Camino Frances on July.

[benvex]

Hi,
I?m planning to start from St. Jean somewhere on the beginning of July and I have a few questions.

• I?ve read in several places (including this forum) that it might be a little crowded during that time of the year. Did anyone have problems finding a place in the Refuges?
• How is the weather? Could it rain? Or can I pass packing rain gear?
• How much water should I carry on me? Is 2L enough? Or are there long parts with no where to refill?

I?ll appreciate any additional advice anyone can offer.
Ben.

[Leslie]

It depends when in July you start and from where. Anywhere after the 25th starting from St Jean will be busy until pamplona and then it all spreads out a bit until Sarria (112km from santiago)

Anytime the last 112km will be busy and can get tight getting somewhere. Must admit this is my least favorite part of the Camino Frances. We were walking along until this part with pilgrims that had also been walking for a few weeks then bam! It felt like a different walk - new pilgrims in shinny new clothes, it was a bit strange.

There is always the chance of rain - very light rain gear is always recommended. I have walked twice in Summer and need the rain gear both times. But go for as light as possible - expensive gortex not required - the plastic bag ones are fine. I only used a rain jacket not caring if my legs got wet - a lot of people used ponchos.

Re the water - a two ltr bottle should be fine - almost all days there are plenty of places to refill as you go along - except for the first day from St Jean.

Welcome to the forum.

[benvex]

Thanks
How much water should I take for the first day from St. jean?
I started looking for a sleeping bag, and wondered is it necessary to take a warm one (2C comfort) or a simple one for sleep over parties is enough?

[Leslie]

2L should be enough, there is one place after about 8-10 km to refill.

[jscho111]

I would pack a decent raincoat. One that's breathable like goretex. It can double as something warm at night or if the weather turns cold.
2 litre water capacity is quite enough. I would suggest carrying two bottles, one on each side of your pack for balance. Keep the bottles topped up and make sure you keep on sipping as dehydration can creep up unawares. There is always somewhere convenient to top up except perhaps for the long stretch out of Carrion de los Condes to the next village.
Some people used a water bladder stored in their pack with a tube to suck on, but these leaked and were awkward to maintain. A simple plastic bottle with a sucking nipple is best.