I always walk the Camino during April and May and bought a light weight 3 pound bag. As long as you sleep indoors, that is all you need. Weight is everything on the Camino.
Your 16s are the correct size. Pilgrims make the mistake of wearing their normal size boots/shoes on the Camino, which causes a lot of foot problems. Your feet will expand as you walk the Camino day after day. Your regular shoe size may change after walking the Camino. Since I walk the...
I use a fanny pack every time I walk a Camino. I prefer an Ospry pack with two water battles (that is normally enough water each day). I carry it as a belly pack. It allows me quick access to the things I need such as money, national and camino passports, etc.
I use hiking poles every time I walk a Camino. I find that those having trouble with them are using them wrong and waste even more energy. Two simple rules. on level ground and up hill hiking, the pole tips should never come forward of your heals. Going down hill use them for balance in...
I recommend some sort of hat with a wide brim, good ventilation, and a drop down cloth sheet to protect you neck. I have been caught in storms when the rain and sleet have been hitting my face due to very high winds and the neck protector wrapped around my face enough to stop the sting and the...
You can be as busy as you want to be or have as much fun as you want to have without a Kindle. You will meet so many people ans share so many experiences that you do not really have time to read unless reading is your focus.
It depends on the person. I only carry 17-20 lbs of stuff, but I carry a large pack so that I can travel on aircraft with the walking sticks packed inside. TSA has never questioned it.
Looks like you are carrying too much. The rule of thumb is to carry no more than 10% of your body weight. I always advise people that if their loaded backpack exceeds 17 lbs to take a serious look for what is necessary vs what is convenience or comfort and get rid of it. Weight will impact...
There is a correct way to use walking sticks and an incorrect way to use them. The incorrect way will make you hate them. On level and uphill ground, the tips of the poles never come forward past the heal of your foot. On downhill ground, place them in front of you for balance.
I use a SPOT device. It lets up to 10 people track me and is updated every 10 minutes. One of the other benefits is it gives you immediate access to emergency assistance through it's satellite link.
I learned on my first Camino to buy my shoes 1 1/2 size larger than normal. There is a lot of uphill followed by down hill. The thing to remember is that your feet will swell more than normal and that they pound into the toe of your footwear. I broke two toes that way.
Some have clothes lines, but most do not. If you choose not to use the dryer (1 Euro) bring some paracord and ask if you can make your own clothes line. I also suggest that you bring diaper pins to hold the clothes on the line because the winds can be quite strong. Keep in mind that you may...
It is largely a matter of personal preference. I wear an Osprey belly pack with 2 one liter bottles. I do that because I refill the bottles every time I come to a water fountain. It is a quick and easy process, whereas the bladder is a bit more complicated and time consuming.
To use or not to use is up to the individual. I have used them on every Camino and will continue to do so. If you have been trained to use them properly they can save you a lot of energy and be very helpful. If you have not been trained in how to properly use them you will needlessly expend a...
Trekking poles can be useful if you use the properly. Most people do not. On level and uphill areas the poles come no further forward than the heals of your feet. On downhill areas they are in front of you and provide balance. Following these two rules you can make life a lot easier on...
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