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I am asking this because I've been reading many threads in which people get really inflamed defending one type of equipment or another. And, imho, independently of what kind of equipment you decide to use, it should be tried before you start walking the Camino and be comfortable for you. Therefore, sometimes things you already have can be as good as brand new ones, bought specially for this journey.
Do you agree with that?
For my Camino, I only bought 2 things specially for that journey: an ultra-light sleeping bag and one of those "quick-drying-superlight" sports t-shirt. All the rest were things I had at home.
For the backpack, it was the most unusual choice, but in the end one that was in front of my eyes. After trying a few different models, I used one that came with my Dell laptop. It's a computer backpack, very small, but it was cushioned all over, super comfortable, a few compartments to organize my stuff and - the most important - I was already used to carry it around everyday. And because it was small, it 'forced' me do my Camino with a pack lighter than 5kg (10% of my body weight).
Shoes I've mentioned in other threads before: my loved Mizunos. No special socks, just chose the ones I had been using for more than a year while training for the Camino and realized that fit well with the shoes.
Which piece of equipment would you say "I just used what I had at home and worked well"? And is there anything you would certainly buy specifically for the Camino?
(Of course it counts if you are the athletic type that has all sorts of cool sport stuff - but you had it home beforehand, that's the important part!)
Sorry if the post is too long (and with some English mistakes), but I'm really curious about other people's experiences!
I've not yet walked a Camino, but I'm a light backpacker (not ultra-light) with a wilderness hiking background.I only bought a DEET impregnated silk sheet sleeping bag, everything else I already had or made do....
WldWil what brand is your shirt and what is the fabric? As a female, I have one thing yet to find, and that is a long sleeve shirt/blouse (I like to cover my arms in all seasons) that is somewhat price friendly. Thanks. MaggieVery interesting question. Being a non walker and hiker, I had almost no gear. Buying socks has been insane as I have tried a half dozen pair and just this week discovered one that worked for me. It turns out my feet do not like wool! Anyway, now I am rambling.
The one main item I am taking is a wind shirt. I am surprise no one talks about them on the forum. I have a few of them since I use to professionally fish and sponsors provided them. Keep in mind I am starting early September. It is super light, wind resistant, breathes and is lightly water repellent. With layers, I will not need a jacket.
But for the most part, I have had to purchase most items. Since I started planning in October, I have had time to research and shop. Plus it made my birthday and Christmas list for family very easy.
I have tested everything relentlessly. Currently my backpack is packed and sitting in the living room right now with 47 days to go (as if I were counting).
...As a female, I have one thing yet to find, and that is a long sleeve shirt/blouse (I like to cover my arms in all seasons) that is somewhat price friendly. Thanks. Maggie
Hi Sheesh…I'm in Canada and it's a problem shipping from the U.S. so I'll check out our Mountain Equipment Coop here in Victoria for something similar. Yes, I found a great deal on walking pants from a thrift shop. I'm buying my poles and poncho in St. Jean. Appreciate it.I took a REI Sahara Shirt both times I went. I had to mail order it in, but was pleased with it's versatility: UPF 50+ protection, extendable collar, roll-up sleeves, zippered vents on each side, and a hidden zippered pocket which neatly carried 5 or 10 Euros for purchases en route.
http://www.rei.com/product/861363/rei-sahara-long-sleeve-shirt-womens
I had to purchase almost all my kit for my first trip, except for one or two items that I borrowed. Got quite expensive, though I did manage a few "scores" from second hand shops.
Even my second trip I purchased a lot of items, as I fine-tuned and tweaked my kit to reduce weight. But my favorite purchase for my second trip was my Pacer poles - loved 'em!
WldWil what brand is your shirt and what is the fabric? As a female, I have one thing yet to find, and that is a long sleeve shirt/blouse (I like to cover my arms in all seasons) that is somewhat price friendly. Thanks. Maggie
I've not yet walked a Camino, but I'm a light backpacker (not ultra-light) with a wilderness hiking background.
I do plan to buy, Camino specific, a Sea-to-Summit, sleeping bag liner with the anti-bed bug treatment. I may break down and buy an inflatable pillow too, but I'm not sure about that.
One thing I do, on a regular basis, is buy new hiking boots/shoes. About every other year. Each time they get lighter. So my footwear is NOT Camino specific. Just ordered a pair of LaSportiva Synthesis mid-shoe/boots. 1.7 pounds per pair . . . currently on back-order so not sure when those will arrive. They are slightly lighter than my Zamberlain light hiking boots. I prefer GoreTex shoes/boots, but I do NOT have a problem with overly sweaty feet so I understand that some prefer NON-Gore Tex footwear, but I strongly prefer dry feet. As I type I am wearing Zamberlain non-Gore Tex light hiking shoes but I really dislike wearing them in wet conditions and would probably wear them on our upcoming Camino if they were the Gore Tex model.
I used my Camino as an excuse to upgrade all my walking gear. Most of my kit was old and because of our climate was ok for walking here, would probably have done for the Camino in a push but I got to buy gear I only drooled over online.
A good point Kanga - about the cost being justified by repeated walks on the Camino. I did think of that when looking at the high prices for much of the clothing, gear etc, but with my 80th coming up and this being my first walk, I wonder….how many more walks could I do:>) ?? I think I've invested wisely in what I feel are the most important items for me, backpack (Osprey), boots (Ahnu), rain pants and a couple of Merino tops. Other clothing items I had. I'm purchasing my poles and poncho in St. Jean.With me it's a mixture - some things I "already have", some things specially purchased. The nice thing about walking repeated Caminos is that the cost of purchased items becomes justified.
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