Camino Pilgrim

Shoes are getting wet, backpack gear needs immediate protection, taking photos has become uncomfortable. Sounds of raindrops splashing towards the ground gives off a relaxing vibe. Its a bittersweet moment on every Camino. Especially if you hike in April or October.

Ponchos

Lots of pilgrims like to have these. With one piece of equipment you cover both yourself and your backpack. Personally I do not like ponchos. The section that should cover the head does not sit still in one place and water flows right across your face. You still probably wear a long sleeve jacket underneath, so what is the real win here?

I assume the win is that you can have a lightweight and quite breathable option that lets you cut back on weight by not needing a pack cover.

Rain jacket

Look for options with pit zips. These are crucial in Spain. Rain jackets do not really breathe well on their own. Also, having a hood with a small beak to protect the face from the rain will come in handy. Especially if its a hood that more or less can fix into place over your head. I take my rain jacket as my only jacket on the Camino. This way you are not really carry extra weight anyways.

Rain pants

These will be a necessity between October and April. Since most pilgrims do not hike on these months, then rain pants are not really needed anyways. Besides if your shoes are not waterproof, then what is the added value that your rain pants really bring? Better have a pair synthetic mix quick drying long pants that you feel good in the airport, cities and countryside.

Backpack cover

This seems to be a crowd favorite. Once rain hits then you see all pilgrims throw these over their backpacks. From personal experience I can say that things really will stay well dry. Just in case things like your eveningwear and your sleeping back should be kept in dry sacks. This is now double waterproofing. Having all your gear in one pile is not something people usually like. That would mean having at least 2 dry sacks inside your bag.

Only dry bags

The backpack cover really is an optional item if you are hiking between May and September. A Dry sack will already waterproof any items that are placed inside. Adding a second cover over the bag might be overkill if you are using a very small backpack or just want to focus on extreme ultralight hiking. The most extreme solution is to have one large dry sack inside the backpack that has everything you own inside it.

Waterproof boots

Combining a waterproof jacket, pants and boots is the ultimate gear combination against the rain. Great idea especially in October when its chilly outside and rains all the time. Be aware that waterproof boots do not really breathe. It would be a good idea to air out your shoes once every hour or two. During Summer months having boots is a horrible idea, unless you don’t mind risking

Water resistant shoes

These often dry somewhat slowly (still faster than boost if they get wet from the inside). So be aware of this. Otherwise water resistant shoes are really a solid option from April to October. Even in the hot Summer months you can manage hiking in these. You will need to properly air your feet at least once in two hours, but feet should not get overly fatigued in these. You might want medium thickness merino wool socks inside, just in case your feet do sweat a lot.

Super breathable shoes

Rainy weather is your worst enemy. During any other weather you would be just perfect in, but with rain expect your feet to get wet fast. Carry at least three pairs of socks in your backpack, so once a day you day swap into dry ones and keep blisters away. On the upside, they do dry very quickly. Just remember to takes soles out of shoes and dry them separately. This way the next day you will feel good once more. During Summer months rain does not come across so often and these kind of shoes will be your best friend.