[Gocamino] fall weather

[Grant Spangler]

Vera,
As with many things you need to put the sleeping and clothing into context. 
I have gone a-wandering down the yellow markered road in the late autumn. 
The weather is generally still warm, especially the Meseta, and keeping cool 
is still an issue. I have walked in sandals and shorts through mid-November 
to no ill effect. A silk sleep sack did me just fine in sleeping comfort, 
but some may wish to schlepp a light down bag. It's the cusp of dry/wet and 
hot/cold seasons so you make the call. I revel in the lightness of my pack. 
One thing I will emphasize is good foul weather gear. Nothing nothing 
nothing will beat a good rain jacket in a high wind. My fave is a compact 
model from RedLedge. I used to poo-poo rain pants untill caught in a nasty 
squall line descending O Cebreiro. I am now a believer. My Thunderlight 
Jacket is well-ventilated, but will also withstand a frontal onslaught of 
H2O. The pants are a full side-zip and vent well, and go on and off without 
removing the boots. Here are a few of the things I use, along with the 
vendor's descriptions ...

Mountain Hardwear Phantom: A Camino cool season down bag (609 grams)
http://www.rei.com/product/47693668.htm

Cocoon Silk Sleep Sack: A Camino summer sleeping bag (178 grams)
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?catalogId=40000008000&productId=47786072

Red Ledge 'A081' Thunderlight Jacket: Hooded, vented, compact (395 grams)
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=3192609

Red Ledge Thunderlight Rain Pant: Full zippered leg, compact (280 grams)
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=3192620

Patagonia Synchilla Vest: Warmth without weight (315 grams)
http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&sku=25182

As for the battery gig, I have had to carry a charger for my camera since it 
insisted on a lithium battery, and would not accept AA cells. I never lacked 
for outlets to charge my device, but I did so while I was in attendence. 
Walking off and leaving your phone or camera charging is asking for trouble, 
even in the midst of pilgrims. (Hint: they ain't all so pilgrimesque.) NiMH 
batteries are the next best power density to a lithium arrangement. Nicads 
come next, and Alkalines are a distant last place. Try to avoid cameras 
which run on two AA or even worse, two AAA batteries. These tend to be 
geared towards small and cute versus a long battery life. You may find 
yourself charging or replaceing batteries waaaay to often with these little 
baubles.

Have a good Journey.

Buen Camino,

Grant

Grant Spangler
GASpangler at hotmail.com
http://groups.msn.com/ElCaminoSantiago
http://community.webshots.com/user/ElCaminoSantiago