wet weather gear

[Janine Magon]

Having to walk Camino in August and only time for last 100 km or so.....expecting crowds but 2 questions
1. Do you need waterproofs at this time
2. Do you need to take sleeping bag and mat
Would love to have to carry as little as possible..answers greatly appreciated

[John Hussey]

I did not go in August but I would always err on the side of caution and take some waterproof covering, at least the top. I doubt rain pants would be necessary. It is also good for warmth if you become wet and chilled.

[Leslie]

I have walked in Aug twice and I needed rain gear both times. It rains quite a bit in the mountains and then again during the last 100k in Galicia - it is wet in this area, think Ireland.

And I never found anywhere for more than one night where I didn't need a sleeping bag.

On both points though, pack ones as light as possible.

Enjoy.

[Janine Magon]

Thanks to John and Leslie for replies....just wondering about the mat to sleep on now cos they are quite bulky

[John Hussey]

here is a Thermarest mat (prolite 3) that you can get in 3/4 size and is smaller than a loaf of bread and weighs less than 1 pound.

http://www.thermarest.com/product_selection.aspx?cID=1

But I still don't think I'd take it. In the unlikely event you find no bed one night you could still survive on the floor in your bag. I don't find it worth the extra effort lugging a mat, even one as small (and expensive) as the above one all the way to Santiago, just to be prepared for an "unlikely" event that may never happen. Any weight you carry, no matter how small, becomes heavy if you carry it long enough

[Janine Magon]

Thanks John.......I have a thermarest but agree entirely with you re weight .the less the better.......
Best wishes

[Esther]

Hi, i am starting out walking from St.Jean next weekend, only for a 10 days walk.

is a sleeping back for comfort or a necessity (is it getting cold in the night?) I am also wondering if varm clothes (fleece jacket) would be worth bringing. (Read: i really try to bring as little as possible ..... )

I think I can survive without the comfort- but I dont like freezing...and the rain gear is a Must.

Thanks for all the great advice and chat in the forum


Greetings
from Esther, Denmark