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Poncho (will I really need this? I have a rain jacket and my pack has a cover.... I'm thinking worst case scenario I can throw a trash bag over myself but I'm not that picky. I have it though so I could just take it).
Two carabiners just-in-case
40+ sleeping bag. It's down but it's lightweight and I like it. Don't want to splurge on a new one unless I am convinced I have to. I would rather buy a treated sheet and take that too.
A treated sheet for keeping the bed bugs away (see above)
Headlamp/flashlight (I'm thinking maybe I'll just take the little flashlight? But the headlamp is very light too)
Rain jacket - super lightweight and packs up small. This is the only jacket I'm taking. My joggers are warm and I figure I can layer a SS under a LS if I get cold in the morning.
I also took muslin as a towel. Your fabric with ducks from the baby department sounds more like a light flannel???My two cents worth. I found my microfibre towel became very smelly after two weeks. On my second camino I took a muslin two metre length of fabric. It is lightweight, dries quickly, doesn't smell at all and doubles as a privacy screen when tucked into the bunk mattress above you. It is found at any fabric shop - unfortunately in the baby section as it is used to wrap babies. I'm sure hubby wont mind like ducks on his towel! Lol!
I also only take one LS and one SS shirt, two shorts (one on one off).
Buen camino.
OK. Sorry for doubting you. I guess what we know as muslin in the quilting world in the U.S. is different. Sounds like they serve the same purpose when used as towels tho.No, it was muslin. So light and very versatile. I actually got blue dots for hubby. He's fine with that. Lots of colours and patterns available at Spotlight in Australia.
It looks like you have 4 pair of "bottoms". Two shorts, leggins, and joggers. Two would be enough. I can't imagine needing 2 long sleeve tech shirts either as June is going to be hot. I'm thinking you will want to keep the number of garments to a minimum because 1) you will be carrying them 2) too much temptation not to do laundry and you wind up carrying around a bunch of dirty clothes 3). Too hard to keep up with too many items (Clean or dirty? On the line or in my pack?). Minimizing and simplifying will make your walk more enjoyable. Just my opinion.
Sensible list.
One conspicuous absence - trekking poles
One thing I'd leave home - the flashlight. (your phone should do in a pinch).
One debatable item - the poncho. I am biased against. You have a waterproof jacket. So why? I prefer an umbrella. Useful under scorching sun as well.
Question of personal preference - instead of tights, loose fitting pants and matching shirt.
Would you say that trekking poles make a significant difference? Difference enough to either send them ahead or check them? At this time, I do not plan on checking anything at the airport as I will only be bringing my back pack.
With a long sleeve shirt and a rain jacket that can both be layered over a short sleeve shirt, I can't imagine your needing a down jacket. But that's me and I live in Alaska so I should probably keep quiet.
With a long sleeve shirt and a rain jacket that can both be layered over a short sleeve shirt, I can't imagine your needing a down jacket.
But she's not going for another 3 weeks.The forecast is for a low of 3 degrees in Roncevalles this Thursday (3 Celsius, as in 37 Fahrenheit). Two tech Ts under an ultralight jacket isn't much if one is an early riser.
On the other hand, once over the Pyrenees, really cold weather becomes very unlikely.
When you load those donkeys you intend to rent, you can no doubt include items that you might need one night, but as I am my own pack mule, I tend not to plan around "what if".This is a quote from a blog entry dated June 30th 2011, describing the SJPP Roncesvalles stage. (I have nothing to do with this travelogue. But commonsense suggests that at least one reasonable insulation layer may come in handy while hiking a pass at 1400 m)
What a tough grinding day our first day on the Camino was. The weather started out ok but rapidly turned to drizzle and then rain. Soon the wind began to pick up and we were freezing cold. Temperatures were just below 10C but with the wind chill factor actual temperatures must have been closer to zero.
Not much to add, and congratulations on ditching the extra stuff! Once you have to lug it around day after day you won't regret that. And you'll be surprised how little you really need. One set of walking clothes, one spare, and something to sleep in. Basic toiletries (you may end up not using a lot of what you bring int hat department after a few days). I walked in March and once I got to Pamplona I mailed at least a kilo and a half of unnecessary warm clothes ahead to Santiago that I didn't need...plus sundry other stuff that had proved not so necessary.
There are threads and endless discussions elsewhere about the pros and cons of poles, and ponchos versus rain jacket. We all have our opinions.
Forgive me if I missed it...you're taking sunscreen, right?
And stuff to take care of your feet is super important. Moleskin, paper tape (I used it proactively to prevent blisters where I usually get them), omnifix...these I used every single day. There's a lot here in the forum about blisters and compeed/no compeed. Having tried it, I fall strongly in the 'no compeed' camp, but there are others who swear by it. Try and see for yourself...
Yes. (I got a little tube--for babies--at my local natural food store that was plenty for the whole walk, and I could carry it on...)I planned on buying sunscreen in France since I can only fly with products less than 3oz. I'm assuming it's sold anywhere right?
Also about a dozen plastic clothes pins or big safety pins come in handy for hanging you wash up to dry at the albergue.
cheers
Mark knows the Camino so listen to his advice.Looks like a pretty good list to me.
I would just bring the rain jacket and pack cover. Ditch the poncho. Also bring with you a couple of heavy duty trash bags (you don't need expensive high-tech waterproof bags). I suppose anywhere from 20-30 gallon size. Use these as a waterproof bag for your stuff in the event it rains, and if you had to you could also wear one as a poncho (done that down here on a couple of drunken, rainy Mardi Gras ha ha). If you have some Scotch Guard waterproof spray at the house, give your waterproof pack cover a spray-down with it. I did before I left for my second Camino last summer and my pack cover worked like a champ. My first Camino had zero rain. Also bring some zip-lock bags to keep your maps/guidebook, passport, credentials, iPhone, etc in.
You don't have to have trekking poles. I walked two Caminos without them. If by the time you get to Pamplona you decide you want a pair, there are a couple of shops you can buy them at. Also with trekking poles you may not be able to carry-on your pack into the airplane. If possible you definitely want to carry on your pack.
Good choice on the trail runners. You don't need boots on the Camino Frances and I never saw anyone that wore running shoes or trail runners suffer from blisters.
Ditch the carabiners. You won't need them.
I would say only bring one LS shirt, and instead of the other bring a lightweight fleece jacket/pullover. It does get kinda chilly at night and in the morning sometimes and it works great to layer under the rain jacket. I didn't find Spain to be either very hot or cold on either Camino, but everyone is different.
I never carried a hydration bladder and found that carrying 2-3, half liter bottles of water in the packs side pockets to work great. Refilled them at fountains and cafes. Again, personal preference, but I just figure the bladder takes up room and it is additional weight and the bottles are easier to refill. I carried the same ones the entire Camino and threw them in a bin in Santiago.
Don't overload on toiletries and such. You can buy stuff like that all along the Camino. Also about a dozen plastic clothes pins or big safety pins come in handy for hanging you wash up to dry at the albergue.
cheers
Don't forget to bring some sort of small pouch/bag or whatever to keep your money, passport, credit cards, iPhone etc in to take with you when you shower and keep on you or in the sleeping bag with you when you sleep at night.I completely forgot about those! Thanks! I'll be sure to throw some into my bag!
I loved my caribiners and had to buy a couple in Pamplona. Among other uses, I used them to attach my document/camera pouch to my pack straps at the front to eliminate bouncing and dragging on my neck. That is the type of need that you can only recognize by trial and error.There is just no substitute for gear testing.
I use tie wraps to secure a small nylon bag that has a loop at one end of the zipper to the bed. Helps me know where my valuables are during the night, and prevents the bag, which holds my eyeglasses to fall to the floor. We all have our little tricks.I loved my caribiners and had to buy a couple in Pamplona. Among other uses, I used them to attach my document/camera pouch to my pack straps at the front to eliminate bouncing and dragging on my neck. That is the type of need that you can only recognize by trial and error.
So, I've ditched the leggings, a LS Shirt, decided against the poncho, returned the microfiber towel, will buy some muslin cloth, ditched the sheet and will bring essential oils (double as skin care since I have sensitive skin and tend to burn) and am debating brining along a thin down jacket. How cold is cold at night in June? Haha.
I have trekking poles but have never really been too fond of them. I was planning on leaving them at home. I hike here without them mostly. Yes they can be helpful at times going down hill but I really trust my shoes. That being said, I've never walked back-to-back for a month. Would you say that trekking poles make a significant difference? Difference enough to either send them ahead or check them? At this time, I do not plan on checking anything at the airport as I will only be bringing my back pack.
Just google "baby swaddle blankets" and you'll fine a plethora, that is if you don't mind baby patterns. Aden + Anais USA have 47" x 47". They are expensive, but oh so soft and comfortable. Never thought of this, but it makes perfect sense! I'll probably borrow one from my granddaughter.I don't know where you live but in the U.S. You can walk into any fabric store (JoAnns, Hancocks, Beverlys, etc) and ask for muslin). I have about a yard and a half of white and my DIL used her embroidery machine to put my name on one end and hem it all the way around in red. The fabric came in 45" width and I split it down the middle so it is about 20 inches by 50 inches finished. @Waggs
In this case as a man who lives in a seaside resort in France, I have to agree with Alipilgrim. You see topless women at the beach but you do not see women walking around town in leggings like you see in the US. I think you would find yourself feeling very uncomfortable in public not following her advice.Ok, this is just IMHO - Spain is still a conservative country. I would not be comfortable only having leggings to wear everywhere ie. town/churches and would consider bringing a very lightweight skirt or some other covering to wear about town or on your rest days. I usually took a rest day in the 'cities' and was pleased to be wearing something akin to 'real' clothes and meld in with the crowds, rather than the same clothes I'd been wearing for the last several weeks.
Ok, this is just IMHO - Spain is still a conservative country. I would not be comfortable only having leggings to wear everywhere ie. town/churches and would consider bringing a very lightweight skirt or some other covering to wear about town or on your rest days. I usually took a rest day in the 'cities' and was pleased to be wearing something akin to 'real' clothes and meld in with the crowds, rather than the same clothes I'd been wearing for the last several weeks.
In this case as a man who lives in a seaside resort in France, I have to agree with Alipilgrim. You see topless women at the beach but you do not see women walking around town in leggings like you see in the US. I think you would find yourself feeling very uncomfortable in public not following her advice.
you might mean a 'sarong' or a 'lunghi' ?Another idea is a sari knotted at the waist creating a long skirt. This could be worn with or without the leggins. A sari is a multi-purpose item anyway: towel, privacy screen, draped over head and shoulders to protect from the sun, and probably a few more.
I'm not sure that "sari" is the right word for what I mean. Can someone help me out with a better word?
Sarong was the word I was looking for. Yes I knew "sari" was yards and yards of fabric and I didn't want to promote that. Thank you @amorfati1you might mean a 'sarong' or a 'lunghi' ?
sari/saree is a fabulous garment involving about 5 - 7 yeards of fabric.
(used to own about 12 of those at one point in my life. loved wearing them. but highly unfavourable on the camino i'd say. but then again... in india, millions of women have pilgrim-ed over the ages in such those sarees....)
saluti -
I am finishing the CF tomorrow.It's getting close to Camino time (3 weeks out!) and I am also heading into the busiest time of the school year for me so I will be slammed with work until I leave. I'm hoping my exhaustion will help me sleep through the plane ride! Here is my packing list. Please offer advice!
Thank you to anyone who is willing to help!
Here it goes:
Osprey Kyte 36L (Women's)
Camelbak 3L reservoir ( I will prob not fill it the whole way but I just bought it less than a year ago. Why buy another?)
40+ sleeping bag. It's down but it's lightweight and I like it. Don't want to splurge on a new one unless I am convinced I have to. I would rather buy a treated sheet and take that too.
A treated sheet for keeping the bed bugs away (see above)
Two carabiners just-in-case
ear plugs
1 Microfiber towel
iphone for communicating and pictures
Clothes
Dri-fit pants/joggers - they're a little bulky but I hike/run in them in the mornings here so I am used to them - figured I'd just take something I was comfortable in. Also, I could pull these over shorts in the a.m. if cold and whip 'em off as it warms up! I can also sleep in these if they're not dirty.
Dri-fit leggings
2 tech SS shirts
2 LS tech shirts
2 shorts - 1 dri-fit and light and one hiking
3 pairs of socks (merino wool)
3 pairs of underwear
2 sports bras
Rain jacket - super lightweight and packs up small. This is the only jacket I'm taking. My joggers are warm and I figure I can layer a SS under a LS if I get cold in the morning.
Shoes
Inov-8 trail runners (I currently hike in trail runners so I see no point in taking boots... ?)
Pair of comfy broken-in flip flops to use in shower and around town (they dry quickly)
Other Stuff
A ball cap
2 Glasses (seeing and sunglasses)
Headlamp/flashlight (I'm thinking maybe I'll just take the little flashlight? But the headlamp is very light too)
Poncho (will I really need this? I have a rain jacket and my pack has a cover.... I'm thinking worst case scenario I can throw a trash bag over myself but I'm not that picky. I have it though so I could just take it).
Home made first aid kit with: medical tape, band-aids, alcohol wipes, anti-bacterial ointment, anti-fungal cream, ibuprofen
Wipes in case of ...ahem....
Toiletries - figured I'd buy an all-in-one soap bar there. Any suggestions? Taking a small toothpaste and I'll buy as I run out along the way. 1 razor and necesseties for mother nature's monthly gift haha.
Makeup - I'm bringing a tinted moisturizer with high SPF, mascara and SPF lip balm. These are non-negotiables for me haha. I will probably not use the tinted moisturizer or the mascara but I like the idea of having them there in case I have the need to feel pretty haha.
Is there anything major that I am forgetting or really don't need? Thank you again!
I am finishing the CF tomorrow.
The one thing I would double up would be the sun screen. The sun will beat on your neck for most of the dat. Very expensive in Spain. For men, I would also double up on those carry on shaving creams for the same reason.
I wish I had brought two long sleeve pullover shirts and two short sleeve shirts.
Three pair of Merino wool socks. They take forever to dry.
Most of the banos in the bars, etc Re very clean, but they almost never have paper towels to dry your hands after you've washed them. Bring something you can dry your hands and perhaps clean with your clothes.
You eliminated the poncho which I agree. Are you bringing a rain cover for your back pack? I think I saw someone mention an umbrella. No umbrellas. They are useless in the wind. Ponchos are useless in the wind and slow you down unless you are sailing before the wind.
Do not skimp on your first aid kit. If you have allergies, bring something for them. The olive trees do a number on me. Advil. I ibuprofen, gels for fore muscles, etc. buy scissors and knife overe here.
I wish I had brought more plastic zip lock bags, paper clips to mark my spot in the guide book and a few rubber bands.
Do not bring Brierley! A lot of fluff IMHO. Who gives a rats behind what Dolly Parsons says about the rain? It's in there. Hiking the Camino de Santiago by Dintman and Landis is much better. Find some good THIN maps and put the Brierley guide book where it belongs - in the trash!
If you think you will get cold in the Pyrenees, you could always layer up. I would not bring a garment just because you think you might get cold. If you are carrying a pack, you will not be cold for long - like in a few seconds.
I brought two Easton, adjustable trekking poles with a spare set of tips. Glad I brought both.
Bring a set of biking gloves. Padded. Kept my hands from getting sun burned in April and May. Many people commented as to they wished they had done the same.
Duct tape. Bring some. Wrap it around your trekking poles. Does not weigh much. 12 feet should be about right. My Merrells started to come apart. The duct tape proved to be valuable. I used all that I had and could not find more over here.
This may be a repeat of what others have posted, and I know there are frequent posters on here who will want to flame me for it, since they think they own the forum. I apologize in advance.
I think this is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. When you express your opinions as forthrightly as you did in the following rant, you can expect a response to your flame!!I know there are frequent posters on here who will want to flame me for it
I used Brierley's guide, and not Dintman and Landis. I remember looking at their guide when it came out and wondering what practical advantages it offered over Brierley. I concluded that there wheren't many, certainly not enough at that stage to contemplate buying another guide. It might be a reasonable choice if you don't already have a Brierley guide, and the 2013 edition might have improved things.Do not bring Brierley! A lot of fluff IMHO. Who gives a rats behind what Dolly Parsons says about the rain? It's in there. "Hiking the Camino de Santiago" by Dintman and Landis is much better. Find some good THIN maps and put the Brierley guide book where it belongs - in the trash!
@whariwharangi, I agree with the rest of your post above, but this seems odd advice. If you are an up- and down-hill pole user, as many people seem to be, then it would seem to me that this is one stretch of the camino where poles are going to be most useful.If you don't know about poles consider starting without. By the time you get to Pamplona you will have gone down hills as steep as they get and you can decide then.
I am finishing the CF tomorrow. ... If you think you will get cold in the Pyrenees, you could always layer up. I would not bring a garment just because you think you might get cold. If you are carrying a pack, you will not be cold for long - like in a few seconds.
... and I know there are frequent posters on here who will want to flame me for it, since they think they own the forum. I apologize in advance.
How can you layer up if you don't bring extra garments? "If you are carrying a pack, you will not be cold for long ..." not in the morning/during the day whilst walking - but you will be cold in the evenings.
No need to apologize, nobody here owns this forum, ok, apart of @ivar
Buen Camino de la vida! SY
@whariwharangi, I agree with the rest of your post above, but this seems odd advice. If you are an up- and down-hill pole user, as many people seem to be, then it would seem to me that this is one stretch of the camino where poles are going to be most useful.
I think this is a perfectly reasonable option, even if some things are going to be a little more expensive in SJPP than you might find elsewhere.SYates, I know you're one of the veterans here... how are the prices for things such as soap, sunblock, lotions? As long as it's not ridiculously overpriced, I'm thinking my best bet is to not check a bag and just buy the majority of my liquids in SJPP when I get there. Thank you.
SYates, I know you're one of the veterans here... how are the prices for things such as soap, sunblock, lotions? As long as it's not ridiculously overpriced, I'm thinking my best bet is to not check a bag and just buy the majority of my liquids in SJPP when I get there. Thank you.
I agree that poles are not essential. For many years I only used a single wooden staff on my walks, but I wouldn't do that now.So we come to the question of how to answer someone who is not now "an up- and down- hill pole user".
I didn't use poles for many years hiking on routes that are gnarly in comparison to anything 'camino'. I'm not ready to advise a young fit person to use what is essentially a cane, particularly as I merely carried mine most of the way. I know there are a lot of adherents to the pole thingy here and I understand it but my observation is that fit people don't really need them.
I agree that poles are not essential. For many years I only used a single wooden staff on my walks, but I wouldn't do that now.
My question reflects an observation that many people only use their poles on the hilly bits, which is clearly their prerogative. If one was going to take poles with that in mind, having them crossing the Pyrenees would seem to me to be an advantage rather than thinking they would be a good thing to get in Pamplona, when one is almost out of the foothills.
We could start a thread on this. I would add the short descent from Alto de Perdon and the descent into Molinaseca to the memories of those you have listed. Although I did, quite accidentallyI found the hill coming down from Cruz de Ferro, the downhill from Alto do Polo, the approach to Portomarin and the approach into Cee and other locations to be as steep if not as long as coming off Col de Lepoeder
Actually, my quote was aimed at you, a priori. This is the third time you have flamed me in a week.How can you layer up if you don't bring extra garments? "If you are carrying a pack, you will not be cold for long ..." not in the morning/during the day whilst walking - but you will be cold in the evenings.
No need to apologize, nobody here owns this forum, ok, apart of @ivar
Buen Camino de la vida! SY
Actually, my quote was aimed at you, a priori. This is the third time you have flamed me in a week.
I do get the feeling you think you are the moderator for this forum.
...
I agree, Ivar. In a different thread, I just offered to enter into a truce with Ms. Yates, so that this does not go any further.Sometimes a different opinion can be read as a personal attack... even if it was not meant as one. These things are always difficult to interpret in written text.
@SYates has apologized, so let's just keep the conversations going. Remember that different opinions are great, but let's not get personal... We talk about all this in the forum rules:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/forum-rules.20973/
Buen Camino!
Ivar
I lost my micro towel along the way and bought the white with a blue stripe dishtowel at a Spain market...worked great!!! Will use the same this time!OK. Sorry for doubting you. I guess what we know as muslin in the quilting world in the U.S. is different. Sounds like they serve the same purpose when used as towels tho.
I agree that if I'm going to use them at all I expect to want them for the Pyrenees. Is anyone aware of poles available for sale in SJPDP?I agree that poles are not essential. For many years I only used a single wooden staff on my walks, but I wouldn't do that now.
My question reflects an observation that many people only use their poles on the hilly bits, which is clearly their prerogative. If one was going to take poles with that in mind, having them crossing the Pyrenees would seem to me to be an advantage rather than thinking they would be a good thing to get in Pamplona, when one is almost out of the foothills.
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