Abe's Pro Tips: Pilgrim Fashion

No matter whether or not we have on our backpacks, or are carrying our trusty walking sticks, the locals always seem to pick-up on the fact that we're pilgrims. Once we decided that it couldn't be our terrible Spanish or our inability to get around the city that was giving us away there was only one answer left; it was the pilgrim's unique sense of fashion that set off the locals perigrino radar. Here are the highlights from our 2013 collection.

Cold-weather gear:

For those days in late May when it's literally freezing outside.

On days like this your backpack should be extra-light because you will be wearing every piece of clothing you have: t-shirt, long-sleeve, jacket, rain-coat, hat, pants, rain-pants (not pictured). Just put it all on.

Warm-weather gear:

If you start when we did, you will likely start off everyday with some version of the cold weather gear on because it's just cold in the mornings. However, there are plenty of options once the sun starts to come out.

Remember how cool zip-off pants were in the late 90's (ok maybe they weren't so cool, but I was 10 and they were cool to me), well they're back, at least on the camino. So when you start to feel a little warm, go ahead and zip those pants into shorts. Let those high socks breath.

If its not quit warm enough for shorts but pants are a little too restricting, the ladies have a lovely in between option.

City wear:

Once you're done walking for the day, and after the obligitory siesta, you may want to go explore the city. But not in those ragity old walking clothes. Never fear we have colorful, light-wieght, nylon dresses for the women (no great pic of it).

And collared golf shirts for boys (don't be afraid to wrap you jacket around your waist if you think it may be cold but want your hands free).

Head-gear:

While the sun is a welcome guest on the camino, too much can badly burn you face and neck. If only there was a way to shade those areas and still enjoy the sun. Don't worry these broad rimmed hats do the trick.

Foot wear:

Last but not least we come to the feet, the most abused body part on the camino. Of course there are trail shoes, but the most telling perigrino footwear is the emphatic use of the chaco and socks combination.

If thats not fashionable I don't know what is.

Needless to say pilgrim fashion can easily be summed up as: Ain't nobody got time for that.

But then again we could walk cross Spain looking like this.