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Thank you so much Pennie for your advice!Hey Bumblebee,
Take a few deep breaths, really deep and really slow. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and insight into your own challenges. You say you wanted to work on going with the flow on the Camino and it sounds like you're being confronted with it already. You're right about your backpack, that you need to try to drop some of the weight, but you're already aware of that and working on it. You don't know spanish, but you'll figure out how to communicate. You don't have a reservation, but you'll find a place to stay. You are going to have a fantastic time and wow are you going to be impressed with yourself and your ability to go with the flow. Buen Camino,
Pennie
Thanks a million Keith,Hello Bumblebee,
You do not require any help or advice.
I always carry 15 - 16 kilo, I always leave my sleeping at home, I always take a silk liner, My Spanish is more than likely worse than yours.
You have booked the flight to Burgos. Go do your own thing not some other persons ideas, walk with the Camino spirit and enjoy.
Buen Camino .................Keith.
Im going from Ireland, so if its going to be very warm I wont be used to the heat!!! Im planning on spending my first day sightseeing in Burgos, and I will ease myself into the camino. The list is great! thanksWelcome to this forum, bumblebee.
Yes, you definitely have to work on that backpack-weight, but you know that yourself. I hesitate to attach a pack list that I made after my camino last fall, because I certainly don't want to add to your anxiety, but attached it is. Compare it with your own list and even if you add some stuff, you should end up with half of the current weight. Also remember: you can always buy things on the way, if really, really necessary.
As for your trip next week, reeeelaaaax! You will have no problem finding a bed, besides that there are plenty of reasonably cost pensions, hostals and small hotels. I am sure that you got a list of places to go, if not, you'll find them on this site.
I don't know from where you will arrive from and at what time of the day, but why not planning in on spending 2 nights to get accustomed to Spanish air? Enjoy every minute of your Camino, I certainly envy you!
Buen Camino!
Great advice Seamus, I definately have to work on the pack issue! thanksHi Bumblebee, do think you should try to drop a couple of kilos of weight from your pack unless you've been carrying a similar weight in your pack on your training walks/hikes, you're in all likelihood substantially increasing your chances of blisters and sore shoulders/neck. Chill about the lack of Spanish, I survived for 4 weeks with about 40 words of Spanish, none of which I could pronounce properly. Would be amazed if you encountered any difficulties with getting a bed in an albergue this early in the year so don't fret on that score.
Relax, breathe deeply, walk when you feel like walking, stop when you feel like stopping and enjoy the adventure.
Buen camino
Seamus
Hey everyone,
Im leaving for burgos to start my camino next wednesday, I had decided to not book any hostels, as I was hoping my camino experience would help me to "go with the flow" more, and learn to be more relaxed etc. But now im worried that I wont get a bed!
Also I packed my bag and its 15kg! Im gonna leave the sleeping bag at home and just take a silk liner. I have to bring a lot of medication so i think thats partly the cause, (15kg is wayyyy to heavy though).
I am going on my own and dont have any spanish.
Oh no why did I decide to do the camino!
WAAAAAAAAA!!!!! (retreats to corner and resumes the foetal position).
Ok Ive gotten all my fears and worries out in the open.
Please help! I need advice!
This forum is very helpful!
Bumblebee, I only have one hint for you. I have purchased these little zip lock bags that you will find in any pharmacy. You use a permanent marker and write the name of the drug (generic name) and when you take the med and what dose. Then put these in your regular properly labeled pharmacy bottles for the trip over. After taking the last plane ride when you are in Burgos throw away the bottles. Also bring a list of your meds if your doctor gives you one of those or take pictures of the labels and store in your phone/camera. I reduced my weight by 250 gms (more than 1/2#) doing this. Also I eliminated weight by putting soap in zip locks rather than containers ( I have soap - solid bars - for hair, conditioner, and moisturizer).Great
Great advice Seamus, I definately have to work on the pack issue! thanks
Cutting a toothbrush in half! Good idea! It does remind me of the episode of mr bean , where he's packing to go on holidays!!!!Get yourself a Spanish-English-Spanish pocket parlour and learn some simple phrases.
Get the weight down. Some even cut off half the shaft of their toothbrushes to reduce weight!
Order a cheap hostel in Burgos if you are afraid of that first night. You find them here:
www.hostels.com
All will be fine.
Buen Camino!
I won't be bringing a hair dryer! Or anything crazy! HahaYou need to be ruthless in reducing your pack weight. In another thread you spoke of taking a hair dryer! On one camino I decided to take a few more comfort items, and my pack weighed 30 pounds on the airport scale. It nearly killed me, and I have done a lot of camping/backpacking with 35-40# packs. Within two days I mailed home an eight pound package. I am a six foot male, and that 22# pack was right at my limit.
Eliminate all the things that you "might" use; reduce the number of changes of clothes; plan on dressing in layers, so no heavy coat, no vest, no sweatshirt, no extra shoes, etc.
Cutting a toothbrush in half! Good idea! It does remind me of the episode of mr bean , where he's packing to go on holidays!!!!
Cutting a toothbrush in half! Good idea! It does remind me of the episode of mr bean , where he's packing to go on holidays!!!!
I'M PANICKING TOO!!! I leave Monday for Madrid and my pack is still too heavy. Can someone tell me how cold it is?? I have a waterproof jacket and a light-weight jacket, I planned to layer them if it got too cold, but I could leave one or the other. Do I need a wool hat? Gloves? Every time I read a new list, I find things on it that I was not planning to take. Swiss army knife? Flashlight? I bought them based on a recommendation, but they are staying home, because they are too heavy. My clothes are: 1 merino t-shirt, one short sleeve camp shirt, one long-sleeve camp shirt (these are the light-weight, moisture-wicking, fishing style shirts); one pair of zip-off trouser/shorts; one pair rain paints, 2 pair smart wool socks, 2 pair silk sock liners. When I add the rest of the recommendations, I'm too heavy!! Quick-dry camp towel, silk liner, very light weight sleeping bag, soap (in a ziplock), deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, nail clippers, sunscreen, small roll toilet paper, small baggie of baby wipes, light-weight spork utensil, 4 clothes pins, sandals, sample-sized neosporin, benedryl, small tube of aquaphor, and a few band-aids; nail clippers, hairbrush, my prescription medications and glucometer, tiny camera, iPhone and chargers. I don't know where else to trim the weight.
.... I didn't want to stop at only 6 km, but afraid I won't make it another 16 to Zubiri.
Oh Keith!! Thank you for your kind reply!! (I even teared up just a little reading it.) I will do just that. One more question for all: I will be starting from Roncesvalles, I didn't want to walk very far on my first day - perhaps only 12 kg. Is there a place to stay within that distance? My book shows Zubiri at 22 kg. That might be a little too far for me. Can one get a taxi or bus from Espinal to places beyond? I didn't want to stop at only 6 km, but afraid I won't make it another 16 to Zubiri.
Ditto! If you really, ruthlessly, cut your pack weight (buy lighter stuff, carry things that have dual use, and leave unnecessary stuff out) you should be able to achieve a pack weight of 7 - 8 kilos, including food and water. Good luck and Buen Camino.Fear causes us to load our backpacks with things we think we might need. The Camino passes through town after town. These towns have stores. Virtually everything you need can be bought in Spain. There is probably 5 or more kilos of fear in your backpack. Get rid of it. Start experiencing the magic of the Camino now.
Did the same last September and had also to bring a lot of medication. Try to get that weight down. As for a bed, dont worry. Round the back of the cathedral is the municial albergue. Its huge. At this time of year its only half opened as they dont need the two upper floors so you will get a bed ok. You will probably be ok without the sleeping bag as many albergues supply blankets, in fact, on my journey from Burgos to Santiago I could count on one hand the ones without blankets and still have a finger or two left over. I also went on my own and had only a couple of words. Did not finish on my own and in fact apart from while I was walking I was never on my own. I walk slow so most of the friends I made walked on and we met up later in the day. As one t shirt I seen read, 'on the Camino, you'll never walk alone'. If you are really worried about a bed by the way, do as an old Spanish peregrino told me. Start about 6 to 6:30, walk for 6 hours then stop in the next albergue you come to. If you are half way along what we came to call 'Brierly days' then you will get a bed ok as most folk are walking from and to the points Brierly specifies. To summarise, you will be OK, dont worry, enjoy and Buen CaminoHey everyone,
Im leaving for burgos to start my camino next wednesday, I had decided to not book any hostels, as I was hoping my camino experience would help me to "go with the flow" more, and learn to be more relaxed etc. But now im worried that I wont get a bed!
Also I packed my bag and its 15kg! Im gonna leave the sleeping bag at home and just take a silk liner. I have to bring a lot of medication so i think thats partly the cause, (15kg is wayyyy to heavy though).
I am going on my own and dont have any spanish.
Oh no why did I decide to do the camino!
WAAAAAAAAA!!!!! (retreats to corner and resumes the foetal position).
Ok Ive gotten all my fears and worries out in the open.
Please help! I need advice!
This forum is very helpful!
I am actually going to be staying at Corazon Puro on route to SJPDP, and to ease myself in the first week, I am going SJPDP to Orrisson to Roncesvalle to probably back to stay at Corazon Puro. I feel it is better for me to start slowly.Ronnie,
In Bizkarreta/Viscarret which is roughly 13 k from Roncesvalles try either
http://www.corazonpuro.es/ or http://www.laposadanueva.net/.
Also if the weather is bad with either fog, rain or deep mud walking down to Zubiri on the parallel N 135 road is much easier than following the camino path through the wood.
Buen Camino,
Margaret Meredith
Thank you, great idea about walking for 6 hours, Im not following a guide, so I don't mind where I stop.Did the same last September and had also to bring a lot of medication. Try to get that weight down. As for a bed, dont worry. Round the back of the cathedral is the municial albergue. Its huge. At this time of year its only half opened as they dont need the two upper floors so you will get a bed ok. You will probably be ok without the sleeping bag as many albergues supply blankets, in fact, on my journey from Burgos to Santiago I could count on one hand the ones without blankets and still have a finger or two left over. I also went on my own and had only a couple of words. Did not finish on my own and in fact apart from while I was walking I was never on my own. I walk slow so most of the friends I made walked on and we met up later in the day. As one t shirt I seen read, 'on the Camino, you'll never walk alone'. If you are really worried about a bed by the way, do as an old Spanish peregrino told me. Start about 6 to 6:30, walk for 6 hours then stop in the next albergue you come to. If you are half way along what we came to call 'Brierly days' then you will get a bed ok as most folk are walking from and to the points Brierly specifies. To summarise, you will be OK, dont worry, enjoy and Buen Camino
Don't. Buy a lightweight (20-30 grams) poncho that also cover your rucksack instead.But rain jacket and rain pants look to be essential.
I'M PANICKING TOO!!! I leave Monday for Madrid and my pack is still too heavy. Can someone tell me how cold it is?? I have a waterproof jacket and a light-weight jacket, I planned to layer them if it got too cold, but I could leave one or the other. Do I need a wool hat? Gloves? Every time I read a new list, I find things on it that I was not planning to take. Swiss army knife? Flashlight? I bought them based on a recommendation, but they are staying home, because they are too heavy. My clothes are: 1 merino t-shirt, one short sleeve camp shirt, one long-sleeve camp shirt (these are the light-weight, moisture-wicking, fishing style shirts); one pair of zip-off trouser/shorts; one pair rain paints, 2 pair smart wool socks, 2 pair silk sock liners. When I add the rest of the recommendations, I'm too heavy!! Quick-dry camp towel, silk liner, very light weight sleeping bag, soap (in a ziplock), deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, nail clippers, sunscreen, small roll toilet paper, small baggie of baby wipes, light-weight spork utensil, 4 clothes pins, sandals, sample-sized neosporin, benedryl, small tube of aquaphor, and a few band-aids; nail clippers, hairbrush, my prescription medications and glucometer, tiny camera, iPhone and chargers. I don't know where else to trim the weight.
Think you all are too worried about weight! Wonder how we managed to walk in Viet Nam carrying a 10 kilo M-60 Machinegun, 2 hand grenades, couple hundred rounds of ammo, 4 quarts of water, one claymore mine...plus canned food for several days. Our infantry walked the scout dogs into the ground and the dogs carried nothing.
Best thing I ever read about traveling light was from a French doctor ---take 2 kilos of sugar and a half kilo of salt and NEVER carry water, or clothes. That is all you need for two weeks.
I agree. Rain pants I used for one camino and never again. I had thought they'd be better than ponchos. They weren't. They were just a pain all round. And too heavy. Two jackets is overkill. If you have a windproof jacket, you can layer other stuff under it.Don't. Buy a lightweight (20-30 grams) poncho that also cover your rucksack instead.
Think you all are too worried about weight! Wonder how we managed to walk in Viet Nam carrying a 10 kilo M-60 Machinegun, 2 hand grenades, couple hundred rounds of ammo, 4 quarts of water, one claymore mine...plus canned food for several days. .
You forgot about the M16, the pistol at your hip, the helmet and the compulsory chewing gumThink you all are too worried about weight! Wonder how we managed to walk in Viet Nam carrying a 10 kilo M-60 Machinegun, 2 hand grenades, couple hundred rounds of ammo, 4 quarts of water, one claymore mine...plus canned food for several days. Our infantry walked the scout dogs into the ground and the dogs carried nothing.
Best thing I ever read about traveling light was from a French doctor ---take 2 kilos of sugar and a half kilo of salt and NEVER carry water, or clothes. That is all you need for two weeks.
Look at my profile picture. At this time of year it can still be chilly in the early morning especially at altitude. Bring an old wooly hat. You can always leave it in some albergue when you no longer need itThank you pbucilla for information! And thanks to Falcon I've checked the weather and found that it isn't as cold as I thought it would be. I'll leave the gloves, wool cap, and light jacket home. But rain jacket and rain pants look to be essential. <Deep breath in> I think I'll be ok.
Think my rain pants are in an albergue in ViannaI agree. Rain pants I used for one camino and never again. I had thought they'd be better than ponchos. They weren't. They were just a pain all round. And too heavy. Two jackets is overkill. If you have a windproof jacket, you can layer other stuff under it.
Buen camino.
I have the same type stuff but I am a guy so I have more weight. It looks as if it will be in the 70s the first 2 weeks but I am still bringing the fleece coat. I cut my towel in half but you have hair. Baby wipes? Great to have but can you get by with just water? I think guys have an easier time we don't care what we look like, smell like.. ok that part depends on who is around. I am starting to think my grandsons running stroller would be a great idea to haul the kitchen sink, but it would disapear if a local family had a need.
Keith
I am leaving tomorrow and I just got my convict haircut. Long hair, short hair, still uglyHere is your challenge: Reduce the weight of your pack to max. 10% of your bodyweight, preferably even lower. Work on it. And no, a hair dryer is NOT a must in your backpackYou will have to look just as wasted as the rest of us...
I am planning on meeting Keith aka MTtoCamino along the way so I have considered not,packing anything I know he hasI have the same type stuff but I am a guy so I have more weight. It looks as if it will be in the 70s the first 2 weeks but I am still bringing the fleece coat. I cut my towel in half but you have hair. Baby wipes? Great to have but can you get by with just water? I think guys have an easier time we don't care what we look like, smell like.. ok that part depends on who is around. I am starting to think my grandsons running stroller would be a great idea to haul the kitchen sink, but it would disapear if a local family had a need.
Keith
I solved the problem you referenced by putting it in the back of the CH-53 the Marine Corps issued me after flight school. There is a great deal of irony in the fact that 30+ years later I decided I LIKE to walk with a packThink you all are too worried about weight! Wonder how we managed to walk in Viet Nam carrying a 10 kilo M-60 Machinegun, 2 hand grenades, couple hundred rounds of ammo, 4 quarts of water, one claymore mine...plus canned food for several days. Our infantry walked the scout dogs into the ground and the dogs carried nothing.
Best thing I ever read about traveling light was from a French doctor ---take 2 kilos of sugar and a half kilo of salt and NEVER carry water, or clothes. That is all you need for two weeks.
How did u carry all that?! Respect! Just out of curiosity, did ye have to bring spare clothes or socks when ye were out in the field?Think you all are too worried about weight! Wonder how we managed to walk in Viet Nam carrying a 10 kilo M-60 Machinegun, 2 hand grenades, couple hundred rounds of ammo, 4 quarts of water, one claymore mine...plus canned food for several days. Our infantry walked the scout dogs into the ground and the dogs carried nothing.
Best thing I ever read about traveling light was from a French doctor ---take 2 kilos of sugar and a half kilo of salt and NEVER carry water, or clothes. That is all you need for two weeks.
Hey everyone,
Im leaving for burgos to start my camino next wednesday, I had decided to not book any hostels, as I was hoping my camino experience would help me to "go with the flow" more, and learn to be more relaxed etc. But now im worried that I wont get a bed!
Also I packed my bag and its 15kg! Im gonna leave the sleeping bag at home and just take a silk liner. I have to bring a lot of medication so i think thats partly the cause, (15kg is wayyyy to heavy though).
I am going on my own and dont have any spanish.
Oh no why did I decide to do the camino!
WAAAAAAAAA!!!!! (retreats to corner and resumes the foetal position).
Ok Ive gotten all my fears and worries out in the open.
Please help! I need advice!
This forum is very helpful!
I'M PANICKING TOO!!! I leave Monday for Madrid and my pack is still too heavy. Can someone tell me how cold it is?? I have a waterproof jacket and a light-weight jacket, I planned to layer them if it got too cold, but I could leave one or the other. Do I need a wool hat? Gloves? Every time I read a new list, I find things on it that I was not planning to take. Swiss army knife? Flashlight? I bought them based on a recommendation, but they are staying home, because they are too heavy. My clothes are: 1 merino t-shirt, one short sleeve camp shirt, one long-sleeve camp shirt (these are the light-weight, moisture-wicking, fishing style shirts); one pair of zip-off trouser/shorts; one pair rain paints, 2 pair smart wool socks, 2 pair silk sock liners. When I add the rest of the recommendations, I'm too heavy!! Quick-dry camp towel, silk liner, very light weight sleeping bag, soap (in a ziplock), deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, nail clippers, sunscreen, small roll toilet paper, small baggie of baby wipes, light-weight spork utensil, 4 clothes pins, sandals, sample-sized neosporin, benedryl, small tube of aquaphor, and a few band-aids; nail clippers, hairbrush, my prescription medications and glucometer, tiny camera, iPhone and chargers. I don't know where else to trim the weight.
Thanks, Irishgkurrl! I already switched to a bar soap that I can use for hair, body, and laundry. Still considering whether to leave the rain jacket and rain pants at home. Otherwise, (besides the baby wipes) I don't think I have anything else I can ditch! Of course, as I walk I'm sure my opinion of "essential" will most likely change. Perhaps I'll get to see you in Santiago!Ronnie your list sounds perfect! Maybe ditch the liner if you have a sleeping bag which will shave at least 150g off the total weight... What I found helpful to do was see if you can get lighter alternatives... like solid shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo. Lush do a lovely one called SeaNik solid shampoo. Really nice. Just check the 5-star reviews here... https://www.lush.co.uk/products/seanik Also solid detergent soap like Dr Bonners Magic Soaps - use about half a bar as its 140g full size and you won't need all of it. http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/BARSOAP/OBAL05.html I used muslin as my travel towel (on recommendation here) and it was great- lightweight and dries quickly. I suggest you consider leaving the baby wipes at home as they are heavy. For medicines (non prescribed) such as antihistamines etc, consider just taking a few tablets rather than a full packet... same goes for toothpaste... its amazing how it all adds up to a few hundred grams in saved weight...
Its also amazing how walking 20km with a too-heavy pack focuses the mind on what is essential and what is not!lol
Hope that helps!
Thanks, Irishgkurrl! I already switched to a bar soap that I can use for hair, body, and laundry. Still considering whether to leave the rain jacket and rain pants at home. Otherwise, (besides the baby wipes) I don't think I have anything else I can ditch! Of course, as I walk I'm sure my opinion of "essential" will most likely change. Perhaps I'll get to see you in Santiago!
My pack is at 8 kg. But it's more than 10% of my body weight. I'll just walk slowly and take it easy. I am so excited! Buen Camino!I'm doing a different route this time (did the camino Frances in Sept-Oct 2012). This time I walk the Le Puy Route in France all the way to St Jean PdeP where I began my first caminoI begin walking on April 15th!
Advice wise... I suggest you bring your rain jacket... it will keep you warm on cool mornings and if it rains dry and warm in downpours... What does your pack weight come to by the way... Anything in the region of 7kg is fine... You can always post stuff home if you find you have too much and can let go of certain things.. so all is not lost if you bring too much...
Buen camino
Yes ur right about toiletries, they are the heaviest things in my pack. Yep I'd love to see the packing list, so I can compare it to what I'm bringing, thanks!Hi Bumblebee - don't worry - its normal to be nervous, scared, excited and a whole other gamut of emotions... you will be fine... seriously... people are friendly along the way... happy and open to make new friends... a smile and a friendly attitude goes a long way on the camino and I think you will be fine... PS I didn't speak much Spanish at all either (and still don't) and many others are in the same boat.... alot of people (if not most) doing the camino speak english - trust me you are fine...
And yes your bag is waaaaay too heavy.... you should be aiming not to be carrying any more than 7kg in your bag (including the weight of the bag itself) as when you add water and some food it'll bring it over 8 to 8.5kg.... personally I find that anything above that becomes tiring to carry (well anything above 6kg is noticeable... ideally no more than 8kg incl food and water but it is hard to achieve that)... If it helps I can send you my packing list??? - I am going to do the Le Puy Route next week - you really should only bring the bare minimum and yes even then it can be challenging to keep the weight down (I'm finding it tricky myself)... Toiletries are the hidden heavies in backpacks... I use Lush solid shampoo called SeaNik - really lovely and it doesn't make your hair feel sticky... lighter alternatives than the regular liquid stuff lasts longer and makes all the difference. My packing list is not quite finished but it will give you an idea at least....
No problem - if you message me your email address I can email it to you? I don't want to share my email address on hereYes ur right about toiletries, they are the heaviest things in my pack. Yep I'd love to see the packing list, so I can compare it to what I'm bringing, thanks!
Thanks, Irishgkurrl! I already switched to a bar soap that I can use for hair, body, and laundry. Still considering whether to leave the rain jacket and rain pants at home. Otherwise, (besides the baby wipes) I don't think I have anything else I can ditch! Of course, as I walk I'm sure my opinion of "essential" will most likely change. Perhaps I'll get to see you in Santiago!
I'M PANICKING TOO!!! I leave Monday for Madrid and my pack is still too heavy. Can someone tell me how cold it is?? I have a waterproof jacket and a light-weight jacket, I planned to layer them if it got too cold, but I could leave one or the other. Do I need a wool hat? Gloves? Every time I read a new list, I find things on it that I was not planning to take. Swiss army knife? Flashlight? I bought them based on a recommendation, but they are staying home, because they are too heavy. My clothes are: 1 merino t-shirt, one short sleeve camp shirt, one long-sleeve camp shirt (these are the light-weight, moisture-wicking, fishing style shirts); one pair of zip-off trouser/shorts; one pair rain paints, 2 pair smart wool socks, 2 pair silk sock liners. When I add the rest of the recommendations, I'm too heavy!! Quick-dry camp towel, silk liner, very light weight sleeping bag, soap (in a ziplock), deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, nail clippers, sunscreen, small roll toilet paper, small baggie of baby wipes, light-weight spork utensil, 4 clothes pins, sandals, sample-sized neosporin, benedryl, small tube of aquaphor, and a few band-aids; nail clippers, hairbrush, my prescription medications and glucometer, tiny camera, iPhone and chargers. I don't know where else to trim the weight.
Something is not adding up.....that list is pretty good, but the 12 kg seems high.
Are you adding in the weight of the clothes you will be wearing? I know they all count, weights quoted refer to the weight of the pack when they are not naked.
The iPhone can be a good flashlight and decent camera. The warm clothes do not need to be wind proof if you have a rain jacket.....and not all fleece is created equal either.
You can buy any of the toiletries on the way so be sure the containers are small.
My Keen sandals weigh about 5x what a pair of Crocs weigh in at.
Is your pack a monster?
anyone have other ideas where all that weight comes from?
Yes ur right about toiletries, they are the heaviest things in my pack. Yep I'd love to see the packing list, so I can compare it to what I'm bringing, thanks!
Jeez. Peace, man. You are on the Camino now, Try to fill your thoughts with a completely different mindset. We are only into a battle with oneself here.Think you all are too worried about weight! Wonder how we managed to walk in Viet Nam carrying a 10 kilo M-60 Machinegun, 2 hand grenades, couple hundred rounds of ammo, 4 quarts of water, one claymore mine...plus canned food for several days.Best thing I ever read about traveling light was from a French doctor ---take 2 kilos of sugar and a half kilo of salt and NEVER carry water, or clothes. That is all you need for two weeks.
A lightweight [20-30grams] poncho? I'm wondering how it would perform under very wet & windy conditions. I have visions of me up on Bald Hill behind our small town trying to put a very cheap and lightweight poncho over myself and my pack. Hilarious. The sort of thing one sees on YouTube. Once the poncho was 'on' [trying not to fall over with laughter] I headed down the hill. Talk about 'wind tunnel'. Impossible to move forward and the material swirled and lifted even though I tied the poncho at waist level with 2 shoelaces tied together. [No, not from the shoes I had on, that would have been inviting disaster!] Within less than a minute, after another wrestling match, the poncho was off then the folding up process began. I'm sure you get the picture...Don't. Buy a lightweight (20-30 grams) poncho that also cover your rucksack instead.
Hi, they weigh around 300g. No idea what is 'best' ... I took the poncho as I do the camino in the Summer and actually needed it both times. If it rains heavily you still get wet but it does keep your rucksack and all your gear dry without the need for a raincover. Parts of your body that do get wet soon dry off! I had no probs putting it on and off even on my own but it does make you look like the hunch-back of Notre -Dame lol
My husband walked in April/May and took both the rain jacket/rainproof trousers combination AND the poncho and at times had to use them together but then he had horrible (to me!) weather inc. snow.
Whatever you choose, buen camino!
Super idea. When I checked the weather for the first two days or so, it appears to be fine.I don't know if this is allowed or not but there is also a shop in Pamplona that sells them....Depending on the weather forecast, (enquire at StJean) you could maybe save yourself the extra weight for that first day up the Pyrenees...
Ah, yes...something else I've always wanted to ask. Does anyone have experience of carrying a small light bag at the front?
I was surprised to find that rather than weighing me down, I felt more 'balanced'. I've noticed in photos that some folk carry camera equipment and/or valuables at the front. Is the weight of this front pack added to the overall weight when stating 'my pack weighs...', or does it somehow, magically just sit there without becoming a burden?
My pack is down to 10 kg! I can't get it any lighter!
It worked perfect on VdlP in wind, rain and snow.A lightweight [20-30grams] poncho? I'm wondering how it would perform under very wet & windy conditions.
Weight is weight, so yes it counts. But, how you wear that weight counts different. Our walking mechanics work best when we walk upright. A backpack shifts our center of gravity backwards, and so we have to lean forward to compensate, and that puts stress on our normal posture, joints, etc. Over time, we build up strength and adapt to the forward lean.Is the weight of this front pack added to the overall weight when stating 'my pack weighs...', or does it somehow, magically just sit there without becoming a burden?
.A lightweight [20-30grams] poncho? I'm wondering how it would perform under very wet & windy conditions.
It worked perfect on VdlP in wind, rain and snow
Off topic, but I'm curious where you typically hike where you can drink surface water w/o filtration or purification. I know there's a lot of debate on the need for any form of treatment of water once far enough away from civilization. My personal preference is the Sawyer inline that Sheryl is taking.I normally don't treat any water.
As I recall, all my cuben fibre is translucent. Is your laundry day out in the woods, or in town???I don't carry any "spare" clothes. I can wear my rain suit on laundry day.
Pano, where is that packing list? I'd love to see a post-camino list. SuzanneWelcome to this forum, bumblebee.
Yes, you definitely have to work on that backpack-weight, but you know that yourself. I hesitate to attach a pack list that I made after my camino last fall, because I certainly don't want to add to your anxiety, but attached it is. Compare it with your own list and even if you add some stuff, you should end up with half of the current weight. Also remember: you can always buy things on the way, if really, really necessary.
As for your trip next week, reeeelaaaax! You will have no problem finding a bed, besides that there are plenty of reasonably cost pensions, hostals and small hotels. I am sure that you got a list of places to go, if not, you'll find them on this site.
I don't know from where you will arrive from and at what time of the day, but why not planning in on spending 2 nights to get accustomed to Spanish air? Enjoy every minute of your Camino, I certainly envy you!
Buen Camino!
Pano, where is that packing list? I'd love to see a post-camino list. Suzanne
I'M PANICKING TOO!!! I leave Monday for Madrid and my pack is still too heavy. Can someone tell me how cold it is?? I have a waterproof jacket and a light-weight jacket, I planned to layer them if it got too cold, but I could leave one or the other. Do I need a wool hat? Gloves? Every time I read a new list, I find things on it that I was not planning to take. Swiss army knife? Flashlight? I bought them based on a recommendation, but they are staying home, because they are too heavy. My clothes are: 1 merino t-shirt, one short sleeve camp shirt, one long-sleeve camp shirt (these are the light-weight, moisture-wicking, fishing style shirts); one pair of zip-off trouser/shorts; one pair rain paints, 2 pair smart wool socks, 2 pair silk sock liners. When I add the rest of the recommendations, I'm too heavy!! Quick-dry camp towel, silk liner, very light weight sleeping bag, soap (in a ziplock), deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, nail clippers, sunscreen, small roll toilet paper, small baggie of baby wipes, light-weight spork utensil, 4 clothes pins, sandals, sample-sized neosporin, benedryl, small tube of aquaphor, and a few band-aids; nail clippers, hairbrush, my prescription medications and glucometer, tiny camera, iPhone and chargers. I don't know where else to trim the weight.
Wow! Good job. Mine is still 18 lbs. I'll figure out what essential really means soon!! I'm in Frankfurt now, next stop - Madrid.
Hey everyone,
Im leaving for burgos to start my camino next wednesday, I had decided to not book any hostels, as I was hoping my camino experience would help me to "go with the flow" more, and learn to be more relaxed etc. But now im worried that I wont get a bed!
Also I packed my bag and its 15kg! Im gonna leave the sleeping bag at home and just take a silk liner. I have to bring a lot of medication so i think thats partly the cause, (15kg is wayyyy to heavy though).
I am going on my own and dont have any spanish.
Oh no why did I decide to do the camino!
WAAAAAAAAA!!!!! (retreats to corner and resumes the foetal position).
Ok Ive gotten all my fears and worries out in the open.
Please help! I need advice!
This forum is very helpful!
Good point! A truer way to list, or know, the weight of your gear is to weigh everything and list it as "from skin out". My gear, with 5 oz of food and 2 liters of water, is 9 kilos (19.8 lbs.) from skin out; 7.1 k (15.5 lbs.) carried.Hi Ronnie,
Good on you, its your backpack and you sound very happy at 18 lbs. There are far too many opinions on the theme of pack weights here, that it just totally confuses me let alone the newbies.
Weights range from 2.8 kg ( base weight ) to 15 kg. Quite what constitutes " base weight " beats me, and some suggestions don't even include water.
The weight of the pack should be the amount it weighs on your back as you set off " walking " on your camino.
As this it is a personal choice nobody can tell you let alone suggest it is too heavy, unless they offer to carry it for you. Now that is a practical solution
Good on you.......................You sound sooooooooooooooo excited I'm sure you could crush a grape.
Good point! A truer way to list, or know, the weight of your gear is to weigh everything and list it as "from skin out". My gear, with 5 oz of food and 2 liters of water, is 9 kilos (19.8 lbs.) from skin out; 7.1 k (15.5 lbs.) carried.
Indeed. You will need it. Skip all the things that would make you look pretty: Look like the rest of us. You may even look prettier without them...Put that sleeping bag back into your backpack
My husband is with you on not obsessing so much about pack weight..Tissues at the ready...........set off from Roncevalles around 06.30 stopping for coffee & breakfast at the Bar Fronton in Burgette on your left in the square.
By now you will be walking with friends, time flies when you are having fun walking and talking on the Camino.
Last year I met a young lady ( well at my age they are all young ) as I was leaving Burgos, she was only going to walk 21 km that day. We walked we talked eventually we had covered 31 km, she was amazed at her achievement.
It is possible to get further than you had ever imagined, by simply taking one step at a time. Alas story of my life ,I will be on the Via de la Plata this year.
Now wipe your eyes and no more doubts..................just keep repeating...........Yes I can....Yes I can....Yes I can................................
Think you all are too worried about weight! Wonder how we managed to walk in Viet Nam carrying a 10 kilo M-60 Machinegun, 2 hand grenades, couple hundred rounds of ammo, 4 quarts of water, one claymore mine...plus canned food for several days. Our infantry walked the scout dogs into the ground and the dogs carried nothing.
Best thing I ever read about traveling light was from a French doctor ---take 2 kilos of sugar and a half kilo of salt and NEVER carry water, or clothes. That is all you need for two weeks.
Kanga, can one buy these pocket packs locally? Just for emergency! My plan is that, I pass a town with facilities, I will use them. I figure that on the Camino Frances, I should hit a town more than every 3 or 4 hrs.Ditch the baby wipes. They are heavy. If you feel you need a substitute take a tiny bottle of that magic alcohol gel stuff instead. I don't carry toilet paper, just a pocket pack of tissues in a pocket in case the bar toilet is out. I never, never, never leave toilet paper on the path.
Hi Suzanne, I am walking around the same time...I am going to bring a ltwt fleece jacket. I am, however, not bringing a sleeping bag, but a liner and a blanket.I've been following this thread with interest. I 'm a big girl at 170 pounds...that could make my pack 17 pounds. I want to take no phone , but an ipad mini for blog and skype, a camera, and a little keyboard as I'm lousy at typing on touchscreen . Also minimal sketchbook and a few pens. I'm an artist/writer so I know I would really use and enjoy these things. Am I asking for permission? Well, maybe. I am going for 6 weeks and walking slowly. Those little electronics really do take up a lot of weight. One question.... hiking June 5-July 15, do I need a lightweight fleece jacket? I have a long-sleeved shirt and light wind shell. I am taking a synthetic Marmot Nanowave 55 bag rather than a down one.
Kanga, can one buy these pocket packs locally? Just for emergency! My plan is that, I pass a town with facilities, I will use them. I figure that on the Camino Frances, I should hit a town more than every 3 or 4 hrs.
Kris
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