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A squeeze light isn't very useful on the trail when getting an early start.No head lamp please. Hate them in albergues. Use a small squeeze light or something.
People don't normally count water and snacks in their "base weight." When you remove those from the calculation you are actually under the 10% which really isn't a rule anyway.
A squeeze light isn't very useful on the trail when getting an early start.
Just because someone brings a headlamp doesn't mean that they will use it inappropriately in an albergue.
You don’t need a head torch at this time of year.
I think I’ll ditch the flip flops.Do you really need sandals and flip flops?
However big the stone is - find a smaller one.
You don’t need a head torch at this time of year.
Lock and lock? Also padlock? Comforting possibly but of little practical use.
Tin opener? Most have ring-pulls these days. Cutlery and a titanium spoon? A small knife and a big spoon will do.
Carabiners?
Depends on how early you want to get started. In June/July I started at 6:30 and while it wasn't "bright" out - I didn't need a headlamp. That said - one morning I "startled" myself awake and thought it was getting late and I should get going - so I quickly and quietly threw my belongings into my bag and left the building as quickly as I could so as not to wake anyone else up. When I got outside - I realized it was only 4am (Oh my gosh - seriously?!!!)! And of course - the door locked behind me. So what did I do? I pulled out my headlamp - and started walking. Afterall - I couldn't go back in the building! So will you need it? Maybe not. But was I glad I had it? Absolutely! That said - my phone light would have worked too in a pinch. For in the dorm room I have a tiny keychain LED light that essentially takes up no space and weighs next to nothing. Didn't use that either.I’ve heard that the head torch is good for the early morning starts?
Spain is in a bizarre timezone (and yes I know why). I've just arrived in Galicia and it's taking some getting used to that the sun comes up at nearly 8, whereas at home it's before 6, and we're an hour behind in the UK. Solar noon (zenith) in Central European Summer Time in Galicia is at 2.30pm-ish, so if you want to set off early it is a good idea to take a head torch... or maybe just set off a bit later. What are you going to do when you arrive? I'd rather spend the day seeing the countryside than walking for the sake of it.Depends on how early you want to get started. In June/July I started at 6:30 and while it wasn't "bright" out - I didn't need a headlamp. That said - one morning I "startled" myself awake and thought it was getting late and I should get going - so I quickly and quietly threw my belongings into my bag and left the building as quickly as I could so as not to wake anyone else up. When I got outside - I realized it was only 4am (Oh my gosh - seriously?!!!)! And of course - the door locked behind me. So what did I do? I pulled out my headlamp - and started walking. Afterall - I couldn't go back in the building! So will you need it? Maybe not. But was I glad I had it? Absolutely! That said - my phone light would have worked too in a pinch. For in the dorm room I have a tiny keychain LED light that essentially takes up no space and weighs next to nothing. Didn't use that either.
I agree completely about the light and head lamp. I never use my headlamp in an albergue and I do get early starts and walk alone often where the markings aren't very good. I pack the night before. If you do a little planning you may need to put on your cell phone light for just a few seconds. To check under the bed and in the bed and that is all. You can also adjust the brightness of the light on your cell phone so it is not very bright at all. Just enough light to check to see if you missed anything to put away.People don't normally count water and snacks in their "base weight." When you remove those from the calculation you are actually under the 10% which really isn't a rule anyway.
A squeeze light isn't very useful on the trail when getting an early start.
Just because someone brings a headlamp doesn't mean that they will use it inappropriately in an albergue.
She didn't mention tissues - but she does have a pee rag and a bandana. Personally - I use the bandana as a "snot rag" and wash and reuse. Better than having to constantly buy and replace tissues. I do however usually have just a little bit of toilet paper in case of an emergency and it is needed.Didn't see you mention tissues, so add those to your list. If you want moist tissues as well.....just add water.
We done. You do not need to lose anymore. Anything less than 7 to 8kg is great.Hello,
I’m heading off on the Camino Frances in a week or so and today I’ve been packing my bag. It’s come out to weigh 6.8kg (including 1.5L water and a few snacks) but this is a problem because I weigh just less than 65kg, so it’s over the 10% rule I’ve attached a list of everything I’ve packed and I’d appreciate it if anyone could suggest some ways to get that weight down a bit.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitzi
Hello,
I’m heading off on the Camino Frances in a week or so and today I’ve been packing my bag. It’s come out to weigh 6.8kg (including 1.5L water and a few snacks) but this is a problem because I weigh just less than 65kg, so it’s over the 10% rule I’ve attached a list of everything I’ve packed and I’d appreciate it if anyone could suggest some ways to get that weight down a bit.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitzifirst
First of all enjoy and have a wonderful adventure ..I am in Astorga at present walking the Frances and downsized my weight to 3kg that's one set of clothing, 3 socks , 3 layers of underware , sleeping bag liner , micro towel , poncho , first aid kit , suntan lotion , toiletries , thermos cup and some coffee sachets oh yes and my phone chargerHello,
I’m heading off on the Camino Frances in a week or so and today I’ve been packing my bag. It’s come out to weigh 6.8kg (including 1.5L water and a few snacks) but this is a problem because I weigh just less than 65kg, so it’s over the 10% rule I’ve attached a list of everything I’ve packed and I’d appreciate it if anyone could suggest some ways to get that weight down a bit.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitzi
Are you assuming that every alberque will offer blankets?Hello,
I’m heading off on the Camino Frances in a week or so and today I’ve been packing my bag. It’s come out to weigh 6.8kg (including 1.5L water and a few snacks) but this is a problem because I weigh just less than 65kg, so it’s over the 10% rule I’ve attached a list of everything I’ve packed and I’d appreciate it if anyone could suggest some ways to get that weight down a bit.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitzi
Hello,
I’m heading off on the Camino Frances in a week or so and today I’ve been packing my bag. It’s come out to weigh 6.8kg (including 1.5L water and a few snacks) but this is a problem because I weigh just less than 65kg, so it’s over the 10% rule I’ve attached a list of everything I’ve packed and I’d appreciate it if anyone could suggest some ways to get that weight down a bit.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitzi
Love this! I always wondered where 10% came from. Thanks!First of all - the 10% rule is simply based on a study of how heavy a kids school backpack should be. Was never intended to be the guide for hiking. It is a good starting point - but 10% for a lighter person might mean you skip essentials wheras 10% for a heavier person would mean they are carrying way too much.
Before you consider lightening your load too much have a read of the thread linked below. If you are starting from SJPP don't get into trouble by leaving essential gear after you just to have a superlight pack.Hello,
I’m heading off on the Camino Frances in a week or so and today I’ve been packing my bag. It’s come out to weigh 6.8kg (including 1.5L water and a few snacks) but this is a problem because I weigh just less than 65kg, so it’s over the 10% rule I’ve attached a list of everything I’ve packed and I’d appreciate it if anyone could suggest some ways to get that weight down a bit.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitzi
This brings up a question I've had for a long time. All of (few) devices are capable of handling both USA and EU voltage. Is there something I'm not understanding about needing a EU electrical voltage/current? My three devices are; 1) phone, 2) Fit Bit Watch, and 3) a Selfie Gimbal with a rechargeable remote.EU adapter and USB charger - merge the 2 into 1 that does both
Just plug in and charge. If you look at your phone charger it will say Input 110v -240v Output 5.1v or suchlike so it doesn't matter what voltage supply you use.This brings up a question I've had for a long time. All of (few) devices are capable of handling both USA and EU voltage. Is there something I'm not understanding about needing a EU electrical voltage/current? My three devices are; 1) phone, 2) Fit Bit Watch, and 3) a Selfie Gimbal with a rechargeable remote.
So much good advice! Agree with wayfarer. You have an excellent start. Just refinement and idiosyncratic choices ahead. Observations from the trail: too many cosmetics and not enough skin protection from sun, high winds, cold and rain; hat with brim, light nylon LS shirt and pants,(one on and one spare, biking gloves, rain gear (jacket with hood, and pants eg. Frogg Toggs set). Layer. A light weight merino sweater and a 100wt pile pullover plus your jacket is versatile for a range of conditions. I am happy to carry a light weight umbrella. X-light microlight on string around neck for seeing into bag and bathroom journeys at night.Before you consider lightening your load too much have a read of the thread linked below. If you are starting from SJPP don't get into trouble by leaving essential gear after you just to have a superlight pack.
Question: If I'm hiking in Tevas, wouldn't I be expected to leave these outside the albergue as with boots/trainers?Carry sandals that you could wear in the shower and walk in if at all possible. I use my Tevas for that.
Some hospitaleros will sometimes give a pass on leaving sandals outside, even though they can carry just as much dirt on their soles as shoes or boots. I do take mine off when entering, and then I often wash them when I wash my clothes.Question: If I'm hiking in Tevas, wouldn't I be expected to leave these outside the albergue as with boots/trainers?
Tevas look like flipflops / sandals. No, people would assume them to be indoor shoes like slippers.Question: If I'm hiking in Tevas, wouldn't I be expected to leave these outside the albergue as with boots/trainers?
Most portable devices these days can support both frequencies. It just takes longer on North American semi-skimmed electricity. From my experience you'd fry a 1970s Viewmaster slide projector, but not a laptop. This is why North Americans don't have electric kettles.Just plug in and charge. If you look at your phone charger it will say Input 110v -240v Output 5.1v or suchlike so it doesn't matter what voltage supply you use.
No. Everyone wears Tevas and other sandals around town in the evening. Only ever saw boots and trail running shoes/sneakers in the boots area. Of course - if you are getting your Tevas very dirty from hiking - then they would need a good rinse. Around town they don't usually get too dirty. No more so than the crocs of flip flops people wear around town and in the showers.Question: If I'm hiking in Tevas, wouldn't I be expected to leave these outside the albergue as with boots/trainers?
No need for PowerBar. Use a chux cloth instead of teatowel. Crocs sandals (not clog variety) instead of sandals. These could also be used if shower really grotty, but you would need to wash them first. Then you could ditch the flip flops or take the super thin light ones they use in pedicure parlors.Hello,
I’m heading off on the Camino Frances in a week or so and today I’ve been packing my bag. It’s come out to weigh 6.8kg (including 1.5L water and a few snacks) but this is a problem because I weigh just less than 65kg, so it’s over the 10% rule I’ve attached a list of everything I’ve packed and I’d appreciate it if anyone could suggest some ways to get that weight down a bit.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitzi
Unless there is no moon and it is overcast, torches are rarely required. Let your eyes adjust to the low light and you will be surprised how much you can see. Even better with your eyes adjusted you can see all around you and not just the small section illuminated by a torch. Even better, you will not spoil someone else's night vision by shining your torch light in their direction.Spain is in a bizarre timezone (and yes I know why). I've just arrived in Galicia and it's taking some getting used to that the sun comes up at nearly 8, whereas at home it's before 6, and we're an hour behind in the UK. Solar noon (zenith) in Central European Summer Time in Galicia is at 2.30pm-ish, so if you want to set off early it is a good idea to take a head torch... or maybe just set off a bit later. What are you going to do when you arrive? I'd rather spend the day seeing the countryside than walking for the sake of it.
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