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Doing my laundry every day on the Camino is jut part of my daily routine and doesn't take much time.Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
Weight wise, I think the synthetics are lighter to carry in your pack. It all adds up.I used to use SmartWool tees, long sleeve mostly... they were great, but they got holes.
Recently I have started to purchase inexpensive synthetics, like a 2 pack from Amazon that cost $16 from Hanes.
I hadn't heard of that. The crotch/waist area is the slowest to dry, so it doesn't help much. I would possibly wash only the bottom of the legs, if they get muddy.some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
I am thinking to take 3 sets of clothes, then I need to wash every 2nd day. I know I will be pooped out after a day of walking. Need to conserve energy somehow, that I can late afternoon, enjoy the sights of the town, I am in."Wear them for a few days"? I like to think I'm doing my bit for the environment by cutting down on water and detergent usage
Good plan! 3 sets of underwear and socks. And yah, having that clean shirt available when struggling to find a place to do laundry is important. Other people may not agree.I am thinking to take 3 sets of clothes, then I need to wash every 2nd day.
I'm greatly relieved to hear that.OK, confession time. Contrary to my contribution above I’ll usually rinse out my knickers/underpants/ kecks/ drawers/ shorts everyday
We all want to protect our reputations, whether they are good or bad!confession time. Contrary to my contribution above
I wash underwear and socks every day.. whatever..lI have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
I suspect we’re in ‘two nations divided by a common language’ territory here with respect to pants.I hadn't heard of that. The crotch/waist area is the slowest to dry, so it doesn't help much. I would possibly wash only the bottom of the legs, if they get muddy.
I have walking pants which can stay somewhat dirty for walking outside, sitting in the dirt, etc. I wash them once or twice each week (unless there is a particular need). I have evening pants which stay generally clean, so I wash even less often. Keeping those functions separate helps me reduce the laundry demand.
Honestly, doing laundry doesn't take that long, and just becomes part of your daily routine. I wash daily and always wash an entire garment.I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
I had a very light long sleeved merino/polyester blend base layer/t-shirt (Rab Merino 120+). Best of both worlds. Fairly quick drying and extremely light and comfortable. I wore it for at least 30 of the 39 days it took to get to Finisterre. I had a polypropylene baselayer worn on some of the very very very wet days in Galicia and a super dooper synthetic featherweight almost transparent top from Raidlight designed for use for those partaking in the Sahara marathons!!!! which I used only a few times. I used Merino blend socks. Trousers(pants) were a wonderfully lightweight pair made by Rab. I washed base layers, underwear and socks almost everyday, but the trousers/pants only once ! and they were fine. I walked and dined and drank with plenty of other peregrinos/peregrinas so there couldn't have been much problem with body odour. You'll find that it's the rucksacks/backpacks/mochilas that acquire that certain 'well-lived in' smell.I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
I only wash my pants when I do a laundry, which is about every week or so. Mud and dirt will come off pretty quickly in a rain. I also walk through a little wet grass if it is not too high for about 30 seconds. Not long enough to get my trail runners real wet but to get the dirt off my pants. If it is cold than dirt and mud win the day.Mud tends to come off trousers and boots in the next rain shower.
What detergent did you use that got rid of the smell (with synthetics)?I'm a strong proponent of merino. In addition to the CF, I've used them on a trek in Nepal and they didn't smell even after several days of usage. When using synthetics at home I found that I had to use a special detergent as they still sometimes smelled even after washing.
Weight wise, I think the synthetics are lighter to carry in your pack. It all adds up.
How does this work in the shower ? You shower with your clothes on ? Or you mean washing your clothes while the shower tap is running ?the tip of wearing your day's clothes into the after-walk shower to clean both garments and body at the same time. Worked wonderfully.
Think the glove call is a good one. Make them light weight. It’s cool (10°C) every morning through to 10am. I have a pair of “élé men terre”. As for the soxes and jocks decision 3 pairs is plenty. Heaps of opportunities to wash and dry. Most Albergues seem to have washing and drying (if needed) machines. Pair up with a couple of pilgrims and it costs about a euro to wash. We’re midway across the Meseta, has been stunning weather to date. Buen Camino.OK, confession time. Contrary to my contribution above I’ll usually rinse out my knickers/underpants/ kecks/ drawers/ shorts everyday (Kwik dry merino with some elastic in appropriate places). Same with socks (always carry three pairs in case I need some gloves on a cold morning). Base layer tops (we used to call them T-shirts) wash as necessary. The rest? I’ve been vomited on in Pamplona and taken a face-plant in one of those charming cattle roads in Galicia. Launder as required
It really depends how long you will be walking. Merino can be worn for several days without washing. Some synthetic clothes tend to ‘bake in’ the smell after a while even with frequent washing. I encountered someone who washed their shirt daily but after a few weeks, you could smell that shirt across an albergue. He couldn’t smell it as he was used to it.I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
Just think long and hard before you wash your clothes in the shower. Who was in it before you? What did they do in the shower (potentially relieved themselves of bodily fluids)? I’d strongly recommend you take a pair of thongs/flip flops/jandles and wear them around the Albergues. When you go out, you’ll need some light weight sandals. Spanish don’t typically wear thongs/flip flops/jandles around town.How does this work in the shower ? You shower with your clothes on ? Or you mean washing your clothes while the shower tap is running ?
I would have thought to conserve warm water, for the next pilgrim, its not a wise idea to wash laundry in the shower. Or is running out of hot water in the showers not an issue?
I am guilty of washing my clothes in the shower also. I do know that there are many albergues that frown on this and either tell you or post in bathrooms not to do this.Just a note about washing clothes: My local Camino counselor shared the tip of wearing your day's clothes into the after-walk shower to clean both garments and body at the same time. Worked wonderfully.
Get used to washing a few items each day after walking. I take mine into a shower and clean me and them. Then, I am squeaky clean when hanging out my few things to dry. then it is either a quick nap or off to find supper.I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
It is an issue.I would have thought to conserve warm water, for the next pilgrim, its not a wise idea to wash laundry in the shower. Or is running out of hot water in the showers not an issue?
I knew some pilgrims who got bleach marks on their clothes from washing them in the shower.Just think long and hard before you wash your clothes in the shower
I should check out these sheets! Last time on the Norte was the first time I ever heard of them. A gentleman from Canada brought them...I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag
Below is my method of washing clothes that works very well, which I have posted before.
I've mentioned my method of using a dry bag as a "portable washing machine" before. IMO definitely preferable to stomping on my clothes on the shower floor.
Yah, totally done this before too, I love Dr. Bonners!also use Bronner's Liquid Castile soap, which doubles as body soap and shampoo.
I am intrigued by " face-plant" ' At first I thought this was a complaint of the hirsute but no Its a header into the cacaOK, confession time. Contrary to my contribution above I’ll usually rinse out my knickers/underpants/ kecks/ drawers/ shorts everyday (Kwik dry merino with some elastic in appropriate places). Same with socks (always carry three pairs in case I need some gloves on a cold morning). Base layer tops (we used to call them T-shirts) wash as necessary. The rest? I’ve been vomited on in Pamplona and taken a face-plant in one of those charming cattle roads in Galicia. Launder as required
People are gross. lol Wash the entire garment.I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
You are absolutely right to question this.I would have thought to conserve warm water, for the next pilgrim, its not a wise idea to wash laundry in the shower. Or is running out of hot water in the showers not an issue?
I have done this before. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.You are absolutely right to question this.
What I really do not understand, is how people actually do this routine. Do you stand under the shower fully clothed, do a once-over with soap over your clothes, then struggle to remove the wet clothes by rolling and pulling them up over your head or down your legs, and let them drop on the floor of the shower for stomping in the slime, and then wash your armpits, etc., again since washing through the clothes wouldn't have been so effective?
I cannot imagine that this routine is much faster, uses less hot water, or is more effective than doing those functions separately. Not to mention the likelihood of injury.
I use my itty bitty bottle of shampoo for everything....body wash and laundry.I am adding laundry sheets to my packing list. One laundry sheet, cut in 4 pieces. Light weight and available here in Canada at Canadian Tire and in stock !
The sheets that I buy come perforated to tear into two strips. One strip is supposed to be enough for a normal load of wash in a washing machine, two for a large or heavily soiled load.I am adding laundry sheets to my packing list. One laundry sheet, cut in 4 pieces. Light weight and available here in Canada at Canadian Tire and in stock !
True. But this is one of those things that I've decided I don't gotta do.Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
I used this product last year https://seatosummit.com/products/pocket-wilderness-wash. Convenient, light, no waste. I don't remember whether I bought it through Amazon, MEC or Breathe Outdoors.I am adding laundry sheets to my packing list. One laundry sheet, cut in 4 pieces. Light weight and available here in Canada at Canadian Tire and in stock !
Name of special detergent, pleaseI'm a strong proponent of merino. In addition to the CF, I've used them on a trek in Nepal and they didn't smell even after several days of usage. When using synthetics at home I found that I had to use a special detergent as they still sometimes smelled even after washing.
It was called Sport-Wash. if I recall correctly I got it at my local running store. It did the job when Tide wouldn’tName of special detergent, please
My tuppence worth? merino every time... light weight, dry readily, and do not carry eau de pilgrim nearly as well as synthetics, and are for more comfortable. Lend themselves very well to layering.I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
Head'n'shoulders shampoo shifted dirt that laundry soap hadn't when I used shampoo to wash clothes after my laundry soap ran out...I use my itty bitty bottle of shampoo for everything....body wash and laundry.
Not a good idea. There is limited hot water in most albergues and it is very inconsiderate to use it in this way. Use the machines or hand wash in the sink provided.Just a note about washing clothes: My local Camino counselor shared the tip of wearing your day's clothes into the after-walk shower to clean both garments and body at the same time. Worked wonderfully.
There should be quite a lot on this topic in earlier posts over some years. In a nutshell, forget the quick dry purported”wick” stuf. It’s basically a con. Some of it is quite expensive. What you’ll find is it’s generally a mix of a synthetic with cotton eg 85% polyester, 15% cotton is what I found in a specialist wilderness equipment store at an horrendous price. Some time later I found stuff to practically the same spec in a clothing store at a fraction of the price. Now if you can remember back to the late 1960’s they marketed drip dry non-iron business shirts to this spec as well so what you’re getting now is a revival of this old technology, with flash advertising, to try toI have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
I am sold on Arctryx short or long sleeve. Dry fast. More so than merino and they also don’t hold a smell until a few days. Remember when it rains it is difficult to wash and dry every day. It’s fine.I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
You are overthinking this. Don't worry. There are several laundromats along the Way and you can also hand wash your clothing in a sink. Wool or synthetics do not really matter. What matters more is that you have a layer system. 2 long sleeve, 1 short sleeve, 2 to 3 pants (one detachable), 3 pairs of wool socks, underwear, raingear, fleece, jacket...Quickdry is the most importantI have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
I would add. I love merino when need warmth. It can’t be beatI am sold on Arctryx short or long sleeve. Dry fast. More so than merino and they also don’t hold a smell until a few days. Remember when it rains it is difficult to wash and dry every day. It’s fine.
merino every time!I have bought both Merino wool and quick dry T- shirts. Both long and short sleeves. Going end of Sept on the Camino Frances.
My research so far shows, that with merino wool items, you can wear them for a few days, they dont smell.
Quick dry items become smelly within a day and needs washing every day. I am thinking I will be very tired after a long days walk, and in no mood to do laundry every day.
I also heard that with pants, some pilgrims, will wash only the crotch area, and not get the whole pants wet, so that it will quickly dry.
Any practical thoughts on this please ?
I’ve posted similarly previously but I find the general obsession with showering and frequent laundering of clothes intriguing.
Mud tends to come off trousers and boots in the next rain shower. Merino wool takes several days before it starts to stink. And as for me, I’d rather have a reasonable amount of space at the bar even if every other customer is wedged in a crowd at either end. Synthetics, they’ll never smell any better than they did after that first wash, no matter how hard you bang them on that rock…
Old Boy Scout tip. In the morning bang your socks against the pole of your “Good Companion” tent. This not only softens the wool and removes the felting before you pull them on again but it also shakes the dew off the canvas
You are overthinking this. Don't worry. There are several laundromats along the Way and you can also hand wash your clothing in a sink. Wool or synthetics do not really matter. What matters more is that you have a layer system. 2 long sleeve, 1 short sleeve, 2 to 3 pants (one detachable), 3 pairs of wool socks, underwear, raingear, fleece, jacket...Quickdry is the most important
How does this work in the shower ? You shower with your clothes on ? Or you mean washing your clothes while the shower tap is running ?
I would have thought to conserve warm water, for the next pilgrim, its not a wise idea to wash laundry in the shower. Or is running out of hot water in the showers not an issue?
I use the exact same thing from LifeVenture. 14g for 50 fabric wash leaves in a little plastic box. I also use a dry bag as my 'washing machine'. So easy to squish the items through the bag then leave to soak while showering. 2 quick rinses and done. It has always cleaned my socks, t shirt and underwear perfectly acceptably. For walking I have 2 Arc'teryx Quadra long sleeved T shirts, very light and breathable polyester, never found them to smell. (They are expensive!) For the evening/sleeping I have a light merino LS t shirt. This won't need washing too often nor my hiking trousers, possibly by machine once a week along with my light PJ trousers. No sweatI used this product last year https://seatosummit.com/products/pocket-wilderness-wash. Convenient, light, no waste. I don't remember whether I bought it through Amazon, MEC or Breathe Outdoors.
Step on the towel to squash the water out!I love my merino, I bought some undies and a T-shirt from Woolx and am very pleased with the lack of body odor, the ease of washing and quickness of drying. Plus I felt less "swampy" than in my synthetic duds. I do my wash every day on the Camino, it's a meditation and ritual for me. My trick is to wring everything out in my towel after I dry myself so the clothing is less drippy.
Not my experience.There should be quite a lot on this topic in earlier posts over some years. In a nutshell, forget the quick dry purported”wick” stuf. It’s basically a con
Just about every albergue has washing machines and drying machines these days.You are overthinking this. Don't worry. There are several laundromats along the Way and you can also hand wash your clothing in a sink. Wool or synthetics do not really matter. What matters more is that you have a layer system. 2 long sleeve, 1 short sleeve, 2 to 3 pants (one detachable), 3 pairs of wool socks, underwear, raingear, fleece, jacket...Quickdry is the most important
It really depends on which Camino you are on. I would change the statement to many albergues have washers and dryers these days.Just about every albergue has washing machines and drying machines these days.
I am totally a merino wool t-shirt girl - but I am also picky about brand. Icebreaker holds up better than every other brand I have tried. But they don't hold odor the way other materials do, they are a material that helps insulate when it is cold yet keeps you cooler when it is hot (and yes - I live in the So. Arizona desert - so I have lots of wear time in the heat), and they are pretty fast drying. I have even switched to merino wool underwear and bras for the Camino.
Synthetic and quick dry material isn't a bad choice - but I will always go for merino wool. And yes - Icebreaker is more expensive than other brands - but in my experience it holds up better and lasts a lot longer than the other brands I have tried.
Most sheep are shorn once a year, usually in late Winter or early Spring so that the growers get the longest fibres that fetch the best prices.My oldest fleece has a couple of holes on the elbow areas… and then when my friend arrived to pick up his orders, we went for a hike and my doggie’s paws also tore tiny holesso I spent the next day stitching all my merinos.
I can sympathize with such feelings, but that doesn't seem like a good item in your Camino Plan.I hope no one in front of me for the shower is washing their clothes. I'll soon let them know it's not on.
Sadly I still don't find Smartwool to be equal in durability - but I do think they are improving. Still have to give Smartwool some gentle care - which is something I don't want to do while hiking long distances.Just to add to this: I now find Smartwool to be equal to Icebreaker for durability… and frequently better — probably because they are now owned by the same parent company that also owns: Timberland and Vans, among many other outdoor brands.
Icebreaker bras run a little small (for those considering them). A 34 C is a *large* apparently…
Smartwool underwear has a more comfortable fit for *me* and have been more durable over the demands of hiking than my icebreakers.
Dear Spouse and Boy child tell me that the men’s icebreaker underwear with the U-shaped seam is superior for hiking than the single seam up the back. And we all swear by merino tights and so forth.
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