When is the best time to walk Camino de Santiago and STILL skip the crowds!

[@caminotellers]

🎟 Join us at the CAMINO RETREAT: caminotellers.com/the-journey-within-retreat/

[@manfred5556]

I've wrestled the poncho vs rain jacket & pants decision hard. Going with the jacket and pants. They'll serve as my emergency warmth layers, so I can minimalize weight on longsleeve clothing. I'll have a light drybag to pack all my soakables during the monsoon. Every other decision in comparison? Easy peasy. May is my month because it's the only one that works for my circumstances on the home end. And I'm going with this advice: "Dress cold and walk yourself into warmth." Thanks for a great video to train with, backpack already packed and on.

[@caminotellers]

Excellent idea! Thanks for giving the new perspective to the discussion, keep us updated about your progress 🙏☺️

[@SN-hg6bx]

I d love to know if you changed your mind after the may experience 😊🇨🇦

[@soulbronumberone]

I took lightweight rain Jacket and rain pants for exactly the same reason on my 3 caminos.

[@dcchiasson5991]

In the poncho vs rain jacket debate, in the cost/benefit I would also consider how long I expect to use it. Is it a one-trip thing (poncho) or a longer-term thing I want to continue using at home (rain jacket). Also, a poncho can make a great emergency shelter if you need one.

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

Rain jacket because I have one. September because that when my friend can go with me.

[@caminotellers]

I like your reasoning about the jacket - because I have one!!!! Excellent 👌

[@ItsJustEric96]

Starting the French Camino mid May of 2025! Can’t wait for the adventure!

[@caminotellers]

Superrrrr

[@marliesk9920]

Poncho... very quick and easy to put on. Backpack straps stay dry. So much easier in the handling. It feels cosy and protected while walking.

[@caminotellers]

Poncho is winning so far!! Thanks for the comment 👏👏☺️

[@annc1503]

I waited to buy my rain gear until I arrived here in Pamplona yesterday as I wanted the Spanish 'Altus' poncho with the zipper and sleeves. ❤❤ Ann from Perth, Australia

[@caminotellers]

Good luck on the Camino Ann!

[@RosieKuhnPhD]

Where I live, on Orcas Island, in the US, its very hilly and beautiful. I’m preparing for my Camino, whether I go or not is not clear yet. However, in a sense my Camino is preparing for the Camino! My intention as I walk is to let go of “This is too hard-This is too long!” This brings me to my more pure intent to be in joy and experience my heart’s connectedness with Nature! Thank you for all you bring to these videos. I’d love to join you someday on one of your Retreats. I’ve signed up for more info!

[@huryna1]

Hey!!! Would you recommend visiting Orcas? Is it expensive? Are there any guest houses?

[@RosieKuhnPhD]

@@huryna1 Yes! I always recommend visiting Orcas. It’s beautiful in so many ways. It is expensive because it is a tourist destination. And there are many guest houses. 🤗

[@AnnDanielson-r5e]

I actually had both raincoat and poncho. My partner only poncho. When it was windy I was very glad I had the raincoat with my poncho. 27:52

[@valleygirl14]

Great video guys! After doing six and a half months on my thru hike with a rain jacket, I said a poncho for next time. Pancho for me in 2024!

[@caminotellers]

Welcome to the Poncho team! :) where did you hike???

[@valleygirl14]

Thank you! I hiked the A.T in 2014@@caminotellers

[@ОтАдоЯ-ю8ъ]

Love your channel! Starting the French Camino in the beginning of July from Leon and I’m so excited. Started looking for shoes.

[@caminotellers]

That’s great! What shoes are you thinking about? We have few videos about that…

[@frankfurtonfoottours2361]

I walked the CF last April and we had hardly any rain, but it was cold in the mornings. The flowers were gorgeous!!! May was perfect too. The year before was about the same, but this year was greener and there were more flowers in April. Poncho!. Mine has lasted for 5 Caminos. It has sleeves and the extra pocket on the back. I like that it can hang from my pack when it stops raining. Get an Altus.

[@caminotellers]

Spring is a magical moment on the Camino :) remember we met in March last year!?

[@frankfurtonfoottours2361]

@@caminotellers Hi, I think it was in May, right before and then again the next day after Mansilla de la Mulas. This spring was so much greener than last year though. It was so beautiful, it took my breath away, every day!

[@lindad6223]

Intentions vs. expectations... it makes all the difference in the world! My "One Day..." is nearly my "Day One" on the journey... but of course, the pilgrimage started long ago.

[@caminotellers]

I love the “day one” detail! Yep, sometimes the Intention is our main force 💚

[@pedroalmeida5547]

Thanks for the advices. I share my experience and decisions, as myself was wrestling with this one. I don't have total liberty to choose the best time. I have two small kids, the wife does not accompany me. I really want to do the Primitivo. So, not perfect, but will start in Oviedo after Easter, as it will come late in 2025 (April 20th). Will start at April 22nd in Oviedo, will arrive May 5th / 6th , if everything goes OK. Expecting cold mornings and rain for Asturias, that does not phase me, although I would like at least some good days to enjoy the sceneries. I was planning on buying the merino shirt and coat, so it checked with your suggestion. And with Quechua MT500 boots, to protect the ankles and reduce the danger of wetting feet. Have the poncho as a backup. Not perfect, but I think I'll manage. Will go solo, expect a challenge. But my mind is set, I know what to expect. So wish me luck!

[@caminotellers]

You will do great, we are sure about it!

[@kierano5496]

Oh my God, you are in Tokushima! I remember being in that very park at the end of my Shikoku henro a year after I did the Camino!

[@caminotellers]

Ohenro san! When was your Camino??

[@kierano5496]

@ I walked the camino in May 2016 and the henro in April 2017 - lots of cherry blossoms!

[@kierano5496]

@ April and May 2017!

[@wilmabonet5086]

I set intentions on winter solstice but only three. One of mine was to go on the Camino, which I did in May. I manifested and accomplished. Yes there were fears. I never knew what to expect so at the beginning of my walk every day I would focus on whatever the Camino would bring me.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for sharing Wilma! Intentions straighten all the curved paths…

[@grayglenn1629]

Thanks!

[@caminotellers]

wow, thanks! are you getting ready for the Camino?

[@ruthduncan6256]

Love the Poncho, lightweight, versatile and easy to put on….have taken a rain jacket on 4 different Camino’s, only used twice…. Your information shared is so helpful and inspiring…would love to hear more about your Shikoku Camino, also others besides the Camino Francis, everybody has blogs and talks about the Camino Francis…keep talking and inspiring others to take venture out…🙂

[@caminotellers]

Ruth! Thanks so much for the feedback! We are working on the Shikoku video guide at the present moment so hopefully in 2/3weeks we should have to released, and this year also we are covering 2 new caminos… stay tuned!!!!! Poncho rules!

[@angelikabrady3634]

Thanks

[@caminotellers]

thanks a lot!

[@erinduvic8579]

Mid March until the end of the month was fine for the Portuguese way. any rain and no lines.

[@caminotellers]

Great feedback! Portuguese way is a tricky one as the rain is always around the corner!

[@gregorysalazar8370]

Recently discovered your channel and love all the information and tips you both have to offer. I am in the planning stages of preparing for the Camino Frances in late August into September of this year.

[@caminotellers]

Gregory! Welcome to the pack! We are here for any questions you might have, we will be in French Camino in September too 😊🙏

[@margomiller3319]

Rain jacket which also doubles as warm jacket if the weather is cold (with wool shirt underneath). Very light waterproof windbreaker for light rain or light wrap. I'll let you know when i get back if this worked for me. Leaving September 28.

[@caminotellers]

28th??? One week away! Please keep us updated! We will have a live stream befor you will leave, come by and share the excitement!

[@SN-hg6bx]

Your relationship is sooooo inspirational ❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@caminotellers]

🥰🥰

[@grahamwallace]

Very informative, thanks.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks Graham!

[@laurieisbister8039]

Great topic

[@caminotellers]

Thanks

[@oleksandraboychenko]

haha i am walking the camino portugues at the moment and it's rained quite a bit the past few days. i have a really ridiculous poncho and i was thinking a proper rain jacket would have been so much better. so it makes me feel a little better knowing it's not that black and white and you even prefer ponchos 😂😂 thanks for everything!

[@caminotellers]

Once the poncho is good, the rain stops to be a problem… but let me tell you that we have tried many bad ponchos before and got wet many, many times! Enjoy your camino

[@jimmyjohnny3779]

Che simpatici ❤

[@caminotellers]

grazie!!!!

[@angelikabrady3634]

Thank you for some very valuable advice and tips as I will embark on my first camino at the end of September. I have now a good idea for my camino shopping list and what NOT to bring 😊

[@caminotellers]

to be honest, we always bring to much, so if you forget few things at home, you will actually do yourself a favour!

[@MrRenny1968]

Hi. Thank you so much for your Chanel it’s so helpful. The advice is excellent 😊

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for watching! When is your Camino??

[@rayw6359]

Good info. Still nervous about my Camino. All your share is so helpful. Thank you and be safe as your enjoy Japan.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks Ray!

[@caminotellers]

You already did the first step, now only make one more! And one more… remember that we- erica and Ricky- and the whole community are here to help!

[@caminodantoo]

Poncho doubles as a rain or solar shelter, if laying up for a couple of hours.

[@amyrullo549]

I plan on leaving SJPP the last week of May 2024 on Frances! So excited!

[@caminotellers]

We will be there too!

[@amyrullo549]

@@caminotellers I so hope I run into you! would love to meet you!!!!🥰

[@Dr.AsmaAli80]

I start 1st May !

[@glennfoster5431]

I think i will either walk in may from 6th or September! I'm coming from Australia for a stay and also for the camino de santiago. Not sure which month yet! Probably use a longer time to walk as I'm 60 and not in good form.

[@caminotellers]

The long and slow walks are what we like, as there are many things to appreciate! Both months are good to walk and I think that may jun and July it shouldn’t get hot for an Aussie ;) hugs

[@Laura-rp5jh]

You are a youngster I am also Australian and plan to do CF this year as I will be 78!

[@fv1291]

Hola chicos!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@maradall]

On a 5 day hike in the Kamikochi Alps in Japan, I had a high tech rain jacket and pants... they were great for the first day of rain. So was my tent. Then it kept raining... and raining... after the second full day of unrelenting rain, let me tell you, no rain gear is going to hold up. Call me a wimp, but I bailed out after 3 days...

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for sharing! I remember when we walked Gandhi Salt march in the middle of the monsoon! No rain jacket 🧥 is good enough.

[@laurieisbister8039]

Yea we are going October 2024 🎉

[@caminotellers]

Wop wop! Or rather say tick tock… :)

[@violarichter9426]

hi everyone im new here and was trying to look at part one before tomorrow

[@caminotellers]

Welcome to the tribe

[@davidpippin3460]

I am doing the Camino Ingles in the last few days of September and first 4 days of October. Hopefully the crowds have thinned out by then. I am taking a light sleeping bag and rain jacket and umbrella "just in case"

[@isegrim1978]

Perfekt, i start on the 8th of May....

[@caminotellers]

Tick tock….

[@isegrim1978]

@@caminotellers yeah, getting a tad bit nervous. But that is just another sign how desperately I need this time out.

[@laurieisbister8039]

I have a raincoat but will likely get a poncho

[@caminotellers]

See other people comments and make a good decision :)

[@SN-hg6bx]

Guys!!! It would be so cool to get a qigong retreat for teaching degree at your place!!! I find them all over the world but……it would be awsome to be able to combine the both👍👍👍

[@caminotellers]

We do qi gong on our retreats but they general clases, not Teacher Training… that would be a totally new adventure! Come to one of our retreats before the Camino and then walk it!!!

[@elineo1350]

The days are longer in springtime, which I like. Bit colder too, but warm clothes can fix that problem. I'm a poncho-fan. Walked 2 camino's with (the same!) one-dollar poncho, till it was ripped apart by the wind. 3th one with an Altus. Best raingear so far. Still looking for a solution for soaked shoes... hate it...😢

[@elineo1350]

Oh, and by the way, met you guys on the Portugues last spring, I think?

[@caminotellers]

We remember someone with soaked shoes… just kidding! Glad to hear your point of view!

[@Laura-rp5jh]

For footwear in the rain wear keen sandals with waterproof socks as the keen's will dry quickly

[@grahame5066]

What do you think about wearing the rain jacket but adding a poncho for the pack on very wet days? They’re light.

[@caminotellers]

Could be done… 👍

[@ChrisKingman]

Another great video guys! Thank you! 😊 I am planning on walking for a week in either may or June, when you talk about everyone starting at the beginning of a month, do you mean from the start (ie a full Camino)? So if I start at the beginning of the month, but only 100km from Santiago would that be the best time? I hope this question makes sense?!!😆 ✌🏼❤️

[@caminotellers]

Hellooo’! Thanks for your questions, it makes sense, we will answer it in today’s live stream: kzbin.infonbi7UeqqSCM?si=wQa0BvR4EDbLJ6u_

[@MennoFlatSpecialist]

So if one was to start from Leon, I assume it would be good to start in the 1st week of a month, to have a head start on the busy crowds who start in Jean Pied? Does that make sense?

[@caminotellers]

No as many people start from the SJPDP, many also start in Leon… but your logic has lot of sense!

[@ronaldc6564]

Will there be a retreat in May 2025? 70th BD May 9th. Planning to be in SJPDP May8,2025. I will probably make reservations for the first week.

[@caminotellers]

Hello Ronald, Wow such a great achievement, and what an amazing way to celebrate your birthday! There are still spots available for the retreat, it's from the 6th to the 9th of May, does it suit your plans? Here you can see details and register: caminotellers.com/the-journey-within-retreat/ We are going to have the first pre-Camino support call on the 20th of December, we'll get to know one another and then start the preparation calls :) In January we are going to see the stage planning part with the best places where to stop! Hope to have you with us!

[@pruizdiaz]

I really enjoy your videos, they're both very useful and inspirational. A friend and I are planning to start the Camino Francés in mid September of 2025 (avoiding the first 2 weeks as you told). We plan to hire a transport service on the Camino de Santiago to carry our backpacks, so my question is if we nonetheless have to buy a proper backpack, like the Osprey Kestrel 38L that you mentioned, and what kind of smaller backpack is recommended for everyday use. Thanks in advance.

[@caminotellers]

Welcome onboard! Thanks for your kind words :) considering that you will send the bag, I would use any that you might have and for walking I would have something that could carry a bottle of water(1,5-2) some snacks or food, maybe a guidebook and Journal and somethinhg for the rain as you wish to start mid September… keep it basic! A 20l bag should be fine. When choosing one let the straps be wide so they don’t make you feel uncomfortable 😳 there are many brands, that make descent 20l bags , but you might just choose something average as it won’t carry a heavy load. I hope this could be helpful ;) feel free to ask any question , hopefully we will know how to help. Hugs

[@pruizdiaz]

Thank you so much, greetings from Argentina @@caminotellers

[@msarmar1905]

¿Qué os parece un buen paraguas, amplio? Se evita la sudoración excesiva. Me vino muy bien en enero/febrero de 2004, con mucha lluvia y nieve. Además, puede utilizarse como bastón.

[@caminotellers]

Hay hiking paraguas… más pequeñas y preparadas para el viento fuerte!!!

[@msarmar1905]

@@caminotellers Soy más clásico. Paraguas muy amplio y contundente, vasco a ser posible. Total, si sopla viento me voy a mojar igual. Buen Camino 😀🕺

[@Akioponte]

Thank you for the valuable information! I'm doing the Camino in from the 27th of March until the 3rd of May. Why didn't you even mention umbrellas? Are they completely out of the question?

[@caminotellers]

Mmm, umbrella is a really handy item, although it has to be well maid- we got a hiking umbrella last year and we enjoyed it, until it got destroyed… and the uv umbrellas are also an idea for summer! Are you walking the French way??

[@sylvia3867]

Could I buy a good poncho at SJPDP when I get there? Thank you for your very informative video! 🙏🏻

[@caminotellers]

There is a big hiking shop on the Main Street(where the pilgrim office is), literally 3min away

[@sylvia3867]

@@caminotellers Thank you so much for your reply! I hope to meet you both one day! Greetings from Down Under🙏🏻

[@marciafontenot9069]

I love this walking podcast. I would like to know, do I need a sleeping bag if I begin my Camino in early May?

[@TheVJohnso]

I am wondering the same thing. Bag or liner?

[@marciafontenot9069]

I forgot to say I am planning to walk the Francès.

[@caminotellers]

Liner

[@caminotellers]

Liner

[@joaopedrobreda]

To do the Portuguese central route in the last week of October 2024, what do you recommend? goretex sneakers or its better boots? thanks for all of your information.

[@caminotellers]

Goretex sneakers, plenty of pavement on the Portugues so rigid hiking buts can be a pain…

[@joaopedrobreda]

⁠@@caminotellersThanks! It will be my first Camino and you two are already an inspiration. I'm trying to absorve as much as information you give to. Thank you one more time.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

I was thinking of starting late April (20th-24th) 2025 and doing the French way. My wife is a teacher and she wants to meet me in Barcelona after she get's out of school in late May. Is this a good plan or too crowded.

[@tomammentorp4716]

Hello! I'm hiking from Lugo to Santiago the last week of May. Statistics say that there are 10 days of rain in May...you say to not have water proof or Gore Tex boots. Is it better to have water proofing of boots in case it rains??? Thanks much!

[@caminotellers]

Goretex or not is a hard decision… maybe see our last shoe video as we took a one full chapter about it, but just to make it clear, there is no ONE answer!

[@jennyzhang784]

How do you feel the performance of poncho during windy rain storm?

[@caminotellers]

Average.. to be honest! We try to keep our hands close to the body and that normally helps

[@anaortiz1771]

So which camino is best at the end of April -end of May?

[@caminotellers]

French is a good choice, although it all depends what is the preferred condition for you

[@anaortiz1771]

Hi the more I look the videos an learned about camino, I think the camino Frances would be a good for me.

[@anaortiz1771]

Thank you fo your insights.

[@SN-hg6bx]

I love ponchos but….whyyyyyyyy do they have short sleeves🤷‍♀️. I wish i could find one light wear with fully covered arms 😩

[@caminotellers]

Altrus are a decent ponchos with the long sleeve….

[@scotbotvideos]

Altus Atmospheric all the way. Rain jackets are way too heavy, and even though they claim to be breathable, you're still gonna sweat like crazy in them.

[@sanvat6379]

Moreover, I think, the name #Poncho sounds more cute than somewhat strict #RainJacket... 😁

[@caminotellers]

Poncho brings Joy 🤩

[@Dicht002]

With the risk of sounding a bad person, do priests get discount? I don't want special treatment. I am just poor and looks for ways to lower my budget 😂 I would like also to say the Mass everyday. Are church's welcoming? Or do I bring hosties and wine with me?

[@caminotellers]

There is a space for everyone on the Camino and probably you can find many donation based albergues or municipal that are really cheap compared to hotels…. Regarding the churches or mass, you will have plenty options to do so… or maybe do it yourself for fellow pilgrims in the middle of the field or under a tree, that would be sooo special!

[@Dicht002]

@@caminotellers great idea actually.

[@diane2188]

fewer people

[@caminotellers]

We all like fewer people!

[@davang595]

How to go toilet on Camino?

[@caminotellers]

There are plenty toilets on the way - bars, restaurants…

[@brentmiles2230]

Will you have retreats in 2025?

[@brentmiles2230]

Nevermind, I found the info on your website. I enjoy your videos very much. Thank you for all that you do.

[@caminotellers]

@@brentmiles2230 thanks! We have already announced the retreats for 2025 a week ago! When is your Camino?

[@brentmiles2230]

@@caminotellers I am thinking Sep 25 sounds good!

[@heather333]

Don't go at all! Go on one of the less popular routes.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks!