Identifying / misidentifying gear

NomadBoomer · Aug 21, 2017

About to head off on my first Camino next week.

I think my walking shoes (salomon), poles(black diamond) and backpack(osprey) are going to be pretty common items. Are there any problems with people accidentally taking the wrong gear when you have to leave them in a common area or outside?

I have a crappy memory too and recollect plenty of time wasted looking for ski poles after long lunches skiing so I will be tagging my pack and poles, not sure what to do with the shoes. Any other tips or don't I need to think about this?
Buen Camino

Deleted member 3000 · Aug 21, 2017

NomadBoomer said:
Are there any problems with people accidentally taking the wrong gear when you have to leave them in a common area or outside?

It is rare. Boots and poles are often left by the door, and they may be mixed up or stolen. Everything else is normally near your bunk, so it is unlikely it will be taken by mistake.

Anniesantiago · Aug 21, 2017

NomadBoomer said:
I have a crappy memory too and recollect plenty of time wasted looking for ski poles after long lunches skiing so I will be tagging my pack and poles, not sure what to do with the shoes. Any other tips or don't I need to think about this?
Buen Camino

Perhaps use some bright colored fingernail polish and dip the tips of your shoestrings into them.
Or go to a Craft store like Michael's or Joann's and buy some fabric paint and put your name on the shoes on the heel or ??

One of my pilgrims DID pick up the wrong shoes on a dark morning leaving SJPP.
They were the same style and size.
She didn't realize until she squatted to urinate miles up the trail that she had the wrong shoes.
She looked for her own shoes at SJPP, hoping to apologize, but never found them.
She wore the wrong shoes the rest of the Way.

It does happen.

I tag my poles with colored duct tape, which also can come in quite handy. I just roll a foot or so around the tops of the poles.

Kitsambler · Aug 21, 2017

And patches or painted designs on the pack can help make it distinctive, too. Or tie on a bandanna.

OTH86 · Aug 21, 2017

Particularly footwear! I sometimes tie the laces of both boots together -- makes one stop and think if they really did that. Or use bright colored laces or add a distinct ribbon to your regular laces.

Sailor · Aug 21, 2017

I attach a short nylon ribbon to all my gear, on top of the backpack, side of the frontpack, hiking poles, middle eyelets of my hiking shoes, all using the same bright color. I do the same to my luggage during my travels. Good luck y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.

jo webber · Aug 22, 2017

My name is on my rain poncho, pack has a streamer with a hand painted design on silk. The hiking sandals will go into the ziplock bags that my evening sandals come out of, and into the pack. If the sandals are wet I will use a piece of medipore tape to put them together. Poles will go in the back pack in their bag.

Probably should write my name on the back of my cell phone case.

JillGat · Aug 22, 2017

Might be good to write your email address, maybe even instead of your name. That way a finder can contact you while you're still there.

HedaP · Aug 22, 2017

I opt for brightly coloured elastic shoe laces so that even in the dark they will feel different to most other laces. Though I doubt anyone would want my shoes.

Hiawatha · Aug 22, 2017

The number of Merrell Moabs sitting on Albergue shoe racks will horrify you . '' All made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same'' to paraphrase an old school song .
I used a light steel cable[ no thicker than a knitting needle] and a simple combination lock to secure mine together . Hardly any weight to carry but a huge weight of anxiety lifted .
There were only a few occasions when my shoes were not picked up or shifted from their original location in the caffeine bereft , befuddled mornings . At least some took the time to double check if the shoes they were picking up were actually theirs .
I shudder to think of how painful it would be to have to walk 30km in someone else's undersized shoes .

GPeachy · Aug 22, 2017

I used luggage tags that wrap around a suitcase handle with velcro to keep my hiking poles together and easily identifiable.

tjb1013 · Aug 22, 2017

Anniesantiago said:
She didn't realize until she squatted to urinate miles up the trail that she had the wrong shoes.

Fortunately, at that point she was probably as careful as she would have been squatting over her own shoes.

Camino Chrissy · Aug 22, 2017

HedaP said:
I opt for brightly coloured elastic shoe laces so that even in the dark they will feel different to most other laces. Though I doubt anyone would want my shoes.

Like turquoise?

Camino Chrissy · Aug 22, 2017

On my first Canino I walked with a fellow who was the last one to leave his albergue a few days earlier and grabbed his Merrill Moabs, the last pair left on the rack. As he walked along that day he felt his toes rubbing the front with blisters forming and discovered he had the wrong shoes. The next day he told a new acquaintance his story and that man said he'd run into a guy yesterday who told the same story, only that person's Merrill Moabs were sloppy huge and he realized he'd grabbed the wrong shoes...well, through some confusion figuring out where each person was staying, a taxi ride brought them together and they were able to exchange the shoes...a small Camino miracle!

james walter purdum iv · Aug 22, 2017

NomadBoomer said:
About to head off on my first Camino next week.

I think my walking shoes (salomon), poles(black diamond) and backpack(osprey) are going to be pretty common items. Are there any problems with people accidentally taking the wrong gear when you have to leave them in a common area or outside?

I have a crappy memory too and recollect plenty of time wasted looking for ski poles after long lunches skiing so I will be tagging my pack and poles, not sure what to do with the shoes. Any other tips or don't I need to think about this?
Buen Camino

Poles are the most common just put some colorful tape on. Either way the other persons poles are usually there for you... lol

shefollowsshells · Aug 23, 2017

My REI towel was taken from a clothes line and one very similiar , the color differed slightly was left for me. An accident I am certain. Now I use scarves as towels so that is no longer an issue...

Camino Chrissy · Aug 23, 2017

shefollowsshells said:
My REI towel was taken from a clothes line and one very similiar , the color differed slightly was left for me. An accident I am certain. Now I use scarves as towels so that is no longer an issue...

I was given a tip on this forum to use infant thin flannel towels. I have a few collected at resale shops for $1 US each. They absorb water really well and dry by morning hanging on the bunk footboard. No one mistakes mine for theirs, but if they knew how great they work, how lightweight, and tiny they fold up...they just might snatch mine up when I'm not looking!

shefollowsshells · Aug 23, 2017

That's a neat idea.
My scarf allows me to totally wet it and wrap it around my neck which is a real plus.

Juspassinthru · Aug 23, 2017

Boomer, I did the Camino in May-June. My pack was rarely a problem, all my valuables were on me. I did use a carabiner to mark and keep my boots together. I tied my trekking poles together to let a sleepy pilgrim know that they weren't his/hers. Buen Camino.

williamlittig · Aug 23, 2017

NomadBoomer said:
About to head off on my first Camino next week.

I think my walking shoes (salomon), poles(black diamond) and backpack(osprey) are going to be pretty common items. Are there any problems with people accidentally taking the wrong gear when you have to leave them in a common area or outside?

I have a crappy memory too and recollect plenty of time wasted looking for ski poles after long lunches skiing so I will be tagging my pack and poles, not sure what to do with the shoes. Any other tips or don't I need to think about this?
Buen Camino

I haven't used them but I do carry a trekking pole. I have put bands of reflective tape on it for safety. This might help with identification...... Ultreya...... Willy/Utah/USA

Jeff Crawley · Aug 26, 2017

I have a Brother label maker. You can get a tape for clothing/material applications - you print, apply and lightly iron - it even stands up to a hot wash.
I just put my name and mobile phone number on them.

Karen C. · Aug 27, 2017

Used very obvious duct tape (leopard print in rainbow colors) on our poles, and bright colored carabinera through the back heel loops on hiking shors/boots and throughpole loops to keep all items together and identifiable.

Ballari · Aug 27, 2017

We got permanent markers and colourfully 'decorated' our shoes. Each night my daughter and I tied one of each of our shoes together and stored them in different locations. So, 2 different colours, 2 different shoes, which where 2 different sizes. No one mistakenly took them and no one wanted to steal them

SeaHorse · Aug 27, 2017

When all the shoes/boots are covered with the same colour dust from the same road, they look the same regardless the size or brand, or markings. You just can't see any, especially early morning without coffee and no light. Remember that some people leave practically around midnight.

Jeff Crawley · Aug 27, 2017

Karen C. said:
Used very obvious duct tape (leopard print in rainbow colors) on our poles, and bright colored carabinera through the back heel loops on hiking shors/boots and throughpole loops to keep all items together and identifiable.

At last! A use for those colour carabiners that seem to come attached to all my gadgets - I might even use that at home - SO embarassing arriving at the Sunday hike to find you have odd boots!

ophelia · Jan 26, 2018

I walked the CP and only three times did I have to leave my boots in the common area rack. I did the following to try to avoid confusion:

- laced them together
- put a clothes peg in the laces
- kept them suspiciously close to other two pairs, my boyfriend's and my brother's

And never had an issue. In the rest of the places I would put them under my bunk or my companion's bunk. And I was hoping to see a lot of similar boots (Salomon), but maybe that's not a very popular brand around these parts.

Regarding the backpack, it was always next to my bunk and I sewed two very bright reflector tapes to all of our backpacks so no confusions there! The poles were left folded always within the straps of the backpack and in the only night I left them hanged, we put a clothes peg joining the three poles we carried. Because if I did not see many boots like mine, the same kind of poles were seen everywhere (the cheapest ones from a popular sports chain shop - Decathlon - here in the Peninsula and in France also, I reckon).

Chaya said:
...Each night my daughter and I tied one of each of our shoes together and stored them in different locations. So, 2 different colours, 2 different shoes, which where 2 different sizes. No one mistakenly took them and no one wanted to steal them

Loved this idea! Will be doing that in the future

kayagee66 · Jan 26, 2018

NomadBoomer said:
About to head off on my first Camino next week.

I think my walking shoes (salomon), poles(black diamond) and backpack(osprey) are going to be pretty common items. Are there any problems with people accidentally taking the wrong gear when you have to leave them in a common area or outside?

I have a crappy memory too and recollect plenty of time wasted looking for ski poles after long lunches skiing so I will be tagging my pack and poles, not sure what to do with the shoes. Any other tips or don't I need to think about this?
Buen Camino

Shoes boots do get taken by mistake. I've heard people try to justify it, but i would not be happy.
I always tied my boot laces together in a bow, stood the insoles up sticking out of the boot to air (a lot of people do this) and if i hadn't washed my socks that day i'd leave them hanging out the top to air too. Or i'd put my clean next day socks hanging out of the boots ready to wear.

Tincatinker · Jan 26, 2018

I find those plastic dog turds you can buy off the internet really useful.

No-one accidentally eats my bocadillo

Former member 49149 · Jan 26, 2018

Tincatinker said:
I find those plastic dog turds you can buy off the internet really useful.

No-one accidentally eats my bocadillo

What do you put in your coffee, Tincatinker????

Tincatinker · Jan 26, 2018

Spit

Arn · Jan 26, 2018

I put my name on everything I wear. And, I put it where anyone can read it. Why...well when I was nine and was sent off to camp for the first time...my mom bought new t-shirts, wind breaker, shorts, flip flop, nice walking boots, long trousers, full ditty bag, underwear, nice shirt for church, raincoat and bug spray. When I returned home I was wearing someone else’s t-shirt (too large), shorts and flip flops. In my bag...a wet pair of swim shorts.

HedaP · Jan 27, 2018

That’s why I take three pairs of undies. Always manage to lose at least one.

Arn · Jan 27, 2018

Missing undies...there I was...Longrono albergue...bunks cheek by jowl. The bunk above moves ever so slowly...it was 05:00.
First, one long leg stretches downward. Finding purchase on the lip of my bunk the remaining form drops lightly to the floor. Gear in hand disappearing down the aisle...not to return. There was a group of high school aged boys and girls occupying the center row and I could see a young boy craning his head around to see who was moving about. Seconds later he jumps down and, with precious little pause, jumps right back up.
A bit later as the majority of pilgrims don their gear to depart, I saw the school kids assemble for a head count. The leader was losing his cool as he attempts to gain the attention of one particular ring of boys. Looking over I see a walking stick being pumped into the air...fastened to its end a dainty, bright red thong.

Camino Chrissy · Jan 27, 2018

Arn said:
Missing undies...there I was...Longrono albergue...bunks cheek by jowl. The bunk above moves ever so slowly...it was 05:00.
First, one long leg stretches downward. Finding purchase on the lip of my bunk the remaining form drops lightly to the floor. Gear in hand disappearing down the aisle...not to return. There was a group of high school aged boys and girls occupying the center row and I could see a young boy craning his head around to see who was moving about. Seconds later he jumps down and, with precious little pause, jumps right back up.
A bit later as the majority of pilgrims don their gear to depart, I saw the school kids assemble for a head count. The leader was losing his cool as he attempts to gain the attention of one particular ring of boys. Looking over I see a walking stick being pumped into the air...fastened to its end a dainty, bright red thong.

Hmmm, I thought @Arn was a man, but with the missing red thong I'm thinking possibly woman.

Arn · Jan 27, 2018

Nope... vigorous man of 73!

HedaP · Jan 27, 2018

Arn said:
Missing undies...there I was...Longrono albergue...bunks cheek by jowl. The bunk above moves ever so slowly...it was 05:00.
First, one long leg stretches downward. Finding purchase on the lip of my bunk the remaining form drops lightly to the floor. Gear in hand disappearing down the aisle...not to return. There was a group of high school aged boys and girls occupying the center row and I could see a young boy craning his head around to see who was moving about. Seconds later he jumps down and, with precious little pause, jumps right back up.
A bit later as the majority of pilgrims don their gear to depart, I saw the school kids assemble for a head count. The leader was losing his cool as he attempts to gain the attention of one particular ring of boys. Looking over I see a walking stick being pumped into the air...fastened to its end a dainty, bright red thong.

Those were NOT mine!

trecile · Jan 27, 2018

I found some narrow patterned duct tape that I used to decorate and identify my poles, phone charger and other things. It also comes in handy to do some repairs.

Camino Chrissy · Jan 27, 2018

HedaP said:
Those were NOT mine!

Oops! I thought @Arn was saying the missing red thong undies were HIS! Guess I thought wrong!

Arn · Jan 28, 2018

Actually, I do know that they belonged to a very attractive Hungarian lass. We both stopped at the same private albergue later that day. They had a swimming pool. And, I thought her thong was brief...blushing all the Way!

Kanga · Jan 29, 2018

@trecile nice touch!

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