Fritz
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances SJPDP- Muxia (2013)
Frances San Sebastian-Bilbao-Belarado-SDC (2016)
Frances SJPDP(2020)
Good day all, I'm now back about a week from my 2016 Camino -- with time on both the Norte and the Frances and hoped to share my thoughts as I unpack in hopes it helps future pilgrims. Three quick notes and then into the list!
First I'm 6'1 (1.8m) tall and 185 - 190 pounds (85 kg) and 56 years old (9 years in "dog years").
Second, this isn't a product review or comparison but a starting point perhaps? where I can I'll include a link to the product web site -- I have no affiliations with any of the companies.
Third, my pack weight was 7 kg (plus I wore 2.2 kg including hiking shoes).
I began October 14, 2016 in Pamplona,then took a bus to walk part of the Norte San Sebastian - Bilbao and then returned to Logroño and walked to Santiago, leaving for home on November 21. My temperature highs and lows -- according to green pharmacy signs, was 25 Celsius and 0 Celsius.
The first things I will pack for my next camino.
I mentioned that I carried a full camera kit and I can detail that in a separate post, most people wont be carrying a full kit for a working assignment, but I can tell you it is possible and reasonable to do.
Fritz
First I'm 6'1 (1.8m) tall and 185 - 190 pounds (85 kg) and 56 years old (9 years in "dog years").
Second, this isn't a product review or comparison but a starting point perhaps? where I can I'll include a link to the product web site -- I have no affiliations with any of the companies.
Third, my pack weight was 7 kg (plus I wore 2.2 kg including hiking shoes).
I began October 14, 2016 in Pamplona,then took a bus to walk part of the Norte San Sebastian - Bilbao and then returned to Logroño and walked to Santiago, leaving for home on November 21. My temperature highs and lows -- according to green pharmacy signs, was 25 Celsius and 0 Celsius.
The first things I will pack for my next camino.
- Outer gear
- Altus Rain Poncho (purchased on 2013 Camino)I'm not sure of the make, I think they currently only make the Atmospheric, mine is the lime green color with a zipper and velcro in front. I have a size Large, and an Extra large would be a bit better for me and my pack. If possible try it on with your loaded pack.
- Marmot Precip Jacket. I learned of this jacket from a number of posts and pilgrims on this forum. I love this jacket, especially when paired with the vest below. It is pricy, but you can find sales and close-outs on the web.
- Patagonia Down Sweater Vest. I chose this over a fleece and for me, it was awesome. Both this and the Marmot self-store in their own zipper pocket (no separate bag to misplace) and between the two I could adjust my warmth to match the temperature and my exertion. This too can be found on sale and at close outs.
- Buff. Another 2013 Camino purchase. Many uses, easy to pack.
- Clothing
- Pants/trousers. I had 1 pair of Columbia and a pair of North Face in medium weights and with zip off legs. Both have built in belts a plus as your weight may change on the camino. The North Face pants have color coded leg zippers -- making it easier to figure out right leg/left leg. I like the belt better on the Columbia and the Columbia has a "device" pocket which is nice for a small guidebook, phone, what ever.
- Stoic merino wool base layer. I bought the lightest weight, knowing I could wear more than one if it was cold. These were a forum recommendation from @Melensdad, purchased from Steep and Cheep. These are not always in stock. If there were a fire in the albergue and I could only save one thing, this would be it. (although modesty might suggest I grab something else!)
- Long sleeve North Face ventilated shirt (circa 1996, an old favorite). Synthetic and easy to dry, made a nice extra layer on cool mornings.
- Socks. I started with Icebreaker liner socks and Smart wool, and the Smart wool were old and worn out so I bought new at the camping store in Santo Domingo.
- Gear
- Camelbak -- I have the 2 liter reservior with the big bite valve and I packed a replace valve as they can pull off.
- Backpack cover Kelty. In a light mist, the Precip jacket and a backpack cover where more than enough protection.
- REI Microfiber towel. These are always small compared to a hotel bath towel, but work well, dry quickly and store easily. If I took a later afternoon shower, and draped the towel over a rack, it would be dry in the morning.
- Silk Sleping bag liner. I used this everynight, most nights only this.
- Trangoworld Mummy bag, Model LC 450 rated Comfort +13c Limit +9c Extreme -3c. (I think the current model has different ratings. This bag was a 2013 purchase in Castrojirez, and was too warm most nights, but un zipped and used as a blanket was comfortable.
- Kelty Redwing pack 50 L this pack performed flawlessly -- but what would I change? 50 L is too big for the time of year. I had plenty of room and would recommend either the Redwing 44 and if possible, the Redwing 32. I knew this when I bought it and bought the 50L in anticipation of either future hikes needing a tent or cooking gear, and for a full photography kit. I'm an author and journalist and for this Camino, I needed the full size pack -- but with just my personal stuff, it was too big.
- TEVA sandals. A second set of sandals/shoes seemed like a good idea, these weigh 800 grams and yes I wore the 3 or 4 times, but I'd leave them at home. Maybe I would take lightweight sandals or water shoes.
- Toiletries. A matter of preference, but these are simple and easy to buy in Spain.
- Shoes Solomon XA Pro 3d Mountain Trail (GoreTex). I wore these in 2013 and was thrilled, and wore the non Gore Tex version for everyday shoes after. I can't fully blame the shoes, but something changed. Once I began walking on coarse gravel, especially between Ventosa and Santo Domingo, I felt as if I was walking bare foot, feeling every stone, I swapped the insoles with gel padded ones in Burgos and then later developed blisters which I attribute to my change in walking movement to accommodate the bruises on the soles of my feet.
I mentioned that I carried a full camera kit and I can detail that in a separate post, most people wont be carrying a full kit for a working assignment, but I can tell you it is possible and reasonable to do.
Fritz