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It looks like he is carrying a full-size post box with him - though I'm sure the hood would be excellent at keeping bees out!My finding is Bluefield Poncho. I believe, it's very similar to Altus one. It has got the same issue, too - not enough ventilation in arms. Costs around $20-30 on Amazon, Aliexpress, eBay.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32768857764.html
View attachment 61288
Decathlon also do online sales so if you know what size bag you need you could order it there.Thank you, @DavidI’m looking for a backpack for my dad now. They do not have Decathon in their small european country, and luxury items like Osprey are too expensive for my parents.
@Albert_Hadacek, I guess, for most pilgrims it would be too late to buy equipment when already in Spain. Better to get used to it before the Camino
tedtJust wondering if we could try to collect all experience about less expensive hiking gear in one place?
Cheap not necessary means poor quality all the time
Yes, of course, we all try to hunt sales on our favourite brands, and quite often the cheap stuff that is sold online would be a fake copy of those. But sometimes, perhaps, those are not much worse than originals?
My finding is Bluefield Poncho. I believe, it's very similar to Altus one. It has got the same issue, too - not enough ventilation in arms. Costs around $20-30 on Amazon, Aliexpress, eBay.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32768857764.html
View attachment 61288
Do you know about anything else, that would help to equip on a tough budget?
I totally agree with you , sometimes you would think Osprey are the only pack that would get you to Santiago from reading posts here . When you walk the Camino you see every brand , size colour and condition and they all do the job for their owners . The biggest factor for anyone walking is buy what you can afford and walk , your footwear needs to be broken in but again they do not need to excessively expensive as long as they suit you . There is a mountain near where I live and people climb it with Goretex gear and state of the art gear ( myself included) and often when you reach the summit you might meet a local farmer in an a work pants and jumper wearing wellingtons counting his sheepInexpensive, cheap, used etc equipment works just fine to walk the Camino. Absolutely no need for expensive high-tech gear. I stress this because I would not want anyone who researches via this forum walking the Camino to have the impression that expensive equipment and clothing is needed, and in turn believe they cannot walk it due to a tight budget/limited funds. You can walk it cheaply. You should see the pack I carried on my first Camino Frances several years ago. A cheap, frameless ruckpack, maybe 30 litres in size. Bought it from a friend for about ten euros. I do not know if it even has a brand on it lol. It worked just fine.
Besides your shoes/boots and socks, walking the Camino is not hard on any of the equipment or clothing. Especially if all you are going to do in your life is walk one Camino.
I walked 3 times in Karrimor Aspen Low walking shoes that cost €40 , I bought good insoles to replace the originals and I have never yet got a blister thank God .They are available from Sports direct but have increased in price since to €65 but they are great value at that with a Vibram soleI would like to see prices when folk mention their cheap alternatives- Decathlon has good prices but they are global chain and they aren't 'cheap' - I want more posts for those really cheap alternatives that worked.
@Albertagirl - I always reproof anytihng waterproof that I buy as I don't trust factory output - some really cheap sprays on Ebay, less than the cost of the Ikea poncho! - hey - you don't need to go up a mountain to test it, when I used to sail all of us tested our gear by going into the shower with it - works!
@DavidI would like to see prices when folk mention their cheap alternatives- Decathlon has good prices but they are global chain and they aren't 'cheap' - I want more posts for those really cheap alternatives that worked.
@Albertagirl - I always reproof anytihng waterproof that I buy as I don't trust factory output - some really cheap sprays on Ebay, less than the cost of the Ikea poncho! - hey - you don't need to go up a mountain to test it, when I used to sail all of us tested our gear by going into the shower with it - works!
@David
So it does work to wear the poncho into the shower, which demonstrates that my Ikea poncho leaks a lot, around the hood, where it is attached to the body of the poncho. The stitching is apparently not waterproof. And the plastic strips which were attached over the seams at the back of the hood are becoming detached. I am not sure what to do next, as I don't think that I could repair the seams with a spray. And using a seam sealant as well as a spray does not guarantee me a waterproof poncho. The water seems to be soaking through, as well as coming in through the seams. I put on my rain pants underneath, and they are fine. I may decide to take my rain jacket instead of the poncho. It is certainly waterproof, so much so that I sweat copiously on the inside. I am laughing at myself, and blessing myself for all those plastic bags into which I put everything in my pack: my last line of defense.
Yes, best poncho on the market at that price, IMO and they do indeed weigh very little.FroggsToggs cheap raincoat $10 U.S. is perfectly waterproof...I love mine, they weigh nothing! Woman's is purple!
I have had this poncho for some time (keeping it for my next camino, without wearing it), so I do not think that returning it would get me a replacement, or a refund. And the local Ikea store is a long distance across the city where I live. As I am without a motor vehicle, I think that I shall just write it off. Fortunately, the cost was low enough that it is only a minor loss. I had a similar experience with some underwear which I bought recently online from Tilley. When it arrived, it was too small, although the label pronounced it the same size as an identical pair previously bought locally. As there is no longer a store in Calgary which sells it the only way to get it is currently to order online. Tilley refused to refund or replace it, but offered to sell me the same item in a larger size for half price. I took their offer and am now satisfied that my wardrobe for my next camino is coming together. But the dual challenges of having to order online and trust the seller, and often having to pay ridiculous amounts of money for whatever one gets could certainly be daunting for persons on their first camino, who may believe that only recommended items will do. Five years ago, my backpack did not show up for a month in New Zealand and I managed with borrowed gear and essential clothing items purchased from a big box store, including a pair of very cheap boots for tramping, which I gave away before I left the country. And in my younger days my clothing for back country wear was always a couple of dollars from a second-hand store. It can be done. Buen camino to all low-income pilgrims.Ah - how unfortunate, you seem to have bought a lemon - I suggest taking it back or sending it back with a well written gentle complaint, including Camino info - who knows how they will respond, they are a very good company so will be over-helpful I should think.
Sorry to tell you this but mine is totally waterproof and nothing is coming loose .. but, everything is made in factories and just one in a thousand being faulty can end up with a lot of unhappy customers (1,000 for every million sold) - is why I always re-proof when I buy, even if it is brand new.
Heavens, could it really be so?or some stuff out there is overpriced?
Or should I say overrated?Heavens, could it really be so?
Thanks, good to know. Will look into it.Decathlon also do online sales so if you know what size bag you need you could order it there.
No, I have not. I bought a few things for my daughter, including the backpack.You have just missed the sale that ALdi had a couple of weeks ago - they had some packs, which with a cursory glance appeared quite well designed.
...
Are you aware that there is a pilgrim group that meet in Adelaide? PM me if you want the details.
Agree with all my heart and soulBesides your shoes/boots and socks, walking the Camino is not hard on any of the equipment or clothing. Especially if all you are going to do in your life is walk one Camino.
Yeah... that was an idea of this post...it’s quite easy to find good and expensive stuff, but finding cheap and working well enough - it’s a challengeI would like to see prices when folk mention their cheap alternatives- Decathlon has good prices but they are global chain and they aren't 'cheap' - I want more posts for those really cheap alternatives that worked.
Good tops from decathlon sale, cheap however very bright colours. Mountain Warehouse in UK good for trousers / shorts. The top from there hasn't worn so well. All very cheap. Nice top from Hennes has lasted well.As a student I tried to keep my cost low. So ALDI was my best friend.
Shirts both from ALDI. Maybe 10 CHF each.
Synthetic silk liner as sleeping bag: 15 CHF
My shoes were a gift for my birthday.
My backpack cost 100 Euro (I share it with my brother so 50 Euros for each of us)
The rest of my gear I borrowed or friends gave it to me because they didn‘t need it.
Decathlon is very popular sports store all over Europe and also in Spain /France, you can get quite cheap things that will last for your journey. Backpacks around 40-70 euros... You can get these waterproof jackets that are foldable for 5euros... Sleeping backs are also super cheap there.
I bought a $20 cycling poncho from bicycle light on eBay. I am very impressed with its size and quality. My backpack is from Kathmandu. Cost $69 on sale because of its bright aqua colour. Great stuff from Aldi. No compromise on my Keens shoes though.Just wondering if we could try to collect all experience about less expensive hiking gear in one place?
Cheap not necessary means poor quality all the time
Yes, of course, we all try to hunt sales on our favourite brands, and quite often the cheap stuff that is sold online would be a fake copy of those. But sometimes, perhaps, those are not much worse than originals?
My finding is Bluefield Poncho. I believe, it's very similar to Altus one. It has got the same issue, too - not enough ventilation in arms. Costs around $20-30 on Amazon, Aliexpress, eBay.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32768857764.html
View attachment 61288
Do you know about anything else, that would help to equip on a tough budget?
I second your suggestion. I just wore my Frogg Toggs $20 rain suit through a driving winter rainstorm here in Concepcion, Chile. The only thing wet was my face. Good stuff!FroggsToggs cheap raincoat $10 U.S. is perfectly waterproof...I love mine, they weigh nothing! Woman's is purple!
I used one on the Frances in 2018, not too many rainy days but it did the job very well!I bought an inexpensive Ikea poncho, recommended by @David, but have not yet used it. A posting on the forum reported that it leaks in heavy rain, so I have been looking for a spray to waterproof it. I have just realized that a tin of spray costs twice as much as the poncho itself, with no proof that it would make the poncho more waterproof. I may take the poncho to the mountains for a couple of days prior to my departure for Spain. It has rained pretty much every day in Calgary for more than a month and shows no signs of stopping. Maybe I should just walk out my front door with the poncho on later today, and see how wet I get. One reason that I walk caminos in the fall is that it seems to me to be dryer. Hopefully, the Ikea poncho will be adequate for the rain that I get in Spain from September to November.
I have tried the Ikea poncho in the shower, and it failed the test, leaking around the hood, especially at the back. So I took it in to a specialty shop yesterday and am getting that area around the hood resealed professionally. The man in the shop tested it and says that otherwise it is not leaking through the fabric. The cost is modest, no more than to buy seam sealant and do it myself. I am also getting my new suede boots waterproofed there. I am willing to pay a bit extra to stay dry.I used one on the Frances in 2018, not too many rainy days but it did the job very well!
Well if you or someone you know is handy with a sewing machine you might take a look at the sewing pattern for a cross between a poncho and a parka called The Parcho. It’s available thru questoutfitters.com.Just wondering if we could try to collect all experience about less expensive hiking gear in one place?
Cheap not necessary means poor quality all the time
Yes, of course, we all try to hunt sales on our favourite brands, and quite often the cheap stuff that is sold online would be a fake copy of those. But sometimes, perhaps, those are not much worse than originals?
My finding is Bluefield Poncho. I believe, it's very similar to Altus one. It has got the same issue, too - not enough ventilation in arms. Costs around $20-30 on Amazon, Aliexpress, eBay.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32768857764.html
View attachment 61288
Do you know about anything else, that would help to equip on a tough budget?
I know Amazon reviews can't necessarily be trusted but that bag has some terrible reviews.Great idea for a post!! Generally it is, after all, only five weeks ...
I use a trailer (to carry my first aid bags) but also sometimes walk with a rucksack. I now use a cheap Chinese 50L. It is great; well made, comfortable, weighs just 1 kilo - 2.2 lbs - and costs a mere £22 with free delivery.
I can't tell the difference in quality between mine and the expensive ones - which are also made in the far east. They come in five or six colours.
They are on Ebay.uk but assume also on Ebay.com (link below)
View attachment 61293
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lixada-W...hash=item52192f5a47:m:mLtMIk3MYYDuxYsULtGVoRA
My Best Buy are my Pacemaker hiking poles for $60.00 Australian dollars were a bargain. Bought on eBay from USA, they work well.Just wondering if we could try to collect all experience about less expensive hiking gear in one place?
Cheap not necessary means poor quality all the time
Yes, of course, we all try to hunt sales on our favourite brands, and quite often the cheap stuff that is sold online would be a fake copy of those. But sometimes, perhaps, those are not much worse than originals?
My finding is Bluefield Poncho. I believe, it's very similar to Altus one. It has got the same issue, too - not enough ventilation in arms. Costs around $20-30 on Amazon, Aliexpress, eBay.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32768857764.html
View attachment 61288
Do you know about anything else, that would help to equip on a tough budget?
Just in passing, I walked with an elderly Spanish guy who used a hessian shopping bag containing a change of clothes, 2Lt bottle of water and a very light rain jacket. He wore shorts, a polo shirt, cotton sports socks and tennis shoes none of which was bought specifically for the camino, he just selected what was comfortable from his normal wardrobe and in this he walked happily from SJPD to Pamplona where we parted.
A second guy I meet used two plastic carrier bags and again his normal clothing.
Additional costs for camino equipment in both cases zero.
I bought an inexpensive Ikea poncho, recommended by @David, but have not yet used it. A posting on the forum reported that it leaks in heavy rain, so I have been looking for a spray to waterproof it. I have just realized that a tin of spray costs twice as much as the poncho itself, with no proof that it would make the poncho more waterproof. I may take the poncho to the mountains for a couple of days prior to my departure for Spain. It has rained pretty much every day in Calgary for more than a month and shows no signs of stopping. Maybe I should just walk out my front door with the poncho on later today, and see how wet I get. One reason that I walk caminos in the fall is that it seems to me to be dryer. Hopefully, the Ikea poncho will be adequate for the rain that I get in Spain from September to November.
@Marbe2I have used the IKEA Poncho 3 times. Mine does not leak?? I do not think a spray is necessary. Like any poncho..if you have it open somewhere and the wind is blowing water will get in...IMOit is the a very durable, light weight cheap alternative...
You probably got a lemon! Sorry to hear you had to spend the extra money. You might ant to get contact IKEA! Maybe they will send you another one tor you free without paying postage to return the defective one...if it is defective they should! I know you bought it a while ago but I would call and explain you have been saving it for the Camino! Nothing but a phone call to inquire. Good Luck!@Marbe2
I tried out my poncho in the shower before deciding that I needed to find a way to seal it. When I asked in Atmosphere, an store which sells outdoor gear, for a spray to seal my poncho, they referred me to a repair shop for outdoor gear. The seams have thin strips (plastic?), which were heat sealed when the poncho was made. Unfortunately, mine was made poorly and leaked: profusely at the neck, but there were also some poorly sealed seams elsewhere on the poncho. I paid $15 Cdn to have the seams around the hood fixed, then another $10 to finish the job where there were other poorly sealed places on the body of the poncho. So I now have a $35 new Ikea poncho (I have not yet used it) instead of a $10 one. I am satisfied with this, as it will be light and cool to wear, unlike my raincoat and the other poncho for mountain wear which I possess among my gear. And the cost was still about a third of what I paid for the other options. I shall try it out before I go to Spain, maybe in Banff next week, if it rains.
I made and love my Parcho. I learned about it from @Pong in this thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/dont-cheap-out-on-raingear.40986/#post-436962, where she posted some pictures of herself wearing it. Mine weighs just 7.2 ounces. It's not ultra cheap to make, but it's much less expensive than the similar Packa.Well if you or someone you know is handy with a sewing machine you might take a look at the sewing pattern for a cross between a poncho and a parka called The Parcho. It’s available thru questoutfitters.com.
I have not made this pattern but it looks promising. It has large capelike sleeves which offer lots of ventilation, has several versions to accommodate most any size pack and it can be cinched around the bottom to keep it from flapping you to death in strong wind.
I love finding items at thrift stores! So much more satisfying than always buying brand new. Half of what I bring on my Caminos to wear are thrift store finds.My Merrell Moab mids were around $70. High Sierra 20L pack $65. Alps Mountaineering XL sleep pad $18. Smartwool hiking socks $6.39. All from theclymb.com. They carry mostly models from the year prior when companies switch them out. Great deals if you don't care about colors etc.
My Columbia fleece and Kuhl hiking pants were $3 each at thrift. Hiking poles were $1 for the pair.
I am a Frogg Togg fan, too, and have sung its praises on this forum before. I've never gotten wet in my rain suit, even in a torrential 4 hour downpour.I second your suggestion. I just wore my Frogg Toggs $20 rain suit through a driving winter rainstorm here in Concepcion, Chile. The only thing wet was my face. Good stuff!
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