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  1. jcat

    Am I the only one perplexed by WhatsApp?

    Have you tried texting instead of calling on WhatsApp? When I need to reach hotels or pensions in Spain I text them on WhatsApp and normally receive a prompt reply.
  2. jcat

    Small Folding Knife - Buses/Trains in 2024

    I always travel with an Opinel knife in Spain. I don't remember any luggage scanners or metal detectors at bus stations, and have ridden on numerous buses with the knife in my pocket. The bigger train stations have scanners and detectors, I just throw the knife in my pack and it's never been...
  3. jcat

    Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX - first impressions

    It was a great Camino and I ended up wearing my Hokas. Had rain most days, but it was a light rain. Not much mud and the walk was on pretty easy terrain. I walked the week before "Holy Week" and it was very quiet. I saw about 6 other pilgrims every day on the trail but even less in town...
  4. jcat

    Topo Wearers!

    Yes, for me it's been the same size for Altra Lone Peaks, Olympus 5s, and Topo Ultraventures. I size up a 1/2 size for Caminos compared to local hiking.
  5. jcat

    Topo Wearers!

    No slip issues for me. Not as aggressive as the Speedboat but plenty of grip for a summer Camino.
  6. jcat

    Topo Wearers!

    I really love my Topo Ultraventure 3s for my local hikes. I was torn on what to bring on a recent short Camino (Vasco) and ended up going with my Hoka Challengers because they are waterproof and rain was forecast everyday. I regretted it after the first day and will go with Topos going...
  7. jcat

    Show me your backpack!

    I've settled on water / drink bottles in the actual bottle holders on my pack. I've experimented different ways but I can reach them on this pack, Osprey Manta 34. I used to add a waist bag and carabiner, but I've gotten my supplies and pack weight down over the years.
  8. jcat

    Poles

    Another option is to just buy a single hiking stick (pole) in Sarria. Plenty of options to buy or find one along the way, and a lot easier to adjust to than two walking poles. Buen Camino!
  9. jcat

    Being prepared for the rain 🌧️

    I did the Ingles in March with it raining on 4 out of 5 days. I used to pack rain pants, but stopped because I never ended wearing them (even in the rain). I wear quick drying pants or track pants and that works with great with me. I wear a Marmot lightweight rain jacket with hood and it...
  10. jcat

    A word of warning on trail runners or light weight shoes.

    Cobblestones are the reason I switched from Altras to Hokas :)
  11. jcat

    Buy - get walking poles in Santiago or Sarria

    There is a sporting goods store right on the Camino in Sarria. It is at the base of the long stairs, just to the right in this photo. They carry a good collection of poles and walking sticks. (not my photo)
  12. jcat

    Men's Pants - There Can Be Only One

    Adidas Tiro Pants (track pants) very quick drying.
  13. jcat

    Hoka Alternatives with Similar Padding and heel-to-toe Drop?

    Have you looked at Topo Athletic? They have several max cushion shoes with a 5mm drop. Wider toe box than Hoka also.
  14. jcat

    Did I just think of a brilliant way to never lose my walking poles again?

    I love my air tags. I always have one in my checked luggage when traveling, and it's very comforting to be able to follow my bag.
  15. jcat

    Follow up to gear recommendations from Pilgrims

    You might want to check out the Altra "Via" Olympus. It has a bit more cushion than the regular Olympus. I tried on a pair at REI last week and they felt pretty good. Like you I enjoy the Lone Peaks, but need more cushion for longer hikes.
  16. jcat

    Trekking poles

    You can buy Opinel knives all over Spain. Legal in Spain and great for hiking because they are so lightweight. I had a Size 7 on my last Camino, just 1.4 oz.
  17. jcat

    Waterproof Jacket

    I bought 2 of them in 2021. They are not the "Eco" model and I don't know what the difference is? I use one for hiking and one for golf. Looking back, I paid $79 each which I think was a great deal for what you get. I didn't know that this jacket is on the lower end pricing of rain jackets...
  18. jcat

    Waterproof Jacket

    I have a Marmot Precip rain jacket and it has served me well. I had 3 days of rain on my recent Camino Ingles and it held up fine, without overheating me. I had the pit-zips open. Then I wore it for a heavy rain filled 3-hour hike near home and didn't notice any leaks.
  19. jcat

    Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX - first impressions

    I'll be interested to hear how they feel a week or two into your Camino. I bet they get even better with time / miles. Nothing beats my well broken in Lone Peaks, just not enough cushion for anything 10+ miles and the cobble stones as you mentioned. I'm walking the Ingles in about 3 weeks...
  20. jcat

    Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX - first impressions

    I tried out the Olympus 5 GTX but ended up returning them. For me, they didn't feel like they had the same roomy footbed as the Lone Peaks. That roomy footbed is the reason I like Altra. Now I am trying out the Lone Peak All-WTHR Low 2, with a Superfeet insole (I have both orange and copper...

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