What clothes to pack for the Camino de Santiago in winter

01 Nov. 2018

Quels vêtements emporter pour le chemin de Compostelle en hiver

This article on choosing clothing for the Camino de Compostela in winter is part of a long series dedicated to the pilgrimage of Saint James of Compostela. You'll find a wealth of practical advice on how to organise and prepare your hiking trip (routes, kit, season, clothing, physical preparation, tips… and more). Find the full list of links to the other articles in the series at the bottom of this page. If you've decided to walk the Camino de Santiago in winter, you're choosing a period that can be harsh — cold, and potentially snowy (especially in the Pyrenees) — but also rewarding, with beautiful sunny days on the Spanish stretch and, above all, far fewer crowds on the trails. To prepare properly for your departure, you'll need to think carefully about what clothing to pack for every eventuality. Here are our tips and our selection of clothing for the Camino de Compostela in winter, to help you face the cold, the snow, and the wind that so often comes with the territory.

What clothing to pack for the Camino de Compostela in winter: upper body

In winter, the main constant throughout the entire route is the relatively low temperature. You may get some fine days, but they will generally be cold with little variation in temperature. You'll need to protect yourself well — all the more so because snow can make an appearance and wind can blow hard across the Spanish plains. The 3-layer system should therefore certainly be used to achieve optimal protection.

Ultrashell waterproof, ultra-breathable jacket

So don't set off without warm, breathable thermal base layers that wick away moisture. These are worn as a first layer directly against the skin. You can then add warm gilets, or a fleece jacket and for the less cold days, long-sleeved shirts. Finally, over all of that, make sure you have a waterproof jacket that can shield you from the elements (wind and rain). The best option is to choose a softshell jacket which will give you one of the best protections available. The option to choose an excellent ultrashell jacket is also a great option, as these jackets are both versatile and warm. Prioritise breathability across all these layers. You'll likely be walking at a good pace and you will sweat, even in the cold. So make sure your clothing wicks moisture away and doesn't turn into a walking sauna.

Warm, waterproof winter trousers with Kevlar® reinforcements

What clothing to pack for the Camino de Compostela in winter: lower body

The priority is to choose a good warm pair of trousers. They'll be essential, as the cold often hits hardest at leg level. You'll therefore need to think about selecting a proper winter trouser capable of protecting you from the lowest temperatures. If it also has waterproof properties, all the better — otherwise, consider bringing overtrousers for bad weather. You can also choose to take along some thermal long underwear. They're perfect for the evening at your stopping point if you're a little tired and need to cocoon your legs for the night. They can also be worn under your trousers on the coldest days or when the wind is strong.

Warm technical base layer

What clothing to pack for the Camino de Compostela in winter: socks and shoes

Choosing the right socks and shoes for the Camino de Santiago in winter — or any season — is crucial: colder temperatures and persistent moisture create increasingly tough conditions for your feet over the course of the journey, so proper kit is essential. Your feet are the foundation of your wellbeing and endurance. It can be tempting to head out in standard sports socks, but that's a mistake you'll regret quickly — blisters will appear fast, and your feet won't have enough protection against the repeated impact. Whether it's shoes or socks, you should have worn them for several weeks before you set off, and be confident they fit perfectly without causing any discomfort. Walking or hiking shoes are a must — standard sports trainers simply won't cut it. Depending on your habits, you can opt for mid or high-cut walking shoes, which are well suited to this season and the conditions you'll encounter. You'll also need to choose hiking socks — ideally double-skin, anti-blister socks, which are perfect for long distances. Alternatively, go for high-performance, durable hiking socks with a right-foot/left-foot ergonomic design and a good proportion of merino wool in their composition to keep odours in check. Finally, for better recovery, compression fatigue-relief socks are worth considering. They reduce the feeling of tired, heavy legs while lowering the risk of cramps and calf pain. They're easy to use: simply put them on after your day's walk and wear them for 2 to 4 hours to revitalise blood flow in your legs. Other articles in the Camino de Santiago series: