Jacket or jumper in May?

[Zsofi]

Hi All,

I'm planning to start my Camino on 17 May from SJPP to Santiago.
Does anyone have experience with Camino weather this time of the year? Should I take a warm jacket with me or is 1-2 jumper + a rain coat sufficient?
I saw in some statistics that the weather varies from 5°c in the morning to even 27°c midday. Is that right?

Also, I'm about to buy appropriate shoes for Camino. Should I expect a lot of mud in May or rather dry terrain?

Thanks in advance!
Zsofi

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Layer your clothing for warmth. A poncho or raincoat retains a lot of warmth, so a jumper underneath, with a t-shirt or shirt under it, and maybe long silk underwear under that will keep you warm in the expected conditions. You can shed layers as the conditions warm. Toss in a fleece jacket, if you think you might need more. It will work well on cool evenings when it is not raining.

 

[Arn]

Hi,

As Falcon indicated "layering" is the key. That said:
1. Keeping your core dry (chest cavity area) is the key to both warmth and survival.
2. Therefore, starting with a t-shirt...consider a poly-pro mix (50% polyester/50%cotton) NEVER 100% cotton while walking. If you do get wet and the temps drop, or the wind picks up...your body cannot effectively dry cotton.
3. A zippered, sleeveless fleece vest. Again, keeps the core warm, allows plenty of venting.
4. A light windbreaker with sufficient venting locations (arm pits, chest area, back).
5. A poncho, such as the Altus...it buttons up the front and is vented. While usually used during rain/snow...it also adds another protective layer.

Your body produces plenty of heat...so protect the core.

In colder weather, under 5 degrees c/ 40 degrees f...lightweight gloves and a poly-pro cap should do you well to protect the extremities and reduce heat loss.

Arn

 

[marigold]

Hi all,
I am thinking of buying one of those Altus ponchos, and wonder if I should also bring a light rain jacket too to wear to keep the wind off if it's not actually raining. The poncho is so big and long that I couldn't imagine wearing it unless it's pouring!
Also, do you think that it is enough to bring just a tee-shirt, a fleece, and the poncho? It will probably be freezing in the mountains when the sun goes down. I am going early May.
How long are we walking in mountains? Is it just the first day or will it be high altitude and therefore chilly for a few days?

 

[anniethenurse]

Hi All,

I'm planning to start my Camino on 17 May from SJPP to Santiago.
Does anyone have experience with Camino weather this time of the year? Should I take a warm jacket with me or is 1-2 jumper + a rain coat sufficient?
I saw in some statistics that the weather varies from 5°c in the morning to even 27°c midday. Is that right?

Also, I'm about to buy appropriate shoes for Camino. Should I expect a lot of mud in May or rather dry terrain?

Thanks in advance!
Zsofi

Hi Zsifi!

We started May 16 2009 from SJPP. The first day up to Orisson was sunny and swetty (t- shirt and sun - screen), the second day from Orisson to Roncesvalles cool, windy, with mountain mist and finally rain when arriving in Roncesvalles. We started the second day in long-sleeve t- shirts, then adding a fleece and finally wearing rain gear. We saw snow by the trail on the north side of the mountain, not much but some. And the mountain fog came really fast from nowhere while up on the top on the highest point...

So while crossing the Pyrenees the weather can be very unpredictable, be prepared to everything from snowstorm, thunderstorm, hail and thick mountain fog to sunshine.

After Roncesvalles to Burgos we were cought by rainy weather only twice on the trail plus two thunder storms while in Logrono and Torres del Rio.

Our light weight rain gear in May 2009 was used three times. We had some extra thermo underwear just over the mountains and they were dumped before Pamplona. No need for such clothing 2009.

General in May 2009 the weather was really warm and comfortable, the trail was dry and easy. No mud 2009 but the year before 2008 I think I read on the Forum that it was raining and the terrain was muddy and slippery and generally colder.

Buen camino
annie

 

[Zsofi]

Thank you all for the suggestions!They are very helpful!
Now I'm just wondering that if I'm taking all this warm and water resistant clothing with me, how can I keep my pack under 6 kgs. (in case there is good weather and all the warm staff goes to the backpack).

 

[elzi]

I think it depends on the person and how cold you feel generally but personally i've always been FREEZING in May on the Frances. Not so much walking, in fact I find I get quite hot walking and even in the rain will happily wear a very thin layer shirt underneath a poncho, or even just get wet and skip the poncho. It's in the evenings that I really feel the cold.

Spanish homes are designed in general to stay cool in summer not to keep warm in winter and I find once the day is over and I'm no longer walking I get very cold on the evenings. I have twice ditched a jumper in last minute weight reducing decisions only to regret it and have to buy/borrow one half way down the trail. I would recommend you take at least one warm item of clothing.

I'm a great believer in the "base layer" tops that they sell in outdoor sportswear shops for hiking, fell-running, cycling etc. I wouldn't normally recommend spending loads on specialist clothing but I have two of these tops and they have been excellent. They are designed to keep the heat in but are breathable and to some extent waterproof (meaning they also dry out very quickly after handwashing en camino!). I find one of them layered with a thin shirt/t shirt and a warm layer on top is pretty good.

Bear in mind that if you are stopping in Roncevalles that it is pretty high up and generally considered to be pretty cold. Maybe worth taking a jumper just for those few days. It should warm up as you head into June.

Buen Camino!

 

[elzi]

I think it depends on the person and how cold you feel generally but personally i've always been FREEZING in May on the Frances. Not so much walking, in fact I find I get quite hot walking and even in the rain will happily wear a very thin layer shirt underneath a poncho, or even just get wet and skip the poncho. It's in the evenings that I really feel the cold.

Spanish homes are designed in general to stay cool in summer not to keep warm in winter and I find once the day is over and I'm no longer walking I get very cold on the evenings. I have twice ditched a jumper in last minute weight reducing decisions only to regret it and have to buy/borrow one half way down the trail. I would recommend you take at least one warm item of clothing.

I'm a great believer in the "base layer" tops that they sell in outdoor sportswear shops for hiking, fell-running, cycling etc. I wouldn't normally recommend spending loads on specialist clothing but I have two of these tops and they have been excellent. They are designed to keep the heat in but are breathable and to some extent waterproof (meaning they also dry out very quickly after handwashing en camino!). I find one of them layered with a thin shirt/t shirt and a warm layer on top is pretty good.

Bear in mind that if you are stopping in Roncevalles that it is pretty high up and generally considered to be pretty cold. Maybe worth taking a jumper just for those few days. It should warm up as you head into June.

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

how can I keep my pack under 6 kgs

You can't!! It will help to start with a pack that is little more than a nylon bag with shoulder straps (see the GoLite line; 745 grams and up). As long as the load is light, the packs are comfortable. After about 10kg, they sag too much to be comfortable for me. If a structure is added to the pack, it gets heavier.

http://www.golite.com/carry-gear/womens ... -ultralite

 

[Zsofi]

I don't seem to have this brand in my country (Hungary).
Nevertheless, I will try to find a light backpack.

 

[SabsP]

Zsofi,

Do they have the brand Gregory in Hungary? My backpack ( 45 liters ) is 1kilo 400 grams. Fully packed ( without water ) it is now 6 kilo ( thanks to my kitchen scales :wink: ).
I will be going april/may and from what I read above I'm convinced to take my lightweight fleece ( 180 grams ) and my longsleeved liner that comes with my rainjacket from Mammut ( 380 gram ).
http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/1 ... Women.html
During my training these weeks I also had problems with getting very cold after finishing my walk and sitting quiet ( even with central heating on ).
As a base I will go for long sleeved Icebreaker.

 

[elzi]

Highly recommended from 3 and a half camino trips....

http://www.theomm.com/products/packs.html

OMM packs, designed for competition, very lightweight!
I have a 32L Classic which is possibly just a little too small for camino packing but I tend to strap extras like food/tents etc to the outside of it. Only weighs 600g on it's own if you take all the bits and pieces out!

Based in the UK but check "where to buy" there are some online retailers maybe they'll post to Hungary?

 

[Zsofi]

Thanks, I will check all of the recommended products and sites!
I'm also considering to buy staff through e-bay.
They even have Golite backpack, although I'm not sure if it's a good idea to buy it without trying them on.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There is almost nothing to "fit" on a GoLite pack without a frame (Jam, for example). Get the size for your torso length -- measure from the top of your hipbone to the last vertebrae in your neck. Most of the weight will be on the shoulder straps, which is the reason that they become uncomfortable over 10-12 kg. If you are OK with the weight on your shoulders and not the waist belt, GoLite and similar brands are great. As I said, they are just nylon bags with shoulder straps! eBay is an excellent source if you wait for the bargains to come along.

 

[Arn]

During my training these weeks I also had problems with getting very cold after finishing my walk and sitting quiet ( even with central heating on ).

Sabine,

Depending on what you're wearing as a base layer (cotton/polypro/or a combination) it will still retain some dampness (cotton a lot of dampness) and your core will attempt to dry it at the same time the wicking properties will try to move the dampness away from your body...causing heat loss rather than retention.

As soon as you come in take off your outer layers and put on a loose fitting fleece or "snuggle" this will trap both your core and general body heat. Keeping on your gear will retain the effects from the outside and increase the time it takes to warm back up.

Arn

 

[SabsP]

Cheers Arn, will certainly take this into consideration. Also discovered this week ( bloodtest gp ) that my thyroid is lightly disturbed and one of the signs is that your internal thermometer can go a bit funky...

 

[Arn]

Hi,

As with high/low blood pressure...monitoring is the key.

To get an idea of how your body is reacting to changes in activity, consider this:

Before you suit up for your training walk...take your temperature.

Before you depart for your training walk...take your temperature (hiking clothes on)

During your walk...again, take your temperature.

When you stop...still suited up...take temp

After you have changed into comfortable "recovery" clothes...take your temperature.

See how long it takes for your body temp to return to your initial reading at the start.

Might sound tedious, but it will give you an idea of that "normal" is for you. Then, if you have any dramatic changes...you'll recognize the difference right away.

Arn

 

[SabsP]

Again thanks Arn! Will try this later this week.
A weekend of non -training seeing my car and I were involved in a rather heavy accident yesterday. A big truck decided to kiss the back of car with the result that a workmate has a whiplash, a patient of us luckily unharmed and my cartrunk, window and bumper are a complete disaster . I luckily only bruised knee and muscles in my mid-back bit overstressed but no harm for walking the Camino. But still a bit shaky especially because I know fully understand what disaster we have avoided. Accident happened on parkinglot. Truck didn't push us on the mainroad...Bless Saint Jacques!!

So yes will take in your advice when I get back to my training this week ( first a quick visit to my phsio ).

 

[Zsofi]

HI!
My time is so close now...
I still have some equipment struggles.
I got the west, the rain jacket and the fleece.
But what concerns the legs, do you think it is enough to take just one zip-off trousers and shorts with me? I really try to reduce weight but I dont know where I should cut it..Everyhing seems to be very important.
Thanks!
Zsofi

 

[alipilgrim]

Hi Zsofi,

I'm on the Camino de Madrid right now and the temperatures you quoted in your first post are dead on. I have a pair of zip-off's and 3/4-length pants wirh me and have been glad for both. Days have been lively walking temp. but mornings and nights cold and have been thankful fore my fleeces (I have a lightweight pullover and a jacket-type). Slept in the first one night!!

Alipilgim