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  1. J

    Which bit of kit failed?

    What failed? my ankle john
  2. J

    Long lasting Bar Soap?

    Hello I went to a Canadian camping store, MEC, and bought some inexpensive concentrated "Camp Suds, which I used for alll my washing needs, dishes, laundry and me and they worked fine and lasted a long long time such that I brought some home with me. Of course as it is a liquid you have to pack...
  3. J

    Wooden Walking Sticks or Modern Trekking Poles

    Hi I've used both and I have come down on the side of not using but carrying a pair of metal hiking poles. In 2008 I was doing the Camino and hurt my ankle. I tried a single wooden walking stick and that helped my ankle a bit but seemed to stress other parts of my body at the same time. I...
  4. J

    Buying equipment in Spain

    I bought a few things in that store (ferretria) in Castrojeriz including a pocket knife which I still carry and which reminds me of the Camino whenever I pull it out. John
  5. J

    efficient packing

    My memory is that it was a relatively small pack and nothing was ever too far away. Most important was being able to access snacks and water easily during the day. Efficient packing, for me, was not leaving anything behind and that did happen. John
  6. J

    Arm warmers, leg warmers & sun protectors

    ah the world is just full of amazing junk we don't need. john
  7. J

    Jo's packing list

    a couple of comments... Cotton clothes of any type are to be avoided I think. They don't insulate when wet and take a long time to dry out. And about taking a razor. I bought some inexpensive disposables when I arrived. No problem. John
  8. J

    walking sticks / poles

    I still believe the answer, like with so much gear, is to try out the alternatives walking around where you livee before you travel. If something works for you go with it. If you can't perceive a benefit forget about it. If you change your mind you can buy single poles or walking sticks in...
  9. J

    Budget Kit

    spend a bit less on gear and you have a few more euros in your pocket to treat yourself to a nice meal once in a while or buy a coffee for a new friend. Minor treats and generosities can give more pleasure than expensive gear. john
  10. J

    Budget Kit

    Annie I will stick with the synthetics but I tend to walk in the Fall or Spring as the heat of summer wilts me and, what works for me doesn't necessarily work for you and vice versa. makes an interesting world doesn't it. Of course the clothign and gear is something to talk about and ponder...
  11. J

    Budget Kit

    Hello an additional thought. This may be obvious or may not but make sure your clothing is synthetic. natural fibres may sound good but aren't so practical. You want clothing that dries out quickly so that if when gets wet in a rain or by your sweat or when you wash it by hand in a sink at a...
  12. J

    Budget Kit

    hi I would agree that the most mportant plce to spend money is on good footwear although even here the very most important thing about the footwear is that it fits and that you wear them lots before you go. For a pack I used an older one that I had. Good packs don't wear out. It may be...
  13. J

    ALTUS RAIN COAT

    There are waterproof/breathable fabrics that when used for raingear do help. An example would be Goretex raingear. It isn't perfect and is more expensive but does reduce the condensation that gets you wet from the inside. You also want tomake sure that you are not wearing more insulation under...
  14. J

    Backpacks... What else?

    Hi brand names aren't important. Weight is only important relative to comfort. Find a pack that is comfortable for you with some weight in it and will work for the Camino and your other travels and go and have a good and memorable time. Buy your pack and yuor footwear early and get used to...
  15. J

    What do I wear?

    For alternative footwear I would suggest some kind of sport sandal. I couldn't wear my boots and ended travelling a considerable distance wearing my sandals something that I don't think would have been as practical in crocs or flip-flops. john
  16. J

    Items I overlooked, but wished I had

    More Spanish. I didn't overlook it so much as was lazy. I got by fine and figuring out how to get by was fun and interesting but I think I would have have enjoyed it more if I could have spoken more Spanish. john
  17. J

    Recommended Equipment Stores

    Hi IN Canada I don't think Mountain Equipment Co-op http://www.mec.ca/ can be beat for selection, quality & price. It is a co-operative so you do need to buy a one time $5 membership though. John
  18. J

    flying with trekking poles

    Hi I didn't fly with Air Canada but flew with Air Transat from Canada and RyanAir in Europe and in each case I strapped my collpapsed poles securely to my pack and checked in the pack and there was no problem. John
  19. J

    Lightweight LED headlamp

    Hi I don't know their availability at different stores in the states but Petzl makes a good range of quality headlamps. They are made for cavers and climbers and are quite good quality. John
  20. J

    Another Backpack recommendation request

    HI I used an older Millet pack that I had from earlier days when I was more active in the hills. I think that weight is important but the most important thing is fit and comfort. Go to a store that has experienced knowledgable staff with a good selection of packs - In the US REI would be a good...

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