Fleece or ....

[Jeff Johnston]

For my Sept/Oct 2017 Camino, have begun looking at fleece jacket options. Seems to be hundreds of brands/styles. Also, now see and read of Marino wool jackets.

Need advice on brands, poly fleece vs Marino, etc.

Suggestions, preferences???

 

[C clearly]

If the weather is cold, you will wear a t-shirt, long sleeve base layer, long sleeve warmth layer (the "fleece" you are asking about), your windbreaker/rain jacket, and anything else you might have. Otherwise you just need a light weight, quick dry layer to provide some extra warmth in the evenings. Get whatever is comfortable and suits your budget. Remember: several light layers are more versatile than a single heavier layer.

 

[Nanc]

I found all merino jackets I looked at to be significantly heavier that microfill

 

[spursfan]

For my Sept/Oct 2017 Camino, have begun looking at fleece jacket options. Seems to be hundreds of brands/styles. Also, now see and read of Marino wool jackets.

Need advice on brands, poly fleece vs Marino, etc.

Suggestions, preferences???

I've heard of preparation but this seems far too early and not necessarily the right solution
https://weatherspark.com/averages/32040/9/Leon-Castilla-y-Leon-Castille-and-Leon-Spain
This is a link to weather averages for Leon during September - you're more likely to get sunburnt than cold - even in October, I'd just bring something to protect against rain and a couple of Merino wool t-shirts - you can always wear both shirts at once if it gets cold - no need for a bulky fleece

 

[Mark Lee]

I loved the poly fleece pullover I brought with me on the CF. Was perfect to wear in the cool morning and evening and really warm when layered under my breathable rain jacket.

 

[Anniesantiago]

The warmest piece of clothing I gave with me now is a man's cashmere pullover sweater. It weighs nothing and is my go-to for after walking as well as an extra layer when it is windy and cold.

 

[BrienC]

To mix up the conversation a bit: As with my sleeping bag, I prefer down. Down is lighter and packs smaller. Before I made the change from fleece to down, a team member with whom I adventure-raced told me, jokingly, that my fleece jacket was passé, dated.

Happy planning!

 

[koilife]

I have a Merino vest that I love, but fleece or even micropuff is less expensive. Ounce for ounce, I think merino gives the greatest range of comfort, but dollar for benefit, it's most expensive.

IMO, down is fine for around the albergue, but be cautious---exertion sweat or rain can quickly wet out your down and it's useless after that.

Look at the average temps for that time of year, and then decide based on lows rather than highs. Contrary to Spursfan (who has a really light kit and has the experience to handle the implications of that if conditions go sideways), I suggest that prudence takes the jacket rather than relying on doubling up your clothing in colder weather. Moreover, only you know your tolerance to cold.

 

[Mark Lee]

I forgot to mention another advantage of poly fleece pullovers/jackets is that they are inexpensive. If you lose it, donate it or it get's filched, no big deal. On my first Camino I left mine on a donativo table in an albergue towards the end. Didn't need it anymore and was about to fly to Paris and then to Dubai. No point in hauling it around. Hope whomever is wearing my charcoal gray, Columbia fleece pullover is enjoying it. You are welcome.

 

[james walter purdum iv]

i just had a long sleeve shirt over a couple of t shirts...cold a couple of mornings but did me well

 

[cher99840]

In September/October 2013 my "fleece" was an icebreaker 200 long sleeve pullover. It was enough for me layered with my few other items. My thinking was that I wanted to take as few items as possible making pack lighter and personal items easier to keep up with. I also knew that by the time October chills might require more cover I would be able to pick up something along the way. That wasn't necessary.