I’d ditch the Keen sandals. I’ve got a pans they’re great for cycling but walking on stones which easily get into your sandals and under your feet becomes a nuisance. I also found that they need constant cleaning on the inside otherwise they smell.
I used to manage a store selling electrical goods. People would come in and request a kettle that just boiled one pint, as most kettles had a three pint capacity and they said they rarely needed to boil three pints. My advice was that you could just boil a pint in a three pint kettle but you...
Janet, you remind me of myself. I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure whether I really was. Take my father's advice, "Listen to other people's advice but make your own decision as only you really know your true position."
Leukotape has been recommended previously and I'd second that recomendation (2 rolls). Tape your feet up in the morning wear two pairs of socks, one thin wicking pair under a pair of thick merino wool and you won't need any other blister protection.
Voltarol or ibuprofen gel is something that I...
I think the "little hook" might have been a "little carabiner" they come in useful for hanging stuff all over the place. They come in all shapes and sizes.
Personally I like the Osprey AG range. A little on the large size but I prefer having room for stuff! It amazes me the people that come with small backpacks and have half their belongings hanging outside their pack. It's very comfortable and has great reviews.
When my ear plugs were defeated by a particularly loud snorer close by I found that plugging in my iPhone and listening to restful music did a brilliant job.
I bought myself a pair of Saloman hiking boots. I walked from SJPdP to Santiago with only one tiny blister and no sprains. It is a bit like asking "do I need a helmet when cycling on my bike?" Most times you won' t need it, but there are times that you'll be glad you were wearing it. Similarly...
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Personally I would recommend getting some boots that give you a bit of ankle support. Although there are many parts of the walk that you could walk in light training shoes, there are...
Do your research on-line. There is a lot more to anti-shock or not when making your choice.
What about handle grip, cork, plastic or something else?
Twist lock or flip lock?
Cheap 'n cheerful of wallet busters?
Telescopic of foldable?
Aircraft grade aluminium or carbon fibre?
Black Diamond or...
Poles or no poles, one or two poles straps or no straps, twist lock or clip lock? What other discussion points should be have regarding poles whilst we've got a moment to spare. Cheap as chips or wallet busting carbon fibre? Personally I like the cork handled Blackdiamond with L and R on the straps!
You listen to others advice but you make your own decisions in life and on the camino. Personally I don't think that you can go wrong with an Osprey backpack.
I like your thinking Doogman!
However until I get three or four hands I consider two will continue to be the optimum number for me personally. But let's be fair here, if anyone wants to use three or four (and some might want to use five) it's their camino and nobody should stand in their way...
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