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Not useful except when checking out before a camino, but here is a link for trekking pole parts
https://cascademountaintech.com/collections/trekking-pole-replacement
Google may have others.
Not exactly free, but will send free in return for your donation promise to one of the Camino charities: Forum, Peaceable Projects, donativo albergues, etc.
Contact me by PM. I am not fluent in forum use, so I have a random number in mind to award if multiple responses. I am slow on DM use and...
Cheap travel umbrella. It is not part of my primary gear and IMO not suited as Camino primary rain protection; ok for sun but I mostly walk Apr/May or Oct/Nov.
For rain: an Altus coat/poncho attached like a pack cover for quick on/off. A Seattle Sombrero to hold the Altus off my face. For windy...
It may be urban myth, but coming from years of sea kayaking my understanding is that 'dirt' ruins the water proof/vapor passing abilities of GoreTex. Which has always made me wonder about its use on shoes/boots. There are lots of internet articles on when and how to clean; none seem practical...
The advantage of a heavy bulky Walmart bag is that it will be easy to leave behind when you discover it is not a suitable piece of kit for camino walking.
A nice silk liner is the best sleeping idea. Treat it for bedbugs; it takes little space and is a nice barrier for the albergue wool...
One pole plant, two steps.
Cadence works well.
Mostly for balance--and to force my body upright when i am tired; reduces the strain on my lower back.
If I am climbing or descending, one pole plant one step and poles shortened or lengthened.
Camino is not a camping trip--and that is its charm. And that charm is different from the AT or PCT. There are villages about every 5 km for snacks, coffee, minor medical supplies, water etc. It is possible to camp, self cater, etc but not necessary. On my first camino, coming from a history...
We all know the main way of dropping pack weight is to have items serve a dual purpose--no pack cover as poncho serves that purpose etc. One year in Azofra, I shared the room with another American who had regressed all the way to the Civil War style bedroll. Very light but logistics can be a...
...a dictated (just got going with DragonNaturallySpeaking) storyline.
For both my father and father-in-laws autobiography, I just scanned into *.pdf to make them safer and easy to disseminate.
Good project for this no-camino lockdown; lots of laughter and tears as I triage camino photos. (I...
Poncho with sleeves. The most versatile by far.
I just hang over my pack like a pack cover; it actually keeps my gear far dryer that a pack cover.
As I sweat a lot, in a warm sprinkle I will just pull from my over-pack rain cover use and put over my shoulders and tie the sleeves. In the...
Given the changes both in technology and in the camino, I think it would be difficult now WITHOUT a cell phone. Last CF was 2016 and I was dependent on it to make reservations and then confirm before 4pm when they were to be cancelled (I am a slow walker). 2017 for Lisbon to SdC, I could have...
"You do not choose a shoe based on measurements, you buy a shoe based on its Fit N Feel regardless of instrument measurements."
Is all you need to know: except to break them in before you go. And may mean shopping in a brick and mortar shop so you can try and return easily.
Just older Leki, but I use the lightweight silk or poly inner-glove full fingered. Enough to absorb sweat or stop the sun, or take out the morning chill.
Osprey has been my goto manufacturer for the last decade after the GoLite went fashion. I love the features of my Aarn, but it is overkill for the Frances--and the Altus poncho does not fit well over the front pouches.
Talon 33 is my Camino pack and the only features I would add is a larger...
Only walked VdLP in September. Temperature was okay but I sleep warm. Several days of horizontal rain. Glad for my Altus poncho, old Golite rainpants, and all my gear in waterproof baggies.
I have gotten less wet in river raft upsets.
Raingear--yes.
Sleepingbag--YMMV
Smart and easy way out, Ivar. Doubt that anyone wants to defend rights to 'neck warmer'. And you are Camino Neck Warmer.
You can always wait until you get a 'Cease and Desist" order!!
Dontcha love the concept of intellectual property!!
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