Hi Everyone, Newbies planning on a June 2025 camino

[PennyD]

Hi, my husband & I are hoping to start the Camino Frances in June 2025. Just hit 60 and looking for a challenge. Currently reading lots and gathering information …… especially on footwear!
Training starts Monday

 

[rodcallen]

Snap! My best friend Robert and yours truly will be setting out from Sarria on the 6th June.

 

[athensjohn]

I plan to start the Camino in early June as well. This forum has lots of information, but like many things the more I learn, the more I realize there is a great deal I don't know.

 

[Dani7]

Once you make your gear choices and start training with them you’ll be all set. For me the planning phase is great great fun. Buen camino to you all.

 

[donalomahony]

Hi, my husband & I are hoping to start the Camino Frances in June 2025. Just hit 60 and looking for a challenge. Currently reading lots and gathering information …… especially on footwear!
Training starts Monday

Wonderful! Where do you intend starting from on the Frances?

 

[trecile]

I think that you chose a great month to start on the Camino Francés. Usually less rain, the poppies and other wildflowers are out in force, and fewer pilgrims (until you reach Galicia) than late April, May or September. In June this year on the Francés I never had an issue with finding a bed, and neither did those I met along the way. I was actually the only pilgrim in the albergue one night!

 

[cheekyaussie]

I think that you chose a great month to start on the Camino Francés. Usually less rain, the poppies and other wildflowers are out in force, and fewer pilgrims (until you reach Galicia) than late April, May or September. In June this year on the Francés I never had an issue with finding a bed, and neither did those I met along the way. I was actually the only pilgrim in the albergue one night!

have you walked in May? If so; did you get a lot of rain

 

[trecile]

have you walked in May? If so; did you get a lot of rain

Yes, I've started in mid-May and had some really rainy days. I think that my earliest start was May 10th, and it was rainy.

 

[cheekyaussie]

Yes, I've started in mid-May and had some really rainy days. I think that my earliest start was May 10th, and it was rainy.

Thanks sooo much for the quick response. OK you've convinced me to push my trip back until June. Thanks

 

[Robo]

Hi, my husband & I are hoping to start the Camino Frances in June 2025. Just hit 60 and looking for a challenge. Currently reading lots and gathering information …… especially on footwear!
Training starts Monday

Welcome, and Happy Planning

 

[Robo]

have you walked in May? If so; did you get a lot of rain

I usually start end of April and so far have been lucky with little rain.
Last year was a late March start but that was down South in Sevilla.

 

[JillGat]

Re. footwear: Others may disagree, but I advise against boots and against waterproof shoes. Both are harder to dry out and cause more problems than they solve. I believe in lightweight runners, with a backup pair of walking sandals you can use when and if the runners cause any problems like blisters, etc, or just for a change up while you are walking.

That being said, I think you should ignore all advice about the type, style, shape, brand of footwear to use on the Camino. The most/only? important feature is how they fit and how the feel during your training walks of 10k+.

 

[PennyD]

Once you make your gear choices and start training with them you’ll be all set. For me the planning phase is great great fun. Buen camino to you all.

Thanks. Just looking at shoe and backpacks now, any recommendations?

 

[PennyD]

Snap! My best friend Robert and yours truly will be setting out from Sarria on the 6th June.

We’re starting at st jean pied de port.

 

[PennyD]

I plan to start the Camino in early June as well. This forum has lots of information, but like many things the more I learn, the more I realize there is a great deal I don't know.

lol, that’s exactly my thoughts too! As you say it’s fun discovering new things

Once you make your gear choices and start training with them you’ll be all set. For me the planning phase is great great fun. Buen camino to you all.

Wonderful! Where do you intend starting from on the Frances?

Saint Jean Pied de Port, so looking forward to it

 

[Juspassinthru]

Thanks. Just looking at shoe and backpacks now, any recommendations?

Ha! Any recommendations?, that’s funny I know you’re new so be prepared.

This is a great forum, lots of experience, ideas, opinions and recommendations. Welcome and enjoy your planning.

 

[PennyD]

I think that you chose a great month to start on the Camino Francés. Usually less rain, the poppies and other wildflowers are out in force, and fewer pilgrims (until you reach Galicia) than late April, May or September. In June this year on the Francés I never had an issue with finding a bed, and neither did those I met along the way. I was actually the only pilgrim in the albergue one night!

That sounds such a beautiful site, we thought June the weather would be dry and warm but not too hot …….. but as we all know you never can tell.

 

[PennyD]

Ha! Any recommendations?, that’s funny I know you’re new so be prepared.

This is a great forum, lots of experience, ideas, opinions and recommendations. Welcome and enjoy your planning.

Hubbie just said ‘we’ll be inundated ‘

 

[Juspassinthru]

Hubbie just said ‘we’ll be inundated ‘

Hubbie’s right! Good info though. There are existing threads on both subjects.

 

[60LifeChange]

Thanks. Just looking at shoe and backpacks now, any recommendations?

I am trying a system using Hoka Speed Goat 5s, and two layers of socks, lightweight then heavier on the outside. I am walking around 5-6 miles a day, not finding any "hot spots" as of yet. Everyone will find a pair of shoes that work for them but do spend some time at a quality shoe store and find a comfortable shoe, sandal or boot. While never having hiked the Camino I have spent some time out on trails in the US... and found that everyone is quite different... so research and try out...

 

[PennyD]

I’ve read the HOKA speedgoats are great . I’m using a pair of Salomon ultra flow and although they fit great on one foot they’re squeezing my toes on the other. I need to find a good shop that stocks lots …. Not easy in Dorset

 

[JillGat]

All that matters is how they fit your feet.

 

[CWBuff]

That being said, I think you should ignore all advice about the type, style, shape, brand of footwear to use on the Camino.

Lol

 

[CWBuff]

That sounds such a beautiful site, we thought June the weather would be dry and warm but not too hot …….. but as we all know you never can tell.

My May/June 2022 Frances was quite hot.
The hottest day as I staggered into Camponaraya - staring in somewhat non-believing stupor at the sign that greeted me by my albergue stating Santiago de Compostela 200 km - whooping 44° C
But yes you just never know
Can definitely count on couple of rainy days in Galicia though

 

[Dani7]

Thanks. Just looking at shoe and backpacks now, any recommendations?

This is a really personal choice. I used an Osprey Kyte 48 which by many members’ preference would be too big (I am 5’3 in/160cm tall) or heavy for them (it is just over 4.2 lbs). What you are looking for is comfort, fit and weight. If you have a local sport gear store they can be of great help. They usually have weighted bags to add to the pack for you to get an idea. There are also many threads here that give preferences. Use the search feature by typing in « backpack » and you will find lots of information on different name brands and preferences.

Happy planning

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search/14293726/?q=Backpack&c%5Btitle_only%5D=1&o=date

 

[60LifeChange]

Also, I would suggest that you learn about how a pack SHOULD fit your back... they have changed so much over the years that today? some are incredibly comfortable for what they are... and one thing I have learned over the years is that the larger the pack? the more stuff you will find to put in it. but try on several packs, see if you can get the store to add a 30lb weight or sand bags in it so you get an idea of how it will sit. learn what those top straps are for... information like that can come in handy. but find what fits you best. (and of course within budget).

 

[Dani7]

Also, I would suggest that you learn about how a pack SHOULD fit your back... they have changed so much over the years that today? some are incredibly comfortable for what they are... and one thing I have learned over the years is that the larger the pack? the more stuff you will find to put in it. but try on several packs, see if you can get the store to add a 30lb weight or sand bags in it so you get an idea of how it will sit. learn what those top straps are for... information like that can come in handy. but find what fits you best. (and of course within budget).

good suggestions but for me a 30 lbs weight/sand bag would be too much as a test weight since I want to keep well below carrying 18lbs (water weight included).

 

[60LifeChange]

good suggestions but for me a 30 lbs weight/sand bag would be too much as a test weight since I want to keep well below carrying 18lbs (water weight included).

My hope is to keep mine at 10% or so of body weight. I will be packing heavy from the US but will ship some of that to Santiago de Compostela as I feel most of it will not be useful on a long trek. for me that is around 15-16 lbs. so far so good. Working on walking more... a little chilly here in Colorado, but on good days it is out and about. hoping that the ski season this year will get my legs in good enough shape to walk that many miles!

 

[trecile]

one thing I have learned over the years is that the larger the pack? the more stuff you will find to put in it. but try on several packs, see if you can get the store to add a 30lb weight or sand bags in it so you get an idea of how it will sit.

Not everyone is tempted to fill up their pack, and there are quite a few large packs that weigh much less than most 32-36 liter packs. I have the new REI Flash Air 50 which is super comfortable and weighs only 30 ounces, which is more than 6 ounces less than my 36 liter Gregory backpack. Many 30-40 liter backpacks weigh 3 pounds or more. I plan to carry the same gear in this new larger pack, so my overall weight will be less. And certainly a lot less than 30 pounds!

There are even lighter backpacks out there (at a price!) such as Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L Backpack which weighs only 20.6 ounces.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I usually start end of April and so far have been lucky with little rain.

On all of my many past Caminos since I first walked in 2015 I have had very little rain overall, but walking in 2024 in both spring and fall, had the floodgates open up more than ever before.