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I love the light weight approach, congratulations on managing on such little weight !
I notice that it relies on always staying in hotels though. Staying in albergues or even sharing a hotel room with a friend (for me) immediately changes things: I need another set of clothes, a sleeping bag, a towel.... Recently I have even reluctantly added a 'bedbug sheet'...
But I love your minimalist approach , way to go!
All this said, on my first camino my bag weighed in at 4.9 kgs on the airport scales and on a later, much longer trip, I carried 6kgs - and that included a tent and mattress. So quite pleased with myself too
Buen camino
Your gear suggestions are excellent. Where I may differ would be in the area of footwear and some essentials. My CPAP device weighs about 3kg, can't leave home without it. Secondly, I don't like to walk with wet feet. I am also 100 ibs heavier. Try carrying a 100 ibs pack with sneakers. So, a lightweight water resistant boot gives me great comfort/support. Others have mentioned items such as sleeping bag, towel etc for shared accommodations. Regular backpack to fit all these essentials is a must.
You are spot on with the idea of ultralight walking. All us can learn some packing discipline from your experience.
Have you considered monetizing those "half gaiters"...I also hate the wet feet, or wet anything for that matter! That's why I made a set of shoe covers out of Cuben Fiber (many other waterproof materials would work as well). They are held over my Hokas with thin shock-cord that goes under the shoes. Surprisingly, this works well and the shock-cord doesn't wear out as quickly as one would think. They keep my feet quite dry in light to moderate rain if there isn't too much wind. My rain pants prevent water from getting inside and cover the back of my shoes. They don't protect against standing water, but I try to avoid puddles. I made a pair for a friend and he liked them as well.
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Have you considered monetizing those "half gaiters"...
I tried it on an android smartphone. That was painful, but from what I was able to glean, your approach is really only relevant to a small range of circumstances that won't apply for most of us.
Thank you for sharing your experiences nonetheless.
You might be right. For a mobile user, the site design doesn't allow easy access in a readable format, which did make it difficult to evaluate. Perhaps when I get to a place where I can see it in a more conventional format, and the poor design isn't limiting the site's utility and accessability, I will have another look at it.Doug, I think you're being a little unfair
A good description is that we're treating it as a series of summer day walks across a country that is predominantly warm but with occasional heavy rain - as opposed to an expedition to Everest - and we bring only things that protect us in the most probable circumstances rather than covering all possibilities
- as opposed to an expedition to Everest
Doug, I think you're being a little unfair
Certainly the picture is pretty ugly and I'd hate to carry everything round my waist but the idea of bringing only a minimal number of ultra-lightweight trail running gear items is one that the majority of Camino walkers should start from - yes, he stays in hotels (as I tend to) but sleeping bag liner plus towel plus flip flops is perfectly fine for albergues over say May-Sept
I have walked the Norte with a 12L pack (http://www.runandbecome.com/item/Gregory/Miwok-12L-Running-Backpack/7ZN) that has all the features of a proper pack - excluding liquid the weight is around 2.5kg - I have carried up to 4L of liquid in addition though 2.5L is a more typical maximum
I bring 1 pair of walking shorts, 2 underpants, 2 t-shirts (Merino icebreaker cool-lite), 4 pairs of barefoot socks, 1 Berghaus rain smock and a Lowe-Alpine hat that covers my neck as well plus my trusty Merrell trail glove shoes - if I walked in April or October, I would add my Berghaus hyper therm jacket and gloves and a warmer hat and maybe long trousers instead of shorts
A good description is that we're treating it as a series of summer day walks across a country that is predominantly warm but with occasional heavy rain - as opposed to an expedition to Everest - and we bring only things that protect us in the most probable circumstances rather than covering all possibilities
You might be right. For a mobile user, the site design doesn't allow easy access in a readable format, which did make it difficult to evaluate. Perhaps when I get to a place where I can see it in a more conventional format, and the poor design isn't limiting the site's utility and accessability, I will have another look at it.
Timothy not sure why, but I am unable to get further than your opening comment and photo. I'm on my Nexus5 Android so will try later on my iMac desktop......Maggie
Text is indecipherable it is so small. When enlarged it does not wrap onto the screen and needs constant scrolling across to read it. There seem to be many layouts that are not mobile friendly. It required far to much effort to find the content on a small screen.Sorry, I didn't put the site together with mobile phones particularly in mind. But having said that, I just took a look at it on my Android Nexus 5 and it looks fine to me. I was able to navigate and display all the images. Are you having some specific problems you could mention?
I could NOT see the tabs on my iPhone, just the beautiful picture and your quote. When I switched to my mini-iPad navigation was no problem.Sorry, I didn't put the site together with mobile phones particularly in mind. But having said that, I just took a look at it on my Android Nexus 5 and it looks fine to me. I was able to navigate and display all the images. Are you having some specific problems you could mention?
So perfectly stated. I very much like "playing in the margins."To each his own but I am also a believer that we do not need as much as we think we do and personally, I thoroughly enjoy the experience of playing with the margins between needs and wants. Minimalist approach is very doable, it's always a question of how ready we are to embrace our potential discomforts simply because it drags us out of our normal comfort zone.
After finishing the Via de la Plata Camino route May 8th, 2016 I decided to create a web site to record my ideas about walking trips, including the use of super lightweight gear. I have walked over 6000 km in the last 5 years carrying less than 4kg. I see people on the Camino routes carrying way to much stuff and wanted to pass along my ideas and experiences to show you can be warm and comfortable with a very small amount of gear. The web site is www.roadwalking.com. I would love to get feedback from anyone who checks it out. Thanks.
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Text is indecipherable it is so small. When enlarged it does not wrap onto the screen and needs constant scrolling across to read it. There seem to be many layouts that are not mobile friendly. It required far to much effort to find the content on a small screen.
Since you asked for feedback, I'll give some. It's only by getting the feedback from a variety of users with different devices that you can improve your site, and you certainly do have some interesting content! So please understand that the criticism is meant to be helpful.I would love to get feedback from anyone who checks it out.
Tim, thx for the suggestions. I did a couple before commenting. I'll leave you with the issues for the moment and have another look when I have access to a larger screen device. That may not be until the end of the month.Sorry you are having problems seeing the content on roadwalking.com. Try rotating your phone to landscape mode. On my phone I am able to read the text and see the photos at the same time this way, and I'm of the age where I have long since needed reading glasses. In portrait mode zoom so the text alone fills the screen and just pan over to see the photos. I'll take a look at formatting for mobile phones.
Since you asked for feedback, I'll give some. It's only by getting the feedback from a variety of users with different devices that you can improve your site, and you certainly do have some interesting content! So please understand that the criticism is meant to be helpful.
I'd agree that the page layout is not the easiest to use. Here are some examples of the problems... Even on my laptop, I had to adjust the zoom to 67% in order to see the whole screen (left to right sides). On my phone (Galaxy Note 2, with large screen) I have to do a lot of scrolling and zooming to browse through the information even in landscape mode. The text of the links across the top is quite faint. On my phone, the right-most link doesn't fit so it wraps around to the left side.
Have you considered using a Wordpress site? They have a huge variety of templates that are adapted to modern devices. Maybe you don't have as much control over the design, but at least they have the IT resources to troubleshoot a lot of potential problems so we don't have to.
Another point might be that this arrangement doesn't allow a person to follow new content and to interact with you, as a conventional blog would.
Feel free to PM me if you'd like further discussion.
Find the link (at the top center of the page on my screen) that says Private Conversations.Thanks so much for the feedback. How do you PM?
Tim, thx for the suggestions. I did a couple before commenting. I'll leave you with the issues for the moment and have another look when I have access to a larger screen device. That may not be until the end of the month.
Find the link (at the top center of the page on my screen) that says Private Conversations.
I just made a version of the site for mobile phones. Let me know how it works for you.
Managed to see better now. Maybe it'll be nice to share a bullet point Packing List. I don't see any T. Shirts or underwear, socks, first aid, toiletries etc. Assume the total weight includes everything which is pretty impressive.
It's great to see that "walking" actually cultivates so much creativities in people. I watched a young chap's video on his PCT and AT experience and it's remarkable to see how he goes about modifying everything to trim the weight down to minimal and even invented many ultralight solutions like you are doing here. It's like an artis getting their hands on some brushes, paint and canvas.
From Nicholas Crane's wonderful book "Clear Waters Rising" about a LONG journey beginning in Santiago:
PS: For those who are familiar with Nicholas Crane as a TV presenter the book explains why he came to carry his famous trademark umbrella so much of the time. A lot to do with starting his journey in Galicia.
Yes, that is a great improvement on the page display for both computer and phone. Have you given any thought to the question of engaging readers - once I've looked at it, why would I go back? If you provide wonderful new material deep in the site, how would I know?Thanks again for your feedback. I think I addressed the issues you brought up. I made a mobile version of the site and the PC one should display properly. Let me know if it looks ok.
There are thousands of private places to stay. Literally! Look up the towns on booking.com, hotels.com, tripadvisor, etc. Or try one of the camino apps for smart phones, that show accommodations along the route.How available are private accommodations on the Camino Frances?
Your road-walking site and extreme light-weight packing system are both interesting and informative. One question -- How available are private accommodations on the Camino Frances? Like you, the communal albergues/hostels do not appeal to me. I plan on staying in hotels as often as possible. A mint on the pillow would not be unwelcome either.
My packing list is longer than yours, partly because of my age (mid-60s -- must carry medicine, hiking sticks, and a few other age-related necessities). I plan to walk in April/May of 2017, so I must also include protection against the cold. But if I can feel sure of finding small hotels or their equivalent every night, I'll be able to whittle down a lot of other items on my list.
Your suggestions would be most welcome.
Yes, that is a great improvement on the page display for both computer and phone. Have you given any thought to the question of engaging readers - once I've looked at it, why would I go back? If you provide wonderful new material deep in the site, how would I know?
I was interested to look at your gear and see how the quality outerwear dominates (as it should). However, I do like to have indoor night wear as well!
One question -- How available are private accommodations on the Camino Frances?
...I started my Via de la Plata walk in late March and my down jacket keeps me warm in all conditions down to around 7 or 8C...
I am interested about your use of down jacket. On my first Camino I used a down vest which was great for keeping warm in the the evening, but when worn for extra warmth under my well vented raincoat it soon became very damp with perspiration. With a bit of experience I now have different methods to keep warm. This year I did take an ultra light down jacket for use in the evening and it was worn every evening, but never during the day. Is your jacket efficient at wicking moisture?
@psychoticparrot http://www.gronze.com/ lists nearly ALL available accommodation along the Frances. Frequently with links. Booking.com will cheerfully offer places a days hike off-route.
I added more content to www.roadwalking.com including a more detailed gear list with photos of each item, as well as complete itineraries for each of my trips.
I added more content to www.roadwalking.com including a more detailed gear list with photos of each item, as well as complete itineraries for each of my trips.
The improvements are great and provided much more details.
You also mentioned walking late March with those gear. What would you do differently if it was the Summer, i.e. June, July, August?
Also you mentioned that 1 convertible pants being enough. Does that mean if you arrive at around midday, after checking in and cleaning up, you would still put on the same pants for walkabouts and meals and only get to washing them when back in room to retire (if washing is needed otherwise you would just air them overnight?). The challenge will be if one is rained out and the pants would be damp. Wearing back a damp pair of pants after shower just sounds very uncomfortable. Unless it's room confinement after walk (if and when pants got wet).
I like the 1 pants concept. Just trying to convince myself that it's enough as I do hope to get outside in the late afternoons and evenings.
Thanks for the links, what a nice surprise. I worked for Dyneema when it was still a nervous start up moving from the lab into a real chemical plant. Stories of how researchers had to hide in the cupboards after hours (when security came around) to do their illegal work on this silly idea were still abundant. And look who's walking now....
Great questions! I don't sweat much or smell bad after walking so I rarely wash my shirt or pants. Maybe once every 10 days or so. Socks every two or three days. My rain jacket and pants keep my shirt and pants mostly dry. I have only arrived at a hotel with very damp clothes once or twice so I wouldn't take extra clothes for those rare occasions. Synthetics dry so quickly, I have hang up my damp shirt and pants and by the time I have a long bath they're dry enough. One could also roll them tightly in a bath towel or even use the hotel hair dryer if need be. A friend of mine using the same gear as me on the Camino Frances said he has washed his shirt after arriving, done the towel roll and a bit of hair dryer and worn the shirt to dinner. It would still be slightly damp but after a matter of a few minutes it's dry enough so you don't notice.
Great questions! I don't sweat much or smell bad after walking so I rarely wash my shirt or pants. Maybe once every 10 days or so. Socks every two or three days. My rain jacket and pants keep my shirt and pants mostly dry. I have only arrived at a hotel with very damp clothes once or twice so I wouldn't take extra clothes for those rare occasions. Synthetics dry so quickly, I have hang up my damp shirt and pants and by the time I have a long bath they're dry enough. One could also roll them tightly in a bath towel or even use the hotel hair dryer if need be. A friend of mine using the same gear as me on the Camino Frances said he has washed his shirt after arriving, done the towel roll and a bit of hair dryer and worn the shirt to dinner. It would still be slightly damp but after a matter of a few minutes it's dry enough so you don't notice.
Thanks Tim, for the prompt reply. Much appreciated. Now it gives a better pic. I don't smell although I do sweat (expecting more in summer heat too). But I reckon it won't be enough to damp my pants which is synthetic and highly breathable too. So that is certainly a great solution to 1 pants concept. (Thumbs up!)
You missed my earlier question which was about Spring and Summer. Well, more specifically...would you drop the down top for summer? Cheers!
I should add that my gear does include extra pants. If my pants were soaking wet on arrival at my hotel, I could wear my rain pants, assuming they were dry on the inside. They are simple black pants that would look fine. And if my shirt was soaking wet I could wear my wind shell as a shirt, again assuming it was dry. If everything was wet because I fell in a stream, chances are any extra clothes I brought would also be wet. But honestly, being wet on arrival has not been much of an issue for me and I've done a lot of walking in the rain.
On the subject of ultra light gear, I am starting in Saint Jean on August 2nd this year and was wondering what anyone's thoughts were on my plan to take my windproof running jacket instead of a waterproof or smock. The windproof is extremely lightweight, shower proof and very breathable. I find all waterproof jackets I try leave me as wet with condensation as if not wearing them, especially when exercising. I am aware of the potential for hypothermia but I'll also have a synthetic t shirt and micro fleece, which I imagine will keep me warm if necessary and hopefully move the sweat out faster than the rain can come in, much like the "buffalo" shirts that used to be very popular with UK climbers (they are a combination of pertex outer with pile fibre lining, designed to work a bit like an animal's skin, with the capillary action etc).
I need to stop before Galicia, owing to time, and as it's August, does anyone think that this is a good idea?
I've been wondering how durable those super lightweight rain jackets are, especially when worn under backpack. Any comments?In August, I'd say that some short spells of heavy rain are more of a problem than wind - this is what I wear
http://www.berghaus.com/vapourlight-hyper-smock-2.0/421595.html
And remember once the rain stops you'll dry pretty quickly
I've been wondering how durable those super lightweight rain jackets are, especially when worn under backpack. Any comments?
I walked between mid May and early June- I took a lightweight wind jacket that I sometimes use cycling - started most days in that. I wore some lightweight McKinley short sleeve shirts (2 of - different colours). I took merino arm warmers that I use when cycling - I had those on for a lot of mornings. I had a poncho for rain. I had a lightweight polartec hoody for 'evening wear' and as an option if it was cold in the day - I was never that cold, even though I would say that I do feel the cold. I took lycra arm covers (also cycling) for sun protection - once the wind jacket was off and it was too warm for the merino covers. I also had a merino t-shirt that I wore in the evenings but could have used under my shirt during the day. Oh and a buff that I wore around my neck.On the subject of ultra light gear, I am starting in Saint Jean on August 2nd this year and was wondering what anyone's thoughts were on my plan to take my windproof running jacket instead of a waterproof or smock. The windproof is extremely lightweight, shower proof and very breathable. I find all waterproof jackets I try leave me as wet with condensation as if not wearing them, especially when exercising. I am aware of the potential for hypothermia but I'll also have a synthetic t shirt and micro fleece, which I imagine will keep me warm if necessary and hopefully move the sweat out faster than the rain can come in, much like the "buffalo" shirts that used to be very popular with UK climbers (they are a combination of pertex outer with pile fibre lining, designed to work a bit like an animal's skin, with the capillary action etc).
I need to stop before Galicia, owing to time, and as it's August, does anyone think that this is a good idea?
Actually, my Hoka shoes provide all the shock absorption I need. I carry Dr. Scholl's heel gels only to raise my heel when I occasionally have a sore Achilles tendon, as this seems to relieve it.@TimothyE , what brand heel pads have you been using for shock absorption? Any suggestions?
Thank you.Actually, my Hoka shoes provide all the shock absorption I need. I carry Dr. Scholl's heel gels only to raise my heel when I occasionally have a sore Achilles tendon, as this seems to relieve it.
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