HOW TO STAY DRY WHEN WALKING IN THE RAIN ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO.
I am currently in Porto, where the weather is pretty shocking. I am about to embark on my latest Camino adventure, Porto to Santiago.
This is the second time that I have walked this route, but last time when I walked was in October. Although the Autumn mornings were cool, I didn’t have to contend with much rain.
As I look at my weather app, all I can see is the terrifying rain icon forecast for the next two weeks. This got me thinking, how can I stay dry when walking in the rain on the Camino?
Why is the Camino different?
My advice here is applicable to all walking, but on the Camino, as you will be walking every day it is even more important to stay dry.
The other difference between hiking and walking the Camino in the rain, is that you can’t carry lots of gear with you.
Wearing gaiters for example, is not really going to work on the Camino. Especially if the rain comes for a week of your journey and then disappears – you don’t want to be stuck hefting around equipment that you don’t need.
With that in mind, read on to find my top tips for staying dry when walking in the rain on the Camino de Santiago.
When does it rain on the Camino?
In all honesty, it can rain any time on the Camino. But, it is more likely that you will get rainy weather in spring and autumn. Certain routes are more prone to rain too – the Camino Portuguese and the Camino del Norte, get more rain than the Camino Frances simply because they are coastal.
Once you are in Santiago de Compostela and Galicia, it is possible to get rain. When it rains in Santiago, sometimes it really rains! Galicia is very green – quite a giveaway that it gets well watered. The Camino Finisterre can also be quite a drizzly route, even in high summer.
How to stay dry when walking in the rain on the Camino de Santiago
Here are our top tips and tricks for staying warm and dry when walking in rain on the Camino de Santiago.
How to stay dry when walking in the rain: Items to pack
If you are walking in a rainy season, or a rainy route or you can see that rain is forecast, we recommend ensuring that you have all of these items.
In general, it is always sensible to carry most of this regardless, but these items are necessary in the rain.
1/ Waterproof cover for your backpack
These come in different sizes, so pick the correct one for your backpack
2/ A proper rain coat
Invest in a rain jacket that actually keeps you dry. Berghaus is our favourite brand.
3/ A warm layer
When you’ve been rained on all day, you will start to feel cold. Even in the summer. Make sure you have at least one warm layer with you to wear under your rain coat. Either a fleece, or a lightweight sweater.
The ultimate in comfort under your rain jacket.
5/ Quick dry trousers
Quick dry water resistant trousers
These are an absolute life saver in bad weather
6/ Extra socks
We normally pack two pairs of socks. But, if you can see that rain is forecast for part of your Camino walk, I recommend throwing in an extra pair! There is nothing worse than wet feet.
7/ A poncho
If the forecast is bad, consider a poncho and a rain jacket.
8/ A hat
We always suggest taking a hat on the Camino. When it is raining, you may want to consider either a wide brimmed hat or cap to keep the rain off. Or, if you have a hood but need extra warmth – wear a beanie hat.
Find out about the best hats for the Camino here.
9/ Gloves
I wouldn’t normally pack gloves for a summer Camino, but a spring or autumn Camino may require gloves. This is especially true if a lot of rain is forecast.
Consider water resistant and windproof walking gloves.
What else to pack for the Camino?
How to stay dry when walking in the rain: Tips for walking in the rain
Here are some additional tips on staying dry when walking in the rain on the Camino.
1/ Cover your valuables
One of the biggest risks when you are walking in the rain, is that your valuables are damaged. We recommend covering your phone, passport, pilgrim credential and wallet.
Personally, I always take an extra couple of plastic sealed sandwich bags. One for my phone, which I then put into my waterproof coat. And a second for my other valuables, which go deep into my bag.
2/ Wrap clothing in carrier bags
Even with a water proof bag cover, items can still get wet inside your bag. If the weather is bad enough, nothing will stay dry.
To guard against this, I always wrap my clothing into an extra carrier bag inside my backpack. You can also do this with your electronic items, like cables, and your sleeping bag/ sleep sheet.
I’ve learnt this the hard way!
3/ Dry your shoes when you arrive to your albergue
If your shoes have got wet during the day, try to dry them immediately when you arrive to your albergue or accommodation. There are a few ways to do this.
If there is a hair dryer, use that to dry your shoes and socks. Otherwise, ask your host if they have a radiator or fire where you could dry them. Tumble driers can also be used to dry your trainers and socks quickly – just don’t leave them in to long!
Failing all of that, try stuffing your trainers with newspaper, or toilet paper! Anything to soak the moisture up.
4/ If it’s warm enough, consider wearing shorts during the day
Okay, hear me out on this one. If the weather is mild, but drizzly, it can be a better idea to walk in shorts than in trousers. Simply, this is to keep your trousers clean and dry for the evening.
If it is cold, clearly you would be better off in trousers. Especially if you have a poncho to cover you below the waist. But sometimes consider that your legs will dry quicker than your clothing.
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Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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