- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances 2007,
Via Francigena Italy, 2008,
Jakobsweg Austria 2010,
Camino Frances 2011,
Le Puy to Lourdes 2012,
Via de la Plata 2013,
Future:
Ökumenischer (Via Regia), Germany,
Lycian Way, Turkey
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I am 62. I have survived to this age without carrying water bottles with me night and day, at home, in the car, or at work (for 20 years in the tropics). Never. I have more than the 'recommended' amount of caffeine per day (though as a physician I am very sceptical of recommended amounts) , and black coffee is my main source of fluid outside of cooking. I have never bought in to 'three litres a day' nor any other slogan. I have walked on camino five times, and completed several marathons without any rigid policy of hydration, and certainly not pre-hydration, nor ever used any additive salts. I do drink bottled water on marathons, just for the convenience. Generally, I do what my grannies did - I use common sense. I DO carry water with me on the camino. I usually buy a plastic bottle of water at the airport on arrival in Spain and refill it from nearest tap whenever it is empty. It will easily last three or four weeks. On the road, from a fuente, at base from the bathroom or kitchen in the albergue. I don't pay too much attention to signs advising me on potability or otherwise. I kind of look at it and see if it looks clean. I am totally respectful of what other people wish to do, but I don't have to agree with them. And I certainly shy away from telling other people what they should do. Sometimes in the tropics I needed to boil water, whether from a domestic tap or a well or whatever, and filter it. I am hugely aware of the problems of waterborne diseases and have spent a lot of time treating them. But Spain is a developed country. I think bottled water is a con, and I buy the one bottle per camino, for the bottle not for the water. I quite often use a bladder which I bought six years ago in my rucksack. Again I fill it from the bathroom tap. Every so often I think I ought to clean it, though I don't know how, and I have never got around to it yet.
I am open to advice on what is the best thing to do with my single plastic bottle at the end of the camino.
There's a recommended amount of caffeine per day? Black coffee is my main source of fluid too!!!I have more than the 'recommended' amount of caffeine per day (though as a physician I am very skeptical of recommended amounts) , and black coffee is my main source of fluid outside of cooking.
Based on the last time I read this tip I ordered a Clip n' Sip and have used on multiple 15 mile hikes. I really like it! Thanks so much for passing this info along. I use it in conjunction with my SmarTube. Great set up. The lady who introduced me to the idea of doing the camino (she walked a few years ago) saw my set up and said "Where did you get that??" She said she is ordering one also. Very handy gadget....Personally, over three, soon to be four Caminos starting this coming Thursday, I have used NiteIze "Clip n' Sip" stainless steel clips to fasten the bottles to the front of my rucksack harness or waist belt. This keeps the bottles handy, and moves at least 1 Kg of weight to the front of my harness, improving weight distribution. It is not necessary to carry bottles in the side pockets of your rucksack.
NiteIze "Clip n' Sip" stainless steel clips
I ordered three different ones from Amazon, and this is the one I kept. My 8" tablet fits inside, which holds my guidebooks and music (for the ukulele I'm bringing). The bottle holders are deep enough that the bottles are secure (unlike one of the packs, in which the bottles tended to tumble out). And I really like the straps that go around the bottle holders. You can snug up the pack, similar to the pack lifter straps on a backpack.Hi @Seabird - just wondering which waist pack you have please?
I ordered three different ones from Amazon, and this is the one I kept. My 8" tablet fits inside, which holds my guidebooks and music (for the ukulele I'm bringing). The bottle holders are deep enough that the bottles are secure (unlike one of the packs, in which the bottles tended to tumble out). And I really like the straps that go around the bottle holders. You can snug up the pack, similar to the pack lifter straps on a backpack.
Of course, with the bottles full, the waist pack sags down some. But I adjust the tension so it sits at a comfortable position. I've used it multiple times, with and without my full backpack, and I find it works well for me.
One thing I haven't seen addressed in this discussion is whether it's a good idea to re-use disposable plastic bottles. I was under the impression that the plastic breaks down quickly after the first use and may have things leeching into the water that we wouldn't want to ingest. I have stopped doing that, maybe out of an abundance of caution, and bring some of those PBA-free bottles. Then refills from the tap.
@auldies - don't beat yourself up! It's an evolving process. I've made several changes after I bought some things. I started with a smaller waist pack and swapped the poncho I bought for a different one. And I invested in a nice Patagonia jacket, which I've decided to leave behind. These are some of the biggest changes (and money), but we can only make the decision that seems right at the time. As one forum member gently reminded me, it's good for me to let go of being the most prepared pilgrim ever. Because, despite all the "right" decisions beforehand, everything may get all changed up on the path, anyway.That looks great! Thank you. I fear I have made some poor decisions in buying equipment even though I did a lot of research beforehand
Buen Camino
Yes, dorky is the word, isn't it! There's nothing flattering about it, but it balances well with a pack on my back. Here's a pic for anyone considering whether s/he wishes to be seen in one.Hi, Seabird, so glad to see someone else with a waist pack as dorky as mine! I carry two half liter REI bottles, one in each of those little side pockets, and it is all quite comfortable. Though it certainly makes having a "sleek uncluttered" look impossible!
Do you have a link for these please?
I can't seem to find them on their website.
Thank you.
I was a confirmed water bladder advocate for many reasons - ease of use, lengevity and it all woorked quite well until one time in Burgos when I filled it from the albergue tap. first sip and it was disgusting. Very strong chlorine taint so I dumped it all out at the first fuente and refilled but (was it me?) the bladder never tasted the same again.
it's good for me to let go of being the most prepared pilgrim ever.
We all get to where we need to go, one way or another. And thanks for the vote of sartorial confidence.Thank you @Seabird. I can definitely relate to the above.
Feeling a little better about some of the equipment choices that haven't worked out (pre Camino) after your kind words and my man's encouragement.
Carol
PS I don't think your waist pack looks at all dorky
Not dorky at all. What would you say about mine then?Yes, dorky is the word, isn't it! There's nothing flattering about it, but it balances well with a pack on my back. Here's a pic for anyone considering whether s/he wishes to be seen in one.View attachment 25007
Not dorky at all. What would you say about mine then?
PS (Although it's a photo hip-pack with two side pockets ideal to fit 500ml bottles)
We've used them and they are great. They weigh almost nothing and roll up into almost nothing so we take 3 and fill up however many we think we'll need. A great product.I use a collapsible water bottle - saves room when it doesn't have water and weighs a lot less than a regular plastic bottle. Also clips onto my pack - https://www.rei.com/product/862538/vapur-element-water-bottle-34-fl-oz
Thank you @Seabird. I can definitely relate to the above.
Feeling a little better about some of the equipment choices that haven't worked out (pre Camino) after your kind words and my man's encouragement.
Carol
PS I don't think your waist pack looks at all dorky
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