Packing list and shoes for October/November Camino Frances

[StaffanE]

There is a lot of good package lists on the web. However, it seems that almost all are made for a Summer Camino with high temperatures and sunshine in mind. My question is. If I start by crossing the Pyrenees in mid October do I need hiking sandals (which many seem to be fond of) or should I choose some other shoes for the evening / as an alternative to the hiking shoes. Also - what kind of temperatures can I expect and what warm clothes do I need in addition to T-shirts and shorts? Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[J Willhaus]

I take a pair of black clogs type Crocs. They are bulky, but they are my preferred evening shoe, even at home. Can be worn with or without socks. Also good on the plane.

In October and November, I feel like you'll want long pants. Be prepared for rain as well.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@StaffanE , welcome to the forum.
There are many October/ November packing lists on here, the best way to search for any information is to tap on the search function (magnifying glass top right). Then choose 'advanced search', enter a couple of keywords (for example 'October packing list') choose 'titles only' and then hit search. If that fails select the 'first posts' option.

By doing so I immediately found this thread, there are plenty more.

Thread 'Advice on clothing packing list in October (Camino Frances)' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...packing-list-in-october-camino-frances.88991/

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Incidentally, whilst I myself wear sandals at times in summer, I predominantly use them just to give my feet a break and for the late afternoon's after I've finished for the day. October/ November I would be tempted to carry a comfortable, well cushioned, lightweight pair of sneakers rather than sandals for the evening.

The vast majority of us wear some kind of trail runner on camino, a few prefer sandals or boots. We are also split on the subject of Gore-Tex versus non-goretex (I personally only wear Gore-Tex in the middle of winter, and that because of snow).
If you're planning to start in a couple of weeks I hope you've already got something, you ideally want to walk in new shoes for two or three days back to back (approximately 10 to 15 km) to ensure there are no manufacturing defects.
Should you still need to buy something remember that you need something that is at least a half-size larger. Most of us seem to go a full size up. Your feet will swell and splay as you walk, a wider shoe than normal is useful for many.
Yes there are guides on here for that as well, any half decent hiking shop should be able to assist you, simply tell them you're walking the Camino.

Don't hesitate to post your packing list on here, many do and somebody will chip in to assist.

 

[danielle aird]

There is a lot of good package lists on the web. However, it seems that almost all are made for a Summer Camino with high temperatures and sunshine in mind. My question is. If I start by crossing the Pyrenees in mid October do I need hiking sandals (which many seem to be fond of) or should I choose some other shoes for the evening / as an alternative to the hiking shoes. Also - what kind of temperatures can I expect and what warm clothes do I need in addition to T-shirts and shorts? Thanks for your suggestions!

For weather you can expect anything between 8 degrees in the morning to as high as low 30´s... definitely not sandals at this time though.

 

[K_Lynn]

Hiking pants. A warm fleece for evenings or when you stop for coffee (I was chilled as soon as I stopped walking). Long sleeve merino shirt. Merino glove liners (mine are Icebreaker and weigh 29g/1oz) perfect for cold mornings. I bring sandals and wear socks with them if it's cool. A good poncho.

Test all your gear before you go to make sure it meets your needs.

 

[Katykay]

There is a lot of good package lists on the web. However, it seems that almost all are made for a Summer Camino with high temperatures and sunshine in mind. My question is. If I start by crossing the Pyrenees in mid October do I need hiking sandals (which many seem to be fond of) or should I choose some other shoes for the evening / as an alternative to the hiking shoes. Also - what kind of temperatures can I expect and what warm clothes do I need in addition to T-shirts and shorts? Thanks for your suggestions!

I’m starting at end of October and my packing list includes long pants (light) 2 t shirts, 2 merino long sleeved tops, a puffer jacket, merino buff, Altus poncho, lined rain pants, 3 pairs toe socks, 2 pairs of hiking socks, 2 light bonds bras, 3 undies, 1 or hoka recovery sandals, 1 pair mittens, hiking poles, soap bar for hair, body, clothes washing, argon oil for hair, skin, sunscreen, toothbrush and paste, earplugs, sleep mask, analgesia, other meds, small first aid, 1pair lone peak hiking boots.
Buen Camino!

 

[Katykay]

I’m starting at end of October and my packing list includes long pants (light) 2 t shirts, 2 merino long sleeved tops, a puffer jacket, merino buff, Altus poncho, lined rain pants, 3 pairs toe socks, 2 pairs of hiking socks, 2 light bonds bras, 3 undies, 1 or hoka recovery sandals, 1 pair mittens, hiking poles, soap bar for hair, body, clothes washing, argon oil for hair, skin, sunscreen, toothbrush and paste, earplugs, sleep mask, analgesia, other meds, small first aid, 1pair lone peak hiking boots.
Buen Camino!

Oops, forgot the 400g sleeping bag, no liner.

 

[dougfitz]

For weather you can expect anything between 8 degrees in the morning to as high as low 30´s... definitely not sandals at this time though.

Here is the AEMET report for historical (climate) conditions at Pamplona airport in October. I note that the average minimum for October is 8.9 deg C, so clearly half of the nights will have a lower minimum than that. The average maximum is 19.3 deg C, although that drops to 13 deg C in November.