Question about occasional luggage transfer

[shierly]

So.. I'm in research stage of my camino, and I have a question about luggage transfer that I can't seem to find the answer for anywhere.

I understand that people who use daily luggage transfer will have a day pack with them too, 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?

Thanks.

 

[CdnDreamer]

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.

 

[shierly]

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.

Oh I like that idea.. there are lightweight foldable duffel bags too.

 

[Linda Berger]

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.

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.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

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.

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.

 

[Linda Berger]

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.

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.

 

[C clearly]

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

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.
.
For sure, don't use a flimsy little backpack. (And I wouldn't carry my sleeping bag just to fill the space.)

Really it won't be a problem.

 

[Linda Berger]

Thank you for weighing in! This is such a marvelous community and it gives me great hope that I will enjoy this same level of camaraderie while walking my Camino.

 

[Anamya]

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?

Inside my backpack, I always carry a mini-backpack I bought in Decathlon for less than AUD5. It weights 100g.
https://www.decathlon.com.au/p/8331388_arpenaz-10l-day-hiking-backpack-blue-purple.html#/9-235-_

(I've been so happy since Decathlon opened in Australia!)

The few times I sent my backpack ahead, this little one was enough to carry the basics (documents, socks, poncho, water, etc). On the other days, that is what I used to walk around towns, if I could leave my normal pack at the accomodations. I thought it was lighter and easier to deal with than a duffle bag, which is also an interesting option.

In days that were raining, I would also chuck a few items inside it, then inside the normal bag, then everything under the poncho just to add an extra layer between important things and rain

 

[shierly]

Thanks everyone! You’ve been very helpful as always!

 

[lugares1989]

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?

 

[Anamiri]

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.

 

[shierly]

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.

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.

 

[Anamya]

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.

 

[shierly]

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?)

 

[Anamya]

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?)

Yup, they usually charge "per stage" (one stage being roughly 10km-25km).

 

[trecile]

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.

You can mail things to yourself to post offices along the way. Check to find out how long they will hold them.

 

[Glamgrrl]

You can’t send things four stops ahead unless you made arrangements with an albergue to hold it for you. The service limits distance it will drop bags. Jacotrans os great. Ask them via their Facebook page or twitter.

 

[Yoyo]

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.

 

[Glamgrrl]

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?

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.

 

[shierly]

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 had to look up hiking umbrella after I read this. OMG best invention ever. Definitely will need to get one before my camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Definitely will need to get one before my camino!

I carried mine for over thirty days and used it once. You need to balance its handiness against its weight.

 

[trecile]

I found my hands free umbrella to be invaluable for providing shade on the Meseta.

 

[Yoyo]

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 used mine practically every day, once for rain, the other 35 days for the sun. It made such a difference! Highly recommended.

 

[Scott Fraser]

...how do you carry your stuff during the day (water, food, extra layers, etc) if you send your backpack ahead?

We bought a 20 liter dry sack at REI to hold things we needed to ship ahead. It was also useful as “carry-on” for the flights to and from Spain.

 

[FourSeasons]

I found my hands free umbrella to be invaluable for providing shade on the Meseta.

I'm searching for an umbrella, which one did you use?

 

[FourSeasons]

I used mine practically every day, once for rain, the other 35 days for the sun. It made such a difference! Highly recommended.

I am searching for an umbrella. Which one did you use?

 

[trecile]

I am searching for an umbrella. Which one did you use?

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.

 

[FourSeasons]

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.

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?

 

[trecile]

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?

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.

 

[FourSeasons]

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.

You say it was wet and rainy but was it cold??

 

[trecile]

You say it was wet and rainy but was it cold??

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.

 

[FourSeasons]

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.

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?

 

[trecile]

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?

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.

 

[FourSeasons]

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.

You are so crafty, a talent that escapes me. Looks like you have it all planned out, sounds great! I'll keep you posted on the silk sleep sack, another great creation of yours.

 

[Yoyo]

I am searching for an umbrella. Which one did you use?

I used a hands-free trekking umbrella with UV protective coating by Euroschirm.