fitoldbloke
Long legs in the morning
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2008 (2016)
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Don't worry about it. Re drying clothes: if you pin your washed clothes on the outside of your pack as you walk, they dry well. You can also do this with your layers as you remove them. Rather than stuffing them in your pack, they get a chance to air. And yes, you will look like he king of motley by about day six.Of course I will be showering every day, and using my crystal deodorant (a little last a long time) but from past experience it can be difficult to get walking clothing washed effectively and dried sufficiently, with the potential for body odour. Sure, this is the Camino and we put up with such things, but ...
I've never previously shaved my underarms. Will getting rid of hair help to reduce the potential for body odour? And what will be the likely impact on my clothing?
My head hair will be cut short, if only to make general care and after-shower drying easier
My kids laugh at me, but I do believe that hanging clothes to dry in the sun (I am from the tropics) is a good way of getting rid of odours that don't seem to come out during ordinary washing. You could try that (hang your clothes on your pack) if you are really concerned, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.Of course I will be showering every day, and using my crystal deodorant (a little last a long time) but from past experience it can be difficult to get walking clothing washed effectively and dried sufficiently, with the potential for body odour. Sure, this is the Camino and we put up with such things, but ...
I've never previously shaved my underarms. Will getting rid of hair help to reduce the potential for body odour? And what will be the likely impact on my clothing?
My head hair will be cut short, if only to make general care and after-shower drying easier
I had to do a double take to see if this was a girl or fellow asking ...
Shaving your underarms? For heaven's sake! Of course you must - and your legs and chest [don't mention your pubes].
"My head hair will be cut short" - mate, you're just lucky to HAVE any head hair.
Like you, I shower regularly - at least once a fortnight if I'm staying in albergues: you've got to think of the other peregrinos.
I'm off in six days walking the Finisterre route [be warned, all other pilgrims]
Dear One,Of course I will be showering every day, and using my crystal deodorant (a little last a long time) but from past experience it can be difficult to get walking clothing washed effectively and dried sufficiently, with the potential for body odour. Sure, this is the Camino and we put up with such things, but ...
I've never previously shaved my underarms. Will getting rid of hair help to reduce the potential for body odour? And what will be the likely impact on my clothing?
My head hair will be cut short, if only to make general care and after-shower drying easier
The reason tech clothes tend to build up funk is in part due to them providing excellent conditions for retaining proteins that natural bacteria on our bodies feed on and produce off odors. Using fabric softeners often makes it worse because they coat the proteins and make them even harder to wash off. Also, any general washing that is hard on the fabric (e.g. high heat washing or drying) will further increase surface area for protein build up. Thus, when regular washing and vinegar can't keep the stink at bay, a several hour soak in an enzymatic detergent (e.g. Resolve / Spray and Wash) can work wonders followed by a good wash.
Gee, and I thought this was all your hard-won knowledge!!The important thing about the internet isn't to be correct, it's just to be convincing.
Dont worry about it. The camino is a very informal stage. You can wear your shirt although not perfectly ironed as long as the tie you wear stay starched, your patent leather shoes bright, and your tie pin shining.Thanks everyone for all the considered responses. I'm working hard to keep clothing weight down (to compensate for the weight of the meds!!) so had decided that this time I'd just have three man-made "running" shirts: I reckon I can get three days out of each before they need washing, so wash two and wear one. However following your advice I have looked out my evening shirt - the question I now have is which albergues have starch and irons so I can keep it looking smart, and would it be acceptable to wear it without the black bow tie before the end of dinner, or should I wait until after dinner before discarding the tie?
Bow tie is only allowed if wearing tails. Sorry.A tie pin in a bow tie! Good god! What sort of madhouse am I coming to?
Double endorsements on the merino base layer, the evening shirt, the weekly washing in a machine, and the vinegar.
The reason tech clothes tend to build up funk is in part due to them providing excellent conditions for retaining proteins that natural bacteria on our bodies feed on and produce off odors. Using fabric softeners often makes it worse because they coat the proteins and make them even harder to wash off. Also, any general washing that is hard on the fabric (e.g. high heat washing or drying) will further increase surface area for protein build up. Thus, when regular washing and vinegar can't keep the stink at bay, a several hour soak in an enzymatic detergent (e.g. Resolve / Spray and Wash) can work wonders followed by a good wash.
That's only because we don't pour a bottle of cologne on ourselves after our shower!Last year we were having a late night drink with the hospitalero and some locals in a bar in Tardajos. I asked the locals if they thought pilgrims smell. They all said yes! Not a horrible smell, they said, but distinctive!
Davey
The smell of money coming into the local economy?Last year we were having a late night drink with the hospitalero and some locals in a bar in Tardajos. I asked the locals if they thought pilgrims smell. They all said yes! Not a horrible smell, they said, but distinctive!
Such a delightful beach to sit and watch the pilgrims go by. We saw a half dozen or so that we knew from the Camino Frances, so it was an extended reunion all afternoon.Had my first experience along the langosteria beach yesterday, smelling the person who was coming my way from a good 5 meters away, if not 10! The scent overtook the scent of the seawater...
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