• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • 20% off everything Altus the next few days at the Camino Forum Store. More here. (Discount taken at check out)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Advanced search…

Search results for query: *

  1. Gobsmacked by the World

    The Shell Toucher hat

    Well played. But that did remind, I loved that Garcia Marquez book, mind you I read it about a hundred years ago as well. I might need to revisit that. Off topic to this thread (but related to good books) I hate the post-Internet brain that I have now, with its' shortened attention span. I used...
  2. Gobsmacked by the World

    Surprised at our test results poncho vs jacket

    When you're in Spain go to the next Decathlon in your travels and get this poncho, you will not regret it. https://www.decathlon.es/es/p/poncho-impermeable-de-montana-y-trekking-max-75-litros-adulto-quechua-900/_/R-p-5389?mc=8302453 It is in the same design pattern as the Altus, arms, huge pit...
  3. Gobsmacked by the World

    The Shell Toucher hat

    Looks like a good way to guarantee that you’d walk the Camino alone. It is a hard shell, so it doesn’t fold up, can’t be put in a pocket or otherwise ‘travel’ well. It actually doesn’t even provide good sun coverage, which is the primary purpose of a Camino hat. Sunday Afternoon has nice light...
  4. Gobsmacked by the World

    How to order from Decathlon Spain if in Canada/USA.

    Thanks, I’ve decided I’ll have to wait.
  5. Gobsmacked by the World

    How to order from Decathlon Spain if in Canada/USA.

    Hello, I am in Canada and Decathlon Canada (and USA from what I see) carry only a fraction of the stock that Decathlons in Spain or France do, even of their of “company” brands like Quechua/Forclaz, etc. I have emailed the Canadian Decathlon, but they have not been overly helpful, essentially...
  6. Gobsmacked by the World

    Pacer poles / York Nordics?

    Hello, I have decided to take the plunge and do another Camino but I am in somewhat agony about hiking poles. I have a pair of servicable Leki poles, nothing wrong with them. However I do currently suffer from 'trigger finger' and grasping can sometimes be annoying. I have stalked the Pacer...
  7. Gobsmacked by the World

    Albergue pillows

    I’m not keen on the idea of putting my face right against a permethrin treated pillow myself. We each have our own comfort levels though. I’ve not done it, but have considered, bringing my own bedbug proof pillow case. They’re cheap light and you could stuff whatever you want in. I bring an...
  8. Gobsmacked by the World

    Pack Cover Failure

    If I may offer a possible solution… go to the dollar store, sewing supplies and buy a plastic grommet, so cheap they’ll come in a bag. Poke a hole in the bottom of your rain cover, affix said grommet to prevent the hole from becoming larger, you’ve now got a drainage hole. I also prefer to use a...
  9. Gobsmacked by the World

    Reflective SOL Poncho

    I admit it…I love my brilliant orange/red Decathlon poncho. I suppose it’s’ our fate to always be muttering under our breath on Camino…whilst on trail “WHY did I bring XYZ, my pack would be so much lighter if I hadn’t “….then once in the albergue…”WHY didn’t I BRING XYZ! My life would be...
  10. Gobsmacked by the World

    Reflective SOL Poncho

    Hi, A peregrina turned me onto this SOL poncho awhile ago, wondering about Forum thoughts. Only 2.7 ounces, 77 grams, it is robust, waterproof. I presume it is hot due to the reflective nature of it, but all ponchos are hot.... If not travelling in the early Spring or late Fall this may useful...
  11. Gobsmacked by the World

    Lightweight Blankets for Walking the Camino

    No, I’ve not. TBH I got the hack ideas from an ultralight thoughhiker on YouTube and I haven’t tried it “in the wild” yet. I found that some of the albergues on the CF in mid October were cold as heck…and I had a lousy sleep, and felt brutal the next day. I’ve ditched the Decathlon sleeping bag...
  12. Gobsmacked by the World

    Lightweight Blankets for Walking the Camino

    No…and yes. Those mylar blankets are way too noisy (as noted elsewhere) and while they hold heat well, they also collect moisture so you wake up in the middle of the night dripping wet from your own condensation. However: https://www.surviveoutdoorslonger.com/products/escape-bivvy-orange Makes...
  13. Gobsmacked by the World

    The Packa vs Altus Poncho

    Damn you’re hardcore.
  14. Gobsmacked by the World

    The Packa vs Altus Poncho

    https://www.decathlon.es/es/p/poncho-impermeable-de-montana-y-trekking-max-75-litros-adulto-quechua-900/_/R-p-5389?mc=8302453 45 Euro (about same as USD)
  15. Gobsmacked by the World

    The Packa vs Altus Poncho

    I can confirm that the MT900 from Decathlon is truly awesome. The only poncho to have in a real steady downpour. I remember the walk up to Finesterre lighthouse, a storm coming in off the ocean...I was the only one of our little group that didn't look like a drowned rat at the end, thanks to...
  16. Gobsmacked by the World

    OK guys, what underwear?

    I can appreciate your frustration with buying (often over priced) items and they not work out, then just getting shoved to the back of your drawer. Saxx underwear are good, I’d recommend their ‘cool mesh’ that help with air circulation, hopefully reducing one’s “swamp *ss” at the end of the...
  17. Gobsmacked by the World

    Pocket coin pouch for those EU coins?

    Before I left, I went to the dollar store and bought a little girl's coin purse for a dollar. It had a cute little kitten on the side. Even cuter than the one below. I am older and uglier than dirt, so the incongruity of me hauling out my coin purse was hilarious. More than a few store clerks...
  18. Gobsmacked by the World

    Best spots to buy camino gear in London?

    I concur about premium kit is not needed. An entire cottage industry has sprung up around suggesting that premium gear is needed for the Camino, it is. People walked in in the Middle Ages, so I think that we will be fine with non-tier one gear. That said, I am a gear addict, so can be a little...
  19. Gobsmacked by the World

    Is this Camino clothing heresy?

    My vote would be “nay” to a boiler suit. If you have to use the facilities for, unh…a more complicated relief of nature, boiler suits always seem to wind up getting on the floor of the lavatory, making one’s…task…far more complicated than one would like. I appreciate the desire to get away from...
  20. Gobsmacked by the World

    Which jacket?

    If you’ve a lot of merino wool, you might consider dropping the fleece. I am not a huge fan of Gucci gear, so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, I truly covet good design and materials but a) I expect my stuff to get a little trashed, so why buy top of the line? b) the extra money could be spent on...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Latest posts

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top