Ohiowalker
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (summer 2015, hopefully!)
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Having a phone with you is a good idea even if you never even use it. Personally I wouldn't leave it unattended while charging. Switch it completely off when not using it. You'll find enough opportunities to keep it charged up. Make sure you bring a plug adapter.My first Camino is fast approaching. I'm reading a book written by someone who walked the Camino that's raised a couple of more questions. First, the author suggests that you've got to stay with your phone in an albergue while it's charging or it may be stolen. (I'm aware there are pros and cons of taking a phone; I don't intend to use mine much, but do plan to take it.) Do others agree?
Second, the author apparently often started walking in the mornings before dark, and relied on a headlamp to find his way. I've seen a couple of posts from people who said they took a headlamp and never used it. My current plan is not to start walking before daylight, but I've never done the walk before and wonder if I might change my mind and wish I had a headlamp. (My dates are May 10 - June 27 (SJPP - Muxia), so I don't think it'll be super hot so much that I'll want to start before the sun rises to avoid afternoon heat.)
And a final question not raised by the book. I've tentatively decided to take only a sleeping bag liner, not a sleeping bag. Is it likely that with my dates, I'll be okay, or more likely I'll need a sleeping bag?
Thanks all. Buen Camino.
Hi Cher, I'm planning to walk CF in early Sep to mid Oct. I was thinking about the headlamp. I note that sunrise/sunset time around that period to be around 8.16am/8.30pm. If staying in Albergue, most likely will be out by 7am. Will it be a little dark? If the sunset time is correct, then I'm not too worried about the sunset since I suppose I should have reached destination already.I stay with my phone when it is charging. I took only a liner in Sept-Oct and that is what I would do in May-June. I did not take a head lamp in Sept-October but would if I went again in October. I wouldn't in May-June.
When I began on Sept 9 at SJPP I would leave about 7:15 which worked well for me. Soon it was 7:30 and that was still ok. Before the end of my journey I was having to wait until at least 8:15 and on cloudy days 8:3o to see as clearly as I wanted to. Neither my vision nor balance are too good and I was afraid I would fall if I left before I could see really well. Another option was to follow someone out who had a light, but then I was committed to keeping up with them. I didn't want to use the light on my phone because it drains the battery and my phone was also my camera. The light on the phone was great in the albegues to find the bathroom and check around to make sure I had my items, but not for trail use.Hi Cher, I'm planning to walk CF in early Sep to mid Oct. I was thinking about the headlamp. I note that sunrise/sunset time around that period to be around 8.16am/8.30pm. If staying in Albergue, most likely will be out by 7am. Will it be a little dark? If the sunset time is correct, then I'm not too worried about the sunset since I suppose I should have reached destination already.
Cheers.
Suzanne, if you have the bottom bunk holding a toarch in your hand is not an issue, but if you have to make your way down from the top bunk and climb back up, the headlamp will be more useful, as well as while you're "in the action".The subject of headlamps comes up so often and I have always wondered this: if one chooses to bring a headlamp, why can't one simply carry it with the lamp pointed toward the floor when trying to find the facilities at night? Or with one's hand partially over it? Just because it's a headlamp doesn't mean it has to be on ones head, does it?
I plan to bring a headlamp, but I promise I will be considerate...
Thanks, Damien. That sounds like a better, more versatile idea than the key chain light I was thinking of taking. Sometimes I wake up well before sunrise, and can't go back to sleep even at home, so what you describe is definitely a possibility for me too.Sometimes I have ventured out before sunrise, mostly because I am so amped up to walk I can't sleep, usually at the beginning of the Camino. When this happens, I clip my flashlight to the bill of my baseball cap. It works like a headlamp without all the straps and goofiness. Although my particular model is a couple of years old, I use something like the unit in the link attached. Also note, if you get a Lithium battery, you save weight too.
Using something like this allows you to be discreet in an Alburguee too by carefully positioning your thumb over the light emitting area when others are sleeping while navigating the maze of beds.
http://www.rei.com/product/876834/fenix-ld02-edc-flashlight
Ok, as far as a battery for charging the phone, I have never, ever needed one, and I'm like a electronics junky who brought an iphone, ipad, and digital camera along with on my last four caminos. For me there has always been a plug available at night to charge it enough so that the devices never go dead. That being said, THIS year I am planning to bring a battery (link below) because I want to use my phone's GPS and MapMyRun app to record actual distances and times. This type of constant on and position acquiring for the 6+ hours on a daily hike tends to eat the battery. Very similar to the one you mentioned before.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LRK8IV0/?tag=casaivar02-20
Thanks, everybody. No headlamp for me. I'll be taking a small key chain kind of light to get around an albergue at night and will patiently await daylight to get started in the mornings.
As someone suggested, I'm also thinking about a battery for charging the phone. This one weighs less than 5 ounces and, according to Anker customer service, will charge an iPhone about 3 times:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EF1OGOG/?tag=casaivar02-20
I'm still mulling over the sleeping bag v. liner question for my May 10 departure from SJPP. Perhaps an insulated, somewhat heavier liner like this one (combined with an albergue blanket) would be a good compromise:
http://www.rei.com/product/797114/sea-to-summit-thermolite-reactor-extreme-mummy-bag-liner
Hi what data pack do you use for your phone to use Mapmyrun - I am keen to use this and though it works on GPS only won't save without data? thanks MicheleOk, as far as a battery for charging the phone, I have never, ever needed one, and I'm like a electronics junky who brought an iphone, ipad, and digital camera along with on my last four caminos. For me there has always been a plug available at night to charge it enough so that the devices never go dead. That being said, THIS year I am planning to bring a battery (link below) because I want to use my phone's GPS and MapMyRun app to record actual distances and times. This type of constant on and position acquiring for the 6+ hours on a daily hike tends to eat the battery. Very similar to the one you mentioned before.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LRK8IV0/?tag=casaivar02-20
You might want to consider tying a thin, flexible solar panel onto the top of your Rucksack. Weighing next to nothing, it kept my iPhone fully charged the entire day. There is a wide choice, but a close look at the specs avoids disappointment, many offerings are just toys. I used Fly USB Solar Charger by iLand (www.iland-solar.com).This type of constant on and position acquiring for the 6+ hours on a daily hike tends to eat the battery. Very similar to the one you mentioned before.
My son gave me a Waka Waka for Christmas, I can't wait to test it out.You might want to consider tying a thin, flexible solar panel onto the top of your Rucksack. Weighing next to nothing, it kept my iPhone fully charged the entire day. There is a wide choice, but a close look at the specs avoids disappointment, many offerings are just toys. I used Fly USB Solar Charger by iLand (www.iland-solar.com).
I took only a silk sleep liner - most albergues supplied blankets on request - and I was always warm enough, even when there were no blankets supplied - with lots of bodies around, the air is usually pretty warm at nighttime. Re the phone charging question, I do have to admit that I trusted people and left my phone charging, also my small camera when needed, and I never had any issues with people stealing.My first Camino is fast approaching. I'm reading a book written by someone who walked the Camino that's raised a couple of more questions. First, the author suggests that you've got to stay with your phone in an albergue while it's charging or it may be stolen. (I'm aware there are pros and cons of taking a phone; I don't intend to use mine much, but do plan to take it.) Do others agree?
Second, the author apparently often started walking in the mornings before dark, and relied on a headlamp to find his way. I've seen a couple of posts from people who said they took a headlamp and never used it. My current plan is not to start walking before daylight, but I've never done the walk before and wonder if I might change my mind and wish I had a headlamp. (My dates are May 10 - June 27 (SJPP - Muxia), so I don't think it'll be super hot so much that I'll want to start before the sun rises to avoid afternoon heat.)
And a final question not raised by the book. I've tentatively decided to take only a sleeping bag liner, not a sleeping bag. Is it likely that with my dates, I'll be okay, or more likely I'll need a sleeping bag?
Thanks all. Buen Camino.
Ok, Mapmyrun doesn't require internet data when it is tracking your path. I set my cellular data setting to not allow cellular data for MapMyRun. Now, it is totally true that you need an internet connection in order to save your data. I wait to save the "workout" until an internet connection is available.Hi what data pack do you use for your phone to use Mapmyrun - I am keen to use this and though it works on GPS only won't save without data? thanks Michele
Let me know how this works.My son gave me a Waka Waka for Christmas, I can't wait to test it out.
What time of the year/part of the month did you walk? Also, in all of this about being warm enough at night, it seems the assumption is that there is little or no heat in some/many/all? albergues (other than people's body heat). Is it the case that most albergues have no heat when it's cold outside? Or is that the exception, and not the rule?I took only a silk sleep liner - most albergues supplied blankets on request - and I was always warm enough, even when there were no blankets supplied - with lots of bodies around, the air is usually pretty warm at nighttime. Re the phone charging question, I do have to admit that I trusted people and left my phone charging, also my small camera when needed, and I never had any issues with people stealing.
I walked the CF in October. During the day it was still hot. But at night it was a lot colder, specially at elevations. Yes you can assume most alberques would not have sufficient heat. Even alberques with heating are programmed to cut-off heat after everyone falls asleep for reducing cost. Most will keep windows open to airate the unit. So, i found it very cold at night with my liner. So, ended up buying a light sleeping bag (15c, 700g). Standard silk liners are intended to add extra comfort/warmth and extend the life of a sleeping bag. If you are looking for a liner as an alternative to sleeping bag, a merino wool liner or similar should give bit more warmth and weighs around 500g. So, if counting grams, a warmer liner could be an option.What time of the year/part of the month did you walk? Also, in all of this about being warm enough at night, it seems the assumption is that there is little or no heat in some/many/all? albergues (other than people's body heat). Is it the case that most albergues have no heat when it's cold outside? Or is that the exception, and not the rule?
In 2013 I walked in May to June 24th......we had some very wet and cold days outside, but the Albergues were always warm...most did have heating on for a while during the later afternoons and early evenings but these were turned off during the nighttime hours. I didn't notice anyone complaining of the cold during the nighttime. My second walk was during April last year.....also warm enough in the Albergues during the night.....What time of the year/part of the month did you walk? Also, in all of this about being warm enough at night, it seems the assumption is that there is little or no heat in some/many/all? albergues (other than people's body heat). Is it the case that most albergues have no heat when it's cold outside? Or is that the exception, and not the rule?
... you've got to stay with your phone in an albergue while it's charging or it may be stolen...
...the author apparently often started walking in the mornings before dark, and relied on a headlamp to find his way...
... I've tentatively decided to take only a sleeping bag liner, not a sleeping bag...
Ok, Mapmyrun doesn't require internet data when it is tracking your path. I set my cellular data setting to not allow cellular data for MapMyRun. Now, it is totally true that you need an internet connection in order to save your data. I wait to save the "workout" until an internet connection is available.
But... as an FYI, i typically sign up for an AT&T international data roaming plan before I head to Spain, so I can, if I like, occasionally connect to the internet via cellular. Its sort of expensive.
Andrew, I'm starting from SJPP on May 10 and have - finally - concluded that's what I'll do. Here's from a post from someone else that helped me reach that conclusion: "I had the good luck a few years ago to buy a sleeping bag liner which is essentially a very light down/feather sleeping bag with a zip all round so it opens out flat. Together with the lightest silk liner It has proved perfect for the Camino and has been now with me numerous times, in all sorts of weather - if hot I open it flat, lay it on the bed (hygiene) and sleep on top in a silk sleeping sheet, if middling weather I sleep on top of the silk sleeping sheet with the down liner open on top of me like a counter pane, if cold I get inside the zipped up bag, if very cold inside silk and bag."I am starting from SJPdP on April 22nd and I have purchased a ultra light sleeping bag and a liner. Will I need both?
Thanks
Andrew
Thank you.Andrew, I'm starting from SJPP on May 10 and have - finally - concluded that's what I'll do. Here's from a post from someone else that helped me reach that conclusion: "I had the good luck a few years ago to buy a sleeping bag liner which is essentially a very light down/feather sleeping bag with a zip all round so it opens out flat. Together with the lightest silk liner It has proved perfect for the Camino and has been now with me numerous times, in all sorts of weather - if hot I open it flat, lay it on the bed (hygiene) and sleep on top in a silk sleeping sheet, if middling weather I sleep on top of the silk sleeping sheet with the down liner open on top of me like a counter pane, if cold I get inside the zipped up bag, if very cold inside silk and bag."
My first Camino is fast approaching. I'm reading a book written by someone who walked the Camino that's raised a couple of more questions. First, the author suggests that you've got to stay with your phone in an albergue while it's charging or it may be stolen. (I'm aware there are pros and cons of taking a phone; I don't intend to use mine much, but do plan to take it.) Do others agree?
Second, the author apparently often started walking in the mornings before dark, and relied on a headlamp to find his way. I've seen a couple of posts from people who said they took a headlamp and never used it. My current plan is not to start walking before daylight, but I've never done the walk before and wonder if I might change my mind and wish I had a headlamp. (My dates are May 10 - June 27 (SJPP - Muxia), so I don't think it'll be super hot so much that I'll want to start before the sun rises to avoid afternoon heat.)
And a final question not raised by the book. I've tentatively decided to take only a sleeping bag liner, not a sleeping bag. Is it likely that with my dates, I'll be okay, or more likely I'll need a sleeping bag?
Thanks all. Buen Camino.
Thank you, Adhemar. That's helpful.1. There were numerous times in the albergues where I left my unattended mobile charging for short periods while I was having a shower or washing clothes. I tried to kind of hide it when I did that - putting the mobile under a pillow or sleeping bag or sliding it underneath the bed - although I imagine that if someone had wanted to take it they would have seen it. I never had any problems, but if I was going to be out of the albergue for an extended period of time I would always take the mobile with me.
2. I walked during late September and in October so for most of my Camino it wasn't getting light until about 8.30am I was often trying to get ready in darkness in the albergues, so the headlamp gave me some much-needed light when I was doing that. I was also usually out of the albergue and on the road by 7.30am, so there was always at least an hour of darkness at the start of the walk each day. I took a headlamp with me and I'm glad I did. Quite a number of mornings I would find myself walking in a forest or in the countryside in the dark, and the headlamp was important for picking out puddles and obstacles, and seeing the Camino markers. It might be different for you in May and June, but I couldn't have done without a headlamp in September and October.
3. I had a sleeping bag rated to 5 degrees celsius, and I needed it in September and October. Again, it might be different for you in May and June.
Excellent advice! As I read somewhere recently, the most uncommon of senses is common sense.The subject of headlamps comes up so often and I have always wondered this: if one chooses to bring a headlamp, why can't one simply carry it with the lamp pointed toward the floor when trying to find the facilities at night? Or with one's hand partially over it? Just because it's a headlamp doesn't mean it has to be on ones head, does it?
Yes Suzanne, I agree...hold the headlamp near the floor for a midnight bathroom run, and keep it partly covered. I intend to do that when i leave in just under 2 weeks.The subject of headlamps comes up so often and I have always wondered this: if one chooses to bring a headlamp, why can't one simply carry it with the lamp pointed toward the floor when trying to find the facilities at night? Or with one's hand partially over it? Just because it's a headlamp doesn't mean it has to be on ones head, does it?
I plan to bring a headlamp, but I promise I will be considerate...
there is a huge international phone cartel that exists only to supply non-pilgrims with phones they can't unlock.
Headlamps are incredibly bright in a dark room. Do your room mates a favour. Use the soft glow of your phone/tablet/Ipod.Yes Suzanne, I agree...hold the headlamp near the floor for a midnight bathroom run, and keep it partly covered. I intend to do that when i leave in just under 2 weeks.
... First, the author suggests that you've got to stay with your phone in an albergue while it's charging or it may be stolen. ..
... Second, the author apparently often started walking in the mornings before dark, and relied on a headlamp to find his way. ...
And a final question not raised by the book. I've tentatively decided to take only a sleeping bag liner, not a sleeping bag. Is it likely that with my dates, I'll be okay, or more likely I'll need a sleeping bag?
...
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?