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  1. Scott Fraser

    May-June Camino Frances - Rain Gear & Eating ware

    Hi, Some brief comments: Shoes - wet feet are no fun (blister risk goes way up), but odds are most of your Camino will be dry. Tradeoff comfort and fit for waterproof any day. However, a light weight compromise would be to consider a single pair of waterproof socks. See this review from...
  2. Scott Fraser

    Lightweight backpack for petite female

    Hi, picking a suitable pack is time consuming but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make preparing for your Camino. I highly recommend the line of packs by AARN. I own three (2 Mountain Magic ~40 liters and a 25 l day pack - Pace Magic??) if your looking for a bigger pack, the...
  3. Scott Fraser

    Backpack Replacement Recos?

    Have a look at the AARN packs. I’ve walked three Caminos with mine and have found them to be great — light weight, durable, and well designed. I have two versions — a Mountain Magic (~ 35 liters) and a smaller 22 liter day pack similar to the one shown below that I walked with last year...
  4. Scott Fraser

    What Size Water Bottle/s

    How much water to carry depends on time of year, daily weather and how many possible refill options you have along your route that day. I buy two plastic 0.75 liter Evian bottles at a grocery store on Day 1 and then refill them as you go along. I’ve found Evian bottles to be very durable and...
  5. Scott Fraser

    Long pants and long sleeves in summer? Smart or big mistake?

    I second all of the above. Remember you’re walking west most days and given the Spanish time zone most of the time the sun will be behind you. Long shirt sleeves can be rolled up, but I normally keep them down to prevent sunburn. Other than arms, the most vulnerable spots for sunburn are the...
  6. Scott Fraser

    Rain...rain pants?

    Water proof pants usually go over the socks, and thus help keep the socks drier than if you’re wearing shorts. If you also have gaiters you can tuck the cuff of the pants into the gaiters. Nothing keeps all the water out in a heavy rain — except perhaps waterproof socks which several posts have...
  7. Scott Fraser

    Rain...rain pants?

    Yes. A brief shower is usually not a problem. But on a rainy day no rain pants = wet socks = wet feet = blisters. To keep walking you need to keep your feet dry.
  8. Scott Fraser

    Say No! to rubber tips on your poles.

    Might you share with us the definition of “a camino chic thingy”? Poles? - useful tools for long distance walkers when used properly. Not at all chic, IMO. Shells? - a meaningful symbol to most who display them Compeed? - also useful when correctly applied. Help me out here.
  9. Scott Fraser

    Say No! to rubber tips on your poles.

    I subscribe to the “different tips for different surfaces” line of thinking, and will offer a tip on how to handle the rubber tips as they go on and off the poles. When not in use I like to carry the rubber tips in a front pocket where they are easy to find when you need them. Problem is you...
  10. Scott Fraser

    Pack weight question

    You’ll do fine! Just walk. And have fun. (And stop and fix the first sign of a blister. That’s all that can stop you!)
  11. Scott Fraser

    Time to Critique my list and weights!

    I walk with two 750 ml bottles. Evian makes some with convenient flip open tops. On days when it's hot fill them both up. On other days leave with them partially full to save some weight. Water sources are frequent on the CF. You won't run dry.
  12. Scott Fraser

    Time to Critique my list and weights!

    David, I agree a compass is not needed, but.... A trowel is a courtesy should nature call and products of digestion need to be buried/covered for the protection of those who follow you. A small day pack is useful when shopping in towns (no need to buy a plastic bag) and in the event of an...
  13. Scott Fraser

    Time to Critique my list and weights!

    Looks good. Congrats. You might consider adding a dozen or so large safety (diaper size) pins to attach clothes to the line while drying. Also, I would suggest one or two 3"x3" nonstick pads (bandage) that can be cut to size and shape as needed. I find the best/easiest tape to address blister...
  14. Scott Fraser

    Saucony Kinvara as camino shoes

    I haven't tried these shoes but I have walked all or most of the route you are planning 4 times. I offer the following with the hope it may be helpful in your decision making. Most of the Leon - SDC segment of the CF is on agricultural roads, some are paved, but most are gravel surfaces...
  15. Scott Fraser

    Another question from Marska ... sorry all!

    All true, but I'd like to expand a bit on the value of good planning and research of the type the originator of the thread is doing. Certainly it's easy to go overboard with Camino prep (especially the first time out), but over-doing it can mitigate many of the problems pilgrims often...
  16. Scott Fraser

    Another question from Marska ... sorry all!

    My two cents after 5 Caminos. Re the shoes - have a look at the Allbirds line of light weight shoes. I have a pair of very light weight, thin-sole Solomon walking shoes that are next to useless anywhere but walk-about in towns, but I don't know if Soloman still makes them. Re the hat -...
  17. Scott Fraser

    Altra trail shoes versus hiking shoes

    Lots of positive info here on Altras which I agree with after walking 2 Caminos in the Olympus version (in addition to wearing them around the house for 4 years). Switching to zero lift may require stretching the Achilles tendon so make sure you train in Altras. One difference to note between...
  18. Scott Fraser

    How do you secure your backpack from theft as checked luggage.

    Shrink wrap rolls are available on Amazon that are very similar to what commercial bag wrapping services use in European and Asian airports. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RHJ9MZW/?tag=casaivar02-20 Wrap the bag, straps, etc securely in several layers of the wrap leaving something protruding...
  19. Scott Fraser

    Question for a winter camino for dry feet.

    Hi all, After several camino in boots I planned to switch this year to lighter weight trail runners. I settled on the Altra Olympus 4 which seems to have the best cushioning but also creates the waterproofing problem you are discussing. The Olympus 4 upper material is a mesh designed to allow...
  20. Scott Fraser

    Trail Runner Brands That Work for wide feet

    I'm walking this year in Altra Olympus 4 trail runners. In previous Camino's I wore Asolo boots, but I'm tired of the weight. As noted above Altra I'd known for their wide toe box. I've worn Altra Lone Peaks for the last 2 years and their wide toe box is very comfortable. The shoes themselves...

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