El Camino April 2012

[sdenisar]

I am looking at 'undertaking' the el camino in April 2012 (right around the corner). I've seen so much information regarding packing and traveling tips. Of utmost importance to me is being prepared - packing. Recently came back from Moscow and literally lived with two pairs of clothes so packing light is not a problem ALTHOUGH - I am most concerned with packing for the weather - especially for mountain-elevation trips....

I know time is approaching quickly. Any recommendations on what to bring to keep warm? What do I need for April 2012 (I have a north face fleece which is fairly warm; do I need a coat? Have cargo pants, do I need thermal underwear or lined pants?). Any other recommendations for warmth? If I fail to bring it, can I buy it there (had to do this in Moscow, but it was very pricey).

Last; shoes - for me - tennis shoes and I have some timberland hiking boots. Tennis shoes are awesome for me (I'm a foot and ankle surgeon -) Bad idea for tennis shoes, (other than not too warm).

Appreciate any thoughts.

Thank you

 

[Nandy61]

oooh! Tennis shoes?! IMO not a good idea. it could be pouring rain and very very muddy at times. I went in mid-June, and the first 4 days out of St Jean PdP it was cold, wet, rainy, raw and muddy. Goretex boots or shoes are your best bet (IMO) I wouldn't have made it in tennis shoes. Whatever you get, get them fast and wear them around to break them in sufficiently. As for packing, the best thing to keep in mind is layering. I had a fleece pullover, long and short sleeve wicking shirts, a rainjacket and poncho. Gloves would've come in handy a couple of days too. I did not have any form of layering for my legs. Just the Northface convertible pants. The first week the temps were around 50F/10C degrees. (which was unusually cool) After that it hit somewhere btwn 35-42Cdegrees each day. Btw, you can buy almost anything you need on the Camino, except a broken in pair of shoes.

good luck and buen camino!

 

[backpack45scb]

Many opinions on boots vs running shoes. My wife and I have done 1000s of miles with running shoes. Get them at least a size larger to allow for swelling. Also they should not be gortex or waterproof. Your feet will get wet in early season, and you want them to drain and dry quickly.

We also carry fleece pants and full rain gear, plus a lightweight umbrella. Usually don't need all this but it was an important safety margin for us and there were times when it was essential.

 

[mikevasey]

Hi

You are in crossover time of the year regarding the weather so you could get real variations(or not ), some people take mittens, they are lightweight and a beanie as well, the reasoning being that if you can keep your extremities warm you tend to feel the cold less. They an also be really useful at night if you are in a higher elevation and your sleeping bag is feeling cold. I take a really lightweight midlayer (230gm) which has fleece on one side and wicking properties on the other so I can reverse it depending if it is cold or warm, it has been worn at 4 celcius and 40 celcius and it works, so think about looking for dual purpose functional gear to keep your weight down.

Mike

 

[sillydoll]

You don't say if you are a peregrina or a peregrino or when in April you are starting. You could have snow blizzards with 3m deep snow at the beginning of April (or brilliant sunshine every day!) and light snow at the end of April with torrential rain.
Pantyhose are wonderful to wear under longs (even soldiers use them in cold climates!). Thermal or wool is good for close to the skin. Arm and leg warmers - those that cyclists use - are good to keep exposed arms and legs warm without adding extra shirts to the backpack.
You can buy everything you need in St Jean Pied de Port - or Pamplona.

 

[sdenisar]

I appreciated everyone's opinion.

Frances or Norte are either of the routes.

I have read that people have taken a variety of types of shoes. Only thoughts with tennis shoes is they are very comfortable, as well as very supportive. More so than boots. Boots, although maybe better for mud/water, can be harder on the feet....... thought of talking both.... tennis and boot - throw either of them away....

I like the idea of drying out...

thanks!