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Woo hoo, another member of the Electric Coil Club. @Damien Reynolds, it took me about ten years to realize how much I needed it, but it looks like it took you a few years longer! Welcome to the club, which we celebrate on this thread.2) heating coil.
Yah I'm a slow learner, sometimes. Nice to hear from you again.Woo hoo, another member of the Electric Coil Club. @Damien Reynolds, it took me about ten years to realize how much I needed it, but it looks like it took you a few years longer! Welcome to the club, which we celebrate on this thread.
I have a bag I got from Decathlon for my groceries.1. I always carry a shopping bag made out of recycled water bottles. Use to carry groceries, laundry, etc.
I used to buy a Swiss Army knife but since I carry my backpack on the plane. I never check it, I can't take my knife. Now when I arrive in Madrid or Barcelona to start a camino I do three things immediately. I get a sim card from Vodafone, pick up a pair of cheap hiking poles and if it is in Decathlon and they have a cheap knife I buy one there or go to a cuchilleria. I can pick one up for 6 or 7 euros and it does the trick for whatever I need. I basically need just a decent cutting knife and a scissor in the knife."Swiss army" knife.
would replace the bivvy bag with a tarp, but the mat definitely, as it comes in handy at bus stations, rail stations, and airport floors !I usually carry a bivi bag and a short self-inflating mat even on routes where I expect to find albergues at reasonable intervals. I like having the option to choose my own stages by spending the odd night outdoors if the weather is good. Walking quieter routes in winter sometimes means finding places are unexpectedly closed. I find the fairly small weight penalty well worthwhile.
Here are the Canadian (CATSA) regulations re. knife lengths permitted in carry-on luggage: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/sharp-objects#measureSince an overhead announcement at the Calgary airport stated that a very small knife (of a specific size) is permitted to carry, I take my tiny Swiss Army knife with me when I fly to Spain. It is just convenient to have until I can buy something larger and with more uses after I arrive. I do not check my pack and I have never been questioned about the knife. I would cheerfully surrender it if required to do so.
Nylon portable foot soaking bag. Bliss.So I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
never thought of this but the older I get ( 84 : 20th July) the more I think of my tootsies!Nylon portable foot soaking bag. Bliss.
I have done 6 Caminos and have never carried (nor do I plan to carry) any of the items mentioned in this thread thus far. Every pilgrim has certain items that they “need” and I respect all for what they have in their packs. Diversity is one of the things I like most about the Camino. Walk on (with whatever), my fellow pilgrims.So I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
My wife and I took a Scrubba and clothesline also...really appreciated having it!Scrubba and a clothesline!
(I'm afraid I may be a one note song on this one...seems like every time I comment it's to say Scrubba! They should pay me!)
You can just use a regular dry bag instead of a Scrubba and save a couple of ounces.Scrubba and a clothesline!
(I'm afraid I may be a one note song on this one...seems like every time I comment it's to say Scrubba! They should pay me!)
But then how would I fulfill my dream of becoming a scrubba spokesperson?You can just use a regular dry bag instead of a Scrubba and save a couple of ounces.
Right, here goesdespite the added weight ...What would you add?
They make small stuff sacks that double as a pillow-stuff some clothes in and voila!I bring a small down pillow (about half the size of a regular pillow). It sure helps me sleep better.
Sleeping bag. Such a luxury to snuggle achy muscles into. A liner doesn't cut it. Also a pillow case - bright red do I don't leave it behind . Hate those paper pillow cases. Stuffed my jacket in it on the plane for an extra cushion.So I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
Yep always carry my heating coil everywhere in the world.So I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
Ok, the coffee is epic. Just so not available early am.Is the coffee substandard? Or not available (perhaps on some routes lacking infrastructure).
There is some excellent coffee available to bring…
No way.A small can of WD 40. Solves the incessant squeaking of doors and makes albergue life much more enjoyable.
I do the same things except for the SIM card part. I have never even tried it. And last two walks friends had trouble doing it. Like imagine "Damien, can you call you the Albergue for me." Instead I just go with Att international plan.I have a bag I got from Decathlon for my groceries.
I used to buy a Swiss Army knife but since I carry my backpack on the plane. I never check it, I can't take my knife. Now when I arrive in Madrid or Barcelona to start a camino I do three things immediately. I get a sim card from Vodafone, pick up a pair of cheap hiking poles and if it is in Decathlon and they have a cheap knife I buy one there or go to a cuchilleria. I can pick one up for 6 or 7 euros and it does the trick for whatever I need. I basically need just a decent cutting knife and a scissor in the knife.
I always bring a heating coil / immersion heater plus a few packages of cup-a-soup. At the end of an exhausting day it is a simple and delicious meal.So I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
>>Take care and Enjoy your travel planning.
Sharon
Don't forget the coffeeSo I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
Tickled to see the coil mentioned. I finished the CF on June 22 from SJPDP. My coil, an REI cup and instant coffee packets were a "must have" to get me ready for the challenges of the day. I got home, cleaned up, did the laundry and the same setup is ready to roll for the Portuguese next Spring!Woo hoo, another member of the Electric Coil Club. @Damien Reynolds, it took me about ten years to realize how much I needed it, but it looks like it took you a few years longer! Welcome to the club, which we celebrate on this thread.
If that works for you using the AT&T plan that is great and one less thing to do when you arrive. I live in Mexico and the cost of international plans for a few months is way more than the 40 Euros I pay for 2 months in Spain, I usually walk about 1,000K and that takes me about 55 days between my arrival, starting my camino and getting back to Madrid or Barcelona to go home. It is super easy to get the sim at Vodafone (Orange has good plans to but Vodafone's work better for me). To recharge is also super easy as I just get a message from Vodafone when to recharge and do it on my phone, You can even change the website to English. It takes about 90 seconds to recharge.I do the same things except for the SIM card part. I have never even tried it. And last two walks friends had trouble doing it. Like imagine "Damien, can you call you the Albergue for me." Instead I just go with Att international plan.
Ok, so like the ATT International plan is way more expensive then... like it's $10 a day but you only pay for 10 days in a billing cycle, so that works out to be like $100/month.... ouch! But like I said, my friends seem to sometimes have problems with their sims... you are probably smarter than my friends! I like one less thing to think about but now I'm thinking!If that works for you using the AT&T plan that is great and one less thing to do when you arrive. I live in Mexico and the cost of international plans for a few months is way more than the 40 Euros I pay for 2 months in Spain, I usually walk about 1,000K and that takes me about 55 days between my arrival, starting my camino and getting back to Madrid or Barcelona to go home. It is super easy to get the sim at Vodafone (Orange has good plans to but Vodafone's work better for me). To recharge is also super easy as I just get a message from Vodafone when to recharge and do it on my phone, You can even change the website to English. It takes about 90 seconds to recharge.
Haha. Usually the Supermercados have the Nestle ones. Sometimes they only have decaf tho, which blows my mind.Don't forget the coffee
Totally agree. Just saying, you want to meet friends? Bust out playing cards. Or not.I have done 6 Caminos and have never carried (nor do I plan to carry) any of the items mentioned in this thread thus far. Every pilgrim has certain items that they “need” and I respect all for what they have in their packs. Diversity is one of the things I like most about the Camino. Walk on (with whatever), my fellow pilgrims.
I use a 3'x3' piece of tyvek as a sit pad when I want a little snack or a rest. A 3'x6' piece would work well for a quick siesta. Tyvek weighs practically nothing and folds up to nothing.Oh shoot, I forgot one more thing... this one I learned this last Norte... from a first timer from Canada...
A Tent Footprint.
Not the tent. Just the footprint. Light and convenient place to sit down, lay down, be clean. I was a little jealous.
What she said.I use a 3'x3' piece of tyvek as a sit pad when I want a little snack or a rest. A 3'x6' piece would work well for a quick siesta. Tyvek weighs practically nothing and folds up to nothing.
I have not used Tyvek but I believe that it is a type of plastic, likely to be hot and sticky in humid summer weather, compared to the dryness of my 135 g. tent footprint. But I already have too much to carry and will only collapse on dry grass, maybe with my lightweight polyester jacket underneath. I am amazed at the variety of items listed above which "weigh nothing." This is a form of magic which I would love to master.I use a 3'x3' piece of tyvek as a sit pad when I want a little snack or a rest. A 3'x6' piece would work well for a quick siesta. Tyvek weighs practically nothing and folds up to nothing.
If you use a footprint already that is way good enough. Tyvek is just a backpacker's trick.I have not used Tyvek but I believe that it is a type of plastic, likely to be hot and sticky in humid summer weather, compared to the dryness of my 135 g. tent footprint. But I already have too much to carry and will only collapse on dry grass, maybe with my lightweight polyester jacket underneath. I am amazed at the variety of items listed above which "weigh nothing." This is a form of magic which I would love to master.
I am amazed at the variety of items listed above which "weigh nothing." This is a form of magic which I would love to master.
That's a low blow, Damien.Tyvek is just an old backpacker's trick.
So funny. I edited my reply before you said it.That's a low blow, Damien.I learned about it from an Alaskan wilderness guy 15 years ago, and yes, he was nearly 60 years old.
Nothing weighs nothing. Everything else weighs something.Here's my list of what I take when I walk the Camino:
1. Heating coil (with appropriate adapter)
2. Playing cards (weigh nothing)
3. Dice to play yahtzee (weigh nothing).
4. Mini sewing kit (3 needles and small black /white cotton on cardboard piece) fits in a film canister (weighs nothing)
5. Small foldable lightweight backpack for shopping (Get the type that fold up the size of your palm as you can load things in it for your small side trips - saves lugging around a heavy backpack after a long walk)
6. Small cup for soups and coffees, etc (microwave suitable and you can stow small things in it)
7. Plastic knife, fork and spoon (can pick them up at a Decathlon store)
8. GPS for geocaching on the way (saves phone battery and has a compass)
9. Portable solar battery charger (Small to recharge phone) and spare cables (one x long and one x small length).
10. Don't forget a basic first aid kit (fits in a 13.34x12.79x2.54cm pouch) - weight 65gm
All if this fits into one small drawstring bag.
Take care and Enjoy your travel planning.
Sharon
So true! We all have certainly figured that out.Me too. It's funny how all of that "nothing" ends up weighing something when it's all put on a scale.
Love this!Nothing weighs nothing. Everything else weighs something.
Yah. You got to pick and choose depending on what's important to you.Me too. It's funny how all of that "nothing" ends up weighing something when it's all put on a scale.
In your situation I would call it more of a necessity rather than a luxury item.My luxury item that I'll be carrying... a mini-foam roller. 8.1 ounces. That's a pretty big item, but I've got some back and neck issues, and it helps me stretch.
I find the problem with decaf is that it doesn't blow my mind!! Or even get it just a little stimulatedHaha. Usually the Supermercados have the Nestle ones. Sometimes they only have decaf tho, which blows my mind.
I use my rain poncho for picnics and siestas.Oh shoot, I forgot one more thing... this one I learned this last Norte... from a first timer from Canada...
A Tent Footprint.
Not the tent. Just the footprint. Light and convenient place to sit down, lay down, be clean. I was a little jealous.
A great idea for those who use one.I use my rain poncho for picnics and siestas.
Do you buy the Vodaphone SIM once your arrive in Europe?If that works for you using the AT&T plan that is great and one less thing to do when you arrive. I live in Mexico and the cost of international plans for a few months is way more than the 40 Euros I pay for 2 months in Spain, I usually walk about 1,000K and that takes me about 55 days between my arrival, starting my camino and getting back to Madrid or Barcelona to go home. It is super easy to get the sim at Vodafone (Orange has good plans to but Vodafone's work better for me). To recharge is also super easy as I just get a message from Vodafone when to recharge and do it on my phone, You can even change the website to English. It takes about 90 seconds to recharge.
Well, since @Left Coaster is dealing with all the squeaks, none of the rest of us need to. Gracias!!!No way.
He was just being funny, right? His way of saying you don't really need extra stuff... I mean there is no way you could carry that on a plane.... poles are one thing, petroleum based products in aerosol containers I "guess" would be another.Well, since @Left Coaster is dealing with all the squeaks, none of the rest of us need to. Gracias!!!
I’m a coil club member! And I love those cappuccino packets, as well. Although I found them a little weak, so I would also have some NesCafé to add a teaspoon to each cup.Have also found the "capachino" instant coffee packets at the store here are a reasonable substitute for coffee since it is hard to find coffee creamer. The packets are bigger than regular instant coffee packets, but worth it.
I bought a Vodafone Sim at just a cheap phone store in Madrid. €15 a month for unlimited calls and texts +20 gigs of data. Mine was actually designed for Romanian expats, so I also free calls to Romania…. But I’m sure you can get something similar if you walk into a real Vodafone store.Do you buy the Vodaphone SIM once your arrive in Europe?
Was it easy to top it off at the end of the month?I bought a Vodafone Sim at just a cheap phone store in Madrid. €15 a month for unlimited calls and texts +20 gigs of data. Mine was actually designed for Romanian expats, so I also free calls to Romania…. But I’m sure you can get something similar if you walk into a real Vodafone store.
There’s a Vodafone Spanish app. It was all in Spanish language, of course, but you can Pay each month directly through the app. It also gives you an option to set up an automatic payment with a credit card, which is what I did. Just remember to cancel it when you are finished with the phone number!Was it easy to top it off at the end of the month?
Yes without a doubt. In fact (like I always do), I have already planned getting from the Barcelona airport to my albergue which is very near to the train station to take me to Zaragoza. I have a screenshot on my phone with directions to a Vodafone store between the station from the airport and my albergue. I will go there first then use my data to get to the hostel. Check into the hostel and use google maps again to walk to Decathlon (also close by) to buy my hiking poles. I will also get a pocket knife there if they have a decent cheap on. I always carry my backpack so I sure don't want to spend alot on poles or a knife. A simple 5 or 6 Euro knife is fine for me and last year I paid 18 Euros for my poles. When I am done I always can find someone to give my poles and knives to. I know it adds up but it makes for one less worry if I have to wait around the baggage carousel for my box of poles and knife. I am tired and want to get out of the airport ASAP. One of the few luxuries I indulge myself.Do you buy the Vodaphone SIM once your arrive in Europe?
It couldn't be easier. I do not have the app but you will receive a text message when to renew your plan. I put a reminder on my phone when the 28 days is up. When I wake up I click on the link, it gives you the option to put the webpage in English. Better than using Google translate if you are not sure of your Spanish and recharge. It takes about 90 seconds. You will not have service so you need to be connected to WIFI. So it is important to have Wifi. Also it must be done the day the service ends because if you renew before the date the top off only lasts until your original 28 days is up. It does not let you change plans either. I know it sounds a little complicated but it really isn't I may try the app this time and make sure I cancel the plan before I go.Was it easy to top it off at the end of the month?
Question for you Stephan. My Spanish is good enough so using the app will not be a problem. Do you know if after i get the auto recharge if I can immediately cancel the recharge? Will that have any effect on my recharge and will I be able to use my phone without a problem? Or should I wait until after I return home to cancel the plan? I understand if you are not sure. So no problem with not knowing. ThanksThere’s a Vodafone Spanish app. It was all in Spanish language, of course, but you can Pay each month directly through the app. It also gives you an option to set up an automatic payment with a credit card, which is what I did. Just remember to cancel it when you are finished with the phone number!
I was able to use the app with my basic knowledge of Spanish and by selectively translating some words.
I canceled my automatic recharge after the last payment that I was going to use it . So I definitely used the phone for about 10 days with the automatic payment canceled.Question for you Stephan. My Spanish is good enough so using the app will not be a problem. Do you know if after i get the auto recharge if I can immediately cancel the recharge? Will that have any effect on my recharge and will I be able to use my phone without a problem? Or should I wait until after I return home to cancel the plan? I understand if you are not sure. So no problem with not knowing. Thanks
Like I said if you do it on your phone, you will get a reminder to recharge and a link. Remember to wait untll the date that your 28 days expires. Click on the link and you can go to the English language webpage.Very easy to recharge. I think all they asked for was my Name, phone number and credit card. It takes about 90 seconds. Thanks for your help. But remember you can't change your plan you have to keep the one you got originally.I canceled my automatic recharge after the last payment that I was going to use it . So I definitely used the phone for about 10 days with the automatic payment canceled.
In the app there was still a button that I could press to make a payment, Which I think is in 28 day increments. You had to let them keep a credit card on file.
As a matter fact, I just looked at the app, and the phone number is still functional until July 21. But it says “pago facil no activo,” so I should be fine.
In retrospect, it probably wasn’t necessary to have the automatic plan. A reminder on the phone would’ve been fine. It probably wasn’t even necessary to put a credit card on file. Probably I could’ve manually entered it each time. But since I don’t read Spanish very well it took me a while to get it all set up, Translating and double checking that I understood everything.
So I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
So I like to walk the Camino. I first walked with my mom, then my sister, solo so many times. Here is a list of things I'd bring despite the added weight:
1) playing cards. Don't worry about chips, just use skittles. And be weary about buying decks in Spain, I mean, they are different sometimes. So much fun with friends when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Old maid and Texas hold'em are great.
2) heating coil. I stay at cheap hotels mostly and the coffee is not so readily available. So like you have this little device and you get boiling water in your cup. Throw in some instant, and I'm ready to go. I know, controversial.
Darn it I can't think of anything else worth the weight, What would you add?
I've found that using regular cooking oil did hinges squeaking. It may need re doing dinner rather than later but you will be gone.A small can of WD 40. Solves the incessant squeaking of doors and makes albergue life much more enjoyable.
You will not have service so you need to be connected to WIFI. So it is important to have Wifi. Also it must be done the day the service ends because if you renew before the date the top off only lasts until your original 28 days is up. It does not let you change plans either.
Let us leave it at that.If you are talking about these types of prepaid accounts
Some albergues have a designated place for backpacks (lockers, etc.), but most did not. I always hung my pack from the end of the bunk to keep it off the floor. Some would use the only chair and I would politely put their pack on the floor, so that I could sit. I never asked permission for either.Most albergues are emphatic about no backpacks on bunks. Not sure how they may apply that rule to S hooks. Have you asked? Buen Camino
Fitted with a corkscrew - just in case!I have a bag I got from Decathlon for my groceries.
I used to buy a Swiss Army knife but since I carry my backpack on the plane. I never check it, I can't take my knife. Now when I arrive in Madrid or Barcelona to start a camino I do three things immediately. I get a sim card from Vodafone, pick up a pair of cheap hiking poles and if it is in Decathlon and they have a cheap knife I buy one there or go to a cuchilleria. I can pick one up for 6 or 7 euros and it does the trick for whatever I need. I basically need just a decent cutting knife and a scissor in the knife.
In my younger days the corkscrew would have been way more important than the knife!!! Now not so muchFitted with a corkscrew - just in case!
I lay my pack down outside as well. I also spray with permethrin before I leave; however, permethrin is not protection against chinches. Albergues do not want us to put our packs on the bed to limit the transmission of bedbugs. Chinches do not fly they climb (floors, walls ...). I have seen some albergues with square plastic cups under the corners of the bedframe as an inspection point or "tell tale" for chinches. So could they climb up the bedframe an into my pack ... yes. I want them to at least work for their meal.Linkster, I like your posted photo of the line with carabiner, but why the need to keep your backpack off the albergue floor? I spray mine with permethrin before I fly to Europe -- and now will also apply bug dope. But, when I stop at a bar/cafe (hopefully, several times a day) it goes on the pavement outside (or inside if not too crowded), hopefully avoiding dog poop and urine and mud. I do try to keep it clean. In the albergue, it goes on the floor. Inside bar/cafes on a rainy day, it is the backpacks taking up chairs that bug me. Buen Camino
My world is ROCKED by the idea of a cold brew coffee sock. I don't live in a fancy urban area, so am relegated to online shopping and they all seem pretty big. I'll likely have to add something bigger than the bike bottles that I planned for hydration. Are you willing to share details of your setup?I think I will never travel or backpack again without my cold brew coffee sock, widemouth bottle and a small plastic scoop to fill it.
The coffee grind they have in Spain for mocha pots is not ideal, but it still tastes much better than instant coffee.
Omg. Inspiration. But... I use my phone for the same purpose. Just "notes".I know it''s old school, but journals. I don't travel anywhere without one. I've kept journals since 1968. On the Camino Frances in 2017, I brought four which, when I transcribed them back home, turned into a draft 345 page manuscript. I ran out of Pilot V-5 pens in Carrion de los Condes, but found a stationery store that sold the exact pens I needed. As writers, we must have the correct paper and pen. Right?
A Brazilian showed me that app on my I-phone outside Leon. Would that have made a difference? Nah, I'm still old school. Cheers, Damien, down the coast to you from Anacortes!Omg. Inspiration. But... I use my phone for the same purpose. Just "notes".
Well, old school is definitely cool.A Brazilian showed me that app on my I-phone outside Leon. Would that have made a difference? Nah, I'm still old school. Cheers, Damien, down the coast to you from Anacortes!
Also, does anyone know if it's okay to carry some ground coffee into Spain from the US? I might bring some to get me started, and buy more as I go along. (I've run into trouble with customs/agriculture inspections at more borders than this forum has the space or interest to hear about!)
thanks. I'm doing my Camino with a 25L Osprey pack so space is limited, but this is a good option since I want my coffee to taste good. My comment about space is because I assume foil wrap packs are bulkier than a small bag of coffee, but that may not be true.The benefit I see with coffee bags is that each bag is individually foil sealed until you open it and so the coffee grounds stay a little fresher.
Here is an article that discusses using coffee bags whilst traveling, https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/bags-of-flavour
https://images.app.goo.gl/yo13tTMZxxxv8MGQ8 and are often sold in outdoor shops as well as in supermarkets but when I did a search for "bolsas de café Madrid" on Google all I got was packaging for the 250-300 grams of ground coffee that typically sell in the supermarkets not the coffee equivalent of the tea bag.
I am sure others have said this but the coffee in Spain, France and Portugal is excellent. 99% of the time it is better than a Starbucks for sure and far less expensive. Of course, every once in a while you may get a stinker but it is rare. I think generally speaking it is 1 and 1a in France and Portugal and a close 2 in Spain. I do not know what the prices are now from even last November but I often paid in Portugal (albeit it was 3 years ago) 1 Euro.Is the coffee substandard? Or not available (perhaps on some routes lacking infrastructure).
There is some excellent coffee available to bring
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