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Packing two packs for three people (Camino Frances)

allykat

Camino Hopeful
Time of past OR future Camino
(2013) 6/19-7/31 CF/Fisterra
(2021) 6/16-7/31 CF/Fisterra
Hey awesome people!

Backstory: My husband and I were supposed to walk the Camino de Santiago with a few close friends, have a small "ceremony" in Finisterre before heading back for a short but fun ceremony/reception smooshed together party back stateside. Long story painfully short both our families talked us out of going ("What will happen to your jobs?" "You can't afford such a long trip!" "You could always go another time!") and all the negativity got me worn down and I finally submitted to the traditionally wedding. It sucked, I still get sad about it... but I am wanting to move past it. That was 2016, 3 years after my first Camino.

Fast forward to now. Ty and I have been married for 3.5 years and we have a 2.5 year old girl who is... amazing. She LOVES to walk, and can walk for MILES, excited and happy to meet every person she sees. She has never been a stroller kid, even at Disney World where we were sure all the walking would necessitate stroller time everywhere we went... the Stroller became a hindrance quickly.

I think her spirit is trying to tell me I should re-visit the Camino de Santiago again with my family. But there are lots of logistics that are different now and I need to wrap my head around them.

IF we go, I want to go from June-July again because I loved the experience of finishing the Camino on The Day of Saint James, and obviously the earliest we could go is next year. I know it is a Holy year and while that might make it harder, I think it might also be even more amazing. I get excited just thinking about it.

So with all that exposition... my question is on packing. I have searched everywhere but I just don't have the info I need! Maybe someone here has seen or heard or knows how this works?

My husband and I typically carry her in a back sling (Like an Ergo) if we are on a long trek or need her to stay close in a crowd. We are looking at the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro for my husband to wear to hold her as needed on the long hikes each day.

But with that, our carrying weight starts to increase dramatically. I remember being the Pilgrim on the camino with my laptop in my pack and regretting my life. I know weight is an issue I will want to work on... but I also know I am going to have to accept that our packs will be heavier to accommodate the gear for Fred.

What have you, or someone you know or what do you think about weight and packing necessities when walking with a 3.5 year old?

I don't think I could get close to 10% of my body weight, and with her already at 31lbs (14kg) I don't know what 1 year will bring. She is a big kid, expressive and articulate and has such a energy for adventure that I feel like her soul is begging my to get out there and show her what gave me the wunderlust I have had to store for so long. But I don't want the trip to be focused on how heavy our packs are! Is taking a stroller really better? What packing alterations did you make (or would you make) to accommodate a youngling on your journey?

I know it is controversial to take kids on the Camino but... you'll just have to trust me that I have been fighting this feeling for months and can't really take it anymore!
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I have walked with all our kids since before they were born. Walking was part of our family culture and they all learnt to do it!
That said, we only ever did day hikes at home before our first Camino and so we didn’t have to carry gear. Our youngest was six when we did our first Camino - we carried her gear but she walked herself so that made it easier. So there are my first two suggestions - wait a couple more years (you might have to anyway due to border restrictions) and the weight problem will be solved! And in the meantime start doing day adventures at home.
If you were to do a multi-day trip you may find a stroller is more attractive than it was at Disneyworld - you could try it out anyway.
If you find a way to go soon, and you don’t want to use a stroller you could consider one of you carries the child (when she gets tired) and the other carries all your gear in a walking trailer.
Google “radical designs” for a nice trailer (but beware it has a scary price tag!!)
 
In my mind, this isn't just tripling Camino Pilgrimage Logistics, it is upping the Camino Pilgrimage Logistics by a factor of (at least) five. A small child's needs are at least triple that of an adult :) So, accommodations to allow for Kid Support Logistics must be a bit flexible.

Have you thought about having an entirely separate piece of luggage/bag, to contain all the extra stuff for ancillary Kid Support -- stuff, like the teddy bear, toys, sleep gear, extra clothing, dodads, etc? Then having that Kid Support Bag transported to your next location via whatever transport service is available? Heck, I would also think about having both of your adult backpacks transported as well.

For your walks each day, have one substantial and comfortable daypack, like the Osprey Stratos 24 or the Gossamer Gear Ranger 35, which can serve to carry the all the stuff everyone needs to have on hand during the day's walk. Stuff like rain gear, snacks, first aid/ blister kit, sunscreen, puffy jackets or fleece, etc.

Since you indicate that carrying your daughter is going to occur (however frequently), consider your daughter as a backpack-equivalent. Whoever is not carrying her, carries the daypack.

I did not read which Camino de Santiago your were planning to walk, but there are strollers which are designed for combinations of road, trail, and off-trail use. These are just a quick example of some:

The YouTube video series posted below, about a couple with a small child doing the Camino de Santiago / Portuguese, might give you some helpful ideas. PLUS we have a number of other Forum members who will hopefully share their practical insights, too.

 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
I have walked with all our kids since before they were born. Walking was part of our family culture and they all learnt to do it!
That said, we only ever did day hikes at home before our first Camino and so we didn’t have to carry gear. Our youngest was six when we did our first Camino - we carried her gear but she walked herself so that made it easier. So there are my first two suggestions - wait a couple more years (you might have to anyway due to border restrictions) and the weight problem will be solved! And in the meantime start doing day adventures at home.
If you were to do a multi-day trip you may find a stroller is more attractive than it was at Disneyworld - you could try it out anyway.
If you find a way to go soon, and you don’t want to use a stroller you could consider one of you carries the child (when she gets tired) and the other carries all your gear in a walking trailer.
Google “radical designs” for a nice trailer (but beware it has a scary price tag!!)
Thank you so much for this amazing advice!

I will look into the trailer, honestly... I was seriously contemplating figuring out how to hire a donkey!! o_Oo_O

In all seriousness we have been on quite a few day-hikes but the weather in our area (rainy, cold, muddy) has prohibited most multi-night trips so far so once the national parks and such open back up we will be doing quite a bit of that to start the preparations (or learn the potential truth that our family isn't ready) regardless I am excited for the nice weather that will allow me to get my hiking fix.

This should be do-able... we just have to hope that the way will provide!
 
In my mind, this isn't just tripling Camino Pilgrimage Logistics, it is upping the Camino Pilgrimage Logistics by a factor of (at least) five. A small child's needs are at least triple that of an adult :) So, accommodations to allow for Kid Support Logistics must be a bit flexible.

Have you thought about having an entirely separate piece of luggage/bag, to contain all the extra stuff for ancillary Kid Support -- stuff, like the teddy bear, toys, sleep gear, extra clothing, dodads, etc? Then having that Kid Support Bag transported to your next location via whatever transport service is available? Heck, I would also think about having both of your adult backpacks transported as well.

For your walks each day, have one substantial and comfortable daypack, like the Osprey Stratos 24 or the Gossamer Gear Ranger 35, which can serve to carry the all the stuff everyone needs to have on hand during the day's walk. Stuff like rain gear, snacks, first aid/ blister kit, sunscreen, puffy jackets or fleece, etc.

Since you indicate that carrying your daughter is going to occur (however frequently), consider your daughter as a backpack-equivalent. Whoever is not carrying her, carries the daypack.

I did not read which Camino de Santiago your were planning to walk, but there are strollers which are designed for combinations of road, trail, and off-trail use. These are just a quick example of some:

The YouTube video series posted below, about a couple with a small child doing the Camino de Santiago / Portuguese, might give you some helpful ideas. PLUS we have a number of other Forum members who will hopefully share their practical insights, too.

This is great to know!

Our daughter is not so much a teddy bears and toys sort of girl as she is a sticks and rocks and flowers and mud lover... so while my plain is to have a toy for her...my intention is to make sure there are opportunities to get dirty and enjoy her favorite toy... the outdoors! But yeah... having a shuttle service transport her goods (or a good portion of all of our goods) might be the smart plan for this!

I need to do more research on the carrying versus stroller thing. Buying a stroller just for the camino might not be my favorite idea, especially since we already have a gifted jogging stroller and a stroller we bought for Disney plus two umbrella strollers we somehow acquired from friends or people (honestly I really don't know...)

We will be doing the Camino Frances since its what I know, what made me fall in love with the whole thing and seems the most accommodation friendly for a family with a little.

I am going to watch the HECK out of that series!!!!
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Absolutely nothing wrong in taking advantage of pack transport service, especially in your circumstances! Yes, it takes away some spontaneity, but with a small child, sticking to a schedule may be a good thing.
Thank you so much for this, I'll admit that its hard for me to imagine a Camino without my entire life for that month plus on my back.

But what I am trying to remind myself is that, more than anything, I can't imagine not going.

Edit to add: A fellow Oregonian! Can't wait to enjoy some hikes when there is more ability!
 
Thank you so much for this, I'll admit that its hard for me to imagine a Camino without my entire life for that month plus on my back.
I feel the same as a solo walker, but as you already know since when your child was born that everything is different now. Sometimes we all need a little help and support, and there is nothing wrong with accepting it. 😊

ETA: Go Ducks! or Beavers! 😂
 
Hey awesome people!

Backstory: My husband and I were supposed to walk the Camino de Santiago with a few close friends, have a small "ceremony" in Finisterre before heading back for a short but fun ceremony/reception smooshed together party back stateside. Long story painfully short both our families talked us out of going ("What will happen to your jobs?" "You can't afford such a long trip!" "You could always go another time!") and all the negativity got me worn down and I finally submitted to the traditionally wedding. It sucked, I still get sad about it... but I am wanting to move past it. That was 2016, 3 years after my first Camino.

Fast forward to now. Ty and I have been married for 3.5 years and we have a 2.5 year old girl who is... amazing. She LOVES to walk, and can walk for MILES, excited and happy to meet every person she sees. She has never been a stroller kid, even at Disney World where we were sure all the walking would necessitate stroller time everywhere we went... the Stroller became a hindrance quickly.

I think her spirit is trying to tell me I should re-visit the Camino de Santiago again with my family. But there are lots of logistics that are different now and I need to wrap my head around them.

IF we go, I want to go from June-July again because I loved the experience of finishing the Camino on The Day of Saint James, and obviously the earliest we could go is next year. I know it is a Holy year and while that might make it harder, I think it might also be even more amazing. I get excited just thinking about it.

So with all that exposition... my question is on packing. I have searched everywhere but I just don't have the info I need! Maybe someone here has seen or heard or knows how this works?

My husband and I typically carry her in a back sling (Like an Ergo) if we are on a long trek or need her to stay close in a crowd. We are looking at the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro for my husband to wear to hold her as needed on the long hikes each day.

But with that, our carrying weight starts to increase dramatically. I remember being the Pilgrim on the camino with my laptop in my pack and regretting my life. I know weight is an issue I will want to work on... but I also know I am going to have to accept that our packs will be heavier to accommodate the gear for Fred.

What have you, or someone you know or what do you think about weight and packing necessities when walking with a 3.5 year old?

I don't think I could get close to 10% of my body weight, and with her already at 31lbs (14kg) I don't know what 1 year will bring. She is a big kid, expressive and articulate and has such a energy for adventure that I feel like her soul is begging my to get out there and show her what gave me the wunderlust I have had to store for so long. But I don't want the trip to be focused on how heavy our packs are! Is taking a stroller really better? What packing alterations did you make (or would you make) to accommodate a youngling on your journey?

I know it is controversial to take kids on the Camino but... you'll just have to trust me that I have been fighting this feeling for months and can't really take it anymore!

What about a hip-belt hiking trolley? I have built my own and there is quite a bit of info on previous posts. Had I cash I would buy one ready made! They will carry all the weight you can throw at them, can strip down and the two wheeled variety should handle the Frances. I am sure there is an American firm and if not, there are German and Dutch models. You could get it delivered at the European end and perhaps sell it when returning home?
The best solution I ever came across was a young family from Nottingham, comprising him, her and two little girls, plus two very large donkeys! They were having the time of their lives! The donks were hired in France but delivered to them at Roncesvalles Hope this helps.

Buen camino. Walk soft. Stay safe and as ever

Vaya con Dios..

The Malingerer.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
And don't forget that "little girls get bigger every day" ;)

At 30 months/14kg she is just above the 75% for growth (don't panic, that's not bad - my first daughter was over the 95% for a long time, walked at just under 10 months and topped out at 181cm tall!).

By the time she hits 40 months yours will probably be pushing 17kg and that's a lot of energetic youngster to try and carry (and, if they are tired, a lot of dead weight too!)

Get everything transported. Each of you carries a minimal daypack, Missey included, and a rugged stroller/trolley for those times when bribery and chocolate cookies won't squeeze another step out of her.

But next year? Assuming there's not a second or even third wave of C19 before winter and with the Holy Year coming up . . . . northern Spain was always going to be rammed full in 2021 who knows what the backlog will be like?

Good luck whichever way you decide.
 
Hey awesome people!

Backstory: My husband and I were supposed to walk the Camino de Santiago with a few close friends, have a small "ceremony" in Finisterre before heading back for a short but fun ceremony/reception smooshed together party back stateside. Long story painfully short both our families talked us out of going ("What will happen to your jobs?" "You can't afford such a long trip!" "You could always go another time!") and all the negativity got me worn down and I finally submitted to the traditionally wedding. It sucked, I still get sad about it... but I am wanting to move past it. That was 2016, 3 years after my first Camino.

Fast forward to now. Ty and I have been married for 3.5 years and we have a 2.5 year old girl who is... amazing. She LOVES to walk, and can walk for MILES, excited and happy to meet every person she sees. She has never been a stroller kid, even at Disney World where we were sure all the walking would necessitate stroller time everywhere we went... the Stroller became a hindrance quickly.

I think her spirit is trying to tell me I should re-visit the Camino de Santiago again with my family. But there are lots of logistics that are different now and I need to wrap my head around them.

IF we go, I want to go from June-July again because I loved the experience of finishing the Camino on The Day of Saint James, and obviously the earliest we could go is next year. I know it is a Holy year and while that might make it harder, I think it might also be even more amazing. I get excited just thinking about it.

So with all that exposition... my question is on packing. I have searched everywhere but I just don't have the info I need! Maybe someone here has seen or heard or knows how this works?

My husband and I typically carry her in a back sling (Like an Ergo) if we are on a long trek or need her to stay close in a crowd. We are looking at the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro for my husband to wear to hold her as needed on the long hikes each day.

But with that, our carrying weight starts to increase dramatically. I remember being the Pilgrim on the camino with my laptop in my pack and regretting my life. I know weight is an issue I will want to work on... but I also know I am going to have to accept that our packs will be heavier to accommodate the gear for Fred.

What have you, or someone you know or what do you think about weight and packing necessities when walking with a 3.5 year old?

I don't think I could get close to 10% of my body weight, and with her already at 31lbs (14kg) I don't know what 1 year will bring. She is a big kid, expressive and articulate and has such a energy for adventure that I feel like her soul is begging my to get out there and show her what gave me the wunderlust I have had to store for so long. But I don't want the trip to be focused on how heavy our packs are! Is taking a stroller really better? What packing alterations did you make (or would you make) to accommodate a youngling on your journey?

I know it is controversial to take kids on the Camino but... you'll just have to trust me that I have been fighting this feeling for months and can't really take it anymore!
There is a good movie to watch called The Camino, Six ways to Santiago. Its a documentary featuring 6 groups/individuals walking the Frances. One of them is a young French woman who takes her son (I think he was 3 or 4). She was pretty tough (ex French military) starts walking with her brother, but they part ways and she walks the rest of the way on her own with her son. One very tough cookie. At one point she apparently walked all night.
He was a real live wire with a lot of energy, and apparently well natured throughout the trip, making friends with the camera crew etc and other pilgrims.
She took a stroller but he also walked. It gives a realistic idea of what she had to deal with in terms of terrain and the stroller, and the help she sometimes got from other pilgrims.
 
What about a hip-belt hiking trolley? I have built my own and there is quite a bit of info on previous posts. Had I cash I would buy one ready made! They will carry all the weight you can throw at them, can strip down and the two wheeled variety should handle the Frances. I am sure there is an American firm and if not, there are German and Dutch models. You could get it delivered at the European end and perhaps sell it when returning home?
The best solution I ever came across was a young family from Nottingham, comprising him, her and two little girls, plus two very large donkeys! They were having the time of their lives! The donks were hired in France but delivered to them at Roncesvalles Hope this helps.

Buen camino. Walk soft. Stay safe and as ever

Vaya con Dios..

The Malingerer.
The trolley idea sounds amazing and I wont lie I think a Donkey would be amazing fun but I have never stabled or homed a large animal before so my concern would be caring for their needs to the utmost. I'd have to think hard on that one, as amazing as it would be!

Thank you so much!
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
And don't forget that "little girls get bigger every day" ;)

At 30 months/14kg she is just above the 75% for growth (don't panic, that's not bad - my first daughter was over the 95% for a long time, walked at just under 10 months and topped out at 181cm tall!).

By the time she hits 40 months yours will probably be pushing 17kg and that's a lot of energetic youngster to try and carry (and, if they are tired, a lot of dead weight too!)

Get everything transported. Each of you carries a minimal daypack, Missey included, and a rugged stroller/trolley for those times when bribery and chocolate cookies won't squeeze another step out of her.

But next year? Assuming there's not a second or even third wave of C19 before winter and with the Holy Year coming up . . . . northern Spain was always going to be rammed full in 2021 who knows what the backlog will be like?

Good luck whichever way you decide.

I know....

Remembering Sarria and the throngs of holiday trippers who joined my hard one Camino Familia at that point in the journey (and the influx of shady demands for charity...) and then multiplying that by a Holy Year plus all the people who have had to postpone their trip... Well... its going to be a lot. And perhaps I will have to push out another year.

Not that it truly matters but, the intention has always been to have two younglings and my hope was that we could go on this great adventure together, and then start trying for another, I know I don't want to be schlepping a teeny tiny across the Meseta so my hope is to time this Camino right at the point where Fred can walk enough to make it interesting for her, and before I have to start thinking about a new one. I am a planner in all aspects of my life, I suppose the Camino was the one place where the plans never mattered much!! That said I know that planning will be a big part of a Camino with a toddler... I just hope I can time it before I have to wait another 4 years!

And you are right, I certainly don't want to be selfish and try and force a Camino when it isn't safe for Spain or anyone... currently still in the blue sky-dreaming stage!
 
There is a good movie to watch called The Camino, Six ways to Santiago. Its a documentary featuring 6 groups/individuals walking the Frances. One of them is a young French woman who takes her son (I think he was 3 or 4). She was pretty tough (ex French military) starts walking with her brother, but they part ways and she walks the rest of the way on her own with her son. One very tough cookie. At one point she apparently walked all night.
He was a real live wire with a lot of energy, and apparently well natured throughout the trip, making friends with the camera crew etc and other pilgrims.
She took a stroller but he also walked. It gives a realistic idea of what she had to deal with in terms of terrain and the stroller, and the help she sometimes got from other pilgrims.


I'll have to watch it! I have a feeling if I make my intentions to go on the Camino again known, a few of my Camino Familia will want to join, many have wanted to meet my little girl for awhile but the world is big and we are all so far apart! While I wouldn't expect anyone to help me bring my girl across Spain, I do hope that we making lasting friendships even with a child in tow!
I'm no ex-military though so... I hope I can survive!
 
There is a Facebook group for Families on Camino you might look for. We met a family on Camino with a 4 year old walker and a 6 month old who split time between being carried in a front pack (mostly) or riding in a double jogger stroller. The double stroller sometimes carried the two adults' packs, and whoever carried the baby, the other parent pushed the stroller. The 4 year old made friends with everyone; he dubbed me "The Girlfriend" because he didn't know my name, I was a girl, and I was a friend!
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Preaching to myself here (as one who thought her only opportunity for a solo Camino was this year): four years isn’t actually such a long time.....and you never know how things might change to make it possible (or currently impossible)......something waited for, yearned for will be extra-gratefully received
 
Preaching to myself here (as one who thought her only opportunity for a solo Camino was this year): four years isn’t actually such a long time.....and you never know how things might change to make it possible (or currently impossible)......something waited for, yearned for will be extra-gratefully received

Very true, and if it turns out we have to wait another 4 years... 10 years.... 15 years... whatever it may be I will be grateful. I will always hope for a Camino.

This makes me sound REALLY awful but... I truly and deeply need this. I feel like all the family and the negativity that convinced us to do the wedding they wanted and pushed us to cancel our camino plans really built up a resentment inside me that I need to work out.

Maybe we will settle for some of the PCT... I dunno!
 
There is a Facebook group for Families on Camino you might look for. We met a family on Camino with a 4 year old walker and a 6 month old who split time between being carried in a front pack (mostly) or riding in a double jogger stroller. The double stroller sometimes carried the two adults' packs, and whoever carried the baby, the other parent pushed the stroller. The 4 year old made friends with everyone; he dubbed me "The Girlfriend" because he didn't know my name, I was a girl, and I was a friend!

I will look for that, I want to get as much info from as many people as possible....

I mean, I am nowhere NEAR ready to make this trip, my husband and girl don't have passports... and mine is still in my maiden name!!!
 
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@allykat can I encourage you to let go of the resentment - bitterness will grow in your heart and harm you more than anyone else. Forgiveness is a real gift, both to yourself and to those to whom you offer it.
I also had a wedding that pleased my parents rather than doing what I wanted. While I still wish I'd had the gumption to push for what I wanted, I can look back on almost thirty years and say the wedding was just one day - what came afterwards is what REALLY mattered. It would be such a pity for your tomorrows to be tainted by your past experience. I think you'll end up walking a more joyful camino if you can release your frustrations BEFORE you start walking.
 
I'm someone who has walked a lot with a donkey. Never with a child. If you do hire a donkey the hirer will sort out a lot of the logistics. That will still leave you with donkey care morning and evening. Also you won't want to hand the donkey back. That's how I ended up with two donkeys, a mule, and a house move. Just saying.....
 
while I can't give advise on walking a camino with a child, we have taken our children on multi-day hikes since they were all 6 years old. And they carried small back packs. (And since we were in remote parts of Australia: a radio) I wish we had heard of the Camino's!! So my point is really that if you truly want to do this, go for it Girl! The infra structure is such that you have lots of options. Taxi's for gear (or yourselves), shorter days when it all builds up, pre booking of places if needed. Sounds like your little nature lover will be in her element. One suggestion: let her make her own little scrap book. Something to be treasured later.
Buen Camino brave momma.
 
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