Living life large on the Camino!

[SusanH]

I see that a lot of people have anxiety about walking the Camino for various reasons. People worry about the right boots, the proper rain gear, getting a bed, getting sick, what are the best pants to wear, crocs versus flip flops, bed bugs - the list goes on and on! My anxiety was about my weight. I worried and worried and I couldn't find any posts about other large people walking. This thread is about me reaching out to someone who has anxieties about their weight and walking the Camino. Maybe I can help someone to quiet their fears. If anyone needs someone to chat to about this topic, I'd be happy to tell you about my experiences!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I see a lot of anxiety about walking the Camino on some of these posts. I had tons of it and I worried excessively before I left and even while walking. And, all of my worries were due to my weight. If there are any new walkers who are larger and wondering how they will manage, I would be happy to share my experience and hopefully help easy any anxieties. I just thought I’d put out that idea. And, my actual name is Susan (unable to have Ivor change it!). I was too ashamed to use my real name incase someone I knew saw my name and picture. I was ashamed that I would fail, that I wouldn’t make it. Having said that, I fully believe that not everyone will “make it to the end” and I think that’s okay too!

Hi Susan, there is no reason what so ever to be ashamed. When someone have to give up, what ever the reason is come back an other time and go further where you left off. What's the problem. ?
There is no problem.
I wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[CanPete]

As Peters often think alike, I'll second Peter Fransiscus' comment.

Come back when you can, the Camino will be there for you . . .

God Bless and Buen Camino !

 

[Waka]

Before I went on my journey family and friends said that whatever happens I shouldn't feel ashamed if I can't (for whatever reason) complete the camino. This filled my with joy to know that these people still loved me no matter what. I was very lucky and did manage to complete my camino without any injury, although there was a couple of times that I felt I'd hit the wall. But a good meal and rest puts you back together again.
As has been said you can always come back another time and complete the journey

 

[SusanH]

Thanks Peter. I really just wanted to reach out to anyone who might need some info on walking with a larger body. To maybe help ease any anxieties, worry and fear. I'm not ashamed anymore... I learned so much about myself walking - it was so amazing!

 

[KerrieG]

Thanks Peter. I really just wanted to reach out to anyone who might need some info on walking with a larger body. To maybe help ease any anxieties, worry and fear. I'm not ashamed anymore... I learned so much about myself walking - it was so amazing!

Hi Esther, I'm not so much worried about my weight, I am overweight, but I'm pretty determined and know that 'I can do this'. But if for some reason I have to stop, as said previously - I'll go back another time to finish off.
My problem is finding suitable hiking pants etc to fit me! It really makes me mad that the major brands only make ladies clothing to size 16 or 18 if you're lucky (Australian sizes). Just wondering what you walked in on the Camino?

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Thanks Peter. I really just wanted to reach out to anyone who might need some info on walking with a larger body. To maybe help ease any anxieties, worry and fear. I'm not ashamed anymore... I learned so much about myself walking - it was so amazing!

Good for you.
Wish you well Susan.

 

[Kanga]

Dear friends, on my first Camino I was 30kg more than I am now, so I feel your pain when it comes to hiking clothes. There is a thread on making clothing but really, if you can't find specific hiking gear, just wear what you find comfortable to wear at home. If it takes a bit longer to dry, so be it. The only problem is that some fabrics are cold when wet and you will perspire and when you stop walking that gets cold.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Anti-chaffing cream and boys light compression shorts for the non existing thigh gap, and a quilt rather than a sleeping bag. Also, visit a podiatrist before leaving as extra stress will be put on those feet. Voila! For the rest it's buisiness as usual.

 

[nidarosa]

I am not only a bit overweight, but very tall, so finding walking trousers has always been a problem unless I wanted them to stop half way down my calf. I ended up buying men's walking trousers in order to get ones that are long enough but the fit was not great. Some of the larger women I met on my caminos were wearing layers of tights and tight fitting tops covered by loose dresses and tunics. Keeps the temperature down, prevents chafing and feels more comfortable than clothes that are too tight. For me the solution was running tights (elastic, so easier to find ones that fit) and a skirt, which is a lot less chafing than trousers. I pack as light as I possibly can to offset the extra weight and wear merino and wool because it feels better against the skin than tech materials and dries faster than cotton. I have actually been in touch with customer service and design depts of a few outdoor brands asking them why they don't make women's outdoor clothing in larger sizes, what do they expect larger people to wear when they go out to exercise in order to get fitter and possibly smaller? There is a huge untapped market there which they don't seem to be interested in filling, so this summer I plan to try sewing my own skirt(s) to get exactly what I want and need for the way I am and the way I travel.

 

[Eddie Ferguson]

Hi, I weighed 145 kg when i walked my first camino, down a bit now thank god.
I would recommend tights or long trunk underwear, whatever you choose make sure to try it out before you leave.
I also spent too much time before i left worrying about what other people might think of me trying to walk 800 kms, it just wasn't a problem though. The camino seems to be populated by some very welcoming people.
Having said all that though I'm on track to be down to 100 kg for my next camino and am looking forward to some extra energy in the evenings.

 

[grayland]

The OP, (Susan), actually has offered advice to to those who have concerns about their size or weight. She went through the worries before her Camino and now wants to offer a place for the discussion to take place. A very thoughtful topic.

Do not forget that the Private Message function of the forum will provide a place to communicate privately if you have questions you prefer to discuss privately.

I will ask @ivar to change your screen name.
Thanks for starting this important topic.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

The OP, (Susan), actually has offered advice to to those who have concerns about their size or weight. She went through the worries before her Camino and now wants to offer a place for the discussion to take place. A very thoughtful topic.

Do not forget that the Private Message function of the forum will provide a place to communicate privately if you have questions you prefer to discuss privately.

I will ask @ivar to change your screen name.
Thanks for starting this important topic.

Grayland, all that is happening is others who have been in this situation are posting their tricks so that people who read this thread can have information readily available without having to write first.

In Quebec there is a great shop that specialises in ladieswear of active women: www.sportivesplus.com . Hicking pants, golfing clothes, ski pants, etc., many of the items made by the company itself and all great quality. Expensive, but quality.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I wore regular underwear and never once had a chaffing and my legs touch all the way down to my calves. Good advice for some but it wasn't an issue for me.

Do you wear a skirt? If wearning a Macabi I would hate not having the shorts.

 

[SusanH]

The OP, (Susan), actually has offered advice to to those who have concerns about their size or weight. She went through the worries before her Camino and now wants to offer a place for the discussion to take place. A very thoughtful topic.

Do not forget that the Private Message function of the forum will provide a place to communicate privately if you have questions you prefer to discuss privately.

I will ask @ivar to change your screen name.
Thanks for starting this important topic.

Thanks you, here is my actual name: Susan (H.) It would mean a lot to see it (even if it is kinda silly!) And, I'm going to use the Private Message function to reply to some people! So, thanks for the reminder!

(Moderator Note: Actual full name edited because of security concerns on open forums.)

 

[SusanH]

Do you wear a skirt? If wearning a Macabi I would hate not having the shorts.

No skirts as I would have worn right through my leggings within a few days and would have been sewing them up along the way. Tights don't last long for me because of the rubbing. I wear skirts at home all the time but not to walk 6 hours in. This just wouldn't have worked for me...

 

[SusanH]

My problem is finding suitable hiking pants etc to fit me! It really makes me mad that the major brands only make ladies clothing to size 16 or 18 if you're lucky (Australian sizes). Just wondering what you walked in on the Camino?[/QUOTE]
Hi KerryG, My biggest clothing problem was finding pants. We have two great stores here in Winnipeg that sell full on gear for everyone (including babies!) with the exception of PLUS SIZE women's clothing. I spoke with both places and neither of them could help me - their hands were tied when it came to ordering them apparently. I wrote letters, talked to customer service etc. I can't wear men's pants because they are not big enough in the thigh area for me so that wasn't even an option. And, if it was this hard to find pants at home, how hard was it going to be to find pants in Spain? This is what I did: I looked at many different clothing sites and the AMERICAN Columbia site had two pairs of pants that looked good to me. Both of these pants were not offered on the Columbia Canadian site... Why? They were unable to tell me that! Now here is where it gets really silly... The Columbia site won't ship anything into Canada. I ordered several different pairs of pants, had them delivered to a friends American address (very close to the Canadian border but in Saskatchewan - not even my home province). Once they got to my friend's address, he sent them to my sister in Saskatchewan (like drove them across the boarder) and then she mailed them to me. Totally extreme but after looking and looking I didn't know what else to do. They had no fee to ship things back (from Canada - go figure that one out!). I tried all of them on and kept two different styles: 1. ANYTIME OUTDOOR BOOT CUT PANTS & CAPRIS (One pair of pants and one pair of capris) and WOMEN'S JUST RIGHT II CAPRI PANTS (these ones were thicker than the ANYTOME OUTDOOR ones. I was very happy with them and they held up and I'm still wearing them. (I did have to have them hemmed. Neither pair had great pockets and I did envy people who had pants with a lot of pockets! But, I walked 800+kms in these pants without any problems so that worked for me. They dried quickly and were water resistant. There are some stores across the boarder from me - maybe a 5 hour drive away and I suppose that I could have gone there. But, this is what I did. Crazy I know. I don't know any of your stores in Australia... One more thing: you can buy pretty much any clothing while in Spain with the exception of plus size. There were no plus sizes that I saw over the six weeks that I was there. That's why I took 3 pair in total. I hope you have an easier time finding pants than my convoluted experience!!!

 

[domigee]

I see that a lot of people have anxiety about walking the Camino for various reasons. People worry about the right boots, the proper rain gear, getting a bed, getting sick, what are the best pants to wear, crocs versus flip flops, bed bugs - the list goes on and on! My anxiety was about my weight. I worried and worried and I couldn't find any posts about other large people walking. This thread is about me reaching out to someone who has anxieties about their weight and walking the Camino. Maybe I can help someone to quiet their fears. If anyone needs someone to chat to about this topic, I'd be happy to tell you about my experiences!

Hi Susan! I just wanted to say what a WONDERFUL post that was. A 'like' wasn't enough.
Buen camino.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I love your topic, and I would like to add that after years of growing up with a supermodel sister (she's gorgeous! I'm average!) and watching her grow leggy and lean (I'm padded! I got the bigger gene and ultimately, jeans!), I came to realize that I needed to stop STOP comparing myself to smaller women.

On Camino Frances last year, I gave my feet a FORMAL and sincere apology for ever being unhappy with their size. My feet carried me 500 miles across Spain. My body served me so well, and I came to love my body in a way I had not loved it for a long time.

We as a society are so broken with how we view women's bodies--and men's. There is a real misperception that larger people are unfit people. That is not always the case.

Up at REI, I now fit into women's XL with jackets and pants. I'm down quite a bit since becoming entranced with El Camino and since I began appreciating my body again--I was shocked to discover that the shell jackets at REI (XL) with no stretch finally fit me---after this last year. I do NOT like tight gear, and will never wear anything without plenty of shoulder and arm room. I'm built like a swimmer or football player in the shoulders.

REI has some really great biking and outdoors pants that have a great deal of stretch. I think you have to get into a dressing room with several pair--both men's and women's--if you're a larger woman.

 

[sara carlson]

I see that a lot of people have anxiety about walking the Camino for various reasons. People worry about the right boots, the proper rain gear, getting a bed, getting sick, what are the best pants to wear, crocs versus flip flops, bed bugs - the list goes on and on! My anxiety was about my weight. I worried and worried and I couldn't find any posts about other large people walking. This thread is about me reaching out to someone who has anxieties about their weight and walking the Camino. Maybe I can help someone to quiet their fears. If anyone needs someone to chat to about this topic, I'd be happy to tell you about my experiences!

Thanks for this post. I am planning to do some traveling around the world in the next year or so and plan to make hiking and biking a huge part of it, partly to lose weight and partly to save money since I want to travel for several months.

I am plus sized and also wondered if there is anything special to be aware of. I live in Portland Oregon, Columbia Sportswear's home territory so almost my entire wardrobe is Columbia, including all of my pants and most of my shirts (everything else is Eddie Bauer or Keen). My biggest worry is 1) I'll lose weight and none of my pants will fit anymore or 2) I'll do all this walking and won't lose any weight at all. Not sure which would be worse!

How much weight did other overweight people lose? And did you have a harder time keeping your pack weight down since bigger clothes weigh more? (And plus I'll be traveling for several months so I'll just have more stuff in general, but will plan to ship a box to have stored with Ivar so even if I have to carry extra on other hikes, I won't have to in Spain.)

I'm not too worried that I won't finish because I figure if I get tired, I'll just take a day or two off or walk fewer miles on days I'm not keen to go farther. I won't be on a strict timeline, though I do plan to do the northern route so there will be some scheduling I'll have to keep up with in order to have a place to sleep.

Anyway, I'm so glad I stumbled on this topic...completely by accident. I did a google search on how to attach patches to backpacks and found a post on it here, then saw this topic and clicked on it.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Thanks for this post. I am planning to do some traveling around the world in the next year or so and plan to make hiking and biking a huge part of it, partly to lose weight and partly to save money since I want to travel for several months.

I am plus sized and also wondered if there is anything special to be aware of. I live in Portland Oregon, Columbia Sportswear's home territory so almost my entire wardrobe is Columbia, including all of my pants and most of my shirts (everything else is Eddie Bauer or Keen). My biggest worry is 1) I'll lose weight and none of my pants will fit anymore or 2) I'll do all this walking and won't lose any weight at all. Not sure which would be worse!

How much weight did other overweight people lose? And did you have a harder time keeping your pack weight down since bigger clothes weigh more? (And plus I'll be traveling for several months so I'll just have more stuff in general, but will plan to ship a box to have stored with Ivar so even if I have to carry extra on other hikes, I won't have to in Spain.)

I'm not too worried that I won't finish because I figure if I get tired, I'll just take a day or two off or walk fewer miles on days I'm not keen to go farther. I won't be on a strict timeline, though I do plan to do the northern route so there will be some scheduling I'll have to keep up with in order to have a place to sleep.

Anyway, I'm so glad I stumbled on this topic...completely by accident. I did a google search on how to attach patches to backpacks and found a post on it here, then saw this topic and clicked on it.

Hi Sarah--

I'm your neighbor, so feel compelled to write you back!

Columbia is good stuff, and I did buy a nice XL rain jacket from Columbia while I was in Pamplona! Great sports shop there, surprisingly.

My suggestion to you is to eat healthily, and just have fun. Don't stress about weight loss, and if you are walking and avoiding excess carbs, it will come off. Regarding clothes getting smaller: there have been jokes here and there on the sites about how to tell the pilgrims who begin at the last 100-k mark. They are the pilgrims with rounded backsides and well-fitting pants. After walking a long, long distance, we all start getting the "baggy pants" look, both because of weight loss and because of the hand-washed and line-dried clothes.

Buying some runners tights or yoga pants is really helpful. I wear REI pants, and have had great success with those. They have a pant that is a black lycra / quick dry, with zipper and snap front. Anyway, I find the zip-off leg pants to be annoying, but go do a shop at REI and see if there's anything interesting there for you.

If you are buying merino wool and quick dry fabrics, your clothes should not weigh very much in your pack. Go minimalist.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Up on the Roof--Santiago Cathedral

• CaminoDebrita
• Mar 1, 2016
• 3

When I arrived at Santiago, I was seven kilos smaller, but still plenty large!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I really hope people remember this thread before they type that everything one needs in terms of clothes and equipment can be found on the Camino. It is not the case for all. It's hard enough at home as you can see, but in Spain quasi impossible.

 

[SusanH]

Hi Susan! I just wanted to say what a WONDERFUL post that was. A 'like' wasn't enough.
Buen camino.

Thank you!!!

 

[SusanH]

Hi Sara - lucky that you know and have such great access to the clothing! I did lose some weight while walking but my pants were okay (they got a little baggy but they were still okay for me). The two pants that I wrote about seemed to work when I lost weight and I'm still wearing them even though I've now gained weight. As for weight - I guess they were a bit heavier seeing as there was more fabric. But, I don't think it was a huge difference.

 

[JillGat]

Columbia sportwear has plus sizes. They make great hiking wear.

 

[KerrieG]

Hi KerryG, My biggest clothing problem was finding pants......I ordered several different pairs of pants, had them delivered to a friends American address (very close to the Canadian border but in Saskatchewan - not even my home province). Crazy I know.....I hope you have an easier time finding pants than my convoluted experience!!![/QUOTE]

Hi Esther/Susan, first of all thank you so much for starting this thread! I'm not ashamed of who I am or what I look like. I've been this way for most of my adult life, and I'm almost 60 - so am pretty accepting of myself. But your post did give me an opening to ask about hiking clothes for plus size ladies, something I'd been wanting to do for ages! So, thank you again! xx
I don't think that how you went about getting yourself some pants that fit was at all crazy! Desperate times call for desperate measures. I have considered doing exactly that, having some clothing sent to our friends in the US and have them post on to me.
I did buy some hiking pants from The American Boy Scouts. Originally saw a lady selling a pair on Ebay. Went to the ABS site and saw, what I thought were the same pants (as on Ebay) on clearance for US$14-99! So snapped them up, postage wasn't too bad, total cost was around or even less than what a decent pair of hiking pants would cost me here. BUT.... when the pants arrived and I unpacked them, they were ginormous! I had ordered men's pants! Doh! The women's weren't on clearance. So I was back to the drawing board. I'm waiting on some fabric samples - Supplex nylon and some other similar fabrics. I'm going to have a go at sewing some pants, shorts and skirts - surely something will work out okay for me. I will have a look at the Columbia site and consider posting to our friends to forward on and if all else fails, I'm sure the LADIES pants at the ABS will fit.

 

[SusanH]

I see that a lot of people have anxiety about walking the Camino for various reasons. People worry about the right boots, the proper rain gear, getting a bed, getting sick, what are the best pants to wear, crocs versus flip flops, bed bugs - the list goes on and on! My anxiety was about my weight. I worried and worried and I couldn't find any posts about other large people walking. This thread is about me reaching out to someone who has anxieties about their weight and walking the Camino. Maybe I can help someone to quiet their fears. If anyone needs someone to chat to about this topic, I'd be happy to tell you about my experiences!

If you have any questions about my original post, please message me privately and I will be happy to share with you!

 

[SusanH]

Columbia sportwear has plus sizes. They make great hiking wear.

Yes, they do - if you can get them. I explained how I had to get them and it was a real challenge.

 

[JillGat]

Yes, they do - if you can get them. I explained how I had to get them and it was a real challenge.

I saw plus sizes on their online site. You can't just order them?

 

[grayland]

Susan...check your inbox for a message.

 

[SusanH]

I saw plus sizes on their online site. You can't just order them?

I've already explained this question!

 

[KerrieG]

I saw plus sizes on their online site. You can't just order them?

You can "just order them" - so long as you live in a country that Columbia will post to, or where freight costs don't make it prohibitive.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Bring nappy pins with you to hold up your pants. And when you hit a largish town where you might want to s'end a rest day, if you like reat days, ask where you can find a seemstress.

I lost up to a pound a day, plus another 10 pounds after getting home. Pants don't fall off because I can only take 3 weeks at a time, so rolling and pinning is fine, but for a full CF or Norte I would have needed a seemstress.

 

[domigee]

for a full CF or Norte I would have needed a seemstress.

Nah, nappy pins are an integral part of Camino fashion

When you're lucky enough to need them

 

[MilenaS]

I am worried how my large body will handle the camino - and I am doing all in my power/capacities to prepare (training, light pack, good shoes etc). But I am terrified of getting into the upper bunk, waking people when I use the toilet during night because I find it hard to get down, the shame. These things it is so much harder to prepare for. So thank you for your thread!

 

[KerrieG]

I am worried how my large body will handle the camino - and I am doing all in my power/capacities to prepare (training, light pack, good shoes etc). But I am terrified of getting into the upper bunk, waking people when I use the toilet during night because I find it hard to get down, the shame. These things it is so much harder to prepare for. So thank you for your tread!

I was worrying about that too! I have no idea how I will get up into a top bunk, but I imagine it WILL get easier as time goes by, so I'm not so worried any more. I also worry about needing to go to the bathroom during the night and the commotion I'll probably make clambering down from a top bunk. But the more peoples accounts I read of the Camino, it seems that its an everyday ( night) occurrence that people use the bathroom through the night and I'm sure we will not be the only ones who will struggle with the top bunks. People have their sleep disturbed by all kinds or noises (so I believe) - snoring, restless sleepers, flash lights, talking, rustling of bags, and people using the bathroom etc. I'm also thinking that if it becomes clearly apparent to others that we don't manage the top bunk so well and that they are having their sleep disturbed, people may take pity on us and offer us a bottom bunk. But I really don't think it will come to that, I do think we will get physically stronger and quickly learn the best and easiest way to haul our large bodies up to and down from that top bunks. I have difficulty crouching and getting down onto the ground and up again, so I have been trying to strengthen my legs to make those activities easier. I can imagine there will be times I'll stop for a break in the middle of nowhere, so if I want to sit, it will be on the ground. Stronger legs will surely help with getting into and out of a top bunk too.
Not long for you now! I don't go till September. I'll be looking forward to hearing how you managed and any tips you might have for me! What ever you do, do NOT feel ashamed! It's not everybody who is brave enough to embark on this journey! Be proud of what you are doing! Buen Camino!

 

[GettingThere]

I saw plus sizes on their online site. You can't just order them?

@JillGat - many US manufacturers (not just Columbia) will not ship to customers outside the US (even if you order through a third party like REI). This is usually to do with deals they have with local suppliers in other countries, forcing customers to buy through those suppliers. The fact that the local suppliers do not stock (or are not provided with) the manufacturer's full range is a constant source of frustration, and the reason why many resort to the kind of convoluted solution described above - if they have conveniently located friends and family that is!

 

[KerrieG]

@JillGat - many US manufacturers (not just Columbia) will not ship to customers outside the US (even if you order through a third party like REI). This is usually to do with deals they have with local suppliers in other countries, forcing customers to buy through those suppliers. The fact that the local suppliers do not stock (or are not provided with) the manufacturer's full range is a constant source of frustration, and the reason why many resort to the kind of convoluted solution described above - if they have conveniently located friends and family that is!

Yes, Merrell is an example of that. In the US their hiking shoes and boots come in two widths - regular and a wide width. The wide width is not available in Australia, and nor will they ship to us. Very annoying!

 

[domigee]

But I am terrified of getting into the upper bunk, waking people when I use the toilet during night because I find it hard to get down, the shame. !

Apart from two German 18 yr olds (!) who actually asked us two oldies to let them have our bottom bunks (another pilgrim and I, both over 50), I found pilgrims most understanding. If they see you may have problems getting up and down a top bunk, they'll leave it for you. That was my experience anyway...
And there is NO shame finding it hard to get down a top bunk, I don't think I could possibly have managed on my 1st camino!
I'm sure it'll turn out fine
Buen camino.

Ps: another thought. The 2 young girls eventually put their mattress on the floor. If there is room (depends on the albergue) you could always do that, as long as you put the mattress back before leaving...

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am worried how my large body will handle the camino - and I am doing all in my power/capacities to prepare (training, light pack, good shoes etc). But I am terrified of getting into the upper bunk, waking people when I use the toilet during night because I find it hard to get down, the shame. These things it is so much harder to prepare for. So thank you for your tread!

Just ask for a lower bunk, they may offer it anyway since you are a woman, and hospitaleros have seen many differently shapped pilgrims before and can anticipate the challenge. They will keep the uppers for young university boys. You'll be fine. I remember last spring walking in the Lugo Xunta albergue and asking for a lower bunk. They would only have one when the first floor room got filled but was offered to just wait for them to open the second floor and I got first dibs.

 

[SusanH]

I am worried how my large body will handle the camino - and I am doing all in my power/capacities to prepare (training, light pack, good shoes etc). But I am terrified of getting into the upper bunk, waking people when I use the toilet during night because I find it hard to get down, the shame. These things it is so much harder to prepare for. So thank you for your tread!

I will send you a private message and tell you what I did!

 

[Icacos]

The only time I recall being 'assigned' a bunk was in the big municipal albergue in Burgos; the rest of the time we were just told to select a bunk from among the free ones. Naturally, the lower bunks were the first to go unless there was some overriding reason that a particular lower bunk was unwanted. Therefore, all this talk about asking the hospitalero for a lower bunk confuses me - if one arrived late and all lower bunks were taken, one chose from the upper ones. How common is it for bunks to be 'assigned'?

 

[SusanH]

It's pretty challenging trying to get on a top bunk without a ladder or a chair for help. And the fact that several of the TOP bunks are held together by duct tape was also very worrying. Add in a small bladder and you have a sleepless night...

 

[Anemone del Camino]

It's pretty challenging trying to get on a top bunk without a ladder or a chair for help. And the fact that several of the TOP bunks are held together by duct tape was also very worrying. Asd in a small bladder and you have a sleepless night...

Even with a ladder, if climbing from the side, if the bed is not fastened to the wall it will wiggle at best, if not want to topple over.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I will send you a private message and tell you what I did!

May I ask why a private message? Are we over sized, fat, round, chubby people not to occupiy this space and hide into private messaging?

 

[David]

Hi Susan, there is no reason what so ever to be ashamed. When someone have to give up, what ever the reason is come back an other time and go further where you left off. What's the problem. ?
There is no problem.
I wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

Peter (both Peters!) I don't think she meant that she didn't complete - I thought that she wrote that as she now has the experience of being a 'large' on Camino she could share with others to allay their fears .. which is a rather nice thing to do

 

[David]

I used to organise and run quite large scale long distance charity bike rides, some 1,000 miles long. We always took a nurse along .. the problem of 'saddle rash' - a sort of prickly heat - was always to do with poor hygiene - if one cleans there regularly and properly it doesn't happen - with heavier cyclists and really heavy cyclists the problem seemed to be thigh chafing and this was countered by encouraging them, again, to keep the area scrupulously clean and also to lather on skin cream to give a non-friction meeting. Some also opted for the long lycra skin fit cycling shorts and had no more problems. I don't know if this helps.

On another note the media and companies wanting your money have spent billions on letting everyone know that they aren't the right size/shape .. too thin ... too fat ... but we are all just humans of all shapes and sizes .. and people who are overweight but not obese tend to live longer lives than the ultra slim! (and are less subject to the cold too!!).
Buen Camino to you all.

 

[sara carlson]

I also wanted to add that in addition to Columbia, there's a company called Sweet Spot skits that sells cute running/walking skirts of varying lengths and also shorts that go under...like unpadded bike shorts that come in a wide range of sizes. I bought a pair of the shorts a couple months ago but haven't used them yet because of the weather. They're made in the USA and also have a pocket on the lower leg which would be great for money/credit cards/small cell phone etc. http://sweetspotskirts.com/

 

[CanPete]

Anti-chaffing cream and boys light compression shorts for the non existing thigh gap, and a quilt rather than a sleeping bag. Also, visit a podiatrist before leaving as extra stress will be put on those feet. Voila! For the rest it's buisiness as usual.

I would caution you that with the podiatrist visit you do not hve all your calluses removed . . . you'll need those calluses and removing them will set you up for more blisters . . .

 

[Albertagirl]

About the issue of getting a bottom bunk, you do have some control over this. If you prefer to stay in albergues, or that is what your budget will permit, it will be easier to get a bottom bunk if you stop earlier in the day. Walking off season also helps. I am 67 years old and I walked the camino frances in October-November of 2015. I was always one of the first to arrive at the albergue, although I walked a reasonable distance at a reasonable pace, perhaps about 20 k. a day. I always got to choose my bunk, except where they were assigned, where the hospitalero/a gave me a bottom bunk, usually in the smallest dorm available. As a medium weight person, I may say that I prefer not to have a very heavy person up top, not because of washroom trips but because a large and energetic young man kept me awake most of one night tossing and turning in the upper bunk. Ultimately, this sort of slight inconvenience is something to accept at the time and laugh about later. No one ever complained about my coughing at night when I had a cold. In case you have not come across this before, a good pair of ear plugs that work for you is an essential for many of us. As with the rest of your gear, try out your ear plugs before you leave. My only personal challenge with weight (I am a bit chubby) was the necessity of buying a belt to hold up my hiking skirt, when I got to Santiago. I know I won't need a belt when I set out again in the fall, so I shall probably leave it behind and face probable shrinkage (me) when it occurs. Have a wonderful time. Buen camino!

 

[GreatDane]

I weigh approx 30 lbs lighter than my last Camino. Full disclosure, I am right now 5'4" and 165 lbs wearing (in Keen sandals) size 9US. And A cup boobs. In regular shoes I need xxxx wide and buy larger than I need to accommodate my width. Last Camino when I felt under dressed in my hiking clothes in Madrid I couldn't find clothes (skirt and top) in a reasonable price range that would fit (I was staying at Gran Via so I had plenty of shops including El Corte Ingles and H&M). If I have to replace hiking footwear while on the CF I'd be looking for Ecco hiking sandals because I know they fit. But I'll be on the meseta so...

I do not like to wear close fitting clothing yet I don't like clothes to look like a sack. Never have. But even at my current size most XL women's tech shirts in any price range - Columbia, Patagonia, REI, Toad&Co, Prana, North Face, Avia, etc are still way too small. I have 2 tech t's from Exofficio that fit and they've been discontinued of course. Rain jackets- XL. Last time a few of the XL hiking pants fit, L in Macabi skirts were a great option and for me so much more comfortable so I am no longer worrying about pants. Right now I'm a L in My my Purple Rain Kilt Skirt (bought used to try on, I'd prefer the regular skirt) YMMV. I am beginning to think small business custom designers are realizing there is a market for us larger women.

Helpful hint. -> Last time I did look at "modesty clothing" on line as an option and the sports wear lines have extended sizing and some cute options! For example https://www.koshercasual.com/Womens-Workout-Clothing_cat.html

 

[Lolaisqueen]

I see that a lot of people have anxiety about walking the Camino for various reasons. People worry about the right boots, the proper rain gear, getting a bed, getting sick, what are the best pants to wear, crocs versus flip flops, bed bugs - the list goes on and on! My anxiety was about my weight. I worried and worried and I couldn't find any posts about other large people walking. This thread is about me reaching out to someone who has anxieties about their weight and walking the Camino. Maybe I can help someone to quiet their fears. If anyone needs someone to chat to about this topic, I'd be happy to tell you about my experiences!

You don't look overweight to me at all

 

[SusanH]

Peter (both Peters!) I don't think she meant that she didn't complete - I thought that she wrote that as she now has the experience of being a 'large' on Camino she could share with others to allay their fears .. which is a rather nice thing to do

Hey David, you are correct!

 

[SusanH]

You don't look overweight to me at all

I began walking at 235 pounds. I was the largest woman that I saw over a six week period. I'm very proud that I did it

 

[SkyeMac]

Just reviving this post a little bit.
I'm looking at wearing 'activewear' or running tights as I walk, run and excersize in them all the time.
Is there an issue with wearing these by themselves, or should I be looking at things to wear over them.

 

[JillGat]

Just reviving this post a little bit.
I'm looking at wearing 'activewear' or running tights as I walk, run and excersize in them all the time.
Is there an issue with wearing these by themselves, or should I be looking at things to wear over them.

Running tights are very popular on the Camino, in all sizes. Nobody will mind. If the grizzly bear size German man who passed me on the trail leaving Astorga wearing tight hotpants and a midriff tee shirt isn't worried, you shouldn't be, either.

 

[C clearly]

You will see all variety of wear on the Camino Frances.

 

[SkyeMac]

Running tights are very popular on the Camino, in all sizes. Nobody will mind. If the grizzly bear size German man who passed me on the trail leaving Astorga wearing tight hotpants and a midriff tee shirt isn't worried, you shouldn't be, either.

Thanks for the reply! Now I'm hanging out to see exactly that haha!