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  1. MarkyD

    Ok entering the shoe debate with trepidation ...

    Buckle up everyone, diverse opinions flying in on this one. Here is what worked for me: 1. Comfort 2. Breathable 3. Light 4. Space in toebox 5. Keep feet dry - change socks every 2 to 3 hours if it's warm and feet sweat. Easily done on breaks, airing feet at the sane time. I kept a small...
  2. MarkyD

    HOKA warning

    I've seen several people wearing sandals on the Camino, but they are the type that have a proper walking-shoe sole to them. Unless you have hardened walking feet that can walk day after day for the duration of the Camino, then you'll need a good sole to absorb the hard edges of stones that are...
  3. MarkyD

    HOKA warning

    I don't know what may be available in Scandinavian stores. I can recommend these twi brands from experience, although I'm sure there are many others equally good in quality and performance. In my opinion, the key is comfort and fit first, durability second. 1. Merrell 2. Salomon On the Camino...
  4. MarkyD

    Towel - which size?

    One that you can tie around your waist without it falling down as you bowl into the dorm from the shower block...
  5. MarkyD

    Waterproof shoes

    I gave up on my "waterproof" Salomon boots because they cooked my feet in the heat and they didn't stand up to heavy or prolonged rain. On the one day it rained heavily all day, my boots became waterlogged within a couple of hours. I remember leaving them in a pilgrim shelter place next to bar...
  6. MarkyD

    Getting Small

    It's a Deuter Airlite 22L. I probably should have gone for the 28L version, but I chose the 22L to force me to carry less, which worked. Mind you, I bought a belly pouch in SJPP to hold "easy to grab" items and water bottle, which saved me having to reach behind. I used a carabiner clip to clip...
  7. MarkyD

    Question about power banks

    I've used a few powerbanks over the last 10 years and I've found the RavPower brand to be good value for money. The 6700mAh model is my "in the pouch" option, but while walking I keep my phone in airplane mode 75% of the time. I only connect to GPS if absolutely necessary and I only connect to...
  8. MarkyD

    Getting Small

    The irrepressible Dave Bugg, superb information and practical advice with a sense of humour.
  9. MarkyD

    Getting Small

    I did my first camino with a 22L Deuter backpack. It was barely noticeable after a few days walking. I did have a "fanny pack"/"riñonera" which I had in front for easy grab items to save taking backpack off too often while walking. It worked a treat.
  10. MarkyD

    Body weight. Who cares?

    Wow, some interesting replies here. Something I came across recently, which I heard via a close student of an old Tai Chi teacher we both shared, was that there are other consequences of walking upright. No doubt there will be different opinions about any of these things, but the comment he...
  11. MarkyD

    Please help me to figure out how to phone ahead for accommodation

    Also, if you get stuck, ask a local to help you out, a shopkeeper for example; they are usually very helpful to pilgrims, especially a shop selling pilgrim merchandising
  12. MarkyD

    Please help me to figure out how to phone ahead for accommodation

    Many albergues will show a mobile number for the hospitalero, you could send them WhatsApp or SMS message, but you must use 0034 when messaging from a UK mobile number. Alternatively, if you have data roaming activated, assuming you have a smartphone, then you can book via Booking.com in many...
  13. MarkyD

    Which is the best rain JACKET to buy?

    Ok, I've scrolled down and read about 10 replies, all sound advice and varying opinions of course. At least the poncho-lovers were sidelined by the OP at the start, otherwise it could have got messy! Just a thought, with all the tech-clothing with its heavy price tags and overhyped marketing...
  14. MarkyD

    Which poncho (between these 2)....

    I prefer ponchos with sleeves, otherwise wind tends to open them up and then you get soaked quite quickly. However, with sleeves you tend to sweat more underneath. So, basically, you'll get wet from the outside or the inside!
  15. MarkyD

    Did Pilgrims use iPhones?

    Go for it, no phone, or basic non-smart phone or disabled/flightmode smartphone, whatever you prefer. It can be a distraction if you keep checking the thing - but it can also double up as a great camera, handy for booking travel and accommodation, and keeping in touch with family far away. You...
  16. MarkyD

    Water bottle adapter

    Nice, but fifty squid is a bit steep (for me)
  17. MarkyD

    Water bottle adapter

    As ever DaveBugg the voice of reason and factual information. Brilliant report, I find your information to be extremely useful, thank you.
  18. MarkyD

    Thinking of buying Sony DSC-RX100 VI or Canon G5 X Mark II camera

    I found this information from one of the videos, from links given in the information page: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV full frame SLR camera body. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens Tiffen 82mm variable ND filter. Rode VideoMic Pro camera shotgun Condenser mic (but on more recent caminos he's also...
  19. MarkyD

    Thinking of buying Sony DSC-RX100 VI or Canon G5 X Mark II camera

    Check out Efrén Gónzalez YouTube channel. He's using some smart tech and good camera gear on his vlog series Camino Portugués. I'm sure if you message him he'll let you know what kit he uses, plus you can see the quality by watching his vlogs.
  20. MarkyD

    "Buff" question for native English speakers

    Ok, having read some, but not all of the replies, I'm suddenly inspired to give it a new name altogether: It is a MUHANWA - multi use head and neck wrap accessory. Start your own trade name!

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