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  1. CarolamS

    Two backpacks?

    I used 2 packs last year. My regular Osprey Eja 38 went with the transport service. Daily I used a Deuter Women's Speed Lite 23l pack. I chose this because it has a lightweight hip-belt so all the weight was not just on my shoulders. I could also access my water bottles from the side pockets...
  2. CarolamS

    Albergue pillows

    Spanish pillows are long and thin. As wide as the mattress but much thinner than UK pillows. You might be able to get the right size pillow case using Amazon. Most albergues have pillows that have a thin plastic cover that's sealed, as are their mattresses. It does stop bed bug infestation in...
  3. CarolamS

    New Forum Topic... Portable Clothes Wringer?

    To be honest rolling the clothes in the travel towel and twisting them also works. With no need to wash the towel...just dry it! I bought nappy (diaper) pins which lock shut. Ideal for backpack drying should anything not be fully dry in the morning. Happy handwashing Caroline
  4. CarolamS

    Those who have walked at least one Camino - What are your favorite insoles and why?

    I wear Altra Lone Peak trail runners and use their insoles for most of my walk. After about 600km I switch to Sorbothane Cush N Step Cushion Protect Insoles. I do this because the mid-sole wears and these insoles bring back the cushioning. A great treat for my feet for the last few hundred km...
  5. CarolamS

    New Forum Topic... Portable Clothes Wringer?

    I am intrigued by the roll and stomp method. I'm not sure I want to put my towel on the floor though. I roll my clothes in my towel and twist it to squeeze out water, holding each end. Nothing seems to stretch like it would without the towel.
  6. CarolamS

    New Forum Topic... Portable Clothes Wringer?

    Hmmm just wondering if a lightweight salad spinner might work ;)
  7. CarolamS

    Advice on specific Decathlon rain jackets?

    I stupidly left my nice lightweight and very breathable Rab jacket in a bar in Burgos. It was a couple of days before I realised. When I reached Leon I visited Decathlon and bought an MH500 jacket. It was certainly waterproof but I did not think much of the breathability.. I am a harsh judge...
  8. CarolamS

    First Time Pilgrim - What Day Bag?

    I chose a Deuter Speed Lite 23 SL . I found it very comfy and it has a more comfortable hip belt arrangement than many lightweight day packs. Water is heavy and I found most small packs rely purely on your shoulders which I didn't like. In use, I found I could reach the little zipped pocket at...
  9. CarolamS

    First Time Pilgrim - What Day Bag?

    When I've transported my main pack I always carried in my daypack a weeks worth of my regular meds plus my little first aid kit. I also carried my flip flops because sometimes you can arrive before your pack and in an albergue you have to take off the footwear you've walked in. I also had room...
  10. CarolamS

    What clothes to wear at night?

    I am someone who doesn't sleep well normally, so in albergues I need to feel comfy at night to give myself the best chance of sleeping. I have some very light cotton PJ trousers and a thin merino t-shirt that I sleep in. If It's very hot at night I can sleep on top of my sleep sack without...
  11. CarolamS

    Hiking Poles

    Many people buy poles in SJPdP and they have a good selection at different price points. The downside to this is not practising ahead of your Camino unless you also buy some at home. Poles come in womens' sizes too. I have good quality Leki micro carbon poles that fold so fit inside my pack for...
  12. CarolamS

    Hiking Poles

    I have used poles routinely for many years so agree with the statements above in support of poles. Trying to think where they might be particularly useful on the Spiritual Variant; yes the long and beautiful uphill after Combarro they would be helpful. The stage after Armenteira where you follow...
  13. CarolamS

    Equipment purchase near SJPP

    There is a shop in SJPdP with everything you might need, right in the main street, near the Pilgrim's Office. Boutique du Pelerin
  14. CarolamS

    Lizard shoes

    They don't have much cushioning in the sole from the pictures, fine if that suits you. Very reasonably priced so if they do suit you then maybe start your Camino with a new pair to maximise the wear and tear.
  15. CarolamS

    Permethrin treatment, down bags and putting one’s pack in a garbage bag at night….

    Permethrin takes a few hours to kill bed bugs. It can stop you spreading bed bugs to your next accommodation or home. It can't stop you getting bitten if the bed bugs fancy a meal! I also have a Sea 2 Summit Traveller; I will spray the compression sack inside but not the down blanket. I will...
  16. CarolamS

    Leaking boots.

    I had some Keen boots that were not waterproof because the waterproof liner had been stitched though! Keen gave me a voucher for their value and didn't want the boots back. I think they'd changed their suppliers.
  17. CarolamS

    Lightweight down blanket

    Alpkit in the UK. It's called a Cloud Cover. There are poppers along the long side. I now have a Sea to Summit Traveller 1 which has elastic at each end and a zip along the long side.
  18. CarolamS

    Lightweight down blanket

    I use a down blanket. In my experience, unless it is a donativo albergue, you are likely to have a sheet and pillowcase provided, either cotton or disposable. Where there is nothing, eg the albergue at Burguete, then you can hire a sheet and pillowcase for a small amount. The disposable sets...
  19. CarolamS

    The Case for Using Hiking Poles When Going Uphill

    I have used my poles for many years now. I will add another reason I find them extremely helpful: I wear varifocal glasses and my poles enable me to keep a good upright posture. Without them I am tempted to bend my head so that the ground is more in focus, not good for many reasons!
  20. CarolamS

    Time to Critique my list and weights!

    There are many reasons someone might choose to use poles on the Camino. Search this forum!! This is personal rather than 'you must'. I use poles and always two. David, you use a trailer, many people don't. "Viva la difference" :cool:

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