Having warm clothes sent to Spain?

[kmccrom]

Greetings to all! I’m getting so excited about my first Camino ever, starting in late August/early September 2025. I will be doing the via podeinsis from Le Puy to SJPDP, then taking the Camino francés into Santiago. I think I will need warmer clothes by the time I get to the Camino Francés, some time in October I think, and I’m wondering if I can send a package to myself at the post office or an albergue? I am planning on taking one light backpack and don’t want to use luggage transfer day by day. I appreciate your ideas about this.

 

[C clearly]

I'm sure someone else will soon provide information about having a package sent to you in Spain. In the meantime, perhaps you can think about an alternative approach...

You note that you "will need warmer clothes" at some point. I suggest that you will more often need the warmer layers that you might need occasionally (if at all) earlier in your trip. In other words, I would go prepared for an occasional chilly day in September, knowing that those days will be more frequent in October. So, what you might need in October is one more light layer so that you have the flexibility and guarantee of being able to layer up with dry clothes. Adding a wool buff, hat and gloves is another important way to stay warm. Choose a rain jacket that can serve as wind breaker and is roomy enough to take several layers underneath.

For a November camino, I would simply take my September equipment (which includes rain jacket, rain pants, and layers for almost any weather condition) and add one lightweight base layer (top and bottom), an extra pair of wool socks, a buff, and gloves. You could either decide to carry those things all the way, or buy them in SJPP or Pamplona, instead of bothering with the international mailing of a package. That will also give you the opportunity to become more familiar with your own needs and preferences for clothing combinations on a long walk. We all do things slightly differently, and we learn as we go!

 

[SYates]

What @C clearly wrote plus there are plenty of stores in Spain where you can buy an extra layer, gloves etc. if/when needed. That might be the cheaper option as you will by then know exactly what you need and don't have to pay for international postage ;-)
I did the same Camino in September/October and only needed to buy an extra layer and gloves in Astorga. Also, in a pinch, your rain gear will keep you warm also until you reach a store.
BC SY

 

[CTLawGal]

I'm sure someone else will soon provide information about having a package sent to you in Spain. In the meantime, perhaps you can think about an alternative approach...

You note that you "will need warmer clothes" at some point. I suggest that you will more often need the warmer layers that you might need occasionally (if at all) earlier in your trip. In other words, I would go prepared for an occasional chilly day in September, knowing that those days will be more frequent in October. So, what you might need in October is one more light layer so that you have the flexibility and guarantee of being able to layer up with dry clothes. Adding a wool buff, hat and gloves is another important way to stay warm. Choose a rain jacket that can serve as wind breaker and is roomy enough to take several layers underneath.

For a November camino, I would simply take my September equipment (which includes rain jacket, rain pants, and layers for almost any weather condition) and add one lightweight base layer (top and bottom), an extra pair of wool socks, a buff, and gloves. You could either decide to carry those things all the way, or buy them in SJPP or Pamplona, instead of bothering with the international mailing of a package. That will also give you the opportunity to become more familiar with your own needs and preferences for clothing combinations on a long walk. We all do things slightly differently, and we learn as we go!

That makes the most sense to me. I note that it can be difficult to ship clothes from the US to EU, and also across different countries in the EU, so with your route, you might find that starting in Le Puy, you might have to ship to SJPDP via Post Restante and then once you get there, find a way to move it into Spain to a different location. Seems easier just to purchase up a few extra layers as @C clearly suggests.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

There is this store, in Spain. It's called "Decathlon". It is like a candy store for hikers/walkers, because they usually have what you need, and it is like 1/2 the price (or less) than what you would find in an REI in the states. Now things tend to be a little heavier, but only a little, so whatever.

They have multiple formats though. They have the "city" locations and the "big box" versions. Sometimes, even in a city, they have a big box version that is centrally located, which I think they call "central".

I tend to buy replacement hiking socks, warmer layers when the weather has changed, replacement hiking poles, towels when I have lost mine (it happens), beanies, even a fleece. I wouldn't go there for shoes or backpacks though.

I love that place and never worry about planning to have stuff shipped ahead of time...

 

[K_Lynn]

I walked Frances starting in SJPdP September '21. By Leon I was regularly cold in the late afternoons. I ended up buying a pair of hiking pants and a jacket as my leggings and light merino jacket were not warm enough.
I tend to layer up for early mornings and remove layers as needed. I find that as soon as I stop walking at a cafe I am chilled and like to throw a light pullover on.
As others have mentioned Decathlon has decent, inexpensive gear and there are several along the route (usually on the outskirts of cities - you may have to take a bus or taxi to get there). Buen Camino!

 

[henrythedog]

Yes it is possible, but simply not worth it. As above, buy an extra base-layer or two if you need them - although you may find you’ll be wanting a little more clothing in the evening than you’re anticipating.

If your feet are cold, wear a hat.

 

[RJM]

There are outdoor shops in St Jean, Zubiri, Pamplona, Puente de la Reina, Logrono, Burgos, Carrion de Los Condes, Leon and Sarria.

 

[J Willhaus]

Another thought is to look in the "give away box" at an albergue as you find the weather getting cooler. Generally you will find all kinds of stuff that people have discarded, because they don't want to carry it any more. I would try this first before buying something. You may find a hoodie, jacket, or sweater and it is easily left again at the next place if it does not suit you.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I tend to use charity shops if I need to get clothes for a short period of time, especially if they may need to be discarded, or acquired mid trip. So am based in UK and am flying to a cold country tomorrow and then flying onto a warm country a week after. I will need a coat in the former, but not in the latter which will be majority of trip, so bought one in a charity shop a few days back for £15 and will give to a charity shop when I arrive somewhere warm! It’s actually quite a nice coat and loathe to get rid of but needs must!

 

[J Willhaus]

I tend to use charity shops if I need to get clothes for a short period of time, especially if they may need to be discarded, or acquired mid trip. So am based in UK and am flying to a cold country tomorrow and then flying onto a warm country a week after. I will need a coat in the former, but not in the latter which will be majority of trip, so bought one in a charity shop a few days back for £15 and will give to a charity shop when I arrive somewhere warm! It’s actually quite a nice coat and loathe to get rid of but needs must!

We didn't find many charity shops in Spain. (We call them thrift stores in the US where I live.)

 

[TravellingMan22]

We didn't find many charity shops in Spain. (We call them thrift stores in the US where I live.)

Ah thank you! Yes good point. Seen very few. They are everywhere in UK and so many of us now shop in them! About 10 in my local high street. Collections boxes in every shop too it seems so all the coins can go somewhere too.

Ironically just checked the cheap coat I bought and it’s Decathlon!

 

[WalkingInGers]

I tend to use charity shops if I need to get clothes for a short period of time, especially if they may need to be discarded, or acquired mid trip. So am based in UK and am flying to a cold country tomorrow and then flying onto a warm country a week after. I will need a coat in the former, but not in the latter which will be majority of trip, so bought one in a charity shop a few days back for £15 and will give to a charity shop when I arrive somewhere warm! It’s actually quite a nice coat and loathe to get rid of but needs must!

In France, you have EMMAÜS that is located along the route in Le Puy, and other places. You also have VIDE GRENIERS (called garage sales in the US) that are local markets that SELLeverything from foodstuffs such as local cheeses to second hand clothes. See https://vide-greniers.org/ and insert the town and or department which you wish to research. The site will give you dates of those local markets.

You can also ask the people who organize the GITES where you could find “VETEMENTS D’OCCASION or “vêtements de seconde mains” . If you ask those French hospitaleros simply for hiking clothes, they will direct you to such large stores such as Decathlon or InterSport. These stores only sell new items.

Those local markets are a treasure trove.

 

[J Willhaus]

I would also say that sending packages across borders is sometimes iffy. They can get hung up in customs. The French have their own mail service separate from the Spanish, separate from the US. Within Spain it can be more simple.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Adding to C Cleary's advice, rather than sending yourself clothing to a point where no one can really pinpoint when and where the need will arise, if anything more is needed, buy it on the road. I did this myself and it worked out just fine.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I think I will need warmer clothes by the time I get to the Camino Francés, some time in October I think, and I’m wondering if I can send a package to myself at the post office or an albergue?

The main reason you don't want to ship anything to yourself from the US is that it has to go through customs. So you never know what's going to happen to it, if there will be delays or extra charges.

If it's important for you to do this, the best thing to do would be to bring it with you on the plane and then ship it from within the European Union, likely avoiding customs hassles. Better to do it from Spain, then you are sure.

You'll just have to figure out where to ship it. The Spanish post office only holds general delivery mail for 15 days. But if you decide on a town to pick it up, you might be able to arrange with a hotel to hold it for you if you have a reservation there. Also there are Mailboxes, etc., in most major Spanish cities. Although I'm not sure how long they'll hold packages.

Your other option might be to ship it to Casa Ivar once you're in the EU and then arrange for him to send it to you somewhere along the Camino. I'm pretty sure he'll do this for a fee. But you will have to check with him.

Obviously it is logistically easier to purchase clothes in Spain, but maybe you have special things you want to have.

Sounds like a wonderful walk, Buen Camino!

Note: General Delivery in Spanish = "Lista de Correos," followed by the post office address.

 

[tpmchugh]

Greetings to all! I’m getting so excited about my first Camino ever, starting in late August/early September 2025. I will be doing the via podeinsis from Le Puy to SJPDP, then taking the Camino francés into Santiago. I think I will need warmer clothes by the time I get to the Camino Francés, some time in October I think, and I’m wondering if I can send a package to myself at the post office or an albergue? I am planning on taking one light backpack and don’t want to use luggage transfer day by day. I appreciate your ideas about this.

Walked the Frances September into mid October. Only time I felt cold was a late evening in Santiago. Had no problem on trail. I had a Rohan fleece for early mornings and that was it

 

[WalkingInGers]

My recommendation is NOT to send special equipment/ clothes/whatever to Europe unless it is accompanied bagage that you bring with you from the US/Canada/Australia/New Zealand.

 

[debigetsout]

Be sure to pack a light weight down layer (if you are not opposed to down) that you can scrunch really small and weighs almost nothing. You won't even notice it in your pack. Try to keep it for evenings, when it will be dry and feel like heaven to put on.