October Camino - shorts?

[yukonwanderer]

I'm currently refining my packing list for the Camino Frances, starting in SJPDP on September 24, and walking through to the end of October/beginning of November. While I understand that the weather is varied and unpredictable, in your experience(s), is it worth bringing a pair of shorts for that time of year? I'll have 1 pair leggings and 1 pair lightweight pants, and I had considered a pair of capri leggings as well but that seems overkill and think I could possibly replace those with a pair of shorts if recommended. Thanks in advance!

 

[Grousedoctor]

My wife and I walked from SJPP to Burgos in the first half of October a couple years ago. We worn shorts walking nearly every day. Actually hit some pretty hot weather in October. So, I’d definitely bring shorts and leave one pair of long pants out. It’s a great time of year to walk. Buen Camino!

 

[henrythedog]

September through March camino - shorts.

Skin dries faster than cloth and it’s Spain.

 

[oursonpolaire]

I'm from the shorts-in-October brigade. If I can manage in Ottawa in October (as well as in Spain), I don't see how anyone accustomed to the Yukon could complain.

 

[MassNative]

Yes, we walked from Sept 21rd (SJPdP) till Nov 2nd (SdC) in 2022. I wore shorts every day until we got to Astorga (Oct 19th) then I started wearing my hiking pants frequently.

Jim

 

[Stivandrer]

What changes it is rain and wind .
Did Camino Catalan in shorts in good weather in November and with 15 to 20 C,
-but in all day rain and high wind longs trousers...

 

[Kiwi-family]

I’ve walked this April and May in shorts - starting at 3 degrees Celsius many mornings. Was the same in October when I walked. The question, though, is not whether I would do it, but would you be comfortable with that. Would you consider convertible zip-off pants as an option?

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

My wife and I splurged on Fjallraven hiking shorts and pants. Each time we hiked Camino Frances (4 times) from mid-September to late October, we alternated between shorts and pants and this worked well for us. Never know what the weather will be like, but hiking in shorts in sun or rain was great. And very few days was the temp below 32 degrees F. Last fall I hiked Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago. Not a single day of rain and temps were in the 80s most days. I don't think I wore long pants a single day! Bob

 

[C clearly]

in your experience(s), is it worth bringing a pair of shorts for that time of year?

I'm from the shorts-in-October brigade.

Just to represent the non-shorts brigade, I never wear shorts on the Camino, so I would not bring them.

 

[dreaming]

I walked the CF last October. Two weeks of hot weather above 30 degrees Celsius and two weeks of solid rain. I don't wear shorts walking because of skim cancers however changed into merino wool T-shirt and shorts after showering in the hot weather plus wore them to bed.

 

[Teddie]

Well managed will be OK bringing shorts.
....on thought however....last year on Primitivo, same time as you plan, I experienced the troubling view of what I consider very BAD clothing management.
Conditions were Very Cold Wet Windy.
These people 'bought into' the belief that 'light is better' , wind was whipping their flimsy poncho, water was running down their bare legs, they were literally pouring water out of their low gortex shoes....all wet to the skin, all shivering, all close to hypothermia, no relief in sight.

 

[gml]

I've walked three caminos in October and was glad to have lightweight convertible pants with legs that zipped off above the knee. They're a little dorky, but very functional! Most of the time, I wore them as shorts.

 

[HikingGeo]

I recommend convertible hiking pants and plenty of sun screen.

 

[Bothydave]

Convertible one is my preference

 

[yukonwanderer]

I'm from the shorts-in-October brigade. If I can manage in Ottawa in October (as well as in Spain), I don't see how anyone accustomed to the Yukon could complain.

Haha this did make me laugh, thanks for your response. Fair enough. Although I do hate being cold

 

[Cuttooth]

I have left SJPP twice in late Sept on the CF and have worn shorts the whole way with few exceptions.

 

[Elvis2]

I'm from the shorts-in-October brigade. If I can manage in Ottawa in October (as well as in Spain), I don't see how anyone accustomed to the Yukon could complain.

You can wear shorts on The Camino all year round.

 

[peregrina2000]

You can wear shorts on The Camino all year round.

For proof of that statement, just look at some of Álvaro Lazaga’s youtube videos. More than 50 caminos, walked during every month of the year, always in shorts.

Like @C clearly, I am firmly in the “no shorts” group, because of my dermatologist. She has also put me in the “no short sleeves” and “no collar-less shirt” category. At my last visit she also suggested I consider the “gloves at all times” category. Not sure I can do that.

But if you are going to try convertible pants, my advice would be to make sure your body likes the construction. Back in the day when I was wearing convertible pants, I remember having several pairs that just felt awful and it took me a long time to find the brand that worked for me, which I think, but am not sure since it was 20 years ago, was Ex Officio.

 

[asl]

I wore shorts from mid-Sept to end October last year on the Frances. This included 7+ days of pouring rain. Poncho covered my legs just fine and it wasn't cold. The extra weight of wet pants, not for me.

 

[pelerine]

Just to represent the non-shorts brigade, I never wear shorts on the Camino, so I would not bring them.

I don’t wear shorts - ever! Long sleeves mostly, which I roll up occasionally. Therefore very little sun screen needed. Can’t make myself wear gloves, so after finishing the camino de invierno just now my hands look awful inspite of the 50 sunscreen.

 

[mattythedog]

I'm currently refining my packing list for the Camino Frances, starting in SJPDP on September 24, and walking through to the end of October/beginning of November. While I understand that the weather is varied and unpredictable, in your experience(s), is it worth bringing a pair of shorts for that time of year? I'll have 1 pair leggings and 1 pair lightweight pants, and I had considered a pair of capri leggings as well but that seems overkill and think I could possibly replace those with a pair of shorts if recommended.

Personally I used to take convertible pants, but now only long light weight hiking pants. Keeps dust out of shoes, and after hot summer it WILL be dusty. Obviates sunscreen on legs. If I want shorts, I just roll them up and safety pin them. Lighter, cheaper and easier to wash than convertibles

 

[dreaming]

Cycling gloves as well for me to stop the sun.

 

[el-pe]

Long pants and sleeves for walking; short sleeves and shorts for after. Cycling gloves work well for sun protection and with hiking poles.

 

[JenCook]

My wife and I walked from SJPP to Burgos in the first half of October a couple years ago. We worn shorts walking nearly every day. Actually hit some pretty hot weather in October. So, I’d definitely bring shorts and leave one pair of long pants out. It’s a great time of year to walk. Buen Camino!

What about 3/4 Lycra exercise pants instead of shorts, would they do, thanks