether the extreme lows might be bellow +5C, so if you end up with concerns regarding the pack weight, the down jacket would be the first candidate to ditch.

 

[Marbe2]

I suppose it is what you prefer or are used to. I prefer another layer that I can wear indoors as well..that is, has dual usage and have never been cold using a layering system. In the morning, if cold, I may have an additional light layer or two. And they are easier to wash.

 

[motero99]

I brought a light sweater (Patagonia Better Sweater) and a lightweight down vest for a May/June CF in 2019. The sweater and vest were what I wore to start many days. The sweater worked great for the evenings when the wind came off the mountain snow and I wanted to sit outside with a beer and a Kindle. On the really cold mornings, I wore my rain jacket over the sweater and vest.

 

[williamlittig]

Down is a fantastic insulator but it doesn't dry well. I think you will use it.

 

[Amused212]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

I get cold easily. On my first Camino, even with layers, I was cold in the mornings (started before sunrise). For my second Camino, I added a thin down puffer that folded into it's own pocket. It was the perfect additional layer for me. Often used it in the evenings as well. But everyone reacts differently to cold. I often had several layers, including the puffer, and would see people in t-shirts and shorts.

 

[wayfarer]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

If it's actual down I wouldn't bring it, if it gets wet it's hard to dry and can end up lumpy. Manmade filling is better.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

If you bring the jacket you could go with a lighter weight sleeping bag and one that packs smaller. So the jacket might not be an extra burden after all.

 

[tpmchugh]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

I had a really cold day on May 15 2015 but that was out of the ordinary. Most days were good and reasonably pleasant in early morn. A good fleece was all I ever needed along with my rain jacket. Up to yourself but its extra weight to carry. See my profile picture. That was March 18th, 2013 on the slopes of Perdon with snow on the ground and really cold. Fleece, light gilet and wooly hat and by the time I got up there I was quite warm

 

[henrythedog]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

Yes, but keep it dry.

 

[Kiwi-d]

I took both a fleece and a light down jacket. Next time I'll just take the down one.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

If it's actual down I wouldn't bring it, if it gets wet it's hard to dry and can end up lumpy. Manmade filling is better.

I always bring a very lightweight, packable puffy jacket for my Caminos as I do not walk in the summer. One time I decided to bring my down filled jacket and worried if it would stay dry in torrential rain if it happened to get wet (in spite of my rain jacket); deciding not to bring it again.

 

[trecile]

I have a down jacket that weighs much less than any fleece that I've seen, so that's what I am bringing. I'm not worried about it getting wet because I have a homemade "Parcho" - combination poncho/raincoat with full sleeves that will keep everything dry.

 

[Former member 92300]

If it's actual down I wouldn't bring it, if it gets wet it's hard to dry and can end up lumpy. Manmade filling is better.

I bring down puffies on all my hiking trips - but I also have rain gear. No problem wearing a down puffy with a rain jacket (and I haven't tried with a poncho but know many who say it is fine).

I prefer down because it is lighter and packs smaller. Whether I am out for an evening stroll, hiking a Camino, or doing a section of the Pacific Crest Trail - my layers are the same (just may add a few for colder). I also prefer down to fleece for the same reason. That said - if it is VERY cold - I might have a down puffy AND a fleece. And my rain jacket always.

Also - can wear down for a wider range of temps - not usually true of synthetic or fleece.

 

[mattythedog]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

I would. I carry an 8 ounce down jacket stuffed into a ziplock bag inside the nylafume liner inside my pack on April/May, June/July and Sep/Oct Caminos even though I walk and sleep hot. It has come in very handy for cold, windy, rainy days and even as a warm layer in my sleep sack if albergue has no heat or blankets. Many mornings, even in June can be 40 deg F or below. With double waterproof protection while stored or under FrogToggs waterproof rain coat, my Down has NEVER gotten wet. Very nice to have on a cool evening if my long sleeve shirt and one of my 2 tee shirts are drying.

 

[LisaWalker]

Down is a fantastic insulator but it doesn't dry well. I think you will use it.

If you think I will use it I will take it. It’s light.

 

[LisaWalker]

I bring down puffies on all my hiking trips - but I also have rain gear. No problem wearing a down puffy with a rain jacket (and I haven't tried with a poncho but know many who say it is fine).

I prefer down because it is lighter and packs smaller. Whether I am out for an evening stroll, hiking a Camino, or doing a section of the Pacific Crest Trail - my layers are the same (just may add a few for colder). I also prefer down to fleece for the same reason. That said - if it is VERY cold - I might have a down puffy AND a fleece. And my rain jacket always.

Also - can wear down for a wider range of temps - not usually true of synthetic or fleece.

Thanks for all the responses. I’m bringing it. Only weighs 200g. 6 weeks to go!

 

[LisaWalker]

I have a down jacket that weighs much less than any fleece that I've seen, so that's what I am bringing. I'm not worried about it getting wet because I have a homemade "Parcho" - combination poncho/raincoat with full sleeves that will keep everything dry.

That ‘parcho’ sounds intriguing.

 

[LisaWalker]

Yes, but keep it dry.

If it’s torrential rain Id probably walk in other layers. Keeping the down jacket dry for putting on after shower. That’s my current thinking.

 

[LisaWalker]

One relevant combination might be to make sure your rain jacket fits over the down one. Not necessarily on CF in May, but in mountains rain/cold wind often come together.
I doubt whether the extreme lows might be bellow +5C, so if you end up with concerns regarding the pack weight, the down jacket would be the first candidate to ditch.

It fits under the rain jacket. It’s lightweight. Thinking I’ll bring it. I’ll ditch the kindle before the puffy if my pack weight a concern! 6 weeks to go and will get onto final decisions soon.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

With double waterproof protection while stored or under FrogToggs waterproof rain coat, my Down has NEVER gotten wet.

I have always been completely kept dry with my Frogg Togg rain jacket, no matter what clothing I have worn under it. I always give it a.

 

[trecile]

That ‘parcho’ sounds intriguing.

Here's a thread that I started about in 2021

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-parcho-rain-gear-for-diyers.72016/

 

[LisaWalker]

Here's a thread that I started about in 2021

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-parcho-rain-gear-for-diyers.72016/

Thank you. Looks pretty snazzy. Well done!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

It just occurred to me that I viewed a YouTube video some months ago about "waterproofing" both the fabric of a down jacket and, importantly, the down itself. I searched for it and found it on the MyLifeOutdoors channel. I am NOT recommending the product because I never researched it beyond the introductory video.

If you click the title in the picture below instead of the arrow you should get access to the over 400 comments to the video.
YouTube video id: hFIjS7CA5zs

The product used is Nikewax Down Proof.

Welcome to Nikwax | Outdoor Innovation

Since 1977, Nikwax has been the global leader in environmentally safe aftercare and waterproofing solutions that extend the life and performance of technical footwear, clothing and equipment.

www.nikwax.com

 

[AlwynWellington]

I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

I hear you say, several times, that you will bring the down jacket and that it is only 200 grams.

Particular things I have learnt through this forum include:

• bring things that will are likely to have more than one use
• layers

Like you, I have issues with cold mornings. For me it is my fingers, so lightweight (24 g each) merino gloves are in my collection with waterproof mittens (24 g each) to round out the protection.

My layers are:
2 x merino short sleeve (130 g)
1 x merino long sleeve (180 g)
1 x water (and wind) proof parka (200 g)

My usual starting regime is a short sleeve top. If the wind is uncomfortable, then the parka is also a starter (zipped up only when the wind is in my face). On other occasions I will put a long sleeve over the short sleeve. After 30 to 60 minutes, I take that off and stuff it in a side pocket: this is not a long exercise: by then both me and the day have warmed up.

For the early morning (2 May) from Sant-Jean (and for the days ahead), coldness was not much of an issue. On that day I could see pilgrims ahead stopping, take off a polyester "fleece", open the pack to stash it, maybe getting out some other top and donning that before taking off again: and presumably getting cold all the while. After not stopping at the last Sello truck (because of the cold), I noticed it was with those who had a similar regime to mine that were able to continue with ease.

My gloves for early morning cold are very light weight and easily stash away while underway (no stopping).

@LisaWalker, from this side of the ditch I say, kia kaha, kia māia, kia mana'wa'nui (take care, be strong, patient and confident).

 

[LisaWalker]

I hear you say, several times, that you will bring the down jacket and that it is only 200 grams.

Particular things I have learnt through this forum include:

• bring things that will are likely to have more than one use
• layers

Like you, I have issues with cold mornings. For me it is my fingers, so lightweight (24 g each) merino gloves are in my collection with waterproof mittens (24 g each) to round out the protection.

My layers are:
2 x merino short sleeve (130 g)
1 x merino long sleeve (180 g)
1 x water (and wind) proof parka (200 g)

My usual starting regime is a short sleeve top. If the wind is uncomfortable, then the parka is also a starter (zipped up only when the wind is in my face). On other occasions I will put a long sleeve over the short sleeve. After 30 to 60 minutes, I take that off and stuff it in a side pocket: this is not a long exercise: by then both me and the day have warmed up.

For the early morning (2 May) from Sant-Jean (and for the days ahead), coldness was not much of an issue. On that day I could see pilgrims ahead stopping, take off a polyester "fleece", open the pack to stash it, maybe getting out some other top and donning that before taking off again: and presumably getting cold all the while. After not stopping at the last Sello truck (because of the cold), I noticed it was with those who had a similar regime to mine that were able to continue with ease.

My gloves for early morning cold are very light weight and easily stash away while underway (no stopping).

@LisaWalker, from this side of the ditch I say, kia kaha, kia māia, kia mana'wa'nui (take care, be strong, patient and confident).

Thank you! I’m thinking my layers will be exactly same as yours. Are the gloves Icebreaker?

 

[OZAJ]

I too am from Oz. I have never taken a down jacket and have walked Caminos starting in April (Mozarabe/VdlP) and finishing in October (Norte).

I take a very light fleece which doubles as a pillow and a I take rain jacket. My base layer is merino. I take a T shirt and a singlet.

Never had a problem with the cold.

 

[Orujo]

If it was me, yes I would take a light weight puffy. Mornings and evenings can be chilly even in the summer months in my experience.

 

[koknesis]

I too am from Oz. I have never taken a down jacket and have walked Caminos starting in April (Mozarabe/VdlP) and finishing in October (Norte).

I take a very light fleece which doubles as a pillow and a I take rain jacket. My base layer is merino. I take a T shirt and a singlet.

Never had a problem with the cold.

Certainly, there is no need for the down insulation on a summer Camino, unless one is considering to sleep outside..

 

[SimoneLucky]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

Hello Lisa, fellow Australian here. I’m currently walking the Le Puy route and brought a down jacket with me, as well as a fleece, rain jacket and long sleeve merino. 2 days ago I mailed the down jacket home. Today it was 3-5C and my merinos plus rain jacket sufficed whilst walking. Hope this helps.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Are the gloves Icebreaker?

You must be a mind reader!
But a model that does not now appear to be available.

With layers, I've found it is how you use and lose them. A little cold is usually quickly overcome with one layer: with two layers to start, while comforting, for me the heat and sweat van quickly become an issue.

But, our bodies and minds are all different in our needs and responses.

Kia kaha

 

[Tomativo]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Good thing he isn't needing to stuff it in a backpack.

 

[Tomativo]

Good thing he isn't needing to stuff it in a backpack.

I think he sent his bags ahead.

 

[Dem]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

I brought a lightweight puff jacket (synthetic, not down) and used it often in the early mornings. I also had a lightweight fleece jacket to start out, but ended up sending it ahead to Santiago, didn't need it. So my layers were quick-dry T-shirt, long-sleeved cotton sun shirt, the lightweight puff jacket, and a windbreaker. (I also had a poncho). Preferences, of course, could be different. I had to wear a sun shirt for skin protection so it and the puff jacket ended up being enough without the lightweight fleece.

 

[LisaWalker]

I too am from Oz. I have never taken a down jacket and have walked Caminos starting in April (Mozarabe/VdlP) and finishing in October (Norte).

I take a very light fleece which doubles as a pillow and a I take rain jacket. My base layer is merino. I take a T shirt and a singlet.

Never had a problem with the

You must be a mind reader!
But a model that does not now appear to be available.

With layers, I've found it is how you use and lose them. A little cold is usually quickly overcome with one layer: with two layers to start, while comforting, for me the heat and sweat van quickly become an issue.

But, our bodies and minds are all different in our needs and responses.

Kia Kaha

You must be a mind reader!
But a model that does not now appear to be available.

With layers, I've found it is how you use and lose them. A little cold is usually quickly overcome with one layer: with two layers to start, while comforting, for me the heat and sweat van quickly become an issue.

But, our bodies and minds are all different in our needs and responses.

Kia kaha

i am still working on adopting the Be Bold Start Cold mantra of my hiking group. Not there yet

 

[LisaWalker]

View attachment 143554

 

[Madis]

I prefer to wear a warm fleece instead of a down jacket. It does weigh slightly more, but in wet conditions a fleece will still keep your body warm. A synthetic jacket can also do that. Packing size between these options is roughly the same.

In Spring/Autumn weather conditions you will thank the fleece for keeping you warm under the rain jacket.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

View attachment 143554

I guess that you know that this photo is a fake that was generated by a Machine Learning application.

 

[Jarrad]

In 2014, I walked this section at the same time you plan to this year. I settled on a light, down vest instead of a jacket to reduce the weight. Still, I rarely used it for anything but a pillow. There were cool, breezy, wet days on the meseta, but I was comfortable with a long sleeve poly running shirt (since replaced with merino) under a fleece pullover that I covered up with a light wind/rain shell on wet days. And I typically pulled off the fleece after just a couple miles of walking. If you are carrying a pack and walking at a brisk pace, my guess is that you will find that you warm up quickly in the a.m.

 

[Lovebubble]

I find that a down vest over a fleece rather than a down jacket keeps my body warm and I don't feel so 'bulky'. It's also my pillow stuffing.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

I’m starting in Burgos on the Frances on 13 May ending Santiago 5 June. Who would bring a down jacket? I’ll have rain jacket, long sleeve merinos. Wondering if it’s very cold in the mornings. I’m from Australia by the way. Feel the chill easily.

I walked starting in SJPdP April 4 and arrived in Santiago end of April. I had some snow, some heat, and I never needed a down jacket. While you are in motion you can control your body temperature by how fast you walk. Only when you stop and sit down for a while, a down jacket could of some real use.

I felt quite OK with just thin merino underwear and some fleece on top. Make sure to have a wind stop fabric thought. That might be more important than down insulation.

But then again, you are from Australia and I live at the Arctic Circle. So maybe our temperature calibration is so far off from each other that you should not listen to my babbling.

 

[TraceyS]

Thanks for all the responses. I’m bringing it. Only weighs 200g. 6 weeks to go!

Interested to know if you were happy you took it?

 

[LisaWalker]

Interested to know if you were happy you took it?

I am SO glad I took it. Wore it a lot.we started in Burgos and mornings were 2 degrees. All across the meseta i wore it most of the day. I mean, walked in it, didn’t take it off. If we’d walked the previous week we would have been in a heatwave.

 

[LisaWalker]

Interested to know if you were happy you took it?

 

[TraceyS]

Great to hear. And did you have a fleece as well or not needed?

 

[LisaWalker]

Great to hear. And did you have a fleece as well or not needed?

I didn’t have a fleece just two long sleeve icebreaker merino plus two short sleeve icebreaker merino. My puffer is way lighter than any fleece I could have taken. I was happy with what I took. Are you going soon? Exciting.

 

[TraceyS]

I leave the same date as you did. May 13th. (next year) So still plenty of time.
Just your date and being from Australia (as I am) caught my eye!
Thanks for your advice.

 

[camino07]

I now always take my light down jacket mainly starting in April each year. It also works as a comfy neck pillow on my long haul flights from Australia.

 

[C clearly]

I'll close this thread since we have another more recent active thread on the same topic.