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Hi Vis vests

Anne Mclennan

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2009 Camino Portuguese
2018 Camino Frances
Hi all I’m walking the Frances from 6 September and wondering if it’s required to wear a high visibility vest on roads? As I have a high visibility pack cover would this be enough?
 
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Hi Anne!

There is no need for a vest, especially if your pack is already hi-vis. You won't often walk on the roads, but in trails near them, so it is quite safe.
Just remember to keep aware of your surrounding and you will be fine :)
 
I don't think this is such a big issue on the CF. I did take the precaution on attaching reflective strips to our packs when walking a winter Camino in Portugal as the short daylight hours meant we were often walking into, or out of, towns in gloom and there is a lot of road walking with non existent verges in Portugal. But there has been a lot of work in the CF to keep the route away from roads. That said common sense when road walking is always advisable.
 
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Welcome Ann. No, its not required but its not a bad idea to carry one especially if you decide to walk very early in the morning or late in the evening. I didn't carry one but had a red rain cover for my pack which I used on those occasions.
 
Also wear a T-shirt in visible colours and you should be fine.
 
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When on roads walk on the correct side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. many don't.
This is particularly important for those coming from countries where driving on the left side of the road is the norm. The norm in both Spain and Portugal is to drive on the right side. Be aware and walk on the LEFT, facing oncoming traffic, when the Camino route puts you on or adjacent to roadways.
 
I think there is a law in Spain requiring reflective vests when walking at night, but not during daylight hours.


-Paul
 
When on roads walk on the correct side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. many don't.
Not all the times though.
(Speaking if there is equivalent shoulder on both sides.):
- if there is a right curve you change to the left side of the road (which is also the right/proper side for walking regarding the oncoming traffic on straight roads),
- but if there is a left curve you do change to the right hand side of the road.

Make that change approx. in the middle distance between left and right curve (or vice versa). Especially on very winding roads. If the curves are long and there isn't much of vegetation you just stay on the left hand side.

Buen Camino!
 
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Not all the times though.
(Speaking if there is equivalent shoulder on both sides.):
- if there is a right curve you change to the left side of the road (which is also the right/proper side for walking regarding the oncoming traffic on straight roads),
- but if there is a left curve you do change to the right hand side of the road.

Make that change approx. in the middle distance between left and right curve (or vice versa). Especially on very winding roads. If the curves are long and there isn't much of vegetation you just stay on the left hand side.

Buen Camino!
Totally agree with your comments about changing (safely of course) to the right side of the road when a tight left hand bend is approaching. Did this often on the Norte recently and felt safer.
I must add the Spanish drivers are very aware of walkers and considerate, however I did see the odd one on their mobile phone!!
 
Hi all I’m walking the Frances from 6 September and wondering if it’s required to wear a high visibility vest on roads? As I have a high visibility pack cover would this be enough?
The rain cover that came with my pack had some reflective strips on it, but I purchased a cheap shocking neon one on eBay/Amazon for a few bucks to use in high traffic areas. I also used it to contain all of my pack straps while in the airports/planes. In addition, I always carried a few neon colored bandanas 99cent investments that I could attach to poles, pack straps or tuck in across my chest like a pinafore. It was my hankie, washcloth, napkin, head cover, neck cover.....you get the idea
 
Hi all I’m walking the Frances from 6 September and wondering if it’s required to wear a high visibility vest on roads? As I have a high visibility pack cover would this be enough?
Hi there, I was aware that pilgrims had been hit by vehicles and made sure my pack cover had reflector bits and I have a tiny red bike clip on light for the back of my pack. I have used this on two caminos in road walking areas, as I didnt always have my pack cover on my pack. It plugs into a usb port to recharge although I didnt need to do this.
 
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On the vdlp I carried a hi vis vest and there were a couple of days road walking in mist I was glad to be wearing it. However I don't think it was worth carrying on the whole. I will not be bringing it on the Frances in August. My gloves are yellow hi vis. Good for early morning starts. I don't plan to walk at night.
 
The trouble with HV is that so many people wear it that it has almost become a cloak of invisibility.

In my former life as a Highways Engineer I'd have to do night time inspections (because motorists complain when you shut down the motorway in the daytime). We'd wear HV trousers with three, wide reflective bands on each leg, jackets/long sleeve vests/fleeces with similar bands around torso and arms and hard hats with reflective stripes and still cars and trucks would come close enough to kill.

We had a photo on the wall at our depot of an inspector wearing HV standing in front of an SUV covered in reflective panels - you couldn't see him - he was effectively camouflaged.

HV clothing WILL NOT SAVE YOUR LIFE. It may alert drivers of vehicles you are there but it may also give you a false sense of security. Be alert, keep scanning around you and remember drivers are easily distracted: the sun, the rain, the radio, the mobile they're not supposed to be using.

Take it if you wish but it's just another thing to carry.
 
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