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  1. Tom Conklin

    Would it be overkill to bring both a rain jacket and the Altus poncho in Oct/Nov?

    I took a Patagonia Torentshell on the Norte/Primitivo in the fall of 2023. It works well almost all of the time. However, if you get a lot of continuous rain, even a Gortex jacket will give up the ghost. Last fall there was a lot of continuous rain and everyone's rain jackets gave up the ghost...
  2. Tom Conklin

    Bank verification with Spanish SIM

    I had the same issues last year and this sounds like a pretty good work around. I also found that email verification was not allowed by TD and VISA.
  3. Tom Conklin

    What clothes to wear at night?

    I usually sleep in my underwear but I may have misunderstood your question.
  4. Tom Conklin

    How much data do I need on an eSIM for the entire Camino Frances

    My experience (a month ago) is that physical sims are much, much cheaper in Spain. For some reason you can get 50 or even 100G for 15Euros. Right now Airalo has 10G on sale for $12US. You can also make calls with a physical sim; most esims do not allow for calling.
  5. Tom Conklin

    Favourite Socks

    I just noticed piling in my SmartWool socks but usually after a season. How does the piling affect your feet? The piling I am seeing is mostly on the outside of the sock. It's something I will definitely keep in mind. Because of all of the comments here I am really looking forward to trying the...
  6. Tom Conklin

    Favourite Socks

    These are all great suggestions. I've even ordered some Injinjis to see how they work, but there are so many other variables that affect blister production, particularly training. Blisters, I think, come first and foremost to feet that have not been worked in and hardened up. I haven't had many...
  7. Tom Conklin

    Favourite Socks

    SmartWool Hike full cushion socks worked for me on the Via. Make sure you get the right size. I am 5 foot 9 and 180lbs, size 10.5 - 11 shoe and medium fit me perfectly. I find that if they are too big the seams can cause some friction.
  8. Tom Conklin

    OH NO! No more New Balance on the SL-2

    I used the NB Hierro V7 on the Via last year and I’m training for the Norte with them this year.
  9. Tom Conklin

    SIM card and place to purchase

    What phone number would you use?
  10. Tom Conklin

    SIM card and place to purchase

    I have used eSIMSs and they work well but you cannot contact albergues that need you to call them.
  11. Tom Conklin

    SIM card and place to purchase

    You can buy a SIM card from Amazon. Just have it delivered to your home before you fly over. Spain has very good rates and this is usually reflected in the advertising on Amazon. The most recent price I saw was $24 for 14G useable all over Europe but it was also good for over 100G in Spain. If...
  12. Tom Conklin

    Saucony Kinvara as camino shoes

    I have used the Kinvara as running shoe and loved them but they wear out very quickly. If you can afford it, try training in them for 10 to 15 days to see how they wear.
  13. Tom Conklin

    What shoes type during full winter?

    I live in Ottawa, Canada. I did the Via in March/April last year. I trained for that Camino in January and February at temperatures up to -20C and in slush and I used the trail running shoes I walked with in Spain. I have also trained for marathons in the winter in normal running shoes. The...
  14. Tom Conklin

    Sleeping sac - I'm looking for the lightest

    I used the Sea to Summit Traveller Tr1 lightweight sleeping bag. It weighs less than a pound (450g) and has a draw string rather than closed bottom. It cost about $250 Cdn from MEC and worked perfectly on the Via last March/April. I was amazed at how much heat it generated/retained and I...
  15. Tom Conklin

    Decathlon Trail Runners...

    In Canada where there are also Decathlon stores, the stock is very different from Europe. Here in Ottawa they mostly carry their own products. In Spain the shoe selection crosses all major brands. I found the prices for name brands (New Balance, Merrell etc.) to be a bit cheaper in Europe.
  16. Tom Conklin

    Price of Sim Card

    Apparently I had the same plan on the Via last month. It was great. Made me ashamed to be a Canadian, which is very hard to do. Vodaphone coverage was great with the exception of two or three places which made up less than 1% of the places I walked. Worked fine in Amsterdam too which means...
  17. Tom Conklin

    cutting down the packing list

    I am heading to St. Jean on September 14 and am hoping to get to Santiago by October 15 or 16. I am pretty well-prepared but I have two packing/supplies questions. These are both climate-related. I am wondering if I will need a light (1Kg) sleeping bag or if a sheet and fleece liner will be...

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