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  1. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    I don’t think you need a Spanish phone number - especially if you’re comfortable using WhatsApp. You can make voice and video calls over WhatsApp and it’s pretty much ubiquitous on the Camino. If one of the data eSIM providers has a better deal than Orange I would go with them. Better in this...
  2. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    Apple probably says it best:https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT209044 This is what it looks like on my iPhone. You can see the two signal bars next to the WiFi icon. I’ve blacked out my numbers in the SIMs section. As you can see I can add more eSIMs but only two SIMs can be active at the same...
  3. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    GPS works without mobile data. And it should work if the phone is in Airplane mode however the iPhone needs to ‘see’ 3 out of 24 Global Positioning Satellites to accurately report your position. Where you keep your phone, things that could interfere with the signal, environmental factors, all...
  4. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    They come in both flavours. My phone has a physical SIM from -ee- which is my personal plan. And an eSIM from Vodafone which is my work plan. Both have their own phone numbers, call minutes, SMS and data allowances. It’s great for me as I don’t have to carry two phones but can have a work mobile...
  5. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    I just did a quick search on the forum using “Orange eSIM” and quite a few folk hace experience of using them. It might be worth reading through those threads and contacting the users who’ve already been and done it 😀
  6. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    If you want a Spanish number (might be useful) then Orange.es seems to be your only choice for an eSIM at €25 per month if my Spanish is up to scratch. If you’re happy to use WhatsApp for messaging and calls too then you just need a Data eSIM. Which as you’ve discovered are widely available...
  7. GregorMc

    Sleeping bag needed in private accommodation on C. Primitivo?

    I walked the Primitivo in July last year (2022). I didn't stay in any albergues, neither municipal nor private. Every place I stayed, from 1 star to 4 star, provided full bedding, towels and toiletries. If you want to compare notes on where you’ve booked feel free to DM.
  8. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    You can add an eSIM to iPhone 12 and above. It avoids having to have a second physical SIM port or swapping out SIM cards. Because an eSIM is ‘virtual’ you also don't need to visit a store or have the SIM card mailed to you, everything can be done online and even prior to leaving the US or your...
  9. GregorMc

    Hiking poles vs staff

    There is information on that in the link 1. It is adjustable from 46in to 55in (approx 117cm-140cm) 2. It weighs 600g or less if that is the package weight. It's not a nordic trekking stick, it's a hiking pole/staff - a possible packable alternative to buying a pilgrim staff en route.
  10. GregorMc

    Polarsteps questions

    Hopefully this is helpful: 1. All the radio functions (except Bluetooth) of your phone are turned off in Airplane Mode. Polarsteps can’t triangulate your position without a signal of some sort, and Bluetooth doesn't have the range to do so. On their website they say, “We track your route using...
  11. GregorMc

    Hiking poles vs staff

    Has anyone tried one of these? They look like they might travel well on budget airlines and not have to be discarded after walking… FOREST PILOT Trekking Poles- 1-pc Pack - Adjustable Hiking or Walking Stick –Strong, Natural Beech wood - Quick Adjust Flip-Lock - Beech wood Grip, Leather Strap...
  12. GregorMc

    Gregory Zulu 40L as carry on.

    Perhaps it was the two hour delay, but Gregory Z40 L (2011edition) allowed as overhead cabin baggage on RyanAir Edinburgh to Santiago direct. Once it was in the overhead it was clearly smaller than other rollaboard suitcases. I must say I love this backpack 😀
  13. GregorMc

    Gregory Zulu 40L as carry on.

    Just to complete my post above. Here are photos of my Gregory Z40, 2011 edition, pretty much packed as I’ll have it on the Camino. The top pocket (brain) is empty, and the contents are in a Nanobag that I’ll use as my under-seat carryon. As you can see, the pack is in an Amazon box that...
  14. GregorMc

    Fitness Wearables

    I own and use an Apple Watch daily but the limited battery life put me off taking on the Camino. So, I did some Prime Day browsing on Amazon and watched a bunch of YouTube videos (The Quantified Scientist in particular) and invested £24.99 (a quarter of a Fitbit) in an Amazfit Band 5. I’ve been...
  15. GregorMc

    Gregory Zulu 40L as carry on.

    I just measured my Gregory Z40 L bought in 2011. I’m flying RyanAir too. You are correct, it won’t fit if you place it in the sizer like a suitcase. However, using a bit of Pythagoras' theorem, it might just slide in on the diagonal. Especially if you cinch it tight, and put some stuff in a...
  16. GregorMc

    Finally finished my Packing List - 3.700g - Full Comfort (for me at least)

    Thanks. Unfortunately they’re out of stock of the socks I’m looking for. I have heard from Wrightsock HQ in NC and they’re hoping to sign an official UK distributor this year. So, maybe new socks for the Norte in 23!
  17. GregorMc

    Finally finished my Packing List - 3.700g - Full Comfort (for me at least)

    I’ve seen them on Amazon UK but again delivery price is ridiculous. £17 for the socks and £15 per pair delivery.
  18. GregorMc

    Finally finished my Packing List - 3.700g - Full Comfort (for me at least)

    Nice to see someone else who wears Wrightsocks on the Camino. They’re excellent. I bought mine in the US years ago. I’m now in the UK and the shipping charges from the US are really high. Have you found a place to buy them in Germany? I’m testing 1000 Mile socks at the moment but they’re not as...
  19. GregorMc

    How common are hiking shorts on men

    I walked my first Camino in 2011, yes pre-The Way, and even then, in the days of sepia Compostelas, iPhone4s and few no apps or forums, men wore shorts on the Camino. In my particular case a pair of excellent Old Navy cargo shorts that I’m still (to my mother’s disgust) wearing for hiking. All...

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