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First, take care of any deep stains. Sometimes just water with some gentle brushing will do but I have also used a spot remover. Then, if it fits, put in the washer on delicate with a low sudsing detergent. A Nixwax wash will also do but it's more costly. However, I do then use the Nixwax...
I wore trail runners both times, loved them. Yes, if it rained they got wet and so did my feet. But, I wore wicking socks and everything (feet, socks, shoes) dried quickly. I did not want anything solid or water proof because those things make by feet sweat. I was more likely to get...
Oofos recovery sandals. They offer both flip flops and slides (and maybe other options). I took flip flops, used them in the shower and around town. Easy to clean off for the next shower. I also took toe socks if it were cold walking around town in them. Did not wear them as a long distance...
I get cold easily. On my first Camino, even with layers, I was cold in the mornings (started before sunrise). For my second Camino, I added a thin down puffer that folded into it's own pocket. It was the perfect additional layer for me. Often used it in the evenings as well. But everyone...
I do the hanging thing with a waterproof stuff sack. I am mindful of the extra weight and volume and take that into consideration when packing my 36L backpack. Since I use the hanging stuff sack for my sleeping gear, it is an organizational thing.
I used the Osprey 36L and added a waterproof stuff sack (think tube) to hang off the bottom. I used the stuff sack for my sleeping gear (light down quilt, thin fleece, sleep clothes). Worked well for me. I am a small woman and the Osprey rep fitted me with the small 36L backpack. I don't...
I wore Hokas, probably had 50+ miles on them. If you have shoes now that you like but aren't leaving for 8-9 months, but another pair. Shoe manufacturers seem to "tweak" their shoe designs almost every year - and not always for the better. My first Camino I wore Brooks Cascadia 13. The next...
I finished the Camino Frances in May. I, too, had trouble finding the right shoe this time. I know I prefer trail runners and last time I wore Brooks Cascadia 13 and they were great. But every year Brooks tweaks their shoes so that this time I wasn't 100% sold on the them. I had been hiking...
Support and agree with everyone who talked about getting your pack properly fitted. I bought my Osprey 36L at REI. I am short, bought a small. Was lucky the Osprey rep was in the store and fitted it to me. I can comfortably carry 20 pounds (probably shouldn't) and be so comfortable that I...
Have not been bothered on the Camino (have only walked it once), but while visiting a waterfall in Iceland we were annoyed by the buzzing of two drones. Perhaps they were flying too low but it was quite loud.
Is it silent? Exactly how small? How quickly can you get up and out of sight so as not to be unsightly or noisy? If you must bring it, maybe you could only use it if you there are no people around. That would pretty impossible on the Frances but maybe one of the other routes would be better...
C clearly nails it. I agree some lotion, other than sunblock, is needed. At least for me. It is the one thing I didn't bring and had to buy when my hands and feet started cracking and my legs were so dry then itched.
Even though it is sometimes referred to as a "fanny pack", when you are walking the camino with a pack and a "fanny" pack, you will be wearing it on your front which is why it is so convenient for carrying often used items. You will have eyes on the waist pack and it will be secured against your...
Always a good idea to be wary in crowds whether you use pockets, a purse, or back pack (not a good idea in crowded cities). In cities, I usually use a cross body purse that has built in slash proof security wires, has RFID protection, and each of the three zippered pockets have clasps that lock...
No-pack/pockets-only works for you. But, alas, not all pants are created equal nor all individual needs. Women's pants notoriously have few deep, usable pockets. You can find them but I generally select pants for fit, not pockets. Bonus if you can find both. Also, I identified the items I...
I use Frogg Toggs AND, if needed, a light weight rain jacket. My pack also has a built in rain cover. There is no perfect poncho for the Camino. The pack ponchos cover the pack without being short in back but without a pack, around town, they are just weird. I am short so even if the poncho...
I have not tried Silverlight, but if you are looking for a lightweight compression sock, try Swiftwick. Their hiking sock is the Pursuit. I wore them on the Camino and for all my hiking (I hike several times a week) in the Smokey Mountains. Light, breathable, and only one small blister on the...
I use a piece of mylar cut to twice the size I need for sitting so that I can fold it in on itself it gets wet. Easy to wipe off. Weights almost nothing. Does not provide any padding.
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