Availability of Instant ice Packs

[Vince Lee]

Hi, am arriving in St. Jean 5 weeks from today with friends/family to start the Camino. Training has gone well but I am having to manage an ankle problem that occasionally flares up (have gone through appropriate medical consultations and just need to manage it). Whilst I know I can ask for ice in bars or buy packs of frozen peas in supermarkets to use as ice packs, has anyone come across instant ice packs in pharmacies along the Camino route? I mean the type you squeeze setting off a chemical reaction in the pack that results in them freezing for ~40 minutes.

 

[SabsP]

Hi, am arriving in St. Jean 5 weeks from today with friends/family to start the Camino. Training has gone well but I am having to manage an ankle problem that occasionally flares up (have gone through appropriate medical consultations and just need to manage it). Whilst I know I can ask for ice in bars or buy packs of frozen peas in supermarkets to use as ice packs, has anyone come across instant ice packs in pharmacies along the Camino route? I mean the type you squeeze setting off a chemical reaction in the pack that results in them freezing for ~40 minutes.

No worries Vince...they have them in stock.
I know this from experience...

 

[Vince Lee]

No worries Vince...they have them in stock.
I know this from experience...

Brilliant. Thanks Sabine.

 

[natefaith]

@SabineP Just for reference, do you remember what they're called in Spanish?

 

[Bradypus]

"Bolsas de hielo instantáneo" or "bolsas de frio instantáneo" I think.

 

[GPeachy]

I sprained an ankle while on the Camino and bought a reusable gel pack that you can put in the freezer or microwave. All of the albergues allowed me to use their freezers. They freeze quickly, and in the morning I just popped it into a zip-lock bag and stowed it in an outer pack pocket. I think that this is a less expensive option.

 

[SabsP]

@SabineP Just for reference, do you remember what they're called in Spanish?

Here you go .The full range.

http://www.3m.com.es/3M/es_ES/nexcare-eu/product/catalog/?N=5002385+8711752+8723836&rt=r3

 

[Aussie Cossie Tanya]

Hi, collapsible water drink bottles like the one I just brought (750ml / 30grams) for $6.99 (Australian) double as a freezable icepack.. An hour in a freezer and all good to go. Saves $ Environmentally friendliest/ recycleable, dual purpose and on hand when you need it

 

[Juspassinthru]

Almost every Albergue I stayed in (May-June 17) had frozen gel packs that they'd loan you or ice they'd give you. I saved a couple plastic bags that I used to ice my knee. You may try that before carrying the extra weight. Buen Camino.

 

[SabsP]

Almost every Albergue I stayed in (May-June 17) had frozen gel packs that they'd loan you or ice they'd give you. I saved a couple plastic bags that I used to ice my knee. You may try that before carrying the extra weight. Buen Camino.

But do not fall asleep with that icepack on your knee...especially when the protection cloth falls off and the pack is directly on the skin.
I learnt it the hard way...with a cold blister and discolouring of my knee as an everlasting proof...
And me crying at Albergue Tio Pepe and the lady there hugging me.

 

[Juspassinthru]

About 20 minutes should be the limit, good advice SabineP.