Tips for wet weather
Staying dry or as dry as possible is certainly a preferred way…..
However, it does depend on what time of the year you’re walking. In July and August, your concerns are low. Maybe a few damp days in Galicia that a spray jacket is all that’s needed. If you plan to walk in the spring or autumn and you don’t wish to be soaked and cold, you need to take wet weather gear. In order of priority;
A poncho with a zip or buttons on the front that’s designed to go over your backpack. The front zip makes it a lot easier to get over your backpack. Many say; I’ve a backpack cover and that’s enough with a spray jacket. From experience, rain will run off your hood down your back and soak into your back pack. and all your clothes. The backpack cover doesn’t stop this water.
Waterproof pants are really good for wet weather. Without them, water runs down off your poncho , on to your legs soaking into your socks and eventually your boots. Be sure the waterproof pants are long enough to cover the top of your boots.
Waterproof boots or trekking shoes are sometimes questionable. Once the inside of your shoe has become wet, it’s often not easy to dry them out. And often the damp shoe is due to sweating feet ! If you decide not to have waterproof shoes, then wool socks are a must. They wick away moisture best and dry faster. Certainly no cotton socks!
Waterproof hats are dual purpose - keeping the rain off your face and protection against the sun.