Clothing for walking the camino de Santiago

pookiesboo · 29-04-2015 10:02pm #1

Can anyone advise me where I might buy good quality hiking clothes Online? I plan on walking the camino de Santiago in July/August and I've been seeing moisture wicking clothes mentioned a lot on forums. I can't take that much because of backpack weight but I don't mind spending a bit if they're good quality. Obviously the cheaper the price the better though. I've a fair idea of the boots I want to get but the clothing needs to be comfortable and as mentioned above, moisture wicking. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks

gctest50 · 29-04-2015 10:11pm

the joy of sox :

http://www.1000mile.co.uk/walking/cat_2.html or better , get them and wear them before you go

get and wear-in boots before you go

pookiesboo · 29-04-2015 10:23pm

gctest50 wrote: »

the joy of sox :

http://www.1000mile.co.uk/walking/cat_2.html or better , get them and wear them before you go

get and wear-in boots before you go

Thanks! I've an idea of the boots I want to get. Theyre by Merrill and called Cobra Mid SportTex, I can't add a link cos I'm on my phone but has anybody any opinions on these. I want to get the boots as soon as so they'll be well broken in by July.

pookiesboo · 29-04-2015 10:25pm

Probably should have mentioned I'm female btw

Puibo · 29-04-2015 10:25pm

53 degrees north
The north face
The great outdoors
All have online sites and worth checking out.

pookiesboo · 29-04-2015 10:26pm

Puibo wrote: »

53 degrees north
The north face
The great outdoors
All have online sites and worth checking out.

Thanks!

Tigerandahalf · 29-04-2015 10:32pm

These should be a handy trousers as you can take off the leg bottoms to make a shorts. Not sure if you are male or female but just check on that site. The conversion rate at the moment from sterling is not great though.
A good idea is to go to an outdoors shop. You will get lots of advice and be able to try on stuff. Buy a good bit of gear and they may give you a discount.
[Url]Craghoppers Mens Classic Kiwi Zip Off Convertible Walking Trousers -Beach, Long-34 Inch https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004LVP3I8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_lQvqvb17MEQER[/url]

hmmm · 30-04-2015 8:03am

I used to be a big fan of Kiwis, but I find the quality and materials have gone down in recent versions.

You can get hiking clothes cheap on webtogs.com or m&m direct. If it's something you need to get properly fitted (e.g. boots/shoes - don't buy them online) I'd go to a real shop - Great Outdoors in particular.

A good hat is a wise investment - Tilley are expensive, but they're bombproof.

hmmm · 30-04-2015 8:11am

pookiesboo wrote: »

Theyre by Merrill and called Cobra Mid SportTex,

Just had a quick look - they're a nice looking boot, but probably a bit over-speced for the Camino. They'd be good if you wanted to take your walking further (e.g. in the Alps). As I said above, for boots/shoes I'd recommend getting advice from a proper outdoors store - I've seen people sent out of some stores with nice lightweight walking shoes rather than boots when they've said they're doing the Camino. You could save the guts of a kilogram, which would make a big difference.

fits · 30-04-2015 8:13am

Go to great outdoors. Their advice will stop you buying what you don't need so will save in long run.

You need a proper backpack
You don't need boots and you don't need any kind of tex( waterproofing). A sturdy breathable hiking shoe will suit far better.
Good socks.
Zip off trousers
Pair of shorts
Two pairs active under wear ( cotton takes ages to dry)
1 Bra for walking and 1 for evening.
Two short sleeve t shirts
One long sleeve
Fleece
Waterproof lightweight jacket
Change for the evening. Eg A light skirt and flip flops and top.
That is all you need.

fifilarue · 30-04-2015 9:57am

I agree with fits above but would just add that I wouldn't go mad spending loads of money on hi-spec clothing-definitely not worth it for the Camino in my experience. TK Maxx is great for finding bargains. Make sure you get the basics right-especially the backpack, shoes/boots and socks. And make sure you get a good tub of Vaseline to rub on your feet to keep the blisters at bay and in other areas to prevent chafing. Wish I was going myself

fits · 30-04-2015 10:09am

fifilarue wrote: »

I agree with fits above but would just add that I wouldn't go mad spending loads of money on hi-spec clothing-definitely not worth it for the Camino in my experience. TK Maxx is great for finding bargains.

I agree. But definitely go to proper shop for shoes backpack and socks. And maybe a good rain jacket.

pookiesboo · 30-04-2015 11:15am

Thanks for all the responses, they've been very helpful! Just one more question, am I nuts to be walking the camino on my own, I know I won't technically be on my own with the other pilgrims walking too but I'm doing the trip myself. If anyone has any experience of it, I'd love to hear it. I'm doing the France trail.
34 year old female btw

fits · 30-04-2015 11:46am

pookiesboo wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses, they've been very helpful! Just one more question, am I nuts to be walking the camino on my own, I know I won't technically be on my own with the other pilgrims walking too but I'm doing the trip myself. If anyone has any experience of it, I'd love to hear it. I'm doing the France trail.
34 year old female btw

Nope. Its the only way to do it in my opinion.

I am really envious. I did one week in early August a few years ago.

Another tip. Just bring silk sleeping bag liner. It'll be enough in most hostels at that time. And most have blankets anyway.

pookiesboo · 30-04-2015 12:10pm

fits wrote: »

Nope. Its the only way to do it in my opinion. I am really envious. I did one week in early August a few years ago.

Another tip. Just bring silk sleeping bag liner. It'll be enough in most hostels at that time. And most have blankets anyway.

Great tip regarding the silk sleeping bag, thanks. I really want to walk it alone, it's just trying to convince the folks that it's safe. If you have any other advice for me I'd appreciate it!

Tigerandahalf · 30-04-2015 12:33pm

A silk liner is handy for the summer months as it can get very warm. It saves on weight and space too.
Boots may be too warm.

Walking alone is not an issue. Many women do it. It is actually great way to meet and chat with other people but also have time to yourself.
There are a lot of camino forums on the web.

Pat Mustard · 30-04-2015 6:07pm

I've found Jackson Sports good for online shopping. They have free shipping to Ireland and their customer service was excellent when I once received the incorrect order. However, with the weak euro against sterling, they are likely to be expensive right now.

pookiesboo · 30-04-2015 8:53pm

Pat Mustard wrote: »

I've found Jackson Sports good for online shopping. They have free shipping to Ireland and their customer service was excellent when I once received the incorrect order. However, with the weak euro against sterling, they are likely to be expensive right now.

Thank you, will definitely check them out!

Tigerandahalf · 30-04-2015 9:40pm

As for footwear it is difficult to know. I bought an expensive pair of trail shoes and they leaked within 3 months.
Many people will walk with trainers during the summer months. Your feet will get plenty of air and the terrain should not pose problems for them. You could always bring a cheap 2nd pair in case you get a downpour. Leave the wet ones dry overnight with newspaper stuffed in them. If you go with trainers don't get ones with white as the dust and dirt will rough them up quickly. The biggest thing is to wear your footwear in before you go.
As for a jacket go for a light waterproof one. It will also act as a windbreaker and you will get plenty use out of it when you get back home.
In buying be careful when you see 'waterproof' labels. Fully waterproof is about 10,000mm. Anything less than 5,000 will let the water through quickly enough I have found.
I bought a good bit of gear but I have got great use out of it here at home.
I use my current waterproof boots to walk around town on a wet day or going for a short walk. My normal shoes would be soaked after 2 mins.

duckysauce · 01-05-2015 12:03am

pookiesboo wrote: »

Can anyone advise me where I might buy good quality hiking clothes Online? I plan on walking the camino de Santiago in July/August and I've been seeing moisture wicking clothes mentioned a lot on forums. I can't take that much because of backpack weight but I don't mind spending a bit if they're good quality. Obviously the cheaper the price the better though. I've a fair idea of the boots I want to get but the clothing needs to be comfortable and as mentioned above, moisture wicking. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/

great info -- you need to pick and choose though some info is

:(

fits · 01-05-2015 7:04am

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

As for footwear it is difficult to know. I bought an expensive pair of trail shoes and they leaked within 3 months.
.

Waterproofing isn't needed on Camino at all really though. Even when I went it was wet the first day over pyrenees. But they dried out quick enough. It was very hot the rest of week and I was glad of the breathability. Waterproof membranes just get clogged with sweat and dust. But you'd definitely need trail shoes rather than trainers. Great outdoors will give good advice and fitting.

Pat Mustard · 01-05-2015 9:38am

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

As for footwear it is difficult to know. I bought an expensive pair of trail shoes and they leaked within 3 months

What brand were they, Tigerandahalf?

pookiesboo · 01-05-2015 11:48am

duckysauce wrote: »

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/

great info -- you need to pick and choose though some info is :(

Thanks everyone for the replies, it's great to hear from people who have done it before. That missing girl pic on the forum is a bit worrying though...

Tigerandahalf · 01-05-2015 12:30pm

Pat Mustard wrote:

What brand were they, Tigerandahalf?

The brand was Meindl but they are normally a good brand so maybe I just got a bad pair. I was never happy with them as when I tried them on in the shop I didn't get a good feeling from them but the guy in the shop said it would take a while to break them in.
I now have a pair of Colombia low cut boots and they seem good so far though I haven't been out in heavy rain yet.
Also sometimes water can leak from your overalls into the top of the shoes if they are not pulled down fully over the shoes.

fifilarue · 01-05-2015 12:51pm

I'm on that forum and would totally agree that there's some good information on it but a lot of keyboard cowboys and girls too. I understand your apprehension but don't let it get the better of you. Keep your eyes on the prize. You want to do the walk, for whatever reason, and let that be your focus. At the same time, it doesn't mean you can't be practical and make a plan, print out the routes and the details of the albergues. You'll find that you get into a rhythm after the first few days and things will become routine and you will relax into it. However, I'm sure you will be as careful/mindful there as you would be walking here. Don't do anything overly daft. It's a big adventure, no matter what your age, and if my experience of it is anything to go by, you won't regret it. In fact, you'll probably keep wanting to go back for more.
PS No preaching intended. Want to go back myself but can't at the moment

pookiesboo · 01-05-2015 4:07pm

fifilarue wrote: »

I'm on that forum and would totally agree that there's some good information on it but a lot of keyboard cowboys and girls too. I understand your apprehension but don't let it get the better of you. Keep your eyes on the prize. You want to do the walk, for whatever reason, and let that be your focus. At the same time, it doesn't mean you can't be practical and make a plan, print out the routes and the details of the albergues. You'll find that you get into a rhythm after the first few days and things will become routine and you will relax into it. However, I'm sure you will be as careful/mindful there as you would be walking here. Don't do anything overly daft. It's a big adventure, no matter what your age, and if my experience of it is anything to go by, you won't regret it. In fact, you'll probably keep wanting to go back for more.
PS No preaching intended. Want to go back myself but can't at the moment

Thank you! Trying to convince people I won't technically be on my own and it's no less safe than walking around my hometown on my own.

Ultegra · 07-05-2015 8:32am

Flip Flops / Sandals are a must for the evening time. While I walked it with a friend we met numerous walking on their own both male & female - safety was not an issue. Sunscreen & sunhat a must for the time of year you plan on walking. Hope you really enjoy it.