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  1. roving_rufus

    To those who brought a tent: How do I keep the total weight down?

    You will probably get plenty of comments to not bring a tent - but I am presuming you have a good reason. Just be aware there are legal issues with wild camping in Spain. I have lightweight tent- but switched out some of the pegs for lighter options. You will need something warmer to sleep in...
  2. roving_rufus

    Reflective SOL Poncho

    I have a sol bivvy which is great. I have wild camped with it comfortably on dry nights, so it is more than an emergency item, and is still in good nick after more than 6 years. Which makes me favourable to SOL gear. So as for the SOL poncho on summer caminos I think i would consider it - given...
  3. roving_rufus

    It's been done before... cutlery/bowl/cup?

    I have a spork and some sort of tub or box (over the years these have varied in size and shape) that is microwaveable and can be used for leftovers. At the moment I have a screw top plastic jar which can be used as a mug too - tea, coffee even hot chocolate have been drunk out of it. I often try...
  4. roving_rufus

    Tent in December

    On a few more "remote" camino routes in Spain I would certainly carry my tent. But the CF is so developed for pilgrims that unless you are really financially stretched or have a dog with you it makes less sense - or you are a really avid wild camper (though knowing the CF is not a wilderness...
  5. roving_rufus

    Tent in December

    An emergency bivvy bag might be an option but I am more of the school of thought that you watch the weather and don't take chances in poor weather. The tent seems too much as an emergency option. Equally the tent as accomodation option in winter I probably wouldn't bother -the CF is used to...
  6. roving_rufus

    Managing electronics

    Minimal - phone with charger (I have one with 2-pin so no adaptor) and cable. I don't tend to use map app/gps alot -even on less travelled routes so my battery life on my phone is decent, that it doesn't need charged daily. I also carry headphones with a USB connector as newer phones don't have...
  7. roving_rufus

    Extra cushioning or versatility for El Camino del Norte?

    For the first time in 5 years I got a blister thanks to taking advice from the forum to switch to non-goretex for my summer camino - it rained and my feet got wet, and I got blisters. I will be sticking to goretex - and taking my shoes off to let my feet air out. There is no perfect...
  8. roving_rufus

    Where do you shop? [in the UK]

    I have a wide range of gear some cheap and cheerful, others I invested in My favourite long sleeve top is from Lidl, a short-sleeved top from Dunnes (Ireland/NI shop - somewhere between M&S and Primark), merino zip from Mountain Warehouse outlet, waterproof trousers from Trespass, I have...
  9. roving_rufus

    Boots?

    I find it hard to find boots that fit my foot well - so if I find a pair I keep them for winter. I go with trail runners the rest of the year, though I prefer goretex ones. Truthfully, as you are in Ireland there are a range of outdoor shops from Cork to Sligo and its best to go in and try some...
  10. roving_rufus

    To take a tent or not to take

    I certainly have carried a tent travelling on camino routes through France but for most routes in Spain I wouldn't as there are adequate accommodation options most of the time.
  11. roving_rufus

    Umbrellas

    I love an umbrella winter or summer on the camino - but I have cheap ones. Even a cheap uv one for summer- it makes such a difference on hot days with sun beating down. I have worked out a way to rig it up to my rucksack. There are fancy hiking umbrellas with proper systems to connect them to...
  12. roving_rufus

    Rain jacket recommendations

    I have a very nice RAB rainjacket which i combine with an umbrella (but my jacket is 11 years and still going strong with plenty of use so it was worth the investment given i live in Ireland). But any jacket with a reasonable hydrostatic head should be fine. The umbrella is a great addition as...
  13. roving_rufus

    My Camino shopping

    Given my favourite long sleeve hiking shirt I bought in Lidl 10 years ago which has outlasted the expensive one I got given as a present for Christmas the next year - I am all in favour of spending wisely on gear! I have stuff from IKEA, Lidl, Primark, Dunnes Stores (for my fellow Irish folks)...
  14. roving_rufus

    Lightweight down blanket

    If I take a down blanket I normally carry a silk liner. Others I have seen have brought very lightweight sheet to put over the bed. (But disposable sheets in albergues have become much more common and are lightweight and could be taken and reused )
  15. roving_rufus

    Time to Critique my list and weights!

    What a detailed list! There are definitely items I would question like a trowel, extra shoelaces. I might ask about 2 buffs if you also have a scarf, visor and beanie. The sit pad - I normally take a small square of bubble wrap though on the CF I rarely used it as most longer breaks were at...
  16. roving_rufus

    Skirts and wool leggings

    Sometimes with skirt or dress I have taken a pair of tights, and even cut out the toes to make them footless- and they weigh very little
  17. roving_rufus

    Brands of clothing (merino wool)

    I love my merino wool tops but can't wear them in the summer heat. I find them great spring, autumn and winter and have a mix of icebreaker and cheaper brands of merino including from Lidl. At 20°C I start to find them warm, so in summer I wear some sort of wicking sporty t-shirt. Equally...
  18. roving_rufus

    Different gear for winter Camiño

    I have done some winter caminos - I manage with a 30litre rucksack. There have been some good previous winter camino packing discussions so worth having a search for them. I am Irish - so cool and wet is my normal and I am quite comfortable hiking in that 2-15°C window... The key is layers! Base...
  19. roving_rufus

    Shoes, when does breaking in become wearing out.

    If I am switching to new boots/shoes- I tend to try a few short walks of 5km, and then at least one of 12-20km to check out if there are any issues. This tends to give me a good sense. But if I am switching to exactly the same model of trail runners I am less worried and a short walk is...
  20. roving_rufus

    Uses for a disposable pillowcase

    This has just given me an idea - I lost my pee-rag 2 days ago and tonight I am staying in a municipal pilgrim gite in France with disposable sheets and pillow.... I wonder

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