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At first I used a small bag but found it wasn't comfortable. So I bought a duffle bag at a "china" store in Spain and put all the extras into it (sleeping bag, extra clothes, extra medicine) and sent that ahead with the luggage transfer company. I spent a lot of time and money getting the right backpack, so I found it was great to still use my backpack each day.
At first I used a small bag but found it wasn't comfortable. So I bought a duffle bag at a "china" store in Spain and put all the extras into it (sleeping bag, extra clothes, extra medicine) and sent that ahead with the luggage transfer company. I spent a lot of time and money getting the right backpack, so I found it was great to still use my backpack each day.
Perhaps you could lace up the pack to hold things closer to the back. Or you could could carry your sleeping bag or quilt fluffed up to fill most of the pack's space with the transport service carrying the heavier items like your spare footwear and clothes.I have been considering doing as you have related, but am concerned that if I choose to use a luggage transfer, and use my current 38 L backpack that without it being full all the weight will be at the bottom and so I’m wondering If I should switch to smaller daypack- even though that’s not my preference.
That’s kind of what I was thinking. It’s crazy how we/ I obsess over all of this isn’t it? I’m just trying to do what I can to be prepared and enjoy myself. Thanks for your input.Perhaps you could lace up the pack to hold things closer to the back. Or you could could carry your sleeping bag or quilt fluffed up to fill most of the pack's space with the transport service carrying the heavier items like your spare footwear and clothes.
I don't think this should be a problem for that size of backpack and the amount of weight you will be carrying. You likely have a pouch at the top you can use for some "heavy" items, your spare jacket and rain gear go in the main part, and water in the side pouches. If it fits properly, the weight will mostly be transferred to your hips, anyway, so I don't think it would be a problem to dump everything in the main part.if I choose to use a luggage transfer, and use my current 38 L backpack that without it being full all the weight will be at the bottom
but for those who would like to only use the service occasionally (e.g. on particularly difficult days or after injury), how do you carry your stuff during the day (water, food, extra layers, etc) if you send your backpack ahead?
BTW is it possible to send “care packages” or send luggage ahead not to Santiago but to the next main stop (e.g from SJPdP to Logrono then to Leon etc)? I may need to replenish my medications etc every so often and don’t want to carry too much at a time.For a normal size pack, it was 5 euros until Sarria, then 3 euros. There is a sliding scale of fees I think as I saw some people sending giant suitcases ahead, they were paying more than 5 euros. Try the Jacotrans website.
So it costs the same to transfer it daily and to a particular city in one go? (Ie 5 euro for next town or 20 euro for 4 towns ahead?)You can send packs/backpacks/boxes ahead to any city along the way with luggage transfer, you just have to write the proper tags on the packs you are sending and add the correct amount of money in a little envelope, or pay online, depending on the company.
A lot of people usually send their things to every stop, so they have their bag at the end of the day. You can send your extra medications with your backpack.
Also, if you need things that can be bought over the counter, you will find pharmacies quite often. every medium/large village has at least one.
So it costs the same to transfer it daily and to a particular city in one go? (Ie 5 euro for next town or 20 euro for 4 towns ahead?)
You can mail things to yourself to post offices along the way. Check to find out how long they will hold them.BTW is it possible to send “care packages” or send luggage ahead not to Santiago but to the next main stop (e.g from SJPdP to Logrono then to Leon etc)? I may need to replenish my medications etc every so often and don’t want to carry too much at a time.
It’s typically 5 euro. Super safe (it’s their business. You’ll always find your bag waiting for you. I think 25lb is the limit. You can make pickup request here. https://www.jacotrans.es/en/ Best to do it before 8pm the night before. Note that there are different #’s to call for four regions or you can email request. If this is confusing, ask your host to help you. Their FB page was also easy.How much are you typically charged for transportation? Is there a limit to the size of the pack they will transport for you? Is it safe?
I had to look up hiking umbrella after I read this. OMG best invention ever. Definitely will need to get one before my camino!I had a backpack flight cover with me, like a big dry sack, that came in very handy for sending the heavy stuff ahead when I needed to walk a little lighter due to foot injury. I could even share it with my two walking companions thus lightening their load for the day as well. And I still had my backpack on me to attach my hiking umbrella to.
I carried mine for over thirty days and used it once. You need to balance its handiness against its weight.Definitely will need to get one before my camino!
I had to look up hiking umbrella after I read this. OMG best invention ever. Definitely will need to get one before my camino!
...how do you carry your stuff during the day (water, food, extra layers, etc) if you send your backpack ahead?
I'm searching for an umbrella, which one did you use?I found my hands free umbrella to be invaluable for providing shade on the Meseta.
I am searching for an umbrella. Which one did you use?I used mine practically every day, once for rain, the other 35 days for the sun. It made such a difference! Highly recommended.
I have the Euroschirm telescoping handsfree umbrella. It's the heaviest item in my backpack, but wonderful for providing shade on the Meseta.I am searching for an umbrella. Which one did you use?
If anyone can modify it to work, you can. Did you get the silver reflective one? I'm thinking any color will do to provide relief from the sun on del Norte. Yes?I have the Euroschirm telescoping handsfree umbrella. It's the heaviest item in my backpack, but wonderful for providing shade on the Meseta.
I used it on both times that I did the Camino Frances.
Before my Camino year on the Norte I bought a lighter weight euroschirm umbrella that's not handsfree. I made some attachments with velcro, but they didn't work as well as the clips that came with the handsfree version. Unfortunately, the clips are too big for the new unbrella, but I think that I'm going to try to modify them to work.
Yes, I have the silver one. I used it more for rain - yes in July and August! on the Norte. Everyone said that it was a particularly wet summer.If anyone can modify it to work, you can. Did you get the silver reflective one? I'm thinking any color will do to provide relief from the sun on del Norte. Yes?
You say it was wet and rainy but was it cold??Yes, I have the silver one. I used it more for rain - yes in July and August! on the Norte. Everyone said that it was a particularly wet summer.
No, it wasn't cold. It was pretty hot some days, but there was usually a cool breeze - the advantage of being near the coast. It did get really hot at the end, when the trail went inland towards Santiago. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I hurt my leg and couldn't walk during those really hot days.You say it was wet and rainy but was it cold??
So, there would only be need for a pack cover and maybe a lightweight rain jacket? or a lightweight inexpensive poncho? Or just cover pack and soak up the rain to cool off?No, it wasn't cold. It was pretty hot some days, but there was usually a cool breeze - the advantage of being near the coast. It did get really hot at the end, when the trail went inland towards Santiago. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I hurt my leg and couldn't walk during those really hot days.
I have a "parcho" that I made (of course) from a kit from Quest Outfitters. It's like a poncho with sleeves and zip up the front. When it's just drizzling I adjust it to just cover my pack, but when it's really pouring I wear it normally. I also sometimes use my umbrella with the parcho, because it's easier to see without the hood.So, there would only be need for a pack cover and maybe a lightweight rain jacket? or a lightweight inexpensive poncho? Or just cover pack and soak up the rain to cool off?Oh wait, I'll have an umbrella. Are you all healed up and planning your return to the Norte?
You are so crafty, a talent that escapes me.I have a "parcho" that I made (of course) from a kit from Quest Outfitters. It's like a poncho with sleeves and zip up the front. When it's just drizzling I adjust it to just cover my pack, but when it's really pouring I wear it normally. I also sometimes use my umbrella with the parcho, because it's easier to see without the hood.
I think that I want to do a hybrid Camino in the spring - The Frances to León, then the Salvador to Oviedo, and connect to the Norte in Avilés. I would repeat a few stages of the Norte that way. However, if I find that i'm walking with a group that I really connect with on the Frances I might continue on with them to Santiago, then bus to Vilalba, where I had to abandon the Norte and finish that up.
I am searching for an umbrella. Which one did you use?
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