Is it smart to just buy the rest of my stuff in SJPDP?

[ydan]

At first I thought I would enjoy shopping for all the stuff I would need for this trip.
But I am so overwhelmed with so many options out there. I have gone back and forth so many times to several sports shops and just could not decide which I should buy. I guess I don't enjoy retail therapy that much haha.

What are the things that I should just better get in SJPDP?

Can I buy the Altus poncho and the Brierley book in SJPDP?
The hat, the sunglasses and the first-aid kit?

 

[SYates]

No, it wouldn't be smart. You will pay more, SJPDP being a tourist destination also, the selection will be very limited, prices higher and you will not have much opportunity to break in/ test your gear before the Pyrenees. You really do NOT want to buy your boots/shoes nor backpack before tackling the Pyrenees! Buen Camino! SY

PS The only things I would perhaps buy at SJPDP are a pocket knife and any liquids you can't take on a plane as carry-on ...

 

[ydan]

There is a 2015 edition of the Brierley guidebook which will be out this March, can I just buy this in SJPDP?

I am seeing a lot of this full-body ponchos in the photo stream here and I could not find them in any shops near me

Also, regarding backpacks, which is better, one with thick hip support or just the normal size? I notice that the thicker the support, the heavier the backpack.

 

[SYates]

There is a 2015 edition of the Brierley guidebook which will be out this March, can I just buy this in SJPDP?

I am seeing a lot of this full-body ponchos in the photo stream here and I could not find them in any shops near me

Also, regarding backpacks, which is better, one with thick hip support or just the normal size? I notice that the thicker the support, the heavier the backpack.

Guidebook - They do certainly stock it, but they might have run out of stock when you hit the shop or not.
Poncho - Do you mean the Altus? If you tell us where you are, we might be able to tell you where to buy it. In a pinch, Caminoteca in Pamplona is your friend!
Thick, comfy hip belt for me! The wait rests on your hip and that should be comfortable.

Buen Camino, SY

 

[ydan]

Guidebook - They do certainly stock it, but they might have run out of stock when you hit the shop or not.
Poncho - Do you mean the Altus? If you tell us where you are, we might be able to tell you where to buy it. In a pinch, Caminoteca in Pamplona is your friend!
Thick, comfy hip belt for me! The wait rests on your hip and that should be comfortable.

Buen Camino, SY

I am in Canada. I just hope it won't rain in the first few days until I reach Pamplona!

 

[SYates]

I am in Canada. ...

No decent outdoor shops in Canada? really? With all the nature you have??? SY

 

[Jo Jo]

Ydan,

Get what you need on this side of the ocean. From what I saw, as a general rule, we have much better quality for much lower prices.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, focus on what is important--footwear. If you screw up your gear (usually by carrying too much), but get the right footwear, you will have great Camino. If you screw up your footwear (like I did), but had the right gear (like I mostly did), you will have a very challenging Camino (yep).

Once you get, and have trail- and road-tested, your footwear, write back and we'll work with you on the rest of your gear--that part really is easier.

Buen Camino.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am in Canada. I just hope it won't rain in the first few days until I reach Pamplona!

Contact these people, in Montreal, they have Altus ponchos in stock and may ship: www.centrelatienda.com. MEC also sells ponchos - different brand perhpas, but an Altus is not mandatory ;0)

As for buying anything in SJPP - it's the same as wanting to buy things at JFK ;0)

And yes SYates, we have "decent sports shops" in Canada, but Altus may not be on their radar for duty issues for instance. I am willing to bet the place in Mtl that has them charges a premium for the priviledge since it's a very small shop. When you read people mentioning MEC, that's us, and not US!

Ydan, as for the guidebook - it will not have changed much from the last edition - so why risk not having one at all. Plus, the Pilgrim's office in SJPP will give you all you need for your camino: 2 pieces of paper, one with distances and altitude changes, the other with a list of all albergues and services along the way.

 

[Anniesantiago]

The Altus is readily available in SJPP at the sporting shop.
Our clients buy them there every year.
Email me if you want Pierre's email address.
You can order it ahead of time and it is no more expensive there than anywhere else.
You can also buy it in Zubiri and Pamplona.
I bought my copy of Brierley in Pamplona one year and it was the standard price.
I wouldn't take much as far as first aid goes... a few bandaids, a couple of ibuprofen, and pick up some Compeed there.
Hat... ::shrug:: Lots of hats in SJPP

 

[Icacos]

If you get a guidebook before you leave your home, you will hopefully have time to read it beforehand and already have a feel for what to expect before you even start at SJPP. You can highlight what you think you may be interested in and prepare a little in advance, and just use your book as a quick reference as you go along. That's what I did and I found it enormously helpful. If you wait until your arrival in SJPP to purchase your guidebook you may not have time to read it - too many other things to do. Still, everyone is different and it may well work for you. Also, I believe there are downloadable versions of guidebooks - hopefully, others can advise you on these.

 

[Kanga]

I agree with @Anniesantiago that for many of us it is easier and the same price to buy the Altus poncho in SJPDP - in fact for Australians much cheaper. I've yet to find an equivalent in Australia so we would have to order online and pay freight and currency charges. Better to buy in SJPDP. Most things I find are cheaper in France and Spain than here. And it's all made in China anyway so no difference in quality. SJPDP is small but does have a small specialist hiking store and one larger general sports store (down near the high school). Pamplona has one excellent outdoor specialist, plus numerous others.

 

[Pei2spain]

As a fellow Canadian, I would certainly recommend MEC, the bigger the better. I got both my boots and backpack at the one in Ottawa and I found the staff very knowledgeable. First, though, I'd recommend making a list of the things you need, prioritize the items and start with No. 1. In my mind, boots are No. 1. One item at a time and soon you will have all you need. Be strict with yourself, though, and only buy what you need. If any doubt, put it back on the shelf.

I wish you a Buen Camino. Have a wonderful time!

Grace

 

[Ahhhs]

I would advise buying as much as possible at home. The last thing you want to do is spend your time shopping for things once you get to the start of your Camino. You may or may not easily find what you are looking for. The less you have to do once you get to SJPDP means more time to get over your jet lag and rest up for the journey ahead.

 

[Kanga]

Yes, I certainly agree with the comments about the ghastliness of shopping! To be avoided if you possibly can. For me the best camino shopping has been serendipity - the hiking pants that magically appeared in the market stall just as my old ones were falling apart, the little black top at Portomarine I could not walk past, the umbrella in the $2 shop at Logroño. And the fabulous hat for my friend (with the huge head) found beside the road! Usually the Camino provides.

 

[Anniesantiago]

And don't forget the free boxes!

 

[ahemobile]

I'm planning on buying my hiking poles in St Jean, as I don't want to check my backpack (with poles) on the flight. I have to fly through Heathrow and they're very strict about what they deem to be a potential weapon. At home, I use a cheap pair of poles to train with. Just wondering: I heard that there's a huge number of discarded poles in Santiago, left by pilgrims once they don't need them any more. Has anyone thought of taking them to St Jean for the rest of us? Recycling, and all that ....

 

[C clearly]

Ydan, have you made the decision yet as to exactly when you'll walk? You had a detailed list on another thread and mentioned that you had bought your boots. How are they working out? If you don't enjoy retail therapy, then it doesn't make sense to deliberately plan it for your time in SJPP when you could be relaxing and enjoying that unique atmosphere.

 

[ydan]

Ydan, have you made the decision yet as to exactly when you'll walk? You had a detailed list on another thread and mentioned that you had bought your boots. How are they working out? If you don't enjoy retail therapy, then it doesn't make sense to deliberately plan it for your time in SJPP when you could be relaxing and enjoying that unique atmosphere.

So far I have only bought the boots which I walk daily now to break in! Also I bought a pair of crocs and a 750ml water bottle. 1,567 items to go

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm planning on buying my hiking poles in St Jean, as I don't want to check my backpack (with poles) on the flight. I have to fly through Heathrow and they're very strict about what they deem to be a potential weapon. At home, I use a cheap pair of poles to train with. Just wondering: I heard that there's a huge number of discarded poles in Santiago, left by pilgrims once they don't need them any more. Has anyone thought of taking them to St Jean for the rest of us? Recycling, and all that ....

That would be pretty cool, but I think the people who make money selling them might object.
On the other hand, those danged things are so indestructible, I'd be surprised if they are NOT being recycled.

 

[frasert]

At first I thought I would enjoy shopping for all the stuff I would need for this trip.
But I am so overwhelmed with so many options out there. I have gone back and forth so many times to several sports shops and just could not decide which I should buy. I guess I don't enjoy retail therapy that much haha.

What are the things that I should just better get in SJPDP?

Can I buy the Altus poncho and the Brierley book in SJPDP?
The hat, the sunglasses and the first-aid kit?

I bought a poncho(ferrino though they had Altus), lightweight shirt and Brierley guide (lost mine just before leaving) at that store just downhill from the Pilgrim office in St Jean directioncompostelle.com and the prices and service were very reasonable.

 

[domigee]

Ydan, like someone else just said, if you don't enjoy shopping, don't leave it until StJeanPdP to buy important stuff, it would be just too stressful!!( To me, anyway). Little extras like maybe a knife or toiletries, yes. Oh and a walking stick if you want one. You have the boots so that's the main thing. Have you got a rucksack?
I am sure you have clothes already that could be worn on the camino? Once you have the rucksack, do some longish walks with all your gear on, go out in the rain with whatever rain protection you have, you'll soon know if it's adequate and most importantly that you are comfortable in the clothes.
For my 1st camino, I had noooo idea there was so much technical stuff about so yes, I bought walking boots well ahead but the rucksack and sticks and poncho all came from Lidl. (I never thought I'd use them again Hahaha!). My walking clothes were my gardening trousers (!) and T-shirts vaguely meant for 'keep-fit' purposes. I also took a sarong I already owned and an old sun dress (very light because very worn) and a bar of ordinary soap from the cupboard.
I had a wonderful time and took more or less the same on my next camino, except the rucksack because I realised how much better my friends' bags were. The soap became shampoo bar, et voilà.
Buen Camino!

 

[Al the optimist]

I always buy poles and a knife at my start point as I only ever have carry on. Less than 30 euros and so cheaper than paying for hold baggage on the cheapo airlines I use from the UK. Also that way I never trust my pack to others. After all would I put my human baby in the hold?

 

[jmcarp]

...
PS The only things I would perhaps buy at SJPDP are a pocket knife and any liquids you can't take on a plane as carry-on ...

One advantage of having the guidebook beforehand is that it will give you something relevant to read on the long airplane ride across the pond. While you've probably read a lot about the Camino as you've been preparing, most of it is pretty general stuff. You'll find that Brierley -- and other guidebooks as well -- contains a lot of specific information about the towns and villages you'll be walking through, which will greatly enhance your overall experience.

 

[Len Dacombe]

I am in Canada. I just hope it won't rain in the first few days until I reach Pamplona!

You can buy the Altus poncho in Quebec City but unless you speak fluent french it will be tough. I gave up. I bought "The Packa" from the US and I think it will be great!! Check it out by googling it.

When do you plan to start your Camino? I'm starting from SJPP on April 9th, assuming my back pack arrives as planned (trusting Air Canada). Surely they won't lose it between Winnipeg - Montreal - Paris.

 

[ydan]

I found a poncho called Tarp Poncho, ultra seal nano etc. and it can be used as a tent also. Anyone used this? Also, I found a guidebook by Sergi Ramis (El Camino Santiago, the ancient way to..)? Is this a good one?

@Leon Dacombe, I will start mid-March.


TODAY I bought the following items in one go!!:

Backpack!!
Waterproof Jacket
Hiking pants
Thermal pants
3 pairs merino wool hiking socks
3 pairs merino wool liners
quick dry towel
sunglasses
headlamp
2 long-sleeve merino shirts
2 merino wool undies
running shorts


A few more and I'm pretty much done! Whew

I went to MEC and EuropeBound

 

[Len Dacombe]

At first I thought I would enjoy shopping for all the stuff I would need for this trip.
But I am so overwhelmed with so many options out there. I have gone back and forth so many times to several sports shops and just could not decide which I should buy. I guess I don't enjoy retail therapy that much haha.

What are the things that I should just better get in SJPDP?

Can I buy the Altus poncho and the Brierley book in SJPDP?
The hat, the sunglasses and the first-aid kit?

For your info. MEC is great. I bought my Salomon 4D Quest boots there and they are awesome!! Make sure you buy ALL ultra light clothing. The weight adds up fast!!!! Really!!

 

[ydan]

TODAY, I bought:

my daypack
pair of gloves (waterproof breathable)
hydro pants (to pair with poncho)
waterproof organizer (for wallet,passport etc.)
merino wool beanie
merino wool buff
Tiger balm

Almost done
I just need to fill up my first-aid kit and my bodycare kit which I think I can do once I'm in SJPdP

What kind of sleeping bag does one need? So many options too, with corresponding weather temperatures. The lightest is very thin, it's a coverbag, not really a sleeping bag

 

[Len Dacombe]

TODAY, I bought:

my daypack
pair of gloves (waterproof breathable)
hydro pants (to pair with poncho)
waterproof organizer (for wallet,passport etc.)
merino wool beanie
merino wool buff
Tiger balm

Almost done
I just need to fill up my first-aid kit and my bodycare kit which I think I can do once I'm in SJPdP

What kind of sleeping bag does one need? So many options too, with corresponding weather temperatures. The lightest is very thin, it's a coverbag, not really a sleeping bag

I bought a Mountain Hardwear Lamina 45 from MooseJaw.com. Another Winnipeg Pilgrim recommends a MontBell UL Spiral Down Hugger Thermal Sheet.

 

[Sakami]

"I heard that there's a huge number of discarded poles in Santiago, left by pilgrims once they don't need them any more..."

I think those are crutches

...and it's in Lourdes.