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Consider a solid bar soap that is sutable for Hair/Body & Clothes washing. Carrying liquid soap is simply carrying diluted solid soap that is mostly water. Look for a nice glycerine soap or Dr Bronners bar soaps.... Things like my shampoo/body soap will be in those which will skim weight in bottles. Im doing my best to skim once by once...even gram by gram ...
I have very very dry skin. Most soaps dry me out so bad that it triggers severe skin chafing on my face and legs which get very sore and uncomfortable. SO unless there is something out there that will work as well as a cleansing cream then I'm pretty much stuck. Hair is not so bad but its fine and I understand about carrying liquids but It would literally break and fall out if I didn't use a high density moisture product. So I am open to suggestions??...I mean I can literally put coconut oil on my face and body and it soaks completely in within 30 mins...just so so dry.Consider a solid bar soap that is sutable for Hair/Body & Clothes washing. Carrying liquid soap is simply carrying diluted solid soap that is mostly water. Look for a nice glycerine soap or Dr Bronners bar soaps.
As far as your meds, that is an issue we are working on now witih our daughter, she is a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic. If her insulin pump works, she needs very few supplies, but if it fail she needs a lot of supplies. When we travel we always travel with supplies assuming failure. As of yet the only answer I have is a bigger pack to accomidate the supplies.
I've located a tent that is quite light ---!
My face cleanser is not a soap so I'm not sure how that would go. Body soap is ok but again I fight with dry dry skin so I don't want to be chaffed and uncomfortable. Im looking now into something in a bar that would be ok for my body...but I don't think I mind carrying the extra weight of the liquid cleanser. I found a great collapsing bottle container...which I will transfer it into... so that will save some weight. Any ideas for body soap that is hugely moisturizing. I can't see my body being ok with a cleanser for clothes although I am ok washing clothes with soap I use for my body if you know what I mean... I'm not a princess..lol...it just really hurts ...much like eczema so it cracks and bleeds if I am not careful. Especially in the sun.I know this may sound odd, but you can dehydrate you liquid soap.
I come to this forum with a background in wilderness backpacking. To save weight and space, wilderness backpakers have figured out how to dehydrate everything from food to toothpaste.
So pick your favorite moisturizing liquid soap and dehydrate it. To use it just add water. It will weigh a lot less without the water.
I know most people thing I don't need a tent but I can't deal with being in a room full of people when I sleep. I have heard of many people camping the Camino...and a back yard is fine with me. I can't afford to sleep in a private room every night so thats right out for me. A tent is a good alternative...its not about where I camp...its about being around so many people when I sleep. I am sure I can find alburges that allow me to pitch my tent in a back yard. And I'm not afraid of asking people if I can use their land if I need to...don't even mind paying them a little something to use it. I have sleep issues...and a medical condition which makes it essential I get rest. So yeah I will be tenting sometimes but Im not necessarily looking to be away from everything and everyone...its mostly about sleeping. AND BEDBUGS. OMG I just can't.10% of your body weight in summer and 15% in winter, all FSO including food and water is my personal rule of thumb also.
You do not need a tent on the CF, nor is wild/stealth camping allowed in most parts of Spain. On the CF you find albergues every 5km or so, apart of very few stretches where they are 15km apart, so there is no need to carry a tent imo.
Buen Camino, SY
Thats a very good idea...thanks. I had been thinking about that. I have a list of things in order of importance for me to take. Lol most of you will laugh but that even includes a tiny bottle of perfume (not sure if i will bring one or buy one). I would rather carry a few more lbs and go a little slower than not have what I need. That is very annoying. That being said...I am not over packing. I'm able to get by with very little...there are just some specifics that I need to have including a nice scent, a good moisturizer and some mascara and lipgloss. I do plan on staying the weekends settled somewhere for a day or two and want to feel like I can go out occasionally without looking like I am a complete mess. So I have planned for these things and yes will make sure I weigh everything before I pack.Pattii, not sure if you purchased your backpack yet, or if you owned on previously, but packs are rated by the amount of weight they can comfortably carry.
Since you plan on taking a tent & sleeping bag my recommendation would be for you to buy all your GEAR with the exception of the pack. Weigh it. Add the weight of a liter of water. Once you know the TOTAL weight of the items you have, then look for a backpack that will carry that amount of WEIGHT within its comfort zone.
The type and construction of the suspension system will determine the weight the pack can carry. If you have 30# that you are going to carry, find a pack that can carry at least 35, or better yet, 40#. You never want to carry equal to the maximum comfortable carry weight of the pack.
We each have to follow our own path in life and what it takes to make one person happy may not be the same as what it takes for another to barely crack a smile. You only need to travel the path that makes you happy and if that is taking a bit of lip gloss then so be it.God I was just thinking how odd that sounds. I want to camp a lot of the time but I need my lipgloss. lmao I am odd and Im ok with that...lol
Honestly NO.This is such valuable info and support I sure appreciate it. I hope you have a good hike and I would love to hear all about it. Any suggestions for packs...ie brands?
I would be interested to know what foods give you sufficient calorific value and are that light. My most recent multi-day food weight budget was 800gm/day, and I planned on starting out with 2 li of water. I know there might be some weight effects, but I didn't think they were that significant.On top of this their is water and food at about 0.5 kg/day.
If I need to carry a full pack - tent, cooking kit, sleeping bag etc. - I always aim at less then 30 lb. On top of this their is water and food at about 0.5 kg/day. But halving this weight I can double the distance travelled. I do this by ditching the tent, sleeping bag, cooking etc. On the Camino this is easily achievable, in my experience their seems to be no reason to camp - unless you really enjoy it that is. In addition you get no feet, leg or back problems making it much more enjoyable - worthy of consideration!
Yes I have been told water is very plentiful along the Camino and with the amount of towns one walks through, unless specific days, I would think that you could carry less water than what you would if you were in wilderness...and even then, in Canada...water is plentiful. Drinking water while you are by it is a good way to go. One should not wait to drink water when their mouth is dry as that is a sign dehydration is already setting in, but should drink at regular intervals. I will drink my fill and take a litre of water for when I am in between towns if I need it.Reply to Doug:
On the Camino I don't carry any water at all, plenty of bars and watering places along the way. Maybe if it gets really hot the I would change my mind and I do carry a empty bottle just in case . I weighed my pack today and it was under 5 kg, that's for a months walk.
The weight of 0.5 kg (1 lb)/ day is just for food only and would be a rough check before I set out for a long trek in the wilderness - so 14 days nominal would be around 7.5 kg (14 lb). Under these sort of conditions (outback/wild) I would only carry 1 days worth of water - 1 litre. But everyone is different, I like to travel light and maybe a bit risky - but I am still here
I should just reiterate the pack I have carried so far was not meant for this distance so I didn't worry so much about the weight of it. I normally just take an older pack I have. I 've never travelled this great of a distance which is why I initially asked. I've not bought a new pack in years and I will for this trip along with a new tent and bag.I am wondering how much a person should be carrying in the backpack. Not sure if there is a thread for this, but how much on average should I be expecting my backpack to weigh with and without the backpack? The backpack of course has not been chosen and that would have to be taken into consideration I'm sure.
Every Camino is different because every person is different. . .
I think one has to gauge where and when you can fill up. You hear about there being stages where water is not easily found but there are other stages where it is found every few hours or so...sometimes more than that. A person must know their needs and judge accordingly. There is no right or wrong answer for some of these details imho.Water - how much do you carry? To me 1 litre is only an hour's worth during summer conditions. I freak when I hear about people carrying so little on the VDLP where there are stages with few bars and water sources.
Do you think its a good idea to carry the water purification tabs even on the Camino? I have wondered about that. I know many people drink the water from the fountains and taps but honestly is it always safe? I have thot about bringing some.I did the Bibbulmun Track (Ausie outback) over two months carrying around a litre a day - only got caught out the once and then in desperation had to drink some revolting saline water - didn't do me any lasting harm though. I would carry a few water purification tablets so if desperate then you can always use dubious drinking sources. I can't recall anywhere along the stretch I did between Leon and Santiago not having a bar/fountain of more then a hours gap.
No need, water is drinkable, unless it says its not.Do you think its a good idea to carry the water purification tabs even on the Camino? .
Three points:I did the Bibbulmun Track (Ausie outback) over two months carrying around a litre a day - only got caught out the once and then in desperation had to drink some revolting saline water - didn't do me any lasting harm though. I would carry a few water purification tablets so if desperate then you can always use dubious drinking sources. I can't recall anywhere along the stretch I did between Leon and Santiago not having a bar/fountain of more then a hours gap.
I do, and will continue to do so. They don't weigh much, and give you an option should you find that you have to rely on a non-potable or non-purified sourceDo you think its a good idea to carry the water purification tabs even on the Camino?
I do, and will continue to do so. They don't weigh much, and give you an option should you find that you have to rely on a non-potable or non-purified source
I wouldn't characterise it as a shortage, but when the font is marked non-purificado, and your bottle or water bladder is empty, it is nice to have the option. It has only happened to me a couple of times in Spain, more frequently elsewhere.perhaps there might be a shortage of a potable water at some parts of Camino, but I never encountered a deficit of wine ...
Well, everyone is different, but, in my opinion, if you don't carry any water on the Meseta, you may die. Don't take dehydration lightly; it kills. I carried 2 liters on the Meseta and needed every drop.On the Camino I don't carry any water at all, plenty of bars and watering places along the way.
... On the Camino I don't carry any water at all, plenty of bars and watering places along the way. ...
* Doug - As an example its a 2 week walk from Perth to the next town, where you can re stock on food. In that distance you cross one road which has a café. In the peak season i walked five days in this section without seeing a solitary person - not sure what the definition of remote or outback is but .......as anywhere on the mainland it can be hot/cold/wet regardless.Three points:
- Bibbulmum Track is hardly 'Aussie outback' as you put it. It might be long, and tough, but it is completely in a temperate climate zone. The track itself is designed to feel isolated, but it is far from remote.
- It should also be made clear that the Bibbulman Track Foundation essential equipment list for overnight walking is to carry 2 litres of water. Ignoring that advice is a testament to stupidity not to sensible water hygiene.
- In relation to the time to walk between towns from Leon to Santiago, I did some checking on this last year, and the post is here. Based on walking at 5kph, over 30% of towns between Leon and Santiago are over an hours walking from the previous town.
Do you think its a good idea to carry the water purification tabs even on the Camino? I have wondered about that. I know many people drink the water from the fountains and taps but honestly is it always safe? I have thot about bringing some.
... - remember you need a cloth (clean handkerchief to strain of the big stuff .
I have walked (a lot of them on my lonesome and having medical problems) the GR1o - med to the Atlantic via the Pyrenees, Annapurna circuit at the height of the civil war, North Vietnam - hill villages, Tibet up in the hills, walked up Aconcagua, various long walks in Tasmania, various long walks in NZ, West highland way, Stevenson walk in central France, travelled all over China, lots of climbing in Wales, Virginia -Appalachian Trail, tribal area in Orissa India plus a few others. Apart from a few tumbles and staring down the barrel of a gun once I haven't got a scratch - I must have one of the most overworked guardian angels on the planetBe thankful that you survived in good health! You were lucky! SY
@Patch, this is one section of the Bibbulman that I have walked, and my recollection is completely different. Perhaps we have a different perception, but my recollection is that on the leg from Kalamunda to Dwellingup (about 210 km) over half of the track is within a few kilometres of a major road, either the Albany or Brookton Highways. More, you cross both of these major roads and a number of minor ones as well, and I was pretty sure that there was another cafe* Doug - As an example its a 2 week walk from Perth to the next town, where you can re stock on food. In that distance you cross one road which has a café. In the peak season i walked five days in this section without seeing a solitary person - not sure what the definition of remote or outback is but .......as anywhere on the mainland it can be hot/cold/wet regardless.
Yikes. Is that a typo? I know you asked about percentages for various categories, but I can't imagine there being a rule of thumb for the camino that would apply to this weight.a 40lb pack.
I am wondering how much a person should be carrying in the backpack. Not sure if there is a thread for this, but how much on average should I be expecting my backpack to weigh with and without the backpack? The backpack of course has not been chosen and that would have to be taken into consideration I'm sure.
On the Camino Francés that would be true. Less so on - for example - the Plata or the Primitivo. I'm not sure complete minimalism is sensible, though psychologically "travelling light" is probably what we should all aim for. I find pack weight often reflects the baggage people carry inside themselves!One perspective that I have found useful is consider how little I need anything. You will generally be where you can buy anything you would like in very little time - you will never be "alone" devoid of all retail outlets one could desire. The lighter your backpack the easier the walk.
I meant 40L yes it was a typo...lol GOD never would I carry that much. Im not a masochist.Yikes. Is that a typo? I know you asked about percentages for various categories, but I can't imagine there being a rule of thumb for the camino that would apply to this weight.
Some people have more items that can't be left at home i.e. meds or special shoes or what ever. Not sure that is baggage. However I am more concerned about lists. I know that there are specific things that need to be taken and each thing needs to be weighed and considered. I'm not quite that blond...lol. I am thinking more along the lines of what is too heavy for a sleeping bag for example. Is it really necessary to get the lightest weight bag in the market and spend a tonne more than getting something say 10oz heavier, save some money and still be ok with carrying it. I am aware of what the rule of thumb is and I am aware of what I will need but does it make so much of a difference? I suppose it doesn't I maybe should look at lists of what people carry. My walk if I decide to go is a while away. Sometimes it is good to have something as a reference. I have a hard time getting a solid out of people here. I am a list person. When I shop I have lists. I may not find what I need the day I go but if I have my list perhaps another day I will see something that I need at a good price and then think...oh ya thats on my list...I should consider buying that while I see it on sale or while I am thinking about it. Maybe someone just needs to point me to a thread that someone has typed a list. Because I have other things I can't leave behind ...as I said meds which I have to take...I am trying to adjust for that. I really don't want to have to send my things on for various reasons. Yeah so I guess I just need a list...and approximate weights that I should be looking at for said items.On the Camino Francés that would be true. Less so on - for example - the Plata or the Primitivo. I'm not sure complete minimalism is sensible, though psychologically "travelling light" is probably what we should all aim for. I find pack weight often reflects the baggage people carry inside themselves!
Milton Keynes - lovely place with a great cycle network (Finmere is nice place as well). Used to take my children out on them all the time and expanded it to cycling tours of the UK and then across Europe with them - lovely times. Best trip I ever did cycling was to Turin (just me and wife then) in the year 2000, followed the great rivers through France and up and over the Alps, it was magical and didn't do any planning just slowly wandered along day by day for 6 long weeks.ROFL! You live in Milton Keynes? We used to live in Finmere! Small world indeed! SY
Some people have more items that can't be left at home i.e. meds or special shoes or what ever. Not sure that is baggage. However I am more concerned about lists. I know that there are specific things that need to be taken and each thing needs to be weighed and considered. I'm not quite that blond...lol. I am thinking more along the lines of what is too heavy for a sleeping bag for example. Is it really necessary to get the lightest weight bag in the market and spend a tonne more than getting something say 10oz heavier, save some money and still be ok with carrying it. I am aware of what the rule of thumb is and I am aware of what I will need but does it make so much of a difference? I suppose it doesn't I maybe should look at lists of what people carry. My walk if I decide to go is a while away. Sometimes it is good to have something as a reference. I have a hard time getting a solid out of people here. I am a list person. When I shop I have lists. I may not find what I need the day I go but if I have my list perhaps another day I will see something that I need at a good price and then think...oh ya thats on my list...I should consider buying that while I see it on sale or while I am thinking about it. Maybe someone just needs to point me to a thread that someone has typed a list. Because I have other things I can't leave behind ...as I said meds which I have to take...I am trying to adjust for that. I really don't want to have to send my things on for various reasons. Yeah so I guess I just need a list...and approximate weights that I should be looking at for said items.
And I think totally backwards from the idea that start with 4 lbs then add. I have specifics as I mentioned that I need to carry. I am more the type of person that says ...ok I need to carry 15 to 17 lbs...get fit enough to do it.
Thank you so much that was very helpful. It's really nice to have a neighbour! If you don't mind I would like to call on you for help from time to time... Again great reply and thanks!Patti,
As a neighbour of yours (Calgary) and a long-time mountain backpacker, I can say that gear selection is a very personal thing. The first item that I ever bought for backpacking (in Edmonton, about 42 years ago) was a pair of heavy Italian mountain boots, which I was at pains to break in over a number of months and wore for many years (20 or so). I have moved on in choice of gear over the past 42 years, but several things remain. My footwear, in my case boots, comes first - carefully chosen and worn in. Pack and sleeping bag are both important. I bought a new sleeping bag for the Camino. It is not down, so not really ultra-light. But I am allergic to down. I have two down bags which I use on trips to the mountains of two weeks or less- all that I can carry supplies for. But they do affect my breathing, so a 980 g artificial fill bag will do for the camino and cost about $100. For a pack, I bought a 40l Gregory Z40 on sale from Mountain Equipment C00p. It is the right size for me and weighs 1.3 k. I generally also consider price, as my budget is limited, and I do not shop online by preference, as that can get complicated, especially with imports or return policy. Why not play around at MEC? The boots that I bought last summer were too big and I lost two toenails on a hike before I returned them to MEC for a complete refund. Choose what you feel you need and try it out, changing as needed. It can be lots of fun. By the way, I have been trying to get my mountain backpacking gear and clothing down to about 20 k., but with food for 10 days or more it is still a challenge. Camino packing is much easier.
Thank you so much that was very helpful. It's really nice to have a neighbour! If you don't mind I would like to call on you for help from time to time... Again great reply and thanks!
I know this may sound odd, but you can dehydrate you liquid soap.
I come to this forum with a background in wilderness backpacking. To save weight and space, wilderness backpakers have figured out how to dehydrate everything from food to toothpaste.
So pick your favorite moisturizing liquid soap and dehydrate it. To use it just add water. It will weigh a lot less without the water.
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