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Good point. ThanksYou do not have to completely fill a water bladder, and it is quite convenient for sipping without breaking stride. A 2L bladder weighs about the same as a 1L, but you can fill it for the long, hot stretches. The downside is that bladders require a bit of unpacking to extract from your pack for refilling, so there is a tendency to not refill when you should!
OK, alternatively buy a pair of light sandals to substitute the flip-flops, you'll find nice n cheap ones in those many Spanish stores.Thanks. I will be walking in my boots and was hoping to avoid wearing these in evening and relax my feet in something more airy.
OK, alternatively buy a pair of light sandals to substitute the flip-flops, you'll find nice n cheap ones in those many Spanish stores.
PS: Water. Nothing is lighter (and more hygienic) than PET water bottles.
Could you use these Crocs in shower as well?For shoes in the evening ( and perfect for in shower ) you could try these...less bulky than the traditional Crocs clogs. I would certainly not advice you to wear your walking boots ahttp://www.crocs.eu/crocs-crocband%E2%84%A2-LoPro-slide/15692,en_ES,pd.html?cid=610&cgid=men-footwear-newarrivalsfter walking. Your feet will love you for this.
Thanks for suggestionsOK, alternatively buy a pair of light sandals to substitute the flip-flops, you'll find nice n cheap ones in those many Spanish stores.
PS: Water. Nothing is lighter (and more hygienic) than PET water bottles.
clever ideaI like using the item below with a normal water bottle (usually a 1 liter Smartwater bottle), placed in a side pocket. It' s the best of both worlds; light weight and can be sipped easily while walking even while using trekking poles. The big plus for me is the easy cleaning / replacement. Don't like cleaning bladders and have witnessed too many people drinking from a bladder filled with mold.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GM6LWS/?tag=casaivar02-20
Buen camino - tzq
Thanks for adviceI do as Falcon suggests - a 2l bag rarely (but occasionally) filled close to capacity. I was very lucky that my current pack has a convenient outer pocket for the water bag. It wasn't something I was really thinking about when I bought it but I certainly will when I replace it. For shoes, one pair for downtime - sandals, crocs, espadrilles etc. Remember that flip flops with a toe bar may not be ideal for blistered feet!
I was also in the military in a past life, and while water discipline was stressed, water stupidity wasn't. As a young soldier, we carried 2li, were generally able to refill twice daily, and were issued a water filter and treatment tablets. The regime being proposed here is very likely to lead to quite substantial fluid deficit and severe dehydration.Just finished Camino and never, ever drank from my one liter bottle that I carried. Carried a spare empty 500 ml coke bottle with water in my vest pocket and very rarely drank more than 250 ml per day from it. I was in the old military where "water discipline" was stressed. Fellow walker was also in that old military carrying a mortar and he did the entire Camino without drinking anything during the daily hike. Of Course we drank a lot of beer in the evenings.
My preference is for a larger Source bladder. This year I changed the hose fittings so that I can carry a filler that allows the bladder to be filled from a tap or bottle without removing it from my pack. I don't bother worrying about doing a partial fill - it gets filled each morning and any time during the day that I need to refill it.
It is worthwhile knowing something about how much water you need to consume to avoid dehydration, which will vary a bit between individuals. It is possible to build up a water deficit by carrying too little and then restricting your intake until you are next able to refill your bottles. I saw this on the CF a couple of times walking in spring 2010, where a pilgrim was only carrying a 500-600 ml bottle, which was empty when they arrived at a bar or font. In one case, the font didn't have any water, and it was another half hour or so until there was another opportunity to refill.
On the matter of evening footwear, for my last two pilgrimage walks, I have carried a pair of Salomon Techamphibian shoes. These are a mesh shoe that can be worn in the shower and for short walks around towns. They are lighter than the Merrell sandals that I carried on my first pilgrimage walks, and more suitable for around town wear than a pair of thongs/flip flops/jandals.
Can't run! Thanks for suggestion will check this shoe out too. My list is getting longer! But I have time.Jostony,
Have a look at the vivobarefoot ultra running shoe. Mine are comfortable to wear, dry quickly if you want to shower with them, and can be used to hike/ run in as well. Mine, size 10.5, weigh 7 oz without the internal boot and 13 oz with the internal boot.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TUUZJS/?tag=casaivar02-20
-tzq
I can see why one would train under dehydration conditions in the military since dehydration may be a factor during combat and other missions. Soldiers need to know how their bodies will react to dehydration so that they can continue to do their jobs. But for something like walking the Camino, there doesn't seem to be any reason not to be fully hydrated.
We carried bottles of water - I carried 2 500 ml bottles that I filled most of the way. My husband carried 2 1-liter bottles. I don't like the water reservoirs just because they are harder to keep clean. Bottles are easy. We made sure to drink plenty of water along the way.
For after walking shoes - we both took Adidas soccer sandals that we used for showers and for wandering around after walking. We chose these instead of flip flops since we could wear socks with them as well.
http://www.zappos.com/adidas-adissage-new-navy-white
Next time though, I think I will bring some hiking sandals and a very thin pair of flipflops. Being able to change at the end of the day is important - give the feet a break and some room to breathe.
As the saying goes "Don't sweat the small stuff". Neither of the decisions you are worrying about is going to make or break your Camino. When you start walking you can easily change your water carrying system and evening/shower shoe choices. So it really does not matter much what you decide; just think of it as preCamino fun rather than a problem.
FYI I carry two 400ml water flasks and find that adequate. My husband just buys a single 600ml bottle of water in a PET container and refills it. Evening and shower shoes for him is thongs (flip-flops) or cheap locally bought sandals. For me it depends on what is in the cupboard - last time it was Merrels with a light stretchy mesh upper, but I have worn crocs and Skechers and Zero G sandals.
As the saying goes "Don't sweat the small stuff". Neither of the decisions you are worrying about is going to make or break your Camino. When you start walking you can easily change your water carrying system and evening/shower shoe choices. So it really does not matter much what you decide; just think of it as preCamino fun rather than a problem.
FYI I carry two 400ml water flasks and find that adequate. My husband just buys a single 600ml bottle of water in a PET container and refills it. Evening and shower shoes for him is thongs (flip-flops) or cheap locally bought sandals. For me it depends on what is in the cupboard - last time it was Merrels with a light stretchy mesh upper, but I have worn crocs and Skechers and Zero G sandals.
Hi jostony! I walked in October 2012 and had a camelbak bladder in my pack and an additional water bottle in my side holder section of my backpack. As the weeks went on I ended up not filling my camelbak very much because it was just a pain to get it out so often. There are so many places to refill your bottles, except for a couple sections of 15 or 17 kms without stops, so you'll rarely be without.
As for footwear, I walked in trail running shoes which worked great for me, and then I carried a pair of Chacos sandals for after arrival each day. Chacos are a bit heavier, yes, but they are so comfortable for me and also came in handy to actually walk in some days when my feet got sore in my shoes. I have read a lot of positive things on this forum about Crocs, so that may be an option too, and they are definitely lighter & softer, but it's all just personal preference!
I hope you find what works best for you!
JostonyGood point. Thanks
Could you use these Crocs in shower as well?
I made thew mistake of taking sandals I could not wear socks with - not smart for cold evenings. I stopped in Pamplona and bought something else. My preference is for something a bit more substantial than Crocs - Tevas or Chacos. And I used a bladder too. Emptied it most days.Hello All. I intend to walk Camino Frances in May/June 2015 and I am compiling my kit. I have found Forum conversations very helpful and my initial queries are (1) how much water do you recommend to carry each day as 2 litres presumaby equates to 2 kilos - should I plan on this as I will have water reservoir within rucksack or is one litre enough. My main headache however is (2) what footwear to wear at the end of each day? Do I need flip flops for shower plus some sort of sandal, croc or shoe to go out in evening and relax in. So many options I am dithering! FYI I am male aged 54. Thanks for your help.
Hello All. I intend to walk Camino Frances in May/June 2015 and I am compiling my kit. I have found Forum conversations very helpful and my initial queries are (1) how much water do you recommend to carry each day as 2 litres presumaby equates to 2 kilos - should I plan on this as I will have water reservoir within rucksack or is one litre enough. My main headache however is (2) what footwear to wear at the end of each day? Do I need flip flops for shower plus some sort of sandal, croc or shoe to go out in evening and relax in. So many options I am dithering! FYI I am male aged 54. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for taking time out to respond with your suggestions particularly whilst you are on your Camino. Hope it is going wellJostony
I am on the Camino right now in fact just came into Santiago. Definitely don't wear your boots in the evening. Your feet need the break until the next morning. Last minute I bought croc sandles and they were amazing. Not the big crocs but sandals great also for the shower. Very light and flex able. With the water I got advice here to buy half liter bottle and fill it as I went and it worked perfectly. Again less weight. You will be glad of less weight.
Enjoy your planning.
Thanks for your response will look into Tevas.I made thew mistake of taking sandals I could not wear socks with - not smart for cold evenings. I stopped in Pamplona and bought something else. My preference is for something a bit more substantial than Crocs - Tevas or Chacos. And I used a bladder too. Emptied it most days.
Thanks for your contribution will add Crocs to list and even consider your colour suggestion!Despite my sister having a picture of crocs 0n her facebook page saying 'Wear these and watch your dignity flow out the holes' - I would say - just take crocs - great in the shower or swimming, or crossing stony streams, but fine for evenings and sight-seeing too. And they are so airy and comfy after tight boots or cycling shoes all day... Also they are lighter than anything else and can be fastened to your pack with a carabiner - get colourful ones and you'll become 'purple croc guy' !!!
ThanksYes shower proof!!
Thanks for your suggestions. Pedicure - that wasn't even on my list! but now is - thanksHi... I am also getting ready for my camino in June 2015. I have purchased a pair of closed toe Keen sandals which I plan to wear in the evenings and can also wear hiking during the day to get a break from my hiking boots. Then for shower footwear I am planing on wearing the "spa" type very thin flip flop you get after having a pedicure. You can get these from your local hair salon that also does manicures and pedicures.
Thanks for helpful feedback on your experience whilst I will take into account when doing my camino.I had a 2 liter bladder that I filled all the way up for the first 5 days or so. Then I got smart and saved a half liter Aquarius bottle that fit nicely into my side bag.
I became VERY dehydrated my first day. We're talking orange urine, probably should have seen a doctor dehydrated. After that, I made water my top priority each day and never had a problem again.
My water routine went like this:
1. In the morning, check the guidebook to see what the water situation would be like. Lots of fountains and towns? I'd fill the water bladder halfway. If it was a desolate stretch, I'd go 3/4 or all the way full.
2. Fill up my half liter bottle and drink it. And repeat. I started each day with at least a liter of water in my system, whether I was thirsty or not. Some mornings I had to force it all down, but it was worth it.
3. Refill the half liter bottle and head out. I drank out of the bottle, keeping the water in the bladder as a reserve.
4. Refill the bottle at almost every fountain. If I came to a fountain, the first thing I'd do is look for an agua non-potable sign. If I found one, it meant no refills there. If there was no sign or an agua potable sign, I figured it was safe to drink. A few fountains seemed a bit suspect, and I skipped them. You'll have to use your own judgment. The next thing I would do is make sure the @#!*% thing actually works! If the water flowed, it was clear, and had no funky smells, I'd refill my bottle, drink it, and refill again. Obviously you don't need to do this at EVERY single fountain along the way. But I liked to change out the water in my bottle whenever possible, just because cool water is a little easier to drink than lukewarm or hot water.
Following this system, I only found myself without water 1 more time along the way. But that was near the end of the day I walked for 24 hours straight and I don't think my brain was working quite right!
For my second pair of shoes, I picked up a pair of these:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/AVIA-MENS-QUICKSTER-SNEAKER/33878278
They were cheap, lighter than Crocs or sandals, and they spaired me the indignity of having to wear flip flops.
Hi there! I walked last year from SJPP to Finisterre, about water I agree with carrying a half a litre bottle and refill it. About foot wear, and this is really , the most valuable item I took to the camino were were the trekking sandals and included them at the last minute, I wore flip flops for the shower and in the albergues and I took a pair of The North Face Shoes, no boots. I changed them to the sandals every time I felt my feet were boiling in order to avoid overheating and blisters and also whenever there was a downhill to avoid the toes to continuously hit the front of the shoes and thus lose a toenail. The sandaare not heavy at all and can be carried outside the backpack and thus you can change footwear any time you feel like it. Buen Camino!Hello All. I intend to walk Camino Frances in May/June 2015 and I am compiling my kit. I have found Forum conversations very helpful and my initial queries are (1) how much water do you recommend to carry each day as 2 litres presumaby equates to 2 kilos - should I plan on this as I will have water reservoir within rucksack or is one litre enough. My main headache however is (2) what footwear to wear at the end of each day? Do I need flip flops for shower plus some sort of sandal, croc or shoe to go out in evening and relax in. So many options I am dithering! FYI I am male aged 54. Thanks for your help.
Thank you for your helping suggestions.Hi there! I walked last year from SJPP to Finisterre, about water I agree with carrying a half a litre bottle and refill it. About foot wear, and this is really , the most valuable item I took to the camino were were the trekking sandals and included them at the last minute, I wore flip flops for the shower and in the albergues and I took a pair of The North Face Shoes, no boots. I changed them to the sandals every time I felt my feet were boiling in order to avoid overheating and blisters and also whenever there was a downhill to avoid the toes to continuously hit the front of the shoes and thus lose a toenail. The sandaare not heavy at all and can be carried outside the backpack and thus you can change footwear any time you feel like it. Buen Camino!
Hello. I have enjoyed researching and making gear purchases. Typical me putting off the actual walking - but method in procrastination as I want to start my walking training with a backpack so I get used to carrying it on my back. You say you built up walking over time. I am now a free agent so I could make time to walk most days. Would like to draw up sensible incremental walking distance plan rather than my all or nothing tendency!Hi Jostony,
I'm training for Camino and found that I have the same questions you're asking.
I've taken the training approach of increasing my walking distance slowly over time and now reached 20 km with a full pack weight of 10-12kg on the weekends. My pack isn't complete so I add 5kg weight with water bottles to make up the difference. In doing this I hope to find out how much water I need to carry to sustain a heathy balance.
Buen Camino
Buen Camino
Thanks. Will have to avoid temptation to plan walks that inevitably end up in a pub for a glass of tinto!@Yostony
Drawing up a plan before walking sounds like a good idea, unfortunately I went the other way and began walking first probably because I was a novice.
My journey began with no pack and regular footwear walking about 4km or so. After a while I started purchasing gear from hiking stores and advice from this forum on what's recommended and found I could walk further. I tried boots, sanders but settled on a good pair of running shoes only because they suited me best and found I could walk further. I increased my pack weight and added sock liners to avoid hotspots and blisters and so on and so on.
It would be interesting to hear from others in the forum if they had similar lead up to Camino. Oh and don't worry about procrastination, just let it happen, some days I plan to walk more but end up walking slower or stopping longer.
Buen Camino
There is an eight week program here to get you from 12km to 30km. If you struggle doing 12km now, you might want to do the 10km program first. The walks this is focussed on preparing you for do not require a pack, so you might want to vary the program to bring your pack weight up earlier and increase the weight to your camino load. I also vary it by doing the longer walks with a pack, generally starting at about 5-8kg and building up from there.Would like to draw up sensible incremental walking distance plan rather than my all or nothing tendency!
Brilliant. Very helpful - thank you.There is an eight week program here to get you from 12km to 30km. If you struggle doing 12km now, you might want to do the 10km program first. The walks this is focussed on preparing you for do not require a pack, so you might want to vary the program to bring your pack weight up earlier and increase the weight to your camino load. I also vary it by doing the longer walks with a pack, generally starting at about 5-8kg and building up from there.
It's worth avoiding boredom if you can, and finding a few different circuits rather than doing an out and back or laps of shorter circuits as you get your distance up.
I'm not a great believer in doing longer distances several days in a row, although I will try and get at least one longer distance in every weekend, and closer to departure do longer distances on both weekend days.
Hi,Hello All. I intend to walk Camino Frances in May/June 2015 and I am compiling my kit. I have found Forum conversations very helpful and my initial queries are (1) how much water do you recommend to carry each day as 2 litres presumaby equates to 2 kilos - should I plan on this as I will have water reservoir within rucksack or is one litre enough. My main headache however is (2) what footwear to wear at the end of each day? Do I need flip flops for shower plus some sort of sandal, croc or shoe to go out in evening and relax in. So many options I am dithering! FYI I am male aged 54. Thanks for your help.
Hi,Hello All. I intend to walk Camino Frances in May/June 2015 and I am compiling my kit. I have found Forum conversations very helpful and my initial queries are (1) how much water do you recommend to carry each day as 2 litres presumaby equates to 2 kilos - should I plan on this as I will have water reservoir within rucksack or is one litre enough. My main headache however is (2) what footwear to wear at the end of each day? Do I need flip flops for shower plus some sort of sandal, croc or shoe to go out in evening and relax in. So many options I am dithering! FYI I am male aged 54. Thanks for your help.
P.S. Forgot to mention two items you should consider taking.Hi,
Hi,
Like most topics, different people have different needs, the amount of water to carry is no exception. The best way of judging this, in my opinion, is to walk 25 kM on two successive days. At present, the weather in the UK is similar to that you will experience in Spain during May/June next year, especially during the first couple of weeks. Water is heavy, there are plenty of villages and water fountains on the route. With regard to footwear, take what is comfortable to you, by walking at least two days in succession in the UK on numerous occasions, so you become confident with your decision - take what suits you. Also take a pair of lightweight sandals/flip flops to wear in the shower and around the village in the evening.
The most important point to concentrate on is getting your feet toughen up and to become as fit as possible. This together with a light pack should make the walk more enjoyable.
The number of people that suffer with foot problems is amazing.
Best of luck
John
For sure, SmartTube is more hygienic than bladders, but best still is to drink straight from the bottle; this simple, yet ingenious device keeps it in immediate reach: www.niteize.com/product/Drink-N-Clip.asp. Keep one or two spare half-litre bottles in your pack and you have the most weight-efficient and hygienic solution.If bladders are not washed thoroughly and often, they can make you ill. I used two 1/2 lt bottles with a smartube, when one was empty I just switched the tube over. These bottles can be washed and reused easily or just buy new ones. With the smartube you can sip regularly and avoid dehydration. Remember to wash the tube thoroughly every day/evening.
Thanks PANO, are these available anywhere in Europe?For sure, SmartTube is more hygienic than bladders, but best still is to drink straight from the bottle; this simple, yet ingenious device keeps it in immediate reach: www.niteize.com/product/Drink-N-Clip.asp. Keep one or two spare half-litre bottles in your pack and you have the most weight-efficient and hygienic solution.
If I learned one thing on my Camino, it is to keep everything as simple and straightforward as possible.
When you search for "Drink'n clip", you'll find some vendors other than Nite Ize. But since this clip is so simple and cheap, it does not seem to be interesting enough for re-sellers in general.Thanks PANO, are these available anywhere in Europe?
PS: I just found that Amazon sells the clips through their UK and German subsidiaries.Thanks PANO, are these available anywhere in Europe?
I am always amazed when I see these predictions of impending doom if bladders are not cleaned regularly. It is not my experience that there is an issue if they are in regular use. The few times mine have been a problem has been associated with not drying them out properly before storing them for a longer period. The extent of my regular care is to give mine a rinse with hot water into which I have dissolved a denture tablet about once every six months or so. Other than that, they get a rinse before being refilled from time to time, certainly not daily.If bladders are not washed thoroughly and often, they can make you ill. I used two 1/2 lt bottles with a smartube, when one was empty I just switched the tube over. These bottles can be washed and reused easily or just buy new ones. With the smartube you can sip regularly and avoid dehydration. Remember to wash the tube thoroughly every day/evening.
I am not sure how you reach the conclusion that any of the SmartTube and similar solutions are more hygienic than bladders, particularly when the company itself isn't making any such claims. Certainly replacing a plastic water bottle every day would reduce the risk of contamination, but I don't sense you are being that environmentally unfriendly. Are you aware of any research on this matter that might shed light on the hygiene issues with each of the options?For sure, SmartTube is more hygienic than bladders, but best still is to drink straight from the bottle; this simple, yet ingenious device keeps it in immediate reach: www.niteize.com/product/Drink-N-Clip.asp. Keep one or two spare half-litre bottles in your pack and you have the most weight-efficient and hygienic solution.
If I learned one thing on my Camino, it is to keep everything as simple and straightforward as possible.
Exactly why I prefer fresh mineral water*, wayfarer.........1. The water did not taste good from it.
@PANO, the argument is that you have to be setting a cracking pace for your suggestion that one is never further than an hour away to be true. Using the distances between localities from Camino Planner on the Godesalco site (http://www.godesalco.com/plan/frances) and assuming that a speedy pilgrim can achieve an effective average speed of 5kph (I averaged about 4.5kph on the CF, but I am prepared to give you some leeway on this) then:Exactly why I prefer fresh mineral water*, wayfarer.The newbies seeking advise here should know that the Camino is far from wilderness, where a bladder would be justified. Except in the Pyrenees and a stretch on the Meseta, you're never further than an hour's walk away from a fountain, shop or a bar. Beyond that, each to his own, so what's the argument?
Hello All. I intend to walk Camino Frances in May/June 2015 and I am compiling my kit. I have found Forum conversations very helpful and my initial queries are (1) how much water do you recommend to carry each day as 2 litres presumaby equates to 2 kilos - should I plan on this as I will have water reservoir within rucksack or is one litre enough. My main headache however is (2) what footwear to wear at the end of each day? Do I need flip flops for shower plus some sort of sandal, croc or shoe to go out in evening and relax in. So many options I am dithering! FYI I am male aged 54. Thanks for your help.
like Linda T - I have never caught anything in a shower - why do so many people take flip-flops etc just for showers?! I can understand wanting a shoe in a river or sea - sharp stones etc/ Is it just for not slipping maybe...?
The only maintenance i ever used for my Camel Back 1 litre, was once a week to drop some chlorine bleach into the bag, fill half way and swish thoroughly, then empty through the tube. then leave to air dry upsi.de down. never greened up YUCK! never tasted bad and still reliable after at least 2006, though a new one is in order.I am always amazed when I see these predictions of impending doom if bladders are not cleaned regularly. It is not my experience that there is an issue if they are in regular use. The few times mine have been a problem has been associated with not drying them out properly before storing them for a longer period. The extent of my regular care is to give mine a rinse with hot water into which I have dissolved a denture tablet about once every six months or so. Other than that, they get a rinse before being refilled from time to time, certainly not daily.
Hmmm - multi-tasking - just imagine the time one would save...people who pee in the shower.
Athletes foot and people who pee in the shower. I was aware of the first; never thought of the second until someone on this forum suggested it. I still have trouble believing it.
like Linda T - I have never caught anything in a shower - why do so many people take flip-flops etc just for showers?! I can understand wanting a shoe in a river or sea - sharp stones etc/ Is it just for not slipping maybe...?
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