Goretex Boots/Shoes and Jacket

[GuyA]

Hi,

Looking for your thoughts before making a few significant purchases. By way of background my camino will span 100 days from Aug to early Nov ending in Finisterre.

Goretex Boots/Shoes

Based on my review of previous posts I chose a pair of Pategonia Drifter walking shoes. So far I have been very satisfied with them from a comfort standpoint with one exception. When walking through wet conditions I find the shoes take a fairly long time to dry i.e. overnight doesn't do it.

I am also concerned that the distance of my camino will mean that I am likely to wear out the walking shoes before ending the pilgrimage. The thought has occured to me that I should consider purchasing a second pair of goretex walking shoes and bring both pairs with me for the above reasons.

Your thoughts? Is the extra weight worth it?

Goretex rain jacket vs. rain poncho

I am trying to choose between a light weight Goretex rain jacket and rain pants vs. a rain poncho such as the Altus. I am leaning towards the Goretex rain jacket as it will serve a dual purpose of having a jacket for colder evenings.

Again your comments are welcome.

Thanks

Guy

 

[colinPeter]

... Pategonia Drifter walking shoes.....I am also concerned that the distance of my camino will mean that I am likely to wear out the walking shoes before ending the pilgrimage.
....rain jacket and rain pants vs. a rain poncho such as the Altus.

Hi Guy, my wife wore Patagonia Nomads from SJPP - SDC - she is wearing the same boots again in two weeks Lourdes -SDC, the Patagonia vibram soles on these are great. So if they have a similar vibram sole I don't think you will need a second pair.
Last time we took rain jackets & pants (non gortex) and used ultra-sil poncho for heavy rain, this time we are taking the Altus rain Poncho, mainly due to the good reviews of others on this forum.
Buen Camino
Col

 

[peregrino_tom]

GuyA:
by the time you finish your shoes should not be worn out, but nicely worn in!
Altus poncho is a pretty good compromise as it is quite heavy duty. But any poncho which is sufficiently long and has the seams sealed (unless you are willing to do this yourself) will do the trick. If you just have rain jacket and trousers and it rains for seven hours then water will get down that gap between your backpack and back and find a way of seeping into your pack.
Unless you are actually going to be walking mid-winter, a medium fleece should be all you need to keep you warm. You can always put on everything else underneath it if necessary.
Cheers, tom

 

[Anniesantiago]

New Balance trainers on an SL-2 shoe last are great for walking and they dry out overnight.
I've walked the Camino in very wet conditions and had dry shoes each morning, in fact, usually within a couple of hours.

But I've said that about a kazillion times on this forum... :roll:

 

[julie]

Hi Guy, I'm not familiar with your particular shoes but find that it doesn't really matter if the shoes aren't completely dry when you set off in the morning. As long as your socks are dry the shoes feel OK once you get over the initial "yuk" when you put them on. If it rains for days on end they're just going to get wet again anyway.

I used to go with a jacket and pack cover but now prefer to use a poncho. They're easy to put on and off if rain is intermittent, keep your pack drier than a pack cover does, weigh less and take up less room than the combination of the jacket/waterproof pants/pack cover.

 

[Meredith1]

New Balance trainers on an SL-2 shoe last are great for walking and they dry out overnight.
I've walked the Camino in very wet conditions and had dry shoes each morning, in fact, usually within a couple of hours.

But I've said that about a kazillion times on this forum... :roll:

And I'm so glad you did! I bought New Balance a few weeks ago and have done some short training walks (4.5 and 6.5 miles with pack at 13.5) - I love them. My feet love them. I haven't tested them in wet (or muddy!) conditions yet, but will do -- if we ever get some rain.

 

[GuyA]

Hi,

Once again many thanks for your comments...hope the veterans realize that sharing your experiences is invaluable for us newbies/dreamers!

Have ordered the Altus poncho, ditched the idea of a second pair of shoes and will be taking a hard look at the New Balance shoes (hopefully I can find them in my home town).

If the actual Camino walking experience is even half the fun than preparing for it is then it really is something to look forward to!

Thanks

Guy

 

[robertt]

Yes, Guy. The Altus is not only waterproof but stable in wind. Most others are not.

Even though I'm a winter/spring walker, I prefer to get my feet and ankles wet, and avoid wrestling with multiple pieces of clothing + pack-cover. One pair of comfy shoes that you know should see you through, and, if you get into trouble, you can always buy a good pair of shoes in Spain. I saw heaps of reasonable outlets in Spanish towns. Of course, the shoes you know and trust are the best option.

Remember: if it gets cold, you should be wearing, not carrying, clothes. Every garment's a layer, or it's an at-home stayer!

I'm mainly just agreeing with others, but I hope this helps.

Buen Camino

Rob