Buying Gear in Pamplona

[Vivello]

Hi there -- I start my first Camino from Pamplona next week. This forum has been so valuable as I've prepared and I've already experienced such generosity.

My question today is a simple one. I'll spend two nights in Pamplona getting past jet lag and getting ready. I plan to buy walking poles and an Altus poncho once I arrive. Can someone tell me a good place to shop?

Thanks. I look forward to meeting some of you soon!

 

[Felipe]

In France and Spain I usually look for a Decathlon store; it is a chain, and its attendants are usually well trained and quite knowledgeable.
And there is one, big, in Pamplona even with an online catalog. Only problem: it is in the suburbs, so you will need a taxi.
There may be other shops in downtown, ask to hospitalero or tourism office.
A note: your usual, favorite brands may not be available in Spain.
Buen camino!

 

[mspath]

A great shop for buying gear within Pamplona is Caminoteca, located at calle Curia 15 close to the cathedral and the route of the camino. See this link for more info.

MM

 

[scruffy1]

Before you plunk down 45 Euro for a poncho, think well! You only really need one if its pouring down cats and dogs, often by the time you get it on the - rain has passed, and while wearing the poncho, your sweat cannot evaporate leaving you almost as wet as walking without. The old style Altus was bearable but rumor has it that the new Altus is made by a cosmetics company specializing in deodorants. There is quite a correspondence on the forum concerning ponchos + and -, check it out. You most certainly will need a better one than that in the bottom pocket of your backpack. Buen Camino

 

[Scott Sweeney]

As you are leaving Pamplona, just off Calle Mayor & Calle Recoletas, there is Deported Basati Kirolak on your right. Replaced equipment there several years ago.

 

[peregrina13]

There is also a branch of the Spanish El Corte Inglés department store in Pamplona. It has a large sports department that may be useful. Here's location information:
http://www.elcorteingles.es/centros...ionCentro.do?identificador=188&idComunidad=15

Information about opening hours:
http://www.elcorteingles.es/centroscomerciales/centroscomerciales/portal.do?IDM=74&NM=2

Hope you find whatever you need.

Buen camino!

 

[indyinmaine]

If you want to wait and make your decision along the way there's a great store in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Bought my Leki poles there and then motored the rest of the way. You actually might be able to get away without having any until then. They had all sorts of outdoor gear as well at reasonable prices.

 

[t2andreo]

Decathlon will likely provide your best value for money spent, IMHO. But you will need to take a bus or taxi to get there. They are all over Europe and most large cities have a branch. I know there is one in (near) Burgos, Leon, Ponferrada, and Santiago as well as Pamplona. None are downtown as they are really large stores.

Caminoteca is a good choice as well, but with a smaller selection.

El Corte Ingles has a good selection of the items you need. They are NOT cheap, but it is very convenient and only about a 10-minute walk into the city from from the bus station. I bought a 600 gram Altus sleeping bag there last May.

There are other, small shops that sell a variety of products a pilgrim might find useful or handy.

Don't forget the Oriental or China Bazar shops. Pamplona has several of them along the Camino route through the old town.

I hope this helps.

 

[CISSA69]

Chech out Caminotecs, owned by a lovely Hungarian couple who wslked the Camino a few years ago.

if starting from St Jean then a poncho or jacket s good idea. If not then buy later on. Also consider spending one of your Pamplona days in St Jean as it is a beautiful place ....

 

[Vivello]

Thank you, everyone! I had a good experience at Caminoteca with a very helpful sales clerk. I got trekking poles and odds and ends such as a map and knife. I'm taking my chances and buying a poncho down the road closer to Galicia. Little rain in the forecast and it'll give me some time to get used to my pack. I start walking tomorrow!