Advice on what items to bring in October

[Corners]

Hi, was wondering if anyone could help. I am leaving for my Camino on tuesday and stressing out for what clothing I should be packing. I have:

1 Fleece
2 Tshirts
1 Shorts
1 Long trousers/shorts
2 lining socks
2 trecking socks
1 Boots

I'm not sure if I should also bring a jacket of some sort or warmer trousers as it is October... Hope you can help!

Thank you

Giancarlo

[John Hussey]

Good choices. You hike in shorts each day and save long pants for evening wear and for visiting the cathedrals. You do not need to carry a third set. Some suggestions to use or not:

Rain Gear - In November it gets colder and can snow on O'Cebreiro but then you go downhill rather quickly. And the late fall winter months are the wetter months so be prepared to walk in the rain. Take either a good poncho or good but lightweight rain coat. The coat is likely more multi-use and is warmer, layered for the cold. Layers is key. Always Use wicking, synthetic fibers.

Leave the jacket and use your breathable but lightweight rain parka when it is cold

Trousers - lightweight synthetic here, too. There are many of very lightweight zip off legs variety made for hiking and these are more than sufficient for the colder evenings.

T Shirts- Here I would bring a third, for the cold. A good quality one only weighs about 1/3 pound or less for men]s large size and the thin layers against the trunk of your body are considerably warmer than one heavy weight one as it traps the warmer body heat between the thin layers, Using a thin long sleeve shirt (or your fleece)over the T's and then followed with a good breathable rain jacket zipped up (but pit zips slightly open)

Head wear - Something for the head. This is where one looses the most body heat and is the first place to regulate one's core temps. It is the first clothing article to remove when you become overheated (and you don't wish to sweat, ever, in the cold) and the first artcle to add if you become chilled. Personally, I use either visor or floppy hat and if cold, cover head with a silk scarf and/or buff. That is all it takes when you are moving. The same system works great when it is hot, too.

Socks - I carry the same as you. Lining is synthetic, heavier pair is merino wool. Wear one pair, wash it at evening shower and then don the already dry pair from night before. Good system and a third pair not needed.

Footwear - many use boots and this is a very subjective choice. But some use trekking sandals, too. The Camino is not an unsupported hike off and up into the wild wilderness. The grades are mostly low, nearly level with established paths, much road walking. So, many opt for the "tennis"-style shoes but those designed for hiking in rocky terrain with built in plastic shank for rock protection. These two choices are much lighter than boots and for men's size 12 (EU 46) are just one pound on each foot. Don't forget that each pound upon your feet is like 5 upon your back so be sensible with footwear. The ultimate choice is yours and you are best apt to make the best decision for you. As for me, I have not used boots while hiking in many years.

Underwear - synthetic, a dark color (black is great) and with short, tight fitting legs to prevent chaffing, just in case. Chaffing is rare on The Camino, I suspect, mainly because of the easy availability of evening showers for us which removes the accumulated salt build up which gives inner thigh chaffing. But, if you get it, it is quite debilitating. It is bad! You wear one pair during day's walk, wash it along with your worn socks after evening shower and put on clean pair you washed the evening before, just like with socks.

These are just some suggestions. Keep pack weight down to as light as you can.

When in October are you going?

Buen Camino, Ultreia et Suseia!

[Corners]

Hi John,

thank you so much for your advice. As you say, I may buy a rain parka and that's me... I'm leaving this tuesday, 5 days to go!!!

Thanks again

Giancarlo