Rain gear in June?

[Scott54]

I'll be on the Camino Frances 22 May - 26 June, and I'm curious about the need for rain gear. Jacket? Poncho? Rain pants? I don't own either, so from the perspective of my budget and the weight, how crucial is it? (I can opt for an inexpensive poncho.) Thoughts from your experience? Thanks.

 

[SYates]

I would suggest a light weight poncho that covers your backpack and goes down to mid-tights.

Buen Camino, SY

 

[Anniesantiago]

I agree with SYates.
I walk every May/June and I've always needed rain gear at some point.

 

[november_moon]

I would recommend some sort of rain gear as well. I had a rain jacket that is also good in the wind and my pack cover, plus a couple light disposable ponchos. Two years ago in June, we had a few days with intermitent rain just after Burgos and several days of rain in Galicia, some of it quite heavy, plus a couple short periods of hail.

 

[jenwearing]

I would recommend some sort of rain gear as well. I had a rain jacket that is also good in the wind and my pack cover, plus a couple light disposable ponchos. Two years ago in June, we had a few days with intermitent rain just after Burgos and several days of rain in Galicia, some of it quite heavy, plus a couple short periods of hail.

Was it cold and raining? cold being maybe less than 17 degrees? I plan to bring layers that include a fleece, a waterproof jacket and a rain cover for the pack but I would personally, only wear rain pants if it was also going to be cold - otherwise I overheat.

 

[Scott54]

Thanks for your advice friends. I'll be at REI tomorrow!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I always bring my extremely lightweight Frogg Togg rain jacket and pants. They are quite breathable and kept me totally dry on a 5 hour torrential downpour after Castrojerez on the Meseta last May. Available on Amazon for a quite reasonable price of about $20 US.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Thanks for your advice friends. I'll be at REI tomorrow!

While there look at the Marmot Precip rain jacket. I have something similar but I like the idea of having the hood roll up into the collar. It makes it more appealing to wear as a windbreaker in town.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/clothing-mens/rain-jacket/marmot-precip

 

[RJM]

My one Camino Francais that I walked most of it in June, it rained on me one day fairly heavy, and one days drizzles. That was it out of 35 days of walking. All I brought was an inexpensive, packable poncho and I was fine.
I feel that between June-September, rain gear needed is minimal.

 

[sherrykirkham]

I'll be on the Camino Frances 22 May - 26 June, and I'm curious about the need for rain gear. Jacket? Poncho? Rain pants? I don't own either, so from the perspective of my budget and the weight, how crucial is it? (I can opt for an inexpensive poncho.) Thoughts from your experience? Thanks.

Thanks for this post. I too was wondering if I only need a rain coat or would more gear be advisable. I start May 31 and walking all June. Perhaps our paths will cross?

 

[erith long]

Just use a cheap umbrella, you can buy at a chinese bazar,

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Just use a cheap umbrella, you can buy at a chinese bazar,

They work great until you get caught in rain accompanied by a strong side wind!

 

[blueskywa]

They work great until you get caught in rain accompanied by a strong side wind!

And until you need two hands for the poles!!

 

[erith long]

ahh, then you get a Wind Proof( resistant) umbrella.I have this one I bought on e bay 2x1 (for 10 pounds sterling) Both my husband and I have use it for 3 caminos, plus other hikings here in UK, great for rain and wind and extra shade if sun is very strong ,http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/windproof-umbrella

 

[Yoyo]

I'd suggest taking a hands-free trekking umbrella.
It will not only protect you and your backpack in case of rain but – much more importantly – it will protect you each and every day from the sun and heat on a June camino.

 

[Gabi Wehler]

I'd suggest taking a hands-free trekking umbrella.
It will not only protect you and your backpack in case of rain but – much more importantly – it will protect you each and every day from the sun and heat on a June camino.

Is that the one you wear on your head ?

 

[november_moon]

Was it cold and raining? cold being maybe less than 17 degrees?

Yes, definitely colder then 17 degrees sometimes. It was colder than that most mornings when we started walked, regardless of the rain.

 

[jenwearing]

Yes, definitely colder then 17 degrees sometimes. It was colder than that most mornings when we started walked, regardless of the rain.

Thank you! That’s very helpful!

 

[blueskywa]

If you’re leaving from sjpdp you can buy a good poncho there. I saw them there 2 yrs ago but just purchased one from Caminoteca.com online from Pamplona.

Is that the one you wear on your head ?

Have a look at the Forum Store under 'Camino hiking items' for the trekking umbrella. It attaches to the waist band and shoulder straps for hands free use. I use mine in Australia to walk to the shops on a hot day (holding it).

 

[Yoyo]

Is that the one you wear on your head ?

I used this model, made by Euroschirm. It attaches to your hipbelt and to a clip on your shoulder strap.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I'll be on the Camino Frances 22 May - 26 June, and I'm curious about the need for rain gear. Jacket? Poncho? Rain pants? I don't own either, so from the perspective of my budget and the weight, how crucial is it? (I can opt for an inexpensive poncho.) Thoughts from your experience? Thanks.

My poncho and rain kilt weigh a total of 6 ounces. If weather appeared to be conducive to potential rain, I would put them in a side pocket of my pack that is reachable, so all I needed to do was pull the poncho out and slip it on covering me and my pack. No need to stop, take off the pack, put on a rain jacket, put cover on pack, put pack back on. If I felt that I wanted more covering on my bare legs (I only hike in shorts) then I would pull out my rain kilt and quickly wrap it around me.

I it got blustery, I had an attached elastic cord and fastener which belted things down at the waist.

 

[Scott54]

Thanks for this post. I too was wondering if I only need a rain coat or would more gear be advisable. I start May 31 and walking all June. Perhaps our paths will cross?

I’ll be a week ahead of you, reaching SdC on 25 June. Walk fast (?) and we’ll cross paths.

 

[zolarose]

Just use a cheap umbrella, you can buy at a chinese bazar,

Love the Chinese bazaars! You can find cheap reading and sun glasses there, too. Not that I might ever have lost mine anywhere ! (cough, cough)

 

[zolarose]

I used this model, made by Euroschirm. It attaches to your hipbelt and to a clip on your shoulder strap.
View attachment 40593

I have this umbrella and used it on the European Peace Walk. I'll make my second Camino this July and I'm thinking of taking it along. But I remember from my first Camino that the sun was on my left side as we walk West most of the time. Did you rig up a system to keep it to your left side rather than overhead? I'll need it mostly to provide shade.

 

[Yoyo]

I have this umbrella and used it on the European Peace Walk. I'll make my second Camino this July and I'm thinking of taking it along. But I remember from my first Camino that the sun was on my left side as we walk West most of the time. Did you rig up a system to keep it to your left side rather than overhead? I'll need it mostly to provide shade.

Use the clip provided on your left shoulder strap and make sure the handle loop is pulled all the way to your right on your hip belt (while the handle itself is not caught by the hip belt). You can also attach an extra loop of elastic somewhere above the clip on the left side of your backpack and put the umbrella shaft through it to hold it in the desired position.
So you would put the umbrella shaft through the top loop first, then click it onto the shoulder strap clip and finally pass your hipbelt throught the handle loop and close it. It might take a few trials until you find the position that works for you. Good luck.

 

[sherrykirkham]

I used this model, made by Euroschirm. It attaches to your hipbelt and to a clip on your shoulder strap.
View attachment 40593

where is this water spout?

 

[trecile]

where is this water spout?

Looks like the wine fountain at Irache.

 

[Yoyo]

where is this water spout?

This is the famous fountain at the Bodegas Irache Winery, a few km after Estella, where you can get wine on one side (if you come early in the day) and water on the other.

 

[sherrykirkham]

So looking forward to hitting this - Lets hope for wine!

 

[trecile]

So looking forward to hitting this - Lets hope for wine!

You may not say that after you taste it!

 

[sherrykirkham]

You may not say that after you taste it!

oh no is it the dregs!

 

[zolarose]

oh no is it the dregs!

I thought the wine tasted just fine. Of course I was there quite early in the day. Is this the finest wine in the region? Absolutely not. But try to remember it's offered for free as a gift to the pilgrims. We need to be grateful not expectant. At least, that's the way I found it easiest to let go of all the little let downs and annoyances along the way.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Going anywhere for 5 to 6 weeks, rain gear is essential. I am doing it a bit different from most with a rainjacket and a kilt or skirt. Here is a link to the kilt I just received this last week;

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...t-just-arrived-i-am-packed.54655/#post-612288

There is a link right to the item and no, I am not getting any kick back. In addition, a rain jacket can be purchased on the same site. I do recommend the "Regatta Brand." I bought a Regatta Rain Jacket in SJPP in 2016 and am now tossing the heavy, hot rain pants out for the kilt which does what I need. Rain jackets are also inexpensive on that site. Delivery is 3 to 4 weeks or there are faster shipping ptions, if needed.

I have a poncho and would use it in hotter to hottest weather. With the way Spring has been so far, I am leaving the poncho home this year.

 

[spursfan]

I'll be on the Camino Frances 22 May - 26 June, and I'm curious about the need for rain gear. Jacket? Poncho? Rain pants? I don't own either, so from the perspective of my budget and the weight, how crucial is it? (I can opt for an inexpensive poncho.) Thoughts from your experience? Thanks.

Even with supercomputers, we still don't have much clue on two-month ahead weather forecasts

But do have a look at typical rainfall for May and June - unless thunderstorms are forecast, I wouldn't take the rain pants - during shorter spells of rain, bare legs or indeed time in a cafe might be a better idea

Unless it's forecast to be pretty cold, I'd prefer to take a wool t-shirt to wear under the light rain jacket that will give modest protection against wind as well

 

[Scott54]

Thanks. I’m hoping to limit my rain gear to a jacket or poncho. Too much extra weight if not needed.

 

[schafer2684]

My wife and I have plans to hike from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 5 days starting Sunday April 29. The weather forecast looks like rain or showers every single day. We will have waterproofed footwear, FrogTogg rain pants and decent rain jackets (in place of the FrogTogg jackets). Our backpacks have integrated rain covers so I expect we will have those deployed every day.

The temperature also looks on the cool side so we will likely have a thermal layer under the breathable rain jackets. I got my REI brand rain coat on sale for $45. I got my wife her Marmot rain jacket for $65. They look a lot nicer and fit better than a poncho or FrogTogg jacket so they will be good after the Camino when we spend another week and a half travelling around Portugal and France - which also project to be rainy during our travels.

All I can add is that I spent 11 days backpacking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains in New Mexico with my son for a Philmont Scouting experience in 2010 - so I know a proper rain jacket, rain pants and backpack cover work in the worst of weather. It rained every day that I was on that trek - sometimes very hard with wind (and crazy thunder/lightning). I would not trust an umbrella if there is any possibility of strong wind.

Buen Camino.

 

[Scott54]

80% of my Camino is in June, so I’m not in the spring/rainy period. But how to be ready and not carry unnecessary weight...that’s the question. REI and Eddie Bauer both have packable rain jackets on sale, so we’ll see. I have a cover for my pack already. Since most of my hiking has been day hikes in the last 10 years, I’ve been acquiring new/different gear and quick dry clothes for the Camino. And now, I’m near the end of that budget. Hmmm.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

80% of my Camino is in June, so I’m not in the spring/rainy period. But how to be ready and not carry unnecessary weight...that’s the question. REI and Eddie Bauer both have packable rain jackets on sale, so we’ll see. I have a cover for my pack already. Since most of my hiking has been day hikes in the last 10 years, I’ve been acquiring new/different gear and quick dry clothes for the Camino. And now, I’m near the end of that budget. Hmmm.

A poncho, which I prefer, is lightweight, extremely well ventilated, and will also cover your pack, so no pack cover is necessary. In breezy or windy conditions it can be belted. My rain gear consists of an ultralight poncho, a rain kilt (if the rain is chilly, otherwise it's just bare legs under the poncho as I only hike in shorts). Total weight ... 9 ounces.

Frogg Toggs are lightweight and less expensive than most rain jacket/ pants. They are light but they are less durable than most other more expensive options. Since you are not doing any bushwhacking while walking Camino, that won't be much of an issue.
https://www.froggtoggsraingear.com/Hiking.shtm

In REI's inventory, the Marmot Precip jacket and the Outdoor Research (OR) Helium II are good choices, they have pants as well. They will be in the neighborhood of 9 to 11 ounces for the jackets. And, depending on how active and how much you perspire, you may face issues of getting wet from sweating.

For Camino, if I were going with a rain jacket configuration, I would go with Frogg Toggs/DriDucks for the economy and the fact that they are actually very breathable for a rain gear.

I would also use a waterproof liner for my backpack and not use a pack cover. Even if using a pack cover I would use a bag liner or water proof stuff bags, as water can penetrated around the cover and wet the bag itself during heavy or prolonged showers.

 

[JeanneArashi]

I'm thinking the same thing too as I will be walking this June. Seems like there may be more rain than I expected and I should bring my poncho....

Apart from the gears, what do you guys wear when it rains? I think many said waterproof boots are bad idea for camino. So sandals in rainy days?

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I'm thinking the same thing too as I will be walking this June. Seems like there may be more rain than I expected and I should bring my poncho....

Apart from the gears, what do you guys wear when it rains? I think many said waterproof boots are bad idea for camino. So sandals in rainy days?

In wet conditions I apply a generous coating of Hikers Goo to my feet. I wear trail runners that drain water quickly. Merino wool socks (Smartwool Ph.d with thin pad so the wring out and dry quickly).

For the end of the day, I remove the insoles and mop out any excess moisture from the inside of the shoe. I have an extra set of lightweight insoles I put in the shoes so I can remove the ones I wore to allow them to air out and dry. I put on a dry pair of socks, and then I will wear the shoes during the evening while they finish drying from my body heat.

At bedtime, I remove the extra insoles and wipe off any moisture and put them in my mesh outside pocket on my pack. I take the 'walking' insoles and set them on top of the shoes, not in them. If the shoes are still a bit damp, they will be dry by morning.

 

[sherrykirkham]

I thought the wine tasted just fine. Of course I was there quite early in the day. Is this the finest wine in the region? Absolutely not. But try to remember it's offered for free as a gift to the pilgrims. We need to be grateful not expectant. At least, that's the way I found it easiest to let go of all the little let downs and annoyances along the way.

 

[sherrykirkham]

I agree I am alway thankful for wine!

 

[RJM]

80% of my Camino is in June, so I’m not in the spring/rainy period. But how to be ready and not carry unnecessary weight...that’s the question. REI and Eddie Bauer both have packable rain jackets on sale, so we’ll see. I have a cover for my pack already. Since most of my hiking has been day hikes in the last 10 years, I’ve been acquiring new/different gear and quick dry clothes for the Camino. And now, I’m near the end of that budget. Hmmm.

My one Frances that was for most of June and some in July had one day of medium heavy rain, and one day of periodic light rain. Rain was a very minor footnote. An inconvenience at best (or worst). My poncho that covered me and my pack worked very well. I used it in conjunction with my waterproof pack cover and all my equipment in a plastic trash bin bag within my pack. My stuff stayed dry. Besides those two days my poncho and pack cover were simply useless weight and room within the pack.

 

[Scott54]

My one Frances that was for most of June and some in July had one day of medium heavy rain, and one day of periodic light rain. Rain was a very minor footnote. An inconvenience at best (or worst). My poncho that covered me and my pack worked very well. I used it in conjunction with my waterproof pack cover and all my equipment in a plastic trash bin bag within my pack. My stuff stayed dry. Besides those two days my poncho and pack cover were simply useless weight and room within the pack.

That’s my hunch, that hiking mostly in June I’ll have a few days of rain. Carrying full rain gear is most likely unnecessary and extra weight. I’ll keep looking for a packable rain jacket or poncho. Thanks