I've walked the Camino before, starting in Le Puy. I've recently gotten married and we'd like to do a long distance hike/walk. We don't have much money and we'd like to do both the Camino and the Appalachian Trail at some point. Which would be the more "practical" choice, taking into consideration budget and time?
I would want to take 3-4 months for the Camino starting from Le Puy because we're not in the greatest shape, and I know it would take at least that long to through-walk the entire distance to Santiago from Le Puy based on my previous walk. It's a shorter time period than the AT, which takes about 6-7 months on average from what I've heard and read. But I don't know which would actually be more expensive because of the food and lodging the Camino requires, along with the plane tickets.
Has anyone here done both? Which would be your recommendation to start with?
Hi and great question! I have done both. I did the AT in 2000 and the CdS last summer (2016). By FAR the Camino is easier! Since one of your concerns is cost, I will it cost me a bit more to do the AT (even with inflation) for a few reasons. The AT will take you longer, probably 6X longer. You will need to stay in town (at least the vast majority of people do) about once/week, sometimes more if you have bad weather. And, then you pay US prices. On the Camino you are paying between 5 and 11 euros/night, depending on the type of accommodation. You will undoubtedly replace gear along the way and will buy new and lighter equipment. (Everyone I know does!)
Another issue is the type of walking. The AT is constant up and down. Depending on your fitness level, it could hurt. On the other hand, the C is a lot of walking on hard surfaces and your feet will hurt.
The C has daily opportunities for breaks. You eat in small hole-in-the-wall places, nice restaurants, bars and/or you can cook in many albergues and hostels. On the AT you cook out. If you need a rest day or a short day, it is available every day on the C. You can always rest on the AT but you may need to walk a half day to get somewhere.
You carry a lot more weight on the AT. I am into lightweight backpacking and have bought good and lightweight equipment. Even being pretty radical about it, my core pack weight is 20 lb, then I add 2 lb/day for food and carry water. Heading out of town I am at 30 lb + or -. On the CdS you do not carry tent, full sleeping bad (depending on the time of year), pad, cooking gear, as much emergency stuff, water filter, etc. So, my pack for the C was about 15 lb. That could be a consideration if you are concerned about conditioning.
On the AT you sleep in a lean-to shelter or in your tent or (in my case) under a tarp every night, with about a night per week in a motel. On the C you sleep in a bed every night. Snoring can be an issue in both. At least on the AT you can more your tent away from others if needed.
I hiked the AT in 2000 the summer I turned 48 and the CdS in 2016 and began the day after I turned 64. I am in pretty good shape, a marathon runner, etc. I did not feel like I was pushing on either hike but I do like to keep moving. The AT took me 5 months and 3 weeks and the CdS took me 26 days. I just say that for comparison and as a point of reference.
Both were spiritually rich for me, both were extremely satisfying. I remain interested in doing both again and maybe throwing in the PCT as a retirement bonus.
You will not regret either! I wish you the best.
Loren