Peregrino Falcon
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- (SJPP - Finisterre)
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I wish you the very best with your next Camino Falcon. I am not able to offer any advice on light packing as I never managed to get my pack below 10 kilos but other members here have waked with minimum weight and they will advise you.
Buen pain free Camino and enjoy every step.
Well, from an older peregrino who is definitely not laughing at your sneakers and 22 litre pack, here goes:
My packing list for 21 day camino - SJPDP to SdC in September. (this will be my 10th camino walk, and make 2.5 times completed the Frances, so this list is based on 5 years camino walking experience)
Terranova Laser 20 pack
Windproof umbrella
Light slippers
Spare clothes: merino baselayer top and underpants, 2 x merino socks,light cotton PJ bottoms in case pants get soaked/evening wear
Cotton long sleeved shirt,elastic knee bandage, 3 x hankies, silk sleeping bag liner (it should be pretty hot in Sept), thin fleece.
Wash kit: 2 x muslin squares (lighter and quicker drying than travel towels),flannel, small soap, toothbrush and paste. I have a beard, so don't need shaving gear.
First aid kit: ibuprofen tabs,elastoplasts,blister packs,needle and thread, savlon, antihistamine cream,earplugs, tiger balm, nail clippers,small sunblock lotion.
Misc stuff: ipod shuffle,spare charged phone batteries,mini SA knife,small notebook and pencil,mino LED torch, string,travel washing line,50mm diam discs of sailcloth to use as sink plugs.
Tissues,plastic bags,sunglasses,buff,mobile phone, guide book, documents etc,
small embroidery kit to while away those rainy evenings, 2 x 500ml water bottles
Total weight, INCLUDING 1 litre of water and 300grms of breakfast bars = just under 4kgs.
Beat that!!
@zzotte lightweight runners or sandals are my shoes of choice and it has nothing to do with price. Some people (like me) just find them more comfortable. Different strokes for different folks.
However, if the problem is knees, flimsy footwear may be part of the problem. I have flat feet, and footwear is everything. Without arch and ankle support, I would be nearly immobile! I agree that price is not the best indicator.@zzotte lightweight runners or sandals are my shoes of choice and it has nothing to do with price. Some people (like me) just find them more comfortable. Different strokes for different folks.
Laurie I was carrying more weight than usual this year (that tent!) and yet my knees were fine. They creaked and complained as usual, but no more than they do going up and down stairs at home. But if I think about it, maybe it helped losing a bit of body weight beforehand. And for the first time ever ..... ever....training.
Hi everyone,
I'm going back to the Camino, and this time I want to complete every step of the way.
What are your pieces of advice?!
Hi, Kanga, I´ve always been lucky with my knees up till this year. But since I´ve already done two of the things that can help save the knees (use poles and have good shock absorption in my shoes), I'm just thinking that the only trick left for me to try is to lighten my pack. My thought is that training doesn´t help prevent knee injury, though my PT tells me that all the cycling and elliptical workouts I do should mean I have really strengthened the muscles around my knee so that I shouldn't get injured so often. I think maybe this is just something that comes with age and arthritis, but I will take any suggestions at all on how to fight those two demons!
I walked the Via de la Plata from Seville to Zamora in May this year with a Deuter 20 litre backpack... 4 kgs (without water) and I had everything I needed... I also walked the Camino Vadiniense and Salvador in the last 2 years with the same 20 litre backpack and same weight... I think most pilgrims carry far too much gear.
But again why not just flight direct to Santiago, and spare the space at albergues. No offense to the seriously hurt or illWhy chance an injury and another premature end to your Camino? Consider using one of the luggage transfer services.
If I was previously injured so badly that I couldn't even bend my knee I wouldn't hesitate to use the service.
Just my $0.02
Ron
What about the option of having your pack transported to your next albergue each day?What I'm looking to cull from all the years of Camino walking and philosophical differences here and everything, is, where can I cut away weight?
Hi everyone,
I'm going back to the Camino, and this time I want to complete every step of the way.
Hi everyone,
I'm going back to the Camino, and this time I want to complete every step of the way.
Last time I intended SJPP to SdC and ended up nixing about 250 km of the way when my knee refused to bend, (tendonitis and maybe even very early onset arthritis? I don't know! But at night my knee ached and pained and rusted and most mornings it did not want to bend.) But I did add another 90 km on to Finisterre, if that counts for anything, so I know I can do the trail for the most part. (another issue was that i only allowed 28 days).
I am coming back to do it this time, Camino Frances, every step of the way.
On these forums I read so many concerns about this piece of gear or that, what to bring or not, and all i know for me personally, this time, to make a great gigantic herculean effort of things--is that I have to trim every ounce or half ounce away. EVERY STEP means your knee or ankle bears the burden. 1 ounce after a million steps equals thousands of pounds. (Math guys feel free to leap in here and get specific--I am not a math guy, i'm a creative guy.)
I know there are older peregrinos who will laugh at my sneakers for hiking and my 22L pack.
What I'm looking to cull from all the years of Camino walking and philosophical differences here and everything, is, where can I cut away weight?
It's not OCD--it's that I am afraid my body will fail me on this next Camino--my knee will lock up, the reminder of past cycling and skateboarding injuries--but I want to give my dear knee every opportunity it might seek to prevail on this route.
I will be traveling, truly, ULTRA LIGHT. For example, I will never carry more than 500ml of water as i learned to gulp down water at each font last year and I was just fine, and water is a huge huge weight. I am looking for more ultra light hiking tips like that.
I'll need it. My knee will need it.
And I suspect I will not be alone.
Let's help the greatest number of peregrinos to make it to the end by helping them understand--no matter your ability to bear weight or your tolerance for weight or even your hiking philosophy--to file down every last ounce of weight to bear on the route.
What are your pieces of advice?!
Thanks!!!
I knew this would make me turn on my packing list again. And I liked it so much, the sarong and the 195g merino cardi for the evening ... But I also like looking at things from new angles, thinking outside the box (or pack, as it were) and just toying with possibilities. I wonder if anyone has walked with running tights, merino tunics (sun dress/night dress/shower wrap/going out) and a fleece instead of trousers and long and short sleeve tops? It's a lot lighter ...
But again why not just flight direct to Santiago, and spare the space at albergues. No offense to the seriously hurt or ill
Well one should not get one either if uses trains, taxis, buses, transports etc, now days turisgrinos all dress up in GQ peregrine style don't even break a sweat and then in the allbergues aside from taking a bed they have the corrones to brag how much they "walked" and they do get a compustela. Let me end here I think I said more then I should I promised my self I would be more tolerant and besides I respect this forum.You don't get a Compostela if you fly!
There is a huge difference betwwen cheaply made Chinese shoes any shoes that are 200$ plus. Are many sturdy quality trail runners and walking sandals for much less.You are right, I also have flat feet ( as a board)and use orthotics, and pacer poles ( I need all the help I can get) but I have found that the cheap Chinese made shoes first they don't last 300km second they never fit me right, however the more expensive, Italian made, or German made shoes ( low cut hikers) not only lasts fits nicely now of course is an exception for everything if one only walks 10 to 15 km per day I guess flip flops will do haha
I don't find any reference to you using trekking poles, but they will reduce stress on your knees far more than eliminating a few ounces of weight!
Ai ai ai Peregrino Falcon You said you had problems with your knees? If I was you I would begin by buying a "good pair" of hiking shoes not a pair of sneakers. Don't be cheap invest in a good pair of shoes ( + or - $200) is there cheaper shoes? You bet it's worth to find out that your $80 shoes did not make it and neither did you? No in my opinion. Well also dry your feet when changing socks twice a day the rest is just living the dream.
Just my two cents, best wishes
Zzotte
There is a huge difference betwwen cheaply made Chinese shoes any shoes that are 200$ plus. Are many sturdy quality trail runners and walking sandals foe much less.
Hi, thanks for your input. Can you tell me what you mean about hiking shoes helping out the knee? How do they specifically help the knee? (Cost is not a factor.)
I did well with my running shoes last year and thought the cushioning was probably helpful. The knee issue has more to do with bearing weight on the downhills, as I am built more like a long distance runner than a stout mountain dwarf.
Let me end here I think I said more then I should I promised my self I would be more tolerant and besides I respect this forum.
Zzotte
I'd love to see your packing list?
My packing list;
- Deuter 20 litre backpack
Paul.
Looks great!
As long as you have good shoes, you'll be fine.
Carry so little weight will be a bonus!
I love NB Trail Runners with Motion Control inserts.
Have a Buen Camino!
AnnieSantiago, you must have read my mind, I just sent you a PM asking about New Balance shoes, what model of shoe you recommend?
thanks,
Paul.
Cheers Annie.One other thing about the NB Trail Runners.
About two Caminos ago, my NB shoes wore out around the collar really early.
I used duct tape on them to finish up the Camino.
This distressed me, and in doing research I discovered that the particular ones I had purchased (on The Clymb) had been made in Vietnam.
Most NB are made in the USA.
I think one reason these were on sale was because of this issue with the collar fabric wearing out.
So I'd say to do some research and be sure the NB shoes you purchase are made in the USA.
That is the only pair I've had trouble with and the shoe part was ok, it was just around the top that it wore out by the end of the Camino.
Now you have me thinking about getting the Deuter Airlite 22 instead of my Gregory Z30, I started with a 46L Osprey Exos pack at 10kg, by the end of the Camino, I was down to 8kg, now that I know what I really don't need to bring, I'm down to 6.4kg with a liter of water and Z-Poles stuffed inside inside my Gregory Z30. You've walked it so you really know what you are willing to carry.
Thank you so much M! I have read all your Camino adventures. I was aware of your list and was going to compare and contrast wit AL.I'n not Al but here's my late autumn/winter 6.5 kilo kit.
I am presuming that the stuff you were is not included in the 4kgs. And that the fleece is not also?My packing list;
- Deuter 20 litre backpack
- lightweight zip off walking trousers
- 2 x dry flo tshirts
- 2 x socks
- 2 x underwear
- Microfibre towel
- Silk sleeping sheet
- Flip flops
- minimum toiletries
- disposable light poncho
- iPhone & charger
- 6 clothes pegs
- 6 safety pins
While walking I wear;
- lightweight zip off walking trousers
- dry flo tshirt
- socks
- underwear
- walking shoes
- sun hat
I also carry a lightweight fleece which I wear around my waist while walking... total weight of backpack 4 kgs.
Paul.
I understand this![...] I think maybe this is just something that comes with age and arthritis, but I will take any suggestions at all on how to fight those two demons!
Great news! Can't wait to read this year's adventure. Buen Camino and keep me posted. TomTom,
I, too, would like to see Al's winter list.... Hopefully I will be walking again later this autumn.
Even at 76 hope springs eternal!
MM
Al, what was your winter pack and contents? I am thinking about going again in early February. ThanksHope this helps:-
Below does not include water or food as I don't normally carry food, just 2 x 500ml water bottles from store as I stop at bars along the way to inject some cash into the local economy while enjoying what they have to offer!
My pack weighs 360 grams. It does not have a frame or a waist belt and is neither waterproof nor has a bag cover. Contents are in freezer food bags and clothes are in a dry bag.
The pack is actually a 35L one so I nowhere near fill it and have plenty of room for convenience and presents at the end.
Merril sandals
2 x (Socks, boxers, short sleeved T-shirt)
Shorts
Soft Shell coat
Lightweight raincoat
Thin gloves for cold mornings
Toiletries (all-in-one Travel Wash shampoo, toothbrush/paste, razor), tissues and a small solid perfume (well even I can be considerate to others)
Chamois leather for a towel
Scissors, nail clippers/file, tweezers, cotton
Savlon, Voltarol, Vaseline, Vic nasal stick, lip balm, spare combs and toothbrush (they do get lost don't they?)
Sea to Summit day bag (35g) for washing/shopping
Nappy pins and plug
Compeed, plasters, Ibuprofen, Rennies (indigestion tablets - we all get it occasionally don't we?)
Phone charger lead, journal (small)
Silk sleeping bag liner, glass case
Total 4.1k - plus the set of clothes I am wearing of course!
Oh yes - also 20 litres of Helium!
I am presuming that the stuff you were is not included in the 4kgs. And that the fleece is not also?
How did the disposable poncho work out? No pack cover, how did you stop the stuff in your pack getting wet.
P, I can't access your attached files. I do not know what I am doing wrong. Thanks TomThe clothes I wear and my fleece are not included in the 4kg, actually it was 3.5 kg... see attached photo of when I weighed backpack before heading off on the Camino... the poncho worked out fine when it rained... and it covered my backpack also so no need for a separate backpack cover...
Well, from an older peregrino who is definitely not laughing at your sneakers and 22 litre pack, here goes:
My packing list for 21 day camino - SJPDP to SdC in September. (this will be my 10th camino walk, and make 2.5 times completed the Frances, so this list is based on 5 years camino walking experience)
Terranova Laser 20 pack
Windproof umbrella
Light slippers
Spare clothes: merino baselayer top and underpants, 2 x merino socks,light cotton PJ bottoms in case pants get soaked/evening wear
Cotton long sleeved shirt,elastic knee bandage, 3 x hankies, silk sleeping bag liner (it should be pretty hot in Sept), thin fleece.
Wash kit: 2 x muslin squares (lighter and quicker drying than travel towels),flannel, small soap, toothbrush and paste. I have a beard, so don't need shaving gear.
First aid kit: ibuprofen tabs,elastoplasts,blister packs,needle and thread, savlon, antihistamine cream,earplugs, tiger balm, nail clippers,small sunblock lotion.
Misc stuff: ipod shuffle,spare charged phone batteries,mini SA knife,small notebook and pencil,mino LED torch, string,travel washing line,50mm diam discs of sailcloth to use as sink plugs.
Tissues,plastic bags,sunglasses,buff,mobile phone, guide book, documents etc,
small embroidery kit to while away those rainy evenings, 2 x 500ml water bottles
Total weight, INCLUDING 1 litre of water and 300grms of breakfast bars = just under 4kgs.
Beat that!!
Thanks! TomI only walk from May to September but I guess if in winter I would include the zip off legs to my shorts and a sleeping bag.
P, I can't access your attached files. I do not know what I am doing wrong. Thanks Tom
Yes! Thanks for trying. TomNot sure Tom, can you see the photo of my backpack?
Paul
Hello, what kind of umbrella do you bring? Do you mean you take that instead of a poncho and/or rain pants/rain jacket? Thanks!
W
Bog standard windproof umbrella - vented canopy to stop it blowing inside out. Bought from UK outlet via national paper advert for £14 - buy one, get one free - I got a pale blue one, pink one for my wife. (pale blue, as last time I used it as a parasol more than a raincover)
I've heard that some pilgrims use the taxi service to ship their backpacks ahead, to a specified albergue and just keep the minimum on them to make it there. I don't think there is any shame in doing this, especially if your knees or back really need the break.Hi everyone,
I'm going back to the Camino, and this time I want to complete every step of the way.
Last time I intended SJPP to SdC and ended up nixing about 250 km of the way when my knee refused to bend, (tendonitis and maybe even very early onset arthritis? I don't know! But at night my knee ached and pained and rusted and most mornings it did not want to bend.) But I did add another 90 km on to Finisterre, if that counts for anything, so I know I can do the trail for the most part. (another issue was that i only allowed 28 days).
I am coming back to do it this time, Camino Frances, every step of the way.
On these forums I read so many concerns about this piece of gear or that, what to bring or not, and all i know for me personally, this time, to make a great gigantic herculean effort of things--is that I have to trim every ounce or half ounce away. EVERY STEP means your knee or ankle bears the burden. 1 ounce after a million steps equals thousands of pounds. (Math guys feel free to leap in here and get specific--I am not a math guy, i'm a creative guy.)
I know there are older peregrinos who will laugh at my sneakers for hiking and my 22L pack.
What I'm looking to cull from all the years of Camino walking and philosophical differences here and everything, is, where can I cut away weight?
It's not OCD--it's that I am afraid my body will fail me on this next Camino--my knee will lock up, the reminder of past cycling and skateboarding injuries--but I want to give my dear knee every opportunity it might seek to prevail on this route.
I will be traveling, truly, ULTRA LIGHT. For example, I will never carry more than 500ml of water as i learned to gulp down water at each font last year and I was just fine, and water is a huge huge weight. I am looking for more ultra light hiking tips like that.
I'll need it. My knee will need it.
And I suspect I will not be alone.
Let's help the greatest number of peregrinos to make it to the end by helping them understand--no matter your ability to bear weight or your tolerance for weight or even your hiking philosophy--to file down every last ounce of weight to bear on the route.
What are your pieces of advice?!
Thanks!!!
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