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stelrey said:I actually know exactly how I could save a lot of weight (about 400 grams). But it would involve spending over 300 dollars for a 1-pound sleeping bag. VERY hard to justify, when I already own a relatively lightweight sleeping bag!
CaminoGen said:I love my packing cube (Outdoor Research football-like bags). It makes it really easy to access everything and to replace in the morning.
Exactly! For those of us who are organizationally challenged, this can be well worth a few grams. Right?CaminoGen said:I love my packing cube (Outdoor Research football-like bags). It makes it really easy to access everything and to replace in the morning.
Kiwi-family said:how about zip lock bags instead of the packing cubes?
I used ziploc bags in the past on long trips, and found they worked well. But not as well as my packing cubes! I'll have to decide what's worth more to me: saving 20 grams or being more organized.tericarns said:Our experience was that zip-lock bags worked great for packing clothes, were waterproof, cost little, and could be used for a dozen other purposes, as needed. We carried a few spares in different sizes.
Thanks for the advice! I love the feel of the pack so far, but haven't done any long hikes yet. I'll definitely be test-driving it. I was trying to choose between the OMM 32 and the Osprey Talon 33. I hope I made the right decision!Sheesh said:But the thing that I noticed most is that you are have an OMM 32 litre backpack. If that is the one with no internal frame, please make sure you do several test walks with a full load to ensure it doesn't pull too much on your shoulders.
I've actually considered bringing a pair of rain pants instead of gaiters, and a lightweight hiking skirt (for hanging out in the evening, over my long johns) instead of the second pair of trousers. Definitely worth thinking about!Susannafromsweden said:Myself I would not take two pair of the same kind of trousers. I would take one pair of hiking trousers, and a skirt in the summer, or a pair of light wind proof trousers in the winter (same as your jacket). That will save some weight.
I'd planned on using the same soap to clean myself and my clothes.Susannafromsweden said:Don't know if I missed something, but how are you going to wash your clothes?
When I backpacked (not the same as the camino, but still a long trip carrying everything on my back), I used the 2-litre zip locks for my clothes, and the sandwich-sized ones for other stuff like toiletries and first aid kit. If you go with zip locks, make sure you get the freezer bags, since they're much tougher. Personally, I prefer very lightweight stuff sacks or packing cubes, but that's just my personal preference.TabyJ said:I curious what size zip lock bags anyone has used.
I use the tiny ones for pills (ibuprofen, allergy, anti-diarrhea). I had no idea there were zip locks big enough to act as pack liners!ouroboros said:Zip locks are good for toting food, and for sensitive items like electronics. I used tiny zip locks (jewelry sized) for supplements, allergy pills, floss, etc. But the best zip lock was the huge XL I used as a liner for my back pack to protect against the elements.
This made me laugh! Honestly, I don't expect to be the first one up in the morning, so I don't think I'll ever be one of "those". But I do like how quiet the packing cubes are!ksam said:The nice part is your not one of "those" pilgrims making an ungodly racquet with their plastic bags!
I'm hoping that I'll be able to whittle down my stuff BEFORE going, so I won't have to waste any money on postage, but you're right...I can always send stuff ahead if I find that I don't need it. I figure that my pashmina will act as a pillow case. I'm also thinking that - maybe - I can forgo the second pair of pants AND the skirt, and just wear the pashmina as a skirt over a pair of long johns in the evening if my pants are dirty or wet.Magnara said:I wouldnt agonise too much, as you will soon find what you can live without - quite a bit (...) I unearthed my pashmina etc and wore them as a non-hiking tourist in Santiago for a week.
Thank you so much for your feedback! I have to admit that the comment made me a bit nervous. I'm still waffling between an altus (which I would buy in France) or a packa (which is more expensive but lighter, and which I would order online, so I'd be able to test it out first).Tincatinker said:I read the comment from the pilgrim who got soaked inside their Altus but didn't comment at the time and now can't find it. Nevertheless, at the time I remember thinking "are you sure you have an Altus". My most recent use age was at a music festival in the UK where I volunteer as a steward and was on gate duty for 8 hours a day for the long weekend. As those who live here will recall July was rather damp (an english understatement) but my Altus kept me perfectly dry through 8 hours of continuous torrential rain.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to whittle down my stuff BEFORE going, so I won't have to waste any money on postage, but you're right...I can always send stuff ahead if I find that I don't need it. I figure that my pashmina will act as a pillow case. I'm also thinking that - maybe - I can forgo the second pair of pants AND the skirt, and just wear the pashmina as a skirt over a pair of long johns in the evening if my pants are dirty or wet.
Kiwi-family said:The list above seems to be a bit more than I was planning and now I'm nervous coz I feel the cold and don't like to be wet once I've finished walking. Do I need more of anything?
SYates said:I wrote my thoughts, if I had any, after each item - in italics behind it ;-) but in general I think you have already done a pretty good job. As far as I can see, nothing is missing, so don't add anything in the last minute ;-)
stelrey said:I know how tired you experienced camino-ers must get of critiquing people's packing lists. But maybe you're bored and desperate for something to do. Ha!
Any thoughts are very, very welcome! This is for a March/April camino.
Hola!
Yes, it seems you might want to revisit all that you plan to carry. Remember, once you're walking, you will want to shed layers. Can't imagine needing everything you're suggesting to pack.
But here's another light-weight idea for washing your clothes. Wish I'd thought of this before walking my camino last Fall.
Make Your Own Washing Machine
In "Packing Tips from Our Readers" USRoadTripper offers a creative solution for travelers without access to laundry facilities: "I went to Japan last year, and took one of the extra-huge zip-top bags with me and used it as a washing machine! I was able to get a lot of clothes into it at once. I just put in the clothes, poured in the soap, filled it with water and then agitated it around in the tub until the clothes were all clean. It made the washing and rinsing a breeze, and my clothes got much cleaner than if I was just washing in the sink."
Buen Camino!
Bozzie
annakappa said:Try to avoid any liquid in hard plastic bottles ( like sun protection Cream). Choose something similar in a tube.
Thanks for the feedback! I am having fun - too much fun, perhaps - obsessing over my packing list. Haha! I keep getting mixed feedback about the sarong/pareo/pashmina. Maybe I'll end up bringing one after all! Where did you buy yours? My pashmina weighs 140 grams, and I'm sure I can find something lighter. I used to see sarongs in downtown markets when I lived in the city, but now I live in the middle of farmland. Not a lot of sarongs in these parts!CaroleH said:Looking good Stelrey. Multi purpose is the way to go and lots of fun to see just how inventive you can be. A few thoughts backing others. . .
Altus.. the best for me, heavy yes, but can't recommend enough, doubles up for warmth, in wind or on a bed, use to make shade.
Sarong ... the most versatile non walking item I take, lightweight bit of fabric with just so many uses.
Sleeping bag... mine weighs 420gm (you can get lighter) and I love it,even though it cost a lot, well worth the outlay.
Buen camino. Have an amazing time. Carole
stelrey said:annakappa said:Try to avoid any liquid in hard plastic bottles ( like sun protection Cream). Choose something similar in a tube.
Good advice! Thank you! I found a tube of sunblock at the pharmacy...it weighs less and I expect that it will last me longer than the liquid sunblock that I had poured into a little plastic bottle. I'm thinking that I might bring bar shampoo as well!
Yes, I'm definitely rethinking - and rethinking and rethinking - my clothes. I do feel like I should have 2 full changes of clothes, but I'm looking for ways to keep things lighter. Thanks for that washing tip! What a neat idea...I'll have to try it out!Bozzie said:Yes, it seems you might want to revisit all that you plan to carry. Remember, once you're walking, you will want to shed layers. Can't imagine needing everything you're suggesting to pack.
But here's another light-weight idea for washing your clothes. Wish I'd thought of this before walking my camino last Fall.
Make Your Own Washing Machine
In "Packing Tips from Our Readers" USRoadTripper offers a creative solution for travelers without access to laundry facilities: "I went to Japan last year, and took one of the extra-huge zip-top bags with me and used it as a washing machine! I was able to get a lot of clothes into it at once. I just put in the clothes, poured in the soap, filled it with water and then agitated it around in the tub until the clothes were all clean. It made the washing and rinsing a breeze, and my clothes got much cleaner than if I was just washing in the sink."
Buen Camino!
Bozzie
...and back to the pharmacy I go. :lol:SYates said:Just make sure it is a "screw tube" and not a "snap open" tube. You really don't want to have anything in your backpack that opens easily with a bit of pressure. Been there, got the t-shirt - or the foamy mess better said ;-) SY
stelrey said:...and back to the pharmacy I go. :lol:SYates said:Just make sure it is a "screw tube" and not a "snap open" tube. You really don't want to have anything in your backpack that opens easily with a bit of pressure. Been there, got the t-shirt - or the foamy mess better said ;-) SY
Pharmacies here are generally like big box stores...cheap and plentiful!SYates said:You should be able to get empty "screw bottles" ready to fill with your favorite liquid in any outdoor store - pharmacies are FAR too expensive, at least in my part of the world
stelrey said:Pharmacies here are generally like big box stores...cheap and plentiful!
I've been sleeping in my merino wool long johns, and they're HOT. I'm thinking that I might bring silk instead...much lighter, and yet still warm. As for your wrap vs sarong...I think 50 grams is a big enough weight difference to mention!CaroleH said:Everything must be quick dry. No special pyjamas, either sleep in what you are going to walk in next day or leggings or sarong or knickers. Measurements ...
wrap skirt = width 130cm x length 92cm. Weight = 160gms
. . . . . .. 51+ inch x 36+inch
sarong = width 154cm x 122cm. Weight = 210 gms
. . . .. .. 61 in x 48 in (approx)
ties of wrap skirt = 70cm x 3cm and 15cm x 3cm
Actually the weight difference is not so great after all, but the wrap skirt variety is more versatile and less bulky. Depends on the fabric used. Hope this all makes sense and has been some help. If your pashmina is big enough, it would be fine.
1. my ahnus are so beautiful! I love them, and I love how they feel. I went one half size larger, although I'm kind of wondering if I should have gone a full size instead. They fill well, though. By inserts, do you mean the ones you can buy in stores? Any particular suggestions? Would you just stick them directly into the boot?FrancineM said:Revisiting your clothing.
1. Loved my Ahnu Montaras! Did you get inserts? Look into it. My feet really needed inserts and I did not bring them. The shoes were very comfortable. I did buy them one half size larger and was very happy about that.
2. March April is unpredictable so I do sympathize on being afraid of being cold. Review your choices and hone to 1 outfit for daytime/walking and 1 for nighttime hanging out (eating, visiting sites). i slept in my undies for the next day. Albuergues have blankets, ask for them, if you think you'll be too cold at night. I was not cold and I get cold very easily. I walked in April (just got back last week). There were some days that I was waaaay too hot. Your metabolism goes on overdrive after walking 20k+ a day. I think your wool choices are excellent. I started out the day with a shirt, fleece, and jacket while ending most days in short sleeves.
stelrey said:... I've actually been considering bringing along a lightweight down jacket. After reading your message, I think that might be going a bit overboard.
stelrey said:FrancineM said:Revisiting your clothing.
1. my ahnus are so beautiful! I love them, and I love how they feel. I went one half size larger, although I'm kind of wondering if I should have gone a full size instead. They fill well, though. By inserts, do you mean the ones you can buy in stores? Any particular suggestions? Would you just stick them directly into the boot?
2. Thanks for the feedback on the weather. I almost feel like it would be easier to pick clothes if I were walking in the heat of July or the dead of winter! Shoulder-seasons can be tricky. I've actually been considering bringing along a lightweight down jacket. After reading your message, I think that might be going a bit overboard.
FooteK said:Getting ready to pack. Items are laid out on the bed. Leave next week. Some thoughts as I read through this thread:
1. I have some tubes of Voltaren. Should I take one?
2. Should I bring spork/knife,fork,spoon/mug/plate, etc.?
3. Is Compeed the same as moleskin?
4. Are there Decathlon stores in Spain along the Camino Frances?
Thanks.
- Kathy
Kiwi-family said:1x voltaren - yes
one small sharp knife f
1. no ideaFooteK said:Getting ready to pack. Items are laid out on the bed. Leave next week. Some thoughts as I read through this thread:
1. I have some tubes of Voltaren. Should I take one?
2. Should I bring spork/knife,fork,spoon/mug/plate, etc.?
3. Is Compeed the same as moleskin?
4. Are there Decathlon stores in Spain along the Camino Frances?
Thanks.
- Kathy
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely look into inserts.FrancineM said:I trained in a pair of Ahnus and got another pair about a month before leaving to break them in. Good thing I did, too. My husband wore his Keens that he'd been training in and wore through them before Leon. I had to bring his backups with me when I met up with him in Leon.
My husband brought some Dr. Scholl inserts with him, in his shoes. He also brought a pair of more pricey inserts he had purchased at a walking store that he'd been fitted for. Halfway through the Camino or so, he'd tossed out the Dr. Scholls as he'd worn through those and was wearing the more expensive inserts. I regret not having followed his example. It seems like his feet felt better at the end of the day. The more people I spoke to on the Camino, the more I heard about inserts and orthotics for people's shoes in their preparation process.
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