- Time of past OR future Camino
- Enjoying the camino since 2009
Just thought I'd start a little thread of top tips and gentle reminders for pilgrims new and old, those little things that some people might not know about or have forgotten, either because they are focusing on something else, it doesn't occur to them or it simply slips their minds in all the excitement. We have all been there! Not a thread to admonish people but to kindly help them along a bit in true camino fashion.
The reason is I am three weeks away from my next and desperately needed zen top-up, so of course I am watching online videos about the camino, from the camino, about kit and packing and all things camino related (this is perfectly normal, and here's a top tip right away - search out Andrew Suzuki's videos, Beyond the Way for the sweeping beautiful stuff and Don't Stop Walking for the fun intro) and I keep seeing people who have dangling and loose load lifters, the straps connecting the back of the pack to the top of your shoulder straps.
They are there for a reason, so if you don't already, try pulling them tight while wearing the pack! In 9 out of 10 cases the pack will carry better when you pull the top of the pack closer to your back.
Top tip is to put your pack on, then tighten 1) hip belt, 2) shoulder straps, then 3) pull the load lifters to fit, and lastly, 4) fasten the sternum/chest strap. Only you can know when the fit is exactly right, so loosen or tighten all straps and try different things on walks at home before you set off with a full and badly fitting pack.
What is your favourite tip or gentle reminder that you think would make the camino a better place?
The reason is I am three weeks away from my next and desperately needed zen top-up, so of course I am watching online videos about the camino, from the camino, about kit and packing and all things camino related (this is perfectly normal, and here's a top tip right away - search out Andrew Suzuki's videos, Beyond the Way for the sweeping beautiful stuff and Don't Stop Walking for the fun intro) and I keep seeing people who have dangling and loose load lifters, the straps connecting the back of the pack to the top of your shoulder straps.
They are there for a reason, so if you don't already, try pulling them tight while wearing the pack! In 9 out of 10 cases the pack will carry better when you pull the top of the pack closer to your back.
Top tip is to put your pack on, then tighten 1) hip belt, 2) shoulder straps, then 3) pull the load lifters to fit, and lastly, 4) fasten the sternum/chest strap. Only you can know when the fit is exactly right, so loosen or tighten all straps and try different things on walks at home before you set off with a full and badly fitting pack.
What is your favourite tip or gentle reminder that you think would make the camino a better place?
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