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  1. S

    Is 1 litre of water enough to carry?

    I'm at the other extreme. I usually started the day with 2 liters of water in a camelback, plus a partially filled half liter bottle in case I ran out. I could get away with this because, in all other respects, I packed very lightly. It depends on what you personally need. I tend to get...
  2. S

    Securing backpack for plane?

    Just be aware that trussing your pack up too much is a good way to get extra attention from customs -- at least entering the US. They sometimes seem to view a bag that's too difficult to open as a challenge. :? I'd suggest carrying your bag on the plane and buying a knife in Spain or...
  3. S

    Pack Size/Model Survey

    C- I actually did not take a sleeping bag -- just a silk sleep sack. That said, if I had it to do over again, I would take a very lightweight sleeping bag and perhaps leave behind my thermarest sleeping pad -- which I used, but could probably have done without. Even in the middle of summer...
  4. S

    Pack Size/Model Survey

    I don't quite agree with those who say to get a large bag and carry it half-full. I took a small, inexpensive pack -- advertised as a day and a half pack. I think it cost about $30 U.S. I only carried about 5 kg of gear (plus water). If I'd had a larger pack, I know I would have taken...
  5. S

    Sheets, Packs, and Shoes

    Not so off topic. It's 500 miles from St. Jean to Santiago. Any further and you might have to buy new shoes en route.
  6. S

    Sheets, Packs, and Shoes

    I think running shoes are fine. I walked from SJPP to Santiago in good quality running shoes. If they're the most comfortable, I'd say go for it. Mine were thoroughly worn out, though, by the time I finished (and were almost new when I started), so you might want to get a new pair of the same...
  7. S

    .......

    There are two major problems with cotton. First, if it gets wet while you're wearing it, you'll be very very cold. Wet synthetic fabric (or wool)is warmer for some reason. Cotton also takes a long time to dry. Synthetics dry much faster, which matters when you're washing things by hand. I'd...
  8. S

    Need your advice on Boots

    I agree, spursfan. I have weak ankles but was quite happy with good quality running shoes. They were well and truly worn out by the time I got to Santiago, but I was glad to have lighter weight shoes. The weight of boots can be exhausting after a while. To each his own.
  9. S

    Is thermolite enough

    I took just a silk liner in August two years ago. If I had it to do over again, I'd take a lightweight sleeping bag instead. Most of the time the liner was enough. But the few times it wasn't enough, I didn't get much sleep. I guess it all depends on how sensitive you are to the cold.
  10. S

    Flashlight??

    Ok. I've been reading this forum for a while, and I feel like I need to put in a word of defense for the early-morning bag-rustling brigade. From the perspective of a member. :oops: I often left before dawn. I liked walking in the dark. I liked watching the sun rise. And I hated...
  11. S

    Wearing shorts?

    Yes, but I was told in no uncertain terms never to talk about "khaki pants" in the presence of anyone from the UK. Doesn't have quite the same meaning it does in the US. :wink:
  12. S

    fanny pack/waist bag alternative

    I carried a very lightweight purse (about the size of an around-the-neck passport holder), with a long strap so that I could wear it across one shoulder. My passport, money, credential, ATM card, and earplugs lived in the purse. The purse stayed in my pack when I was walking, but stayed with...
  13. S

    Do I really need a sleeping bag?

    Actually, you can take your walking sticks on the plane (from the US, anyway). See http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm. At least, I got away with taking one folding walking stick in my carry-on two years ago. I've never tried it with a pair. I...
  14. S

    another pack list :)

    I'd say keep the camelback. I love my camelback, and it doesn't weigh any more than bottles. You might want to consider nixing the skirt and using the sarong as a skirt -- particularly since you're taking leggings. I didn't do that, but met some women who did. You can even tie a sarong...
  15. S

    air mattresses and cook pots!

    I took a 3/4 length thermarest in August two years ago, and used it several times. But I suspect that I could have borrowed a foam sleeping pad from someone who had a bed. You definitely do not need pots and pans.
  16. S

    Camera:digital or disposable?

    Howie -- Yeah, I'm not up on my chainsaws. I have a cordless sawzall (which I'm still a bit afraid to use), but have never encountered a chainsaw. There aren't many trees left to be cut down in Manhattan. :? Lauren -- 14 pounds isn't bad at all. I met one guy who was carrying 30 kg! I...
  17. S

    Camera:digital or disposable?

    Heck, in that case take a real inflatable mattress so you won't have to worry about the bedbugs. I like the chainsaw idea, but I don't know where you'd plug it in. :wink: If you're planning to carry everything yourself, though, it's very nice to have a lightweight bag. And when I look...
  18. S

    Camera:digital or disposable?

    Making your pack lighter can be done, and is very much worth it. Mine was 10 or 11 pounds plus water. I don't think I would have made it through the first few days with a heavier pack. One rule of thumb -- don't take ANYTHING "just in case." Really. You can buy anything you need in Spain...
  19. S

    Packing List & Schedule - any comments ??

    There are some things on your list I'd say you could do without. I'm a big fan of traveling light. Everything's nicer when your back doesn't hurt. :D The only thing I might add is a very small bottle of shampoo. You can use it to wash hair and clothes, and refill it as necessary. Maybe...
  20. S

    Snakes? Contact Lenses? :)

    I'd strongly suggest glasses instead of contacts for the Camino, particularly if you're planning to camp out. You won't always be able to find a good place to clean your lenses, and a month's worth of daily disposable lenses will take up a lot of space. Glasses are easier. Depending on the...

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