What clothes do you wear after shower

[Jeanne from Washington]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

 

[NorthernLight]

I wear tomorrow’s walking clothes. So I have only one change of clothing.

 

[Anamiri]

I only take two outfits, so after shower I put on tomorrows walking clothes.

 

[gerardcarey]

As NorthernLight & Anamiri state most generally wear tomorrows walking clothes.
Some ladies appear at variance with this view.
No doubt their advice is forthcoming.

 

[trecile]

Some women like to bring a lightweight dress to wear after walking/showering.

 

[Anamiri]

I guess it all depends on how much you want to carry. I saw women who sent large packs on ahead, and brought dresses to wear to dinner.

I was surprised at how happy I am with so little. That is part of the magic of the Camino for me, its a sort of freedom. I'm never tempted to bring more - I dont care if all the photos show me in the same outfits, and sometimes my top or shorts may be a bit damp first thing if it rained the day before.
I do bring an extra pair of socks though, as they seem to take a while to dry.

 

[C clearly]

If you put on clean clothes every evening, you would need to wash a full outfit every day, or carry extra outfits.

I have one set of clothes for walking in the day, and another set for evening (and I sleep in them). That way, I keep my evening clothes reasonably clean and only need to wash occasionally. My walking clothes can stay a bit dirty until it is convenient to wash. I wash my base layer top, socks and underwear daily.

 

[nycwalking]

I have always taken a non-walking outfit.

My body, Uh, has strong, Uh.

So, I need one or two outfits in which to walk then a walking/lounging ensemble.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

After a day's hiking, I always feel cold in the evening, so I like to pack something warm for that eventuality. A "lightweight dress" would be no use to me!

 

[Pelen]

I wear tomorrow’s walking clothes in the evening. I don’t always wash the second layer everyday. It depends on if they have been much on or not or if the trousers is dirty. Next time I will have one more second layer (thin fleece or similar) so it is easier to wash these (because I normally wanted to have it on in the evening).

 

[Albertagirl]

I carry a long Tilley skirt for evening wear, worn with the next day's clean tshirt. I also usually wear warmer layers in the evening, as I walk October/November: silk long johns under the skirt and a warm hooded sweater, with a light jacket if needed, keep me cozy.

 

[Robo]

same as most people. Tomorrow's clothes. I have 2 sets the same.
At the end of the day...........
Shower, put on clean set.
Wash dirty set.

You only need 2 sets.

Though I carry three sets of socks. I try to change socks through the day. Old ones get hung on pack to dry.

 

[Pelen]

I bring safetypins to to hang clothes that is not dry on my backpack when walking.

 

[jsalt]

My clothes consist of:
1 pair of zip-off hiking pants
1 pair of leggings
2 hiking shirts (alternate each day)
1 nice evening shirt (which only gets washed if sharing a washing machine)
underwear
and 1 fleece top.

I wear the leggings and evening shirt after a shower (and fleece if cold).
I wear next day’s hiking shirt and panties to bed (and leggings if cold).
In the morning I get up, pull on my hiking pants, and put my bra on (in the ablutions if it’s a mixed dorm).
Jill

 

[Former member 59618]

I packed a very comfy casual black dress when I wanted to feel “like a lady” (whatever that means). I could throw on leggings or pants underneath for a completed Camino look. It was nice to have a loose dress on after wearing tech shirts and pants/shorts all day. Just a thought. I love the dresses at Toad & Co. fyi. Super comfy and flattering.

 

[OnCamino]

As a chap who tends to overheat when walking, I basically go for 3 of the base layer items - socks, pants, shirts - plus two pairs of shorts and one of long trousers, then a thin top, warm layer and waterproof. This covers pretty much every eventuality and means I don't have to wash everything every night. It can be different on the Camino, but for other walks there is not always a handy washing machine at each stop, and sink washing can only do so much!

It also means I always have dry socks available - crucial to me, as wet socks would usually mean blisters.

This amount of clothing, assuming lightweight, packable and easy wash/dry versions of everything, stands me in good stead for any situation - even something slightly smarter if needed or I need long trousers and/or shirt sleeves to cover up to go in a church.

I've not weighed this clothing but it's perfectly manageable as part of a sensible load - around 9kg with water and food on board.

 

[jungleboy]

I wear non-walking clothes after my shower. As a guy, I bring:

1 set of non-walking clothes
1.5 (!) sets of walking clothes, which means two shirts and two pairs of underwear (which are colour coordinated to help me figure out what I'm doing!), plus one pair of zip-off hiking pants. That means if I can't wash my walking clothes on any given day (e.g. because it's raining and they won't dry - and I'm looking at you, Camino Primitivo!), I still have a clean shirt and underwear to walk in the next day.

 

[Derrybiketours]

I wear my Camino tops, I have two lightweight Gaelic tops, each have an interesting image that is often a conversation starter. If its warm pants without the zip-off legs and Toms footwear. Although a blokey thing to wear the idea is too feel like I'm not in walking mode. I have 2 other pairs of zip off walking pants, 2 merino wool short sleeve t-shirts, 2 long sleeve merino wool tees, 2 pairs light guage merino seamless socks, 2 medium guage socks (wear two pairs at a time), 4 pairs of specialist runnerwear and fleece. A rain poncho, Tilley hat completes the clothing and full laden my 22 litre pack is 6kg

 

[Pelen]

The good thing with zip-off hiking pants is that you can wear the shorts and wash the zip-offed pants if they are muddy. The bad thing is that you anyway need something more if you need to wash also the shorts or they are wet.

I am living in Europe so I just walks for a week each time so I carry less.

 

[Isca-camigo]

I have two sets of clothing in Winter, one for walking, one for other. I wear merino tops so they don't need washing every day, all that gets washed everyday is sock liners and underwear. The other clothes are for hanging out in the Albergue, eating out or sleeping in under my down duvet. It's not perfect but it works, I might tweek it again next winter.

 

[OnCamino]

I might tweek it again next winter.

This is a good point - you live and learn. My wife and I have been walking caminos and other long distance paths for several years and are still refining our load after each trip. We know it would be possible to go lighter than we do, but then we also have a level of comfort we like to maintain, plus a liking for the odd luxury, such as a reading book and crosswords, that we prefer to accommodate.

Replacing gear is a good time to lighten the load too, learn from your experience and buy lighter, more packable, easier to care for clothes and equipment going forward.

 

[Donna Sch]

In summer I would have 2 tech tshirts and a long sleeve merino baselayer. for bottoms I would have a pair of cargo shorts, a pair of light hiking pants and some running shorts.
I also carry a very light windcheater.
In winter I wear a merino tshirt with my windcheater over top. If it is cold I wear a down vest over the top and if it is really cold my hard shell over the top of that. On the bottom I wear my Paramo hiking pants or my Purple rain hiking skirt. Gloves and buffs make the difference in winter.

 

[c0484]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I always carry an extra set of light clothing for the evenings.

 

[lt56ny]

I usually wear a dinner jacket and dress pants and shoes, unless I am going to a formal event and then I wear my tux.

 

[CatPhillips]

I had two sets of walking clothes: (two pairs of quick dry pants and two merino t shirts) and of course, assorted layers for warmth/rain. Both sets were suitable for walking or hanging around town. Last camino I committed one set to walking and one set to hanging around town. The "town" set stayed fairly clean even if I couldn't do wash every day. The other set might be dirty-ish the next morning but clean enough to walk in. I also had a very light-weight silk shirt and a pair of "boxers" (women's version) for sleeping, or for cold weather, merino leggings. And one pair of socks committed to sleeping only. (I was in Portugal in November. It was cold.) I suppose in summer, one set could be shorts and a tshirt.

 

[Eibhlís]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I'm a newbie who will be doing the Camino in June/July. I will be packing a lightweight crease free dress for evening wear after my shower.

 

[Diane Kinney]

I have a Eddie Bauer Travex dress and if need more warmth in evening, a really light sarong. Together weighs only a few ounces. Sarong also doubles as scarf if needed on chilly mornings.

 

[jsalt]

I am living in Europe so I just walks for a week each time so I carry less.

I carry exactly the same clothes whether I am walking for 1 week or 8 weeks – makes no difference. In winter I add a buff, gloves, warm hat and a puffa vest. I would also change my light rain jacket to a more substantial winter one.

 

[KJFSophie]

I bring a wrap around 'rip skirt' for after shower and wear with the next day's shirt. It weighs next to nothing and dries quickly and comes in three lengths. I keep that wrap skirt at the foot of my bunk at night and use it to walk to the bathrooms in mixed dorms. I'm not at all a prude, nor am I shy...but I did meet a priest walking along one of my caminos who stated it made him feel quite uncomfortable that others were not a bit more modest. He was not overtly announcing that he was a priest which I understand, but it may have alerted others to be more sensitive. Just my two cents... You'll ultimately find your perfect solution Buen Camino !

 

[Hurry Krishna]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I carry an old silk dress, just to wear each evening It weights just 78 grams! My ‘next’ day’s clothes are most often just ‘today’s’ clothes washed and dried So I need something else for the evening.

 

[easygoing]

I guess it all depends on how much you want to carry. I saw women who sent large packs on ahead, and brought dresses to wear to dinner.

I was surprised at how happy I am with so little. That is part of the magic of the Camino for me, its a sort of freedom. I'm never tempted to bring more - I dont care if all the photos show me in the same outfits, and sometimes my top or shorts may be a bit damp first thing if it rained the day before.
I do bring an extra pair of socks though, as they seem to take a while to dry.

Yes, there is a freedom in carrying every thing with you. And to me a valuable lesson from the Camino is teaching you the difference between needs and wants. I have one hiking outfit ( tank top, skort, and SPF shirt). After my shower I change into another tank top and put my skort back on) or change into my 2.5 ounce silk travel dress. I sleep in my quick drying hiking tank that I wash out daily. The skort ( and my husband's hiking pants get washed as needed and that is about every 3 days in a washing machine). I also bring silk boxer shorts to sleep in. We carry one extra pair of underwear and socks.
I have a big scarf that can be a vest or a privacy screen.
Other important items are down jacket, rain coat, rain skirt and windbreaker. I prefer the light weight OR rain jacket instead of a poncho because I can wear it as an extra layer if it is cold and windy. It has been been said some people pack their dreams and other people pack their fears. And the Camino gives us a chance to conquer those fears if we let it.

 

[David Tallan]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I wear tomorrow's walking clothes rather than bringing a separate outfit to wear around town. I also tend to wear tomorrow's walking clothes as pyjamas, which makes it easier and quieter to be up and out in the morning. Showering and changing is generally the first order of business when I arrive at the albergue, followed by laundry.

 

[Dave2525]

I hadn‘t planned on it but it ended up with my zip-off trousers becoming my walking trousers and a regular pair for evenings. 3 tech shirts were just in regular rotation. Wear one, wash one, etc

 

[Eugene Carroll]

I always leave the shower in nude and return to the dormitory carrying a whip.

 

[henrythedog]

I hadn‘t planned on it but it ended up with my zip-off trousers becoming my walking trousers and a regular pair for evenings. 3 tech shirts were just in regular rotation. Wear one, wash one, etc

I do the same with socks. I take three (total, not pairs) of thick merino socks. I do wear thin liners as well.

 

[Lindsay53]

Tomorrows walking clothes.

 

[Robo]

I bring safetypins to to hang clothes that is not dry on my backpack when walking.

Yep. Works well!

 

[David Tallan]

I always leave the shower in nude and return to the dormitory carrying a whip.

So it was you that the family with the 5 and 7 year old children were talking about!

 

[easygoing]

So it was you that the family with the 5 and 7 year old children were talking about!

I am surprised by this post. During my 10 caminos I have never witnessed such behavior. But I keep hoping

 

[domigee]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

It depends when you walk.... When in height of Summer, I bring either a long sundress (which can be used as a nightdress) or wear shorts and camisole( also are used as night wear). When I walked at Easter in France (it was cold!) I didn’t bring either but just wore my next day walking clothes plus a ‘down sleeveless jacket’ which was a lifesaver in unheated accommodation.

Just to make you laugh.... : I had the same question as you on my first camino.... And on the first night, in the first albergue, the friend I had just made stepped out of the shower wearing.... a pink silky dressing-gown over her pink silky nightie! Boy did I feel inadequate!!!

 

[Eugene Carroll]

I am surprised by this post. During my 10 caminos I have never witnessed such behavior. But I keep hoping

I have the enormous privilege to walk Caminos with great respect for the fellowship of others. I wouldn’t dream of upsetting or causing distress to any Albergue dweller. For sure, I do enjoy a good story/joke/laugh. So, Sharon if you do see a naked man entering the dormitory carrying a whip, after his shower, unfortunately it won’t be me.

 

[mmmmartin]

I wear tomorrow’s walking clothes. So I have only one change of clothing.

I only take two outfits, so after shower I put on tomorrows walking clothes.

This.
I use the day's shirt to dry myself after the shower and wear tomorrow's clothes to sleep in, get up and start waking. The day's clothes are washed while in the shower.

 

[David Tallan]

This.
I use the day's shirt to dry myself after the shower and wear tomorrow's clothes to sleep in, get up and start waking. The day's clothes are washed while in the shower.

If you've just washed the day's shirt while in the shower, how is it dry enough to effectively function as a towel?

I've heard of "quick dry" shirts, but this one sounds astounding!

 

[Michael Mattalo]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I always wore the next day’s clothes ... the most practical and efficient ... just careful not to spill your dinner on them

 

[mmmmartin]

If you've just washed the day's shirt while in the shower, how is it dry enough to effectively function as a towel?

I have a shower in the cubicle with water from the shower head. After that, while I'm in the actual physical shower cubicle I dry myself on the sweaty shirt and while still in the actual physical shower cubicle I then wash the now damp shirt. Then I walk out of the shower cubicle.
I was inaccurate.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Glad you got that corrected @mmmmartin ... could have a lot of people walking wet or dirty or both ... LOL!

 

[debra]

Well I have to say that I carried a little more at three sets of clothing and a pair of shorts to sleep in.

I now go by bicycle and still carry three sets of clothing with two pairs of bilking shorts. When you go and how you plan to do laundry is also part of the question. On my winter camino I carried four sets of clothing and hit the Laundromat due to the snow and mud that worked ok but I would not do that in the summer.

 

[spreadsheetdirtbags]

I had only one 'walking outfit' - a shirt and shorts and sports bra that were dedicated to walking (i.e. sweating) only. I had also one 'camp outfit' (more appropriately named 'town outfit' on the camino I suppose) - a shirt and pants and sports bra. I then also had extra underwear/socks. I am a firm believer in having only one set of 'sweating in' clothes for these types of adventures (I've done this on walks, hikes, and bike tours). My strategy was to remove walking clothes, shower, put on 'town clothes', wash underwear/socks from the day (and occasionally the walking shirt/shorts/bra...but not every day). I washed the 'town clothes' a couple of times when I had time (so if I got to town early, I'd wash them and stay in my 'walking clothes' while they dried). Part way through the walk, I picked up a very minimal/lightweight dress and immediately began using that as an intermediary. LOVED having it. I put it on after showering, and then changed into my 'town clothes' later when it cooled off. Pictures of everything I brought located here, with descriptions of uses. Buen Camino!

 

[SYates]

Next day's walking clothes, pretty much like any other pilgrim out there ;-)
BC SY

 

[David Tallan]

When I did the CF in 2016, I carried 2 sets of clothes beyond the ones I was wearing. That allowed me to change into clean clothes on days when washing and drying were less feasible due to weather, facilities or just exhaustion . I also found that, with my son and I to do laundry for, waiting the extra day and washing in a machine where four sets of clothes make a load, worked out nicely. I know I was carrying a bit more weight with the extra set of clothes but I didn't find it unmanageable and the benefits outweighed the cost for me.

 

[Jeanne from Washington]

It depends when you walk.... When in height of Summer, I bring either a long sundress (which can be used as a nightdress) or wear shorts and camisole( also are used as night wear). When I walked at Easter in France (it was cold!) I didn’t bring either but just wore my next day walking clothes plus a ‘down sleeveless jacket’ which was a lifesaver in unheated accommodation.

Just to make you laugh.... : I had the same question as you on my first camino.... And on the first night, in the first albergue, the friend I had just made stepped out of the shower wearing.... a pink silky dressing-gown over her pink silky nightie! Boy did I feel inadequate!!!

Don't laugh too much, that's what I wear each night. I'm not kidding. For the camino, I have regular plain black pajamas. I figured no one wants or needs to see a middle aged woman in a nightgown.

 

[easygoing]

I had only one 'walking outfit' - a shirt and shorts and sports bra that were dedicated to walking (i.e. sweating) only. I had also one 'camp outfit' (more appropriately named 'town outfit' on the camino I suppose) - a shirt and pants and sports bra. I then also had extra underwear/socks. I am a firm believer in having only one set of 'sweating in' clothes for these types of adventures (I've done this on walks, hikes, and bike tours). My strategy was to remove walking clothes, shower, put on 'town clothes', wash underwear/socks from the day (and occasionally the walking shirt/shorts/bra...but not every day). I washed the 'town clothes' a couple of times when I had time (so if I got to town early, I'd wash them and stay in my 'walking clothes' while they dried). Part way through the walk, I picked up a very minimal/lightweight dress and immediately began using that as an intermediary. LOVED having it. I put it on after showering, and then changed into my 'town clothes' later when it cooled off. Pictures of everything I brought located here, with descriptions of uses. Buen Camino!

I do the same. I sweat very little and am used to long distance backpacking so I am not opposed to putting on yesterday's clothes without washing if need be although this rarely happens in Spain where everything dried so fast. I carry only one hiking outfit because I like the freedom of a light backpack.
Only once in an albergue in a small 6 bunk room did a young man come in that smelt so bad I considered switching to a hotel room. Luckily a shower eliminated the smell. So my point is some people have a good reason to need more clothes than others and hopefully they know who they are.

 

[Karl Oz]

The good thing with zip-off hiking pants is that you can wear the shorts and wash the zip-offed pants if they are muddy. The bad thing is that you anyway need something more if you need to wash also the shorts or they are wet.

For that reason I have started to carry a super-lightweight pair of running shorts to wear while my zipp-offs are being washed.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

My wife and I have walked CF three times. We settled into a routine that works well for us. We bring four sets each of quick wicking shirts, underwear, silk liner socks and merino wool socks. In addition we have (one each) Fjallraven hiking pants and Fjallraven hiking shorts. This allows us to walk three full days before we have to do laundry. We wear the shorts or pants for three days, then switch to a clean pair. After taking a shower, we change into a fresh set of clothes, then wash the three sets of dirty clothes. The extra weight is okay with us since the shirts / socks / underwear don't weigh much and it frees us from doing laundry often. Also, we used Jako Trans to send her backpack ahead for our last two caminos (since she developed knee stress fracture during our 1st camino). We'll use the same strategy for our 2020 camino. Bob

 

[easygoing]

FYI For those of you who read the 4 sets of clothes post and are new to walking the Camino consider that a light backpack is easier on your knees, feet and the rest of the body. ( This will be my 10th Camino in May and I am 74 with perfect knees)
Many albergues have a discarded clothing box from pilgrims who found they were happier carrying less. Save your money and remember if you find you need something the plentiful outdoor stores carry everything you might need.
I also have not been fond of daily laundry but I find that there is plenty of time to fill when I reach my destination and before I feel like walking around the village. Many albergues have washers and dryers which I generally use every three days to get the clean smell that lasts through the hand washing days.
Another consideration is the price of transporting your backpack if you develope injuries. Daily transport costs 5 to 7 Euros ( I saw one for 4 ) this adds up if you are watching your money.
As for what I wear after my shower: a tee shirt, shorts and flip-flops. Then I change back into my hiking clothes as soon as they dry or before bed.
But don't worry, our first two caminos we sent a box to Ivar for storage because nobody knows how little they really need until they start walking.

 

[Leandra]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

Hey Jeanne!!

I always, everyday, for 47 days, I wore my PJs! I got those smooth comfy viscose pants, dark color by Uniqlo, tang top and a long sleeve bike tshirt! That’s it!!
Your walking outfit gets too dirty and perhaps smelly and must be washed daily!
So, after taking a shower, sometimes I washed my outfit during shower, I put on my PJs, and went to a stroll, then dinner and than resting and sleeping!
Really, you will never think about “what am I going to wear”, during the Camino!
Have a beautiful and blessed time, and I hope I could help you someway!
Buen Camino

 

[dailycamino]

I think part of it depends on the time of year as well. I tried to have my things be multipurpose. The first trip I brought a long lightweight skirt. It served as a changing room and also something to sleep in or wear if I wanted to look nicer. On my second trip I brought a lightweight dress which served the same purposes as the skirt. Subsequent trips were at different times of year and I skipped this altogether. I also just wanted to get up and go so I wore my next days clothing, also for warmth I wore them to bed. Also how much are you willing to carry? I became less and less willing. I’m not big on makeup and hair but to some it’s very important, some people carry tons of electronics.

 

[TAF]

A pair of leggings and a T-shirt, multi functional. Can be used to layer up in cooler weather or even sleep in if cold. Buen camino

 

[formysons]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I did the Portuguese in August and then the Meseta from Burgos to Leon, and of course because we had lovely summer weather I wore a dress (the same one every day) after shower.

 

[Jay Es]

One set on one set off. Tee and shorts for sleeping in sealed separate bag each day to avoid spreading bed bugs to my other stuff

 

[E V Waight]

I always leave the shower in nude and return to the dormitory carrying a whip.

Like your good sense of humour.

 

[Tvsteve]

After the day’s walk, I went into the shower fully clothed. Washed everything, put on the next day’s gear—good to go. Repeat for 32 days. That’s how I kept my pack to less than 15 pounds.

 

[Jodean]

Wear a set, carry a set. I don't wash my pants every day, usually waiting til I am at an Albergue with a washer. Unless they got muddy, there is no need to wash them daily.

Though middle-aged, (ok, almost past it), I do wear a nightgown at night. At 125gr. it is my comfy item. My next day's clothing is folded and next to my pillow and this comes with me in the morning to the WC, where I quickly get dressed. Not gonna sleep in my clothing. Not now, not ever.

I stand on my dirty clothing to get dressed after I shower, so my feet stay dry.

Thought it is recommended not to wash your clothing while in the shower as it isn't an efficient use of water and people are waiting to get in the shower?

 

[howardd5]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

i bring a "town shirt" which is light ,clean and as a little style .and wear tomorrows pants with sandals .the first item of the day ,once you have your bed, is to wash clothes , you can hand wash the days shirt ,underwear & socks. Get these on the line and your days pants to air out( they dont need to be washed if relatively clean) there is nothing worse than not having your clothes dry by dark . Once in your town clothes you can walk around and have a beer .if you don't walk a little you can wake up with cramps

 

[Ctshagr]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

Tomorrow’s clothes.

 

[Bagobev]

My clothes consist of:
1 pair of zip-off hiking pants
1 pair of leggings
2 hiking shirts (alternate each day)
1 nice evening shirt (which only gets washed if sharing a washing machine)
underwear
and 1 fleece top.

I wear the leggings and evening shirt after a shower (and fleece if cold).
I wear next day’s hiking shirt and panties to bed (and leggings if cold).
In the morning I get up, pull on my hiking pants, and put my bra on (in the ablutions if it’s a mixed dorm).
Jill

I am interested in your hiking skirts as I am considering them myself. I have been looking at what is offered on line but can't find quite what I am looking for. What has worked well for you?

 

[trecile]

Thought it is recommended not to wash your clothing while in the shower as it isn't an efficient use of water and people are waiting to get in the shower?

You are correct, and many albergues post signs to not wash clothes in the showers.
I don't wash my clothes in the shower, but I do partially fill a dry sack with water and add my dirty clothes and a laundry detergent strip to the bag so that my clothes can soak while I shower, dry off and get dressed. I then take the dry bag to the laundry sink to rinse after I shake the bag a bit to agitate everything. The long soaking time gets my clothes cleaner with less effort.

 

[jsalt]

I am interested in your hiking skirts as I am considering them myself.

Not hiking "skirts", hiking "shirts" .

 

[Rachel from Seattle]

I bring a cotton t-shirt and yoga capris for after shower and to sleep. I hate sleeping in tech fabric. In the morn I switch to tech shirt and shorts or capris. If it’s cold I can start walking with the yoga pants on I like c clear’s idea if keeping sleeping clothes in a ziplock bag in case of bugs. I’m going to try that. Buen Camino

 

[Jeanne from Washington]

You are correct, and many albergues post signs to not wash clothes in the showers.
I don't wash my clothes in the shower, but I do partially fill a dry sack with water and add my dirty clothes and a laundry detergent strip to the bag so that my clothes can soak while I shower, dry off and get dressed. I then take the dry bag to the laundry sink to rinse after I shake the bag a bit to agitate everything. The long soaking time gets my clothes cleaner with less effort.

Great idea! Does any dry sack work or do you have to buy the expensive scubba?

 

[easygoing]

You are correct, and many albergues post signs to not wash clothes in the showers.
I don't wash my clothes in the shower, but I do partially fill a dry sack with water and add my dirty clothes and a laundry detergent strip to the bag so that my clothes can soak while I shower, dry off and get dressed. I then take the dry bag to the laundry sink to rinse after I shake the bag a bit to agitate everything. The long soaking time gets my clothes cleaner with less effort.

What a great idea.

 

[David Tallan]

Great idea! Does any dry sack work or do you have to buy the expensive scubba?

I think she said in an earlier post that she uses a regular dry sac rather than the specialty Scrubba. I took a Scrubba with me on my 2016 Camino and very rarely used it. I didn't take it in 2018.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I usually wear a dinner jacket and dress pants and shoes, unless I am going to a formal event and then I wear my tux.

Cumberbund or no cumberbund? That is the question.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

My preference is to have a bounce around town outfit, of which may include my next day's outfit. Change is always good. And here is a secret. If you have some ratty or maybe close to ratty tops, take one or two and plan to dump them over washing them. Then, you may plan to replace them or not, depending on need.

There is another whole and different school of thought,"Buy as you need. Take no pack or nothing bigger than a day pack. 2 shirts, 2 undies, 3 socks, 1 shorts, 1 pants, 1 sweater or fleece, 1 raincoat or poncho. And toiletries and shoes and flipflops. Everything else is optional.

 

[domigee]

I am interested in your hiking skirts as I am considering them myself. I have been looking at what is offered on line but can't find quite what I am looking for. What has worked well for you?

Have a look at ‘purple rain’ skirts or Macabi skirts on-line....
I always walk in a Macabi but it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, the Purple rain ones are more flattering but I’ve never tried them. (If you are not from the US, the postage prices are now prohibitive though )

 

[K Turner]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I wore my clothes for the next day. I just had the two outfits (and three pairs of socks). If I am so fortunate as to go on another Camino though, I would switch to basic flip flops instead of the Crocs I wore. They took up far too much space in my pack. No one will pay any attention to your clothing in the evenings. Stay comfortable!

 

[trecile]

A

Great idea! Does any dry sack work or do you have to buy the expensive scubba?

Any dry sack will work. I use an Osprey 12 liter dry sack. I costs and weighs less than a Scrubba.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/ultralight-dry-sack-12-liter-ULDRYSK12_719.html

 

[J F Gregory]

My kilt doesn't get that dirty to wash daily. I wash daily my shirt and socks.

 

[SeaHorse]

I had my "little black dress" for evenings out in the town. Or village. Or wilderness. And that actually was a long black t-shirt but combined with a big colourful silk shawl it did the job of a universal outfit for every occasion. Didn't wear it for walking. My croc shoes were ballerina type, looked good with the dress. Yes, I had shoes to change out of the walking boots, to wear in albergues where boots were not allowed inside.

 

[gerip]

Some women like to bring a lightweight dress to wear after walking/showering.

A sarong. Towel, skirt/dress, then privacy screen over bunk.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I put on the same clothes I'll wear tomorrow.

 

[Canche]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I have a shift (loose type dress) that I wear after shower and to sleep in

 

[RRat]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I had my

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

I had my every day zip-off pants and my after shower in town zip-off pants. Dirty stayed dirty and clean stayed mostly clean. Shirts, underwear and socks were rotated every day after being cleaned. Had extra so could skip a day if arrival was late or knew that a laundry was soon.

 

[Quadragesima]

Walking in winter, I sleep in a pair of lightweight thermal underwear—I got them at 32 Degrees, and they’re so soft and cozy, plus opaque enough to wear in mixed company! (I do wear a bra underneath.) I brought a hiking skirt to wear over the long underwear when hanging around the albergue/going out on the town, and I’m usually wearing my walking fleece front zip as well, since it’s chilly in the albergues. I only brought one pair of walking pants, which I air out overnight and wear everyday. I also have two short-sleeve tech shirts and one long-sleeve one that I alternate for walking. I wash socks, undies (but not bras) and shirts everyday. I have three pairs of walking socks and one pair of smart wool knee socks that I wear out in the evenings or to bed, as necessary.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I know this question sounds strange... do you wear the next day's walking clothes after showering for the day? Do you bring a separate outfit to wear around town? Everyone keeps talking about packing light. I have packed/repacked around 6 times in the past 6 months.

People generally have two tactics ...

1) The clothes they have for the hike, whether that's hiking gear or jeans & t-shirt or whatever, it's all good

2) hiking gear + evening clothes (each cleaned & drying while the other is worn)

Frankly, there's not much weight difference between the two.

--- One does occasionally come across people hiking the Camino in elegant city clothing, so there's at least one more option additional to the above

 

[Madeleine Jacobs]

Dear Jeanne, I just want to say that your question and all the reactions make me very happy. For me, Camino is still 4 months away, it is in the middle of the winter, I long for it and talking about what light weigth gear choices and trade off‘s I am going to make this time, could not make me happier.

 

[Jeanne from Washington]

Dear Jeanne, I just want to say that your question and all the reactions make me very happy. For me, Camino is still 4 months away, it is in the middle of the winter, I long for it and talking about what light weigth gear choices and trade off‘s I am going to make this time, could not make me happier.

When are you going? I'm starting from SJPP on April 9th.

Since January 1st, the time is starting to fly by and I'm now wondering if I'm doing enough to be ready.

 

[Bagobev]

Not hiking "skirts", hiking "shirts" .

oops!

 

[flickchic98]

I wear tomorrow's walking clothes *and yes I sleep in them too. But if you're going in the summer time when it's super hot then a light cotton dress that could double as a night gown might do the trick to get you to the next day. Remember you're carrying all of this on your back. no one expects a fashion show. Take as much as you think you'll need. You can always ship stuff home or leave it in the drop box. Another pilgrim might benefit from it.

 

[Kjell family]

So we were coming from Indonesia when we did the Camino. I had a very light satong in my bag. It was our table for a forest picnic, my out of shower wrap, an evening skirt, a scarf on a windy day, privacy screen in dorms, sun screen....it was used daily for several things. Tempted to bring it with me in April.

 

[DBride]

I wear tomorrow’s walking clothes. So I have only one change of clothing.

Same. This was the best for me

 

[Kanga]

Ditto.

 

[Andy Luscombe]

Me too!