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  1. skilsaw

    Backpacks

    Backpacks are a very personal piece of equipment. I already owned a larger Gregory pack when I was planning my first camino. It is really beautifully built out of bullet proof material but I thought it was too big. I chose a 30L Arcteryx pack and it has been my companion for a total of 110 days...
  2. skilsaw

    The Quest for the right boots or shoes

    I'm preparing for a couple "Backpacking trips" in 2013. We will be totally away from civilization and need to carry a tent, stove, cooking pots and food, as well as the usual kit that a pilgrim carries on the Camino. Today I walked a little over 4 kms on pavement with a 25 kg backpack and...
  3. skilsaw

    The Quest for the right boots or shoes

    Oleg, you are lucky to have quality boots available to you. Thirty years ago we could buy Meindl footwear in Victoria, Canada (my city) They were beautifully made. As were Merrell, Asolo, and many others. Now, even the big names have moved their manufacturing to Asia. The closest I could get...
  4. skilsaw

    Sleeping bag for late fall and winter

    I am a cold sleeper so would take the -10 C sleeping bag. I suspect the heat will get turned down, if not off at night in some albergues. It is easy to cool down if your sleeping bag is too warm. Take off last layers of clothes, sleep with bag unzipped. Getting warm in a cold sleeping bag is...
  5. skilsaw

    The endless search for just the right boots.

    Returned to the store today to take back yesterday's boot choice. After wearing them for 4 hours in the house last evening, my feet felt squeezed. I need something wider. As luck would have it, the store had the same boots, same size but "wide". After wearing them this evening in the house...
  6. skilsaw

    The endless search for just the right boots.

    Renegade, Good luck with your Keen shoes. I've never tried them, but hear good reports. I think a lot of footwear is suitable for the Camino. It is just a matter of finding "the right footwear" for you. Good call on not taking boots that cause even a minor problem before you start. I've...
  7. skilsaw

    The endless search for just the right boots.

    I have walked the Camino Frances and the Via de la Plata twice... about 2800 kms. If you don't like reading long posts, here is the conclusion first: Purchasing boots and breaking them in is a crap shoot (american slang for "a gamble"). Ya pays yer money, and ya takes yer chances. But...
  8. skilsaw

    The Quest for the right boots or shoes

    I have walked the Camino Frances and the Via de la Plata twice... about 2800 kms. If you don't like reading long posts, here is the conclusion first: Purchasing boots and breaking them in is a crap shoot (american slang for "a gamble"). Ya pays yer money, and ya takes yer chances. But...
  9. skilsaw

    Thoughts on photography and camera selection for the Camino

    I chose a Canon that runs on 4 AA batteries. Never had to worry about charging it up. It is a bit bulky, but smaller than a DSLR. Buen Camino, David, Victoria, Canada.
  10. skilsaw

    underwear

    I am concerned about "Camino consumerism" I am guilty of purchasing all new everything, from socks to rucksac, for the Camino. And judging from what I saw along the way, I am not the only one. All that new stuff did not eliminate getting wet through in the rain, or burned by the sun.
  11. skilsaw

    Laundry Soap

    Since you are in the States, check at REI. I use a liquid called "Camp Suds" for everything. Used sparingly, an 8 oz bottle lasted me for 40 days on the VdlP. A 4 oz bottle would be enough for you. I know the security at airports has cracked down on taking liquids onto planes, so maybe Ivory...
  12. skilsaw

    Sleeping Bag or just Silk Liner??

    While some Albergues have extra blankets, you can't be sure all will have them. The Camino gets to fairly high elevation 3 times. Roncesvalles, Rabanal, and O'Cebreiro. It can be cool at night in these villages in May. A silk liner is not enough in May. Take a sleeping bag. It need not...
  13. skilsaw

    laundry

    I bring an 8 oz bottle of a liquid soap called "Camp Suds" from home. And I use it for washing everything... hair, body, clothes... I use it sparingly and it lasts the whole trip. This soap is environmentally friendly and has no fragrance. I purchase it from MEC in Canada, or an outdoor store.
  14. skilsaw

    Checking Backpack on Airplane

    Interesting statistics Falcon, It seems the airlines loose 1.5 to 2 percent of the bags, assuming one bag per person. Frustrating as it is to be in the unlucky 2 %, 980 people out of every 1000 got their luggage, no problem. Pretty good odds really. David, Victoria, Canada
  15. skilsaw

    Hiking Shoes, or Hiking Boots?

    I was a dedicated "Boot man" but this year on the VDLP, I developed terrible blisters on both feet. I spent the days from Zafra to Merida trying options - light synthetic socks, wool socks, sandals. But the blisters were raw, and everything I tried hurt. My final solution was to buy a pair of...
  16. skilsaw

    Pillows?

    Bringing your own pillow case is a nice idea. Spanish pillows are long, the width of a single bed, and quite thin... If your neck and back are really sensitive, bring your own pillow. They don't weigh much, and it would make your backpack look bulky and heavy. Macho! Years ago, a friend...
  17. skilsaw

    The elusive light weight Camino

    I would add the hat (don't count it as in your pack, because it is always on your head... You don't count the weight of the set of clothes you will be wearing) I don't bother with deoderant. Afterall, many (most) pilgrims shower and wash clothes daily. I use a "universal" soap called "Camp...
  18. skilsaw

    Smart Packing and Unexpected Backpack Items

    I found rocket booster boots in an army surplus store. Very efficient for climbing big hills, but I only get them out when I am alone. Don't want others to know how I reach the top of hills feeling and looking so fresh. Unfortunately they are noisy and smell of jet fuel. David, Victoria, Canada
  19. skilsaw

    Hiking Shoes, or Hiking Boots?

    Hi Tim, Your Gregory pack sounds very suitable. I have a Gregory pack a little smaller than 60 litres which is very comfortable when loaded. Remember you don't need to fill it up! I have used an Arcteryx Bora 30 backpack on the Camino and need every cubic cm of it for my gear. Your Toronto...
  20. skilsaw

    Raincoat-Poncho

    If purchasing and shipping an altus poncho is an issue for pilgrims from America or Canada, Try the two meccas of out door gear in North America. Recreational Equipment Incorporated in the USA http://www.rei.com/ And Mountain Equipment Incorporated in Canada...

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