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  1. alhartman

    Collapsed black diamond z poles don’t lock anymore

    Not useful except when checking out before a camino, but here is a link for trekking pole parts https://cascademountaintech.com/collections/trekking-pole-replacement Google may have others.
  2. alhartman

    For Sale/Wanted Free Pattern for Parcho

    No takers so off to the Goodwill pile.
  3. alhartman

    For Sale/Wanted Free Pattern for Parcho

    Not exactly free, but will send free in return for your donation promise to one of the Camino charities: Forum, Peaceable Projects, donativo albergues, etc. Contact me by PM. I am not fluent in forum use, so I have a random number in mind to award if multiple responses. I am slow on DM use and...
  4. alhartman

    Umbrella for sun and rain - buy good quality (expensive) or just use a cheap one?

    Cheap travel umbrella. It is not part of my primary gear and IMO not suited as Camino primary rain protection; ok for sun but I mostly walk Apr/May or Oct/Nov. For rain: an Altus coat/poncho attached like a pack cover for quick on/off. A Seattle Sombrero to hold the Altus off my face. For windy...
  5. alhartman

    Tips to Keep your Hiking Shoes Dry in the Rain

    It may be urban myth, but coming from years of sea kayaking my understanding is that 'dirt' ruins the water proof/vapor passing abilities of GoreTex. Which has always made me wonder about its use on shoes/boots. There are lots of internet articles on when and how to clean; none seem practical...
  6. alhartman

    Best way to carry a sleeping bag: inside or outside the pack?

    The advantage of a heavy bulky Walmart bag is that it will be easy to leave behind when you discover it is not a suitable piece of kit for camino walking. A nice silk liner is the best sleeping idea. Treat it for bedbugs; it takes little space and is a nice barrier for the albergue wool...
  7. alhartman

    My Unconventional Trekking Pole Technique

    One pole plant, two steps. Cadence works well. Mostly for balance--and to force my body upright when i am tired; reduces the strain on my lower back. If I am climbing or descending, one pole plant one step and poles shortened or lengthened.
  8. alhartman

    Cookwear lunchkit necessity?

    Camino is not a camping trip--and that is its charm. And that charm is different from the AT or PCT. There are villages about every 5 km for snacks, coffee, minor medical supplies, water etc. It is possible to camp, self cater, etc but not necessary. On my first camino, coming from a history...
  9. alhartman

    So here I go - compiling that lightweight kit - I started with the Rucksack

    We all know the main way of dropping pack weight is to have items serve a dual purpose--no pack cover as poncho serves that purpose etc. One year in Azofra, I shared the room with another American who had regressed all the way to the Civil War style bedroll. Very light but logistics can be a...
  10. alhartman

    Recommendation on what to do with slides

    Since I am now trying to create stories with my slides/scans, with 20/20 hindsight I urge: cull, cull, cull.
  11. alhartman

    Recommendation on what to do with slides

    I have been facing the same. I triaged old family slides using light table, ordered/arranged them per instructions, then had a professional service convert them to jpeg in bulk--cost about $0.25 each. Cost shared with 2 siblings. I use Picasa to put in tags but not sure yet how to use on...
  12. alhartman

    Raincoat or poncho?

    Poncho with sleeves. The most versatile by far. I just hang over my pack like a pack cover; it actually keeps my gear far dryer that a pack cover. As I sweat a lot, in a warm sprinkle I will just pull from my over-pack rain cover use and put over my shoulders and tie the sleeves. In the...
  13. alhartman

    Did Pilgrims use iPhones?

    Given the changes both in technology and in the camino, I think it would be difficult now WITHOUT a cell phone. Last CF was 2016 and I was dependent on it to make reservations and then confirm before 4pm when they were to be cancelled (I am a slow walker). 2017 for Lisbon to SdC, I could have...
  14. alhartman

    shoes!! important

    "You do not choose a shoe based on measurements, you buy a shoe based on its Fit N Feel regardless of instrument measurements." Is all you need to know: except to break them in before you go. And may mean shopping in a brick and mortar shop so you can try and return easily.
  15. alhartman

    Poncho

    And temporary shade--use hiking poles for support(ok, same as tent). Perhaps the most multi-use item in a kit!!
  16. alhartman

    Does anyone wear gloves for sweaty hands on hiking poles?

    Just older Leki, but I use the lightweight silk or poly inner-glove full fingered. Enough to absorb sweat or stop the sun, or take out the morning chill.
  17. alhartman

    All About Osprey

    Osprey has been my goto manufacturer for the last decade after the GoLite went fashion. I love the features of my Aarn, but it is overkill for the Frances--and the Altus poncho does not fit well over the front pouches. Talon 33 is my Camino pack and the only features I would add is a larger...
  18. alhartman

    Do I need rain gear in April and May on the Via de la Plata. What kind of sleeping gear I need?

    Only walked VdLP in September. Temperature was okay but I sleep warm. Several days of horizontal rain. Glad for my Altus poncho, old Golite rainpants, and all my gear in waterproof baggies. I have gotten less wet in river raft upsets. Raingear--yes. Sleepingbag--YMMV
  19. alhartman

    "Buff" question for native English speakers

    Smart and easy way out, Ivar. Doubt that anyone wants to defend rights to 'neck warmer'. And you are Camino Neck Warmer. You can always wait until you get a 'Cease and Desist" order!! Dontcha love the concept of intellectual property!!
  20. alhartman

    "Buff" question for native English speakers

    I do note that www.buff.com is registered so, if the same people, they are working hard to protect their Trademark.

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