This article on choosing clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring is part of a long series dedicated to the pilgrimage of Saint James of Compostela. You will find a wealth of practical information on how to organise and prepare your hiking trip (routes, equipment, season, clothing, physical preparation, tips… etc.). Find the list of links to the other articles in the series at the bottom of this page!
If you have decided to take on the Camino de Santiago in spring, it's a great decision — it's a pleasant time of year and ideal for long-distance walking. But before you prepare your departure, you need to choose the right clothing to pack in your rucksack. Here are our tips for selecting the best clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring and completing the hiking trip of your dreams in the best possible conditions.Clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring: upper body
In spring, across the entire route you may encounter quite changeable weather, though with a limited temperature range. Expect mild temperatures but with a risk of rain nonetheless. Mornings and evenings can be cool.
For upper body clothing, you should therefore prioritise long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirts, a few t-shirts, add a fleece jacket and pack a waterproof windproof jacket in your bag. With this combination you should be prepared for every eventuality.
You can also add t-shirts for the warmest days or if you are travelling at the end of spring.
Finally, for the coldest periods, consider bringing along some technical thermal base layers that will effectively protect you in the early morning or on the coldest days. They will also come in handy if you choose the bivvy and tent option.
Clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring: lower body
In general, this is an area of the body where you shouldn't feel the cold too much at this time of year: the effort of walking will be enough to keep your legs warm.
You can therefore choose to set off with a lightweight hiking trousers. It is also possible to pack a waterproof or warmer pair of trousers for cooler days. Another solution when temperatures drop is to pack a pair of long thermal leggings in your bag. This type of technical warm base layer will be very useful under your trousers to protect you when it gets a little colder.
That said, you should enjoy milder, more pleasant temperatures, particularly on the Spanish section after the Pyrenees. You can then also add a pair of shorts to your rucksack, which are a real treat when the sun comes out.
Alternatively, convertible trousers are worth considering. They are a very practical solution that will save you weight and volume. Zip-off trouser models allow you to switch from trousers to shorts in under a minute, in either direction!
Finally, a light pair of shorts is always useful, especially if you are travelling in the late May to early June period when temperatures are usually higher. Besides, a pair of shorts shouldn't weigh your bag down too much or take up too much space!
Clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring: socks and shoes
Above all, don't overlook your choice of socks and shoes for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage! Remember that your feet will be put through their paces throughout the entire route and are essential to your wellbeing and endurance. First tip: don't set off with brand-new kit! Whether it's shoes or socks, you should have worn them for a few weeks before your departure and be certain you have items that suit you and cause no discomfort whatsoever. First and foremost, your shoes are of course essential. The Camino de Santiago is not technically demanding and does not require shoes designed for walking on glaciers or scree. But it is necessary to setting off with walking or hiking shoes and not standard sports shoes. Depending on your habits, you can opt for mid-cut walking shoes or lightweight low-cut hiking shoes, or even hiking sandals. In the latter case, however, be careful not to set off during a particularly rainy period. Either way, do several outings in your shoes to break them in and learn to maintaining and repairing them if needed. When it comes to socks, don't make the mistake of setting off with ordinary everyday socks. Over a single day you wouldn't notice the difference, but after a week, your feet would be in serious trouble.
In spring you will mainly need lightweight hiking socks. The ideal choice is double-skin anti-blister socks, which are perfect for long days of effort. You can also opt for high-performance, durable hiking socks with a right foot/left foot ergonomic design, a heel and toe reinforced with CORDURA — 4 times stronger than polyamide — and merino wool to keep odours at bay. This is often the ideal choice for long-distance routes like the Camino de Santiago.
Plan to set off with enough pairs to change every day if you cannot wash your socks each evening (due to lack of time or facilities at the hostel). The ideal is to have at least 4 pairs with you.
Finally, to aid your recovery, don't hesitate to get yourself a pair of compression recovery socks, which help reduce the feeling of fatigue and limit the onset of calf cramps and aches. They are easy to use: simply put them on once you arrive at your stopping point and wear them for 2 to 4 hours to boost blood circulation.
Other articles in the series on the Camino de Santiago:
