- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23
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@Robo I cannot speak to the creepy crawlies or other things that go bump in the night, but have you considered a hammock? If you walk in warmer weather ... above 70F ... you can get by without an under quilt or pad. Many have a built-in no-see-um netting. It can be more comfortable than a sleeping pad on the ground.
Yes, it would be best to hang between trees. However, you could go to ground with the hammock, but then you would ideally need a sleeping pad.Yes I did think about a Hammock. And did some research.
But they need trees or something to sling them........
That could limit the use a bit?
Yep that's the one. But it it pricey like @peregrino_tom said. There are other options like MSR Mesh House, but it needs a separate fly. Do use use a poncho or rain jacket? If poncho, you may be able to use that as the fly.20 oz! That's heavy
Amazing technology these days.
I found this one at only 15 oz.
Plexamid Tent
The Plexamid is a sub-16oz spacious one person tent with ample headroom built to meet the demands of long distance backpackers everywhere.zpacks.com
Ants. Plenty of ants in Spain (i have a friend that studies them), i would be loathe to sleep in a bivvy bag. Husband once used a hammock in Andalusia and was disturbed from his nap being over-run by ants that had climbed the tree and tightrope walked along the hammock fastenings
People who swear by them say that they can still function as shelters if you can't find any trees to hang them from. I think you'd find plenty of places to hang a hammock on the stages north of Merida. I can't speak to the stages further south.Yes I did think about a Hammock. And did some research.
But they need trees or something to sling them........
That could limit the use a bit?
love the pic!Looks to me like this thread has expert counsel already, @Robo.
I am happy to contribute some humor as to why camping in Oz is not a "5-star" recommendation.
B
I was told by a local, on the Norte route, that they are re-introducing bears....... having said that, the people I saw 'sleeping rough' seldom seemed to have great places to sleep at, the routes are not set up for camping spots.For those who have walked the VdlP.
I know a shelter is not required, but I kind of have a hankering to maybe 'sleep rough' now and again, particularly in some remote very scenic area. Of course following the rules, carry everything out, leave only footprints etc etc.
So I've been researching ultra lite shelters like tarps, or 1 person tents. Amazingly lightweight.
I'll go ultralite if only using a few nights. Like 500-600 g for a tarp/tent and sleeping mat combined!
But my question is this.
What about creepy crawlies!
I know it's sad. For a guy who was in the Military for 22 years and slept in holes in the ground and worse......
But I think it was moving to Australia 25 years ago that did it.
Many things that creep and crawl here, not only bite, but can potentially kill you....... even stuff in the garden.
(check out the Funnel Web spider who happens to be a native of the area that I live in, and Yes I have seen some)
Furthermore, at the other end of the 'lethality' scale, I'm like catnip for Mosquitoes for some reason.
So whilst the 'idea' of a few nights under the stars is quite appealing, what are the realities when it comes to the local wildlife. What does one need to keep an eye open for?
The Vipers seem limited to Northern areas and there are only 3-6 snake bites a year in Spain anyway.
No lethal spiders by all accounts.
Seems like scorpions might be the only issue, though again they seem not to be lethal varieties.
Any thoughts from VdlP 'old hands'..........
Do I camp in Australia? Not a hope in Hell!
and spiders, snakes, scorpions, other bugs......View attachment 88145View attachment 88146View attachment 88147
Camping in Oz - nothing to worry about, except for the Dingos, and the Goannas, and the Crocs!!!!
Don’t forget - sharks!!!
Bears on the Norte!? Well, scratch the Norte for this boy then.I was told by a local, on the Norte route, that they are re-introducing bears....... having said that, the people I saw 'sleeping rough' seldom seemed to have great places to sleep at, the routes are not set up for camping spots.
Don't exactly know why, but I always assumed you were female.Bears on the Norte!? Well, scratch the Norte for this boy then.
Hmmmm... let's just say that my working life started among a bevy of nurses in a large metro hospital, then graduated into being surrounded by a dear wife of over four decades and four daughters from our life together. Throw in a mother-in-law living with us for many years and our son who was rapidly schooled by his sisters.Don't exactly know why, but I always assumed you were female.
Thank you, B!Hmmmm... let's just say that my working life started among a bevy of nurses in a large metro hospital, then graduated into being surrounded by a dear wife of over four decades and four daughters from our life together. Throw in a mother-in-law living with us for many years and our son who was rapidly schooled by his sisters.
Yeah, I communicate with a bit more sensitivity than one might expect. It is a survival instinct....though "Camino-ing" has also had an impact.
B
A good post and brought up a thought that I do not recall being addressed here. Specifically about food in tents...Three years ago on another camino (not VDLP) i was rough camping and during the night my tent was charged by wild animals ripping a small hole in the side. The animal ran over the tent which being a pop-up sprang back up. They then stood beside the tent making noises while i cowered inside being as quiet as possible. When they finally left i quickly packed up and fled. I never really knew what animal(s) it was but i assumed boars as i'd seen some although i also saw deer and it could've been them. I figured the food i had inside had attracted them even though it was in plastic containers. Quite the unwanted experience in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere!
A good post and brought up a thought that I do not recall being addressed here. Specifically about food in tents...
Simply put, food does not belong in tents - EVER!
I will go one step further. (But wait, there is one more!) When camping out, my "food preparation clothes" also do not remain in the tent. Rather than pack extra clothes, I have always used a trash bag apron or poncho while cooking.
The cooking apron/poncho, and leftover food, are put in a garbage sack and tied up in a tree at least 50 meters from the campsite and 10 feet above ground.
The last bit? (And I am looking at the guys here...) Should you have an urge to ummm... "surrender the lease" on a late night beverage? Again, get yourselves 50 meters away from your tent before doing so. A lot of critters enjoy a windfall salt lick and your "leavings" are worth fighting over. How do I know?
Because a buddy and I were doing a long day-hike above Avalanche Creek (Glacier Nat'l Park - USA) and spent most of the day, past our arrival above the tree line, doing corporal works of mercy. No sneering here, we were both educated by the experience almost a half-century back....
A guy our age had "the urge" but no impetus to walk ten feet from his tent. Mountain goats descended upon the bounty he provided and fought over it for the night. His tent, pack, and much of his clothing was destroyed. After checking him over for serious damage, we stuffed the remains of his camp into trash bags that we had with us, tied them off to our packs, and carried him off the mountain to the village of Apgar where he was treated and released. (We did charge him a beer at the Lake McDonald Lodge so it was not pure charity.)
Do NOT under-estimate the damage that can be done by cloven hooves. This fellow's Primus Stove had been literally cut, sharply, in half. His exterior frame pack had no chance of being salvaged...each major section looked like a snake with scoliosis. Hope this helps...
B
You’re comment about food management is excellent. I wish I had remembered to mention it. It has been many years since I walked the Dela plata but I remember on one occasion being warned that one of the large ranches I would be crossing that day might have guard dogs still out. Evidently they were let out to watch the cattle at night and sometimes not put in the pen before the pilgrims started arriving.A good post and brought up a thought that I do not recall being addressed here. Specifically about food in tents...
Simply put, food does not belong in tents - EVER!
I will go one step further. (But wait, there is one more!) When camping out, my "food preparation clothes" also do not remain in the tent. Rather than pack extra clothes, I have always used a trash bag apron or poncho while cooking.
The cooking apron/poncho, and leftover food, are put in a garbage sack and tied up in a tree at least 50 meters from the campsite and 10 feet above ground.
The last bit? (And I am looking at the guys here...) Should you have an urge to ummm... "surrender the lease" on a late night beverage? Again, get yourselves 50 meters away from your tent before doing so. A lot of critters enjoy a windfall salt lick and your "leavings" are worth fighting over. How do I know?
Because a buddy and I were doing a long day-hike above Avalanche Creek (Glacier Nat'l Park - USA) and spent most of the day, past our arrival above the tree line, doing corporal works of mercy. No sneering here, we were both educated by the experience almost a half-century back....
A guy our age had "the urge" but no impetus to walk ten feet from his tent. Mountain goats descended upon the bounty he provided and fought over it for the night. His tent, pack, and much of his clothing was destroyed. After checking him over for serious damage, we stuffed the remains of his camp into trash bags that we had with us, tied them off to our packs, and carried him off the mountain to the village of Apgar where he was treated and released. (We did charge him a beer at the Lake McDonald Lodge so it was not pure charity.)
Do NOT under-estimate the damage that can be done by cloven hooves. This fellow's Primus Stove had been literally cut, sharply, in half. His exterior frame pack had no chance of being salvaged...each major section looked like a snake with scoliosis. Hope this helps...
B
Last weekend ... far enough, and high enough to keep the critters out. No bears, hogs, and mice etc. The PCT Food Hanging Method,Simply put, food does not belong in tents - EVER!
Robin Walker in his Cicerone guide for the Cordillera Cantabrica (the much wilder, higher and remoter area of mountains running between the Frances and Norte) writes:Bears on the Norte!? Well, scratch the Norte for this boy then.
My son hiked the whole of the Colorado Trail three years ago. He had purchased a rather expensive ultra-lite tent that used hiking poles to set up the tent instead of normal tent poles. The hand grips on his hiking poles had lots of salt from his sweaty hands during the day. He woke up one morning to find chipmunks had not only licked the sweat off the hand grips, but also chewed and destroyed them, ruining his Leki poles.You’re certainly right about salt attracting animals. I remember waking up somewhere in glacier national Park with a porcupine chewing the salt out of my hair.
You’re certainly right about salt attracting animals. I remember waking up somewhere in glacier national Park with a porcupine chewing the salt out of my hair.
You are certainly right as regards to dangerous animals. On the other hand if you don’t learn to stash your food away from your tent even in Europe you will eventually meet a collection of interesting squirrels,mice,and enterprising stray dogs.No food in tents is surely only from the US type of perspective. Hiking in the UK and most of Europe the chances of coming across anything that could cause severe damage to your tent is extremely rare. More chances of being hurt by bullocks or cows with calfs than anything else.
I had forgotten about the pigs. I replied to Jimmy Smith before I read your post.I guess the bottom line is he will sleep much more peacefully if you do not sleep with your food.I would never go for wild camping in Andalucía or Extramadura (the first half of the VdlP) because of the wild boars, there are many of them, and myself I have seen them twice on Via de la Plata (once I almost got a heart attack because it ran just in front of me). Wild boars became a real issue and for example last year local government of Andalucía introduced the state of "emergencia cinegética" caused by overpopulation of wild boars and feral pigs. It is similar if not worse in Extremadura. Wild boar is called jabalí, you can search Yotube for jabalí en Andalucía or jabalí en Extremadura to find some interesting videos (mostly made by hunters).
Thank you, but no "sleeping rough" on VdlP for me!
The North and South of Spain are two different worlds.
When you go to the south of Spain to walk in nature, it's a bit like going to a safari
Wild pig grazing in the pasture, in Extremadura, Spain (stock photo)
That made me laugh, when I was much younger a group of us walked in to a beach camping spot ( now a park) up north . It was quite a hike in, several hours across farms and we didnt notice that the last person forgot to shut a gate.A good post and brought up a thought that I do not recall being addressed here. Specifically about food in tents...
Simply put, food does not belong in tents - EVER!
I will go one step further. (But wait, there is one more!) When camping out, my "food preparation clothes" also do not remain in the tent. Rather than pack extra clothes, I have always used a trash bag apron or poncho while cooking.
The cooking apron/poncho, and leftover food, are put in a garbage sack and tied up in a tree at least 50 meters from the campsite and 10 feet above ground.
The last bit? (And I am looking at the guys here...) Should you have an urge to ummm... "surrender the lease" on a late night beverage? Again, get yourselves 50 meters away from your tent before doing so. A lot of critters enjoy a windfall salt lick and your "leavings" are worth fighting over. How do I know?
Because a buddy and I were doing a long day-hike above Avalanche Creek (Glacier Nat'l Park - USA) and spent most of the day, past our arrival above the tree line, doing corporal works of mercy. No sneering here, we were both educated by the experience almost a half-century back....
A guy our age had "the urge" but no impetus to walk ten feet from his tent. Mountain goats descended upon the bounty he provided and fought over it for the night. His tent, pack, and much of his clothing was destroyed. After checking him over for serious damage, we stuffed the remains of his camp into trash bags that we had with us, tied them off to our packs, and carried him off the mountain to the village of Apgar where he was treated and released. (We did charge him a beer at the Lake McDonald Lodge so it was not pure charity.)
Do NOT under-estimate the damage that can be done by cloven hooves. This fellow's Primus Stove had been literally cut, sharply, in half. His exterior frame pack had no chance of being salvaged...each major section looked like a snake with scoliosis. Hope this helps...
B
You wont encounter dangerous animals in NZ , but we do have kleptomaniac birds. We learned the hard way to put anything portable; hair ties, combs, matches, teaspoons, towels, utensils, leftover food etc in the tent. The cheeky wekas wait until its quiet and then steal everything they can from the tent site. We were blaming each other until we saw them one night. If you dont actually catch them at it, you can never find your stuff again, they can take it quite far away.No food in tents is surely only from the US type of perspective. Hiking in the UK and most of Europe the chances of coming across anything that could cause severe damage to your tent is extremely rare. More chances of being hurt by bullocks or cows with calfs than anything else.
Never happened to me nor to many, many mates in the UK over many years. I tend to walk for a fortnight at a time a few times a year and stealth camp. Be interesting to know where about in these Islands you came across the problems you mention.You are certainly right as regards to dangerous animals. On the other hand if you don’t learn to stash your food away from your tent even in Europe you will eventually meet a collection of interesting squirrels,mice,and enterprising stray dogs.
“Sea to Summit” make a wonderful enclosed mesh net that weighs next to nothing - this would keep out any creepy crawly!!!For those who have walked the VdlP.
I know a shelter is not required, but I kind of have a hankering to maybe 'sleep rough' now and again, particularly in some remote very scenic area. Of course following the rules, carry everything out, leave only footprints etc etc.
So I've been researching ultra lite shelters like tarps, or 1 person tents. Amazingly lightweight.
I'll go ultralite if only using a few nights. Like 500-600 g for a tarp/tent and sleeping mat combined!
But my question is this.
What about creepy crawlies!
I know it's sad. For a guy who was in the Military for 22 years and slept in holes in the ground and worse......
But I think it was moving to Australia 25 years ago that did it.
Many things that creep and crawl here, not only bite, but can potentially kill you....... even stuff in the garden.
(check out the Funnel Web spider who happens to be a native of the area that I live in, and Yes I have seen some)
Furthermore, at the other end of the 'lethality' scale, I'm like catnip for Mosquitoes for some reason.
So whilst the 'idea' of a few nights under the stars is quite appealing, what are the realities when it comes to the local wildlife. What does one need to keep an eye open for?
The Vipers seem limited to Northern areas and there are only 3-6 snake bites a year in Spain anyway.
No lethal spiders by all accounts.
Seems like scorpions might be the only issue, though again they seem not to be lethal varieties.
Any thoughts from VdlP 'old hands'..........
Do I camp in Australia? Not a hope in Hell!
I'll wager that you only met the ones that survived.I've never camped myself but I've met lots of people who did, either all the time or some times. They never mentioned any problems with wildlife.
Thankfully wolves are in more danger of being eaten by me than the other way round!
Robo,For those who have walked the VdlP.
I know a shelter is not required, but I kind of have a hankering to maybe 'sleep rough' now and again, particularly in some remote very scenic area. Of course following the rules, carry everything out, leave only footprints etc etc.
So I've been researching ultra lite shelters like tarps, or 1 person tents. Amazingly lightweight.
I'll go ultralite if only using a few nights. Like 500-600 g for a tarp/tent and sleeping mat combined!
But my question is this.
What about creepy crawlies!
I know it's sad. For a guy who was in the Military for 22 years and slept in holes in the ground and worse......
But I think it was moving to Australia 25 years ago that did it.
Many things that creep and crawl here, not only bite, but can potentially kill you....... even stuff in the garden.
(check out the Funnel Web spider who happens to be a native of the area that I live in, and Yes I have seen some)
Furthermore, at the other end of the 'lethality' scale, I'm like catnip for Mosquitoes for some reason.
So whilst the 'idea' of a few nights under the stars is quite appealing, what are the realities when it comes to the local wildlife. What does one need to keep an eye open for?
The Vipers seem limited to Northern areas and there are only 3-6 snake bites a year in Spain anyway.
No lethal spiders by all accounts.
Seems like scorpions might be the only issue, though again they seem not to be lethal varieties.
Any thoughts from VdlP 'old hands'..........
Do I camp in Australia? Not a hope in Hell!
How about this? .......https://alpkit.com/products/soloist. Ive used this during 2020 doing some wild camping. and this to sleep on.......https://www.blacks.co.uk/15904974/oex-traverse-imx-inflatable-sleeping-mat-15904974/?istCompanyId=d92b362f-ac8a-4a8a-87ca-c56eafad795.For those who have walked the VdlP.
I know a shelter is not required, but I kind of have a hankering to maybe 'sleep rough' now and again, particularly in some remote very scenic area. Of course following the rules, carry everything out, leave only footprints etc etc.
So I've been researching ultra lite shelters like tarps, or 1 person tents. Amazingly lightweight.
I'll go ultralite if only using a few nights. Like 500-600 g for a tarp/tent and sleeping mat combined!
But my question is this.
What about creepy crawlies!
I know it's sad. For a guy who was in the Military for 22 years and slept in holes in the ground and worse......
But I think it was moving to Australia 25 years ago that did it.
Many things that creep and crawl here, not only bite, but can potentially kill you....... even stuff in the garden.
(check out the Funnel Web spider who happens to be a native of the area that I live in, and Yes I have seen some)
Furthermore, at the other end of the 'lethality' scale, I'm like catnip for Mosquitoes for some reason.
So whilst the 'idea' of a few nights under the stars is quite appealing, what are the realities when it comes to the local wildlife. What does one need to keep an eye open for?
The Vipers seem limited to Northern areas and there are only 3-6 snake bites a year in Spain anyway.
No lethal spiders by all accounts.
Seems like scorpions might be the only issue, though again they seem not to be lethal varieties.
Any thoughts from VdlP 'old hands'..........
Do I camp in Australia? Not a hope in Hell!
JoejoeRobo,
I walked that route this year and took a tent, never any problems with creepy things, wild camping is illegal in Spain so you have to pick your spot , we had no trouble with pitching up.
Plus its a good idea in the current situation.
Joe.
JoejoeRobo,
I walked that route this year and took a tent, never any problems with creepy things, wild camping is illegal in Spain so you have to pick your spot , we had no trouble with pitching up.
Plus its a good idea in the current situation.
Joe.
Robo
You might just be right. There is a bit of a learning curve involved and until you’re well upon that curve you’re not going to really sleep very well.
I’ve been doing this for almost 7 decades and I’m still discovering things I will try to remember not to do again.
The latest was a few years ago when I found a spot unusually soft green grass with a bit of surrounding brush so I wouldn’t be disturbed in the night and on a piece of semi public land near canal towpath and England. Perfect!
Did you know that golf courses are generally watered at night and not all the sprinklers are directed at the playing area?
I can still say that I love the freedom of being prepared to wild Camp and I have never had a genuinely unpleasant experience.
That’s a very good comparison. In a lot of locations I’m more comfortable without a tent. It is easier to keep track of your surroundings.
what is your boat? I just kind of passed on my West Sail 28 to a new owner. He’s doing an extensive upgrade and appears to be doing a great job. He says I can use it again
Rob, don't worry too much about wild boars on VdlP, I never said they are a danger to pilgrims, they won't attack if you don't scare them, and if you give them some food they can even be your friends and maybe follow you on the Camino.I think between the roving 'beasties' including the wild boar .....'sleeping out' might not be such a great idea
And crocs and jellyfish (box and irukandji) and sea snakes...Don’t forget - sharks!!!
Skydiving ... why jump out of a perfectly good plane?You don't get in the water unless it is a bathtub or a swimming pool.
David - it also helps to be a lot thinner than your friends. Bears, at least in Canada, are fast and can pick and choose.I thought the whole trick to hiking in bear country was to go with a companion who is a slower runner than yourself??
thinks! appropriate remark : Snakes aliveDavid - it also helps to be a lot thinner than your friends. Bears, at least in Canada, are fast and can pick and choose.
To add another cheery note to camping outside, according to https://spain-guide.info/snakes_spain/, there are 5 types of poisonous snakes in Spain. I've never seen one on my caminos, but I did meet a man with an angry two-day old bite from picking up his pack which he had thrown down on some rocks while he sat down for lunch. The doctor who saw him after he arrived in town told him not to worry. If it had been a viper he would have already been dead. Not sure if that was just emergency room humour (??!)
I have had several hammocks including a Clark Jungle Hammock and a Hennessy. I found there really were not enough appropriate places to hang on the Camino.@Robo I cannot speak to the creepy crawlies or other things that go bump in the night, but have you considered a hammock? If you walk in warmer weather ... above 70F ... you can get by without an under quilt or pad. Many have a built-in no-see-um netting. It can be more comfortable than a sleeping pad on the ground.
lord save you! Hanging on the Camino? Are there portable gibbets?I have had several hammocks including a Clark Jungle Hammock and a Hennessy. I found there really were not enough appropriate places to hang on the Camino.
Now £35.90 so you were correctI was looking for a mosquito net tent so I could choose to sleep outside and I came across this hammock:
Amazon hammock
I'll use it as a tent and rig up my walking poles to hold it up. Bargain for £9.99, I think it's wrongly priced so be quick!
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