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  1. happymarkos

    Walking in Rain

    Ever tried to put on a poncho over your pack on your own in windy and rainy weather? That will give you some idea of how difficult it is. Rain jacket doubles as a wind cheater as well so much more versatile. Rain pants keep rain off and if warm can be worn over underwear. Very versatile, easy...
  2. happymarkos

    Hikers / Lamb Wool

    Suggest use with caution If intended for the front of the footwear it can cause its own problems, as I found out. It bunches up, a type of felting from pressure, sweat and heat. Perhaps I wasn’t using it correctly. ???
  3. happymarkos

    How to choose shoes?

    It’s a serious matter. A few tips gained painfully Buy footwear a half or full size larger than normal as feet swell. If normal can loose toe nails particularly walking down hills. Also more rubbing. If hot weather unlikely to need boots, walking sandals are an option. If cold then boots will...
  4. happymarkos

    Ordering new Meindl hiking shoes

    I have had mine repaired. Being an EU brand should not be any customs issues if ordered from a German stockist. Best to get repaired
  5. happymarkos

    Fleece, thin down or both under North Face rain jacket? (Leaving tomorrow)

    Generally start with minimum layers if you have a vent jacket as the outer layer as you will definitely warm up as you walk. Easier than starting fully layered then having to stop soon after, take off your pack, jacket etc to remove one layer. Light weight merino is my choice, 150 grams for...
  6. happymarkos

    Pack Cover Failure

    The good ones have drainage holes in the bottom. Just make sure they are unhindered. My wife always uses a rubbish bag as an internal liner. I just use stuff bags.
  7. happymarkos

    Sun Sleeves?

    I wear light gloves to protect my hands from the sun when it’s sunny especially when using walking poles. Heavy ones when it’s cold for warmth. I love my Columbia trekking shirt with sleeves that role up and can be secured with a loop and button. Great protection also from bugs and scratches...
  8. happymarkos

    OK guys, what underwear?

    Depends on the season. Just like the other clothes and footwear. If hot and sweaty the golden rule is to have a fabric that doesn’t retain sweat. There is plenty to choose from for summer/ hot weather. My preference is merino or synthetic. You need to find out yourself. If cold weather then...
  9. happymarkos

    Shoe choice

    Whatever you do two rules Rule 1 don’t just shop by brand. Find out what fits. Rule 2 don’t by online. Unfortunately there can be manufacturing difference For the same shoe, even between left and right boots. I have different footwear for different seasons. Buen Camino
  10. happymarkos

    Long pants and long sleeves in summer? Smart or big mistake?

    Wear gloves as well, white ones or light weight merino. Also linen and cotton clothes are definitely out as they hold the sweat. Socks the very worst. Merino or synthetic or blends to avoid blisters. Some feet can sweat a cup of liquid!! Start very early, say 6 am and stop by noon. Peak heat in...
  11. happymarkos

    It's been done before... cutlery/bowl/cup?

    I wouldn’t bother with all that. What we have if we want to stop and have our own picnic lunch is a knife/spoon/fork combination. Just buy what we need that morning and carry until time to eat. Cheese, bread, tomato, tin tuna or sardines ring pull. Very easy, inexpensive and healthy. 😋
  12. happymarkos

    What does "good shoes" mean?

    It all depends on the weather. If snow is likely then higher sided boots keep out slush, rain and mud. Gaiters are also a suggestion just to be sure. Love the Lowas for that. Depends on how much body weigh you are and what backpack weight. If on the heavy side all up sturdy footwear that...
  13. happymarkos

    Hiking stick instead of walking poles

    This can be contentious The pros of walking poles are many including if used correctly reducing strain on ankles, knees, hips etc by medically tested up to 40% They give stability on uneven ground and can be lengthened going down steep hills and shorten to help drive you up steep ones...
  14. happymarkos

    Which Jacket?

    I walked the cf in late April some years ago. Some snow/ ice past the peak then generally ok weather. Suggest good shell, layers to wear under and rain pants. In warm wet weather can wear the rain pants over underwear. Trousers that can be adapted as shorts as well Easy to buy and missing items...
  15. happymarkos

    Remedy for lessons learned

    That’s a lot of walking. I am sure you will enjoy the VDLP and it will be cold by the time you finish Don’t forget you can buy clothes along the way, others may have too much and share with you. Also often albergues have lots of items left by other pilgrims. They say we pack our fears. Best...
  16. happymarkos

    Hiking shoes or sandals?

    I also have these and they are made to have orthotics. Love the toe cap. Can wear with socks if required.
  17. happymarkos

    Trail Runners I'm Looking at

    Hi Robo I have faced a similar issue as the weight difference between boots and walking footwear is substantial. My heaviest are Meindl Butan great in snow and mud but weight almost 2 kgs. Apart from sandals, the Europeans have some purpose built walking shoes. The ones I like are Hangwag which...
  18. happymarkos

    European walking shoes?

    Hi AZgirl there are many ones manufactured in the EU, and other European brands that are manufactured in China or similar. I have both Meindl and Hanwag, two very old German manufacturers. One advantage is you can fully resole them and even have repairs on other parts including the uppers. Both...
  19. happymarkos

    Gaiters

    I have some excellent RAB gaiters that come up to the calves. Great when there is mud, snow and slush. Keep the boots cleaner and drier as well as the lower legs on my trousers or rain leggings. So for me weather dependent. Will be completing the VLDP starting late March from Zamora and don't...
  20. happymarkos

    Gaiters or waterproof socks

    Gaiters keep mud and slush out of footwear and reduce the mud build up on the leggings. Need good quality that stay up. I like the Rab ones

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