Ivan Shannon
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- "2016"
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I also take some extra clothing for evening wear: a long cotton Tilley skirt, comfortable and with a zip-up side pocket for security. I have to wear something in the evening, or I could not wash my day clothes. I feel good, being able to visit a church, a museum, a nice restaurant, dressed as a lady, with my Birkenstock plastic sandals for footwear..Although I've done it both ways, I prefer the "wear one, wash one, and spare one" option. By the time I completed a camino with just two sets, I wanted to burn everything I had worn that was quick-dry material. Having a casual set of lightweight cotton blend (t-shirt and shorts) felt like a luxury in the evenings, similar to the feel of real sheets in a private room after sleeping on paper sheets/sleeping bag for days on end. I don't even think about the extra pound (at most) in my pack.
What do you wear at night?the ”spare one” is unnecessary.
Socks and underpants the latter ; trousers and similar one ; all else the former.I am planning to walk Camino Frances starting in April 2022 from St. Jean, damp conditions will be certain and therefore I wonder if I should continue with the "wear one, wash one" approach or would it be wiser to adopt the "wear one, wash one and spare one" approach.
Just the shirt I’m going to wear the next day.What do you wear at night?
Ahh. Do you not have ANY second item for your legs? I usually need full coverage to stay warm enough during the shoulder season.Just the shirt I’m going to wear the next day.
I have two pairs of pants, so if I need the warmth, I just put on the pants I will wear in the morning. Some people may find that uncomfortable, but I’ve been doing it for so long it is just not an issue at all. If I could figure out how to not feel ridiculous in leggings, I would probably have one pair of leggings and one pair of pants, and sleep in the leggings, but I have not been able to take that jump.Ahh. Do you not have ANY second item for your legs? I usually need full coverage to stay warm enough during the shoulder season.
I didn't understand your first post - you are in the "wear one, wash one" category, with no third as a spare.I have two pairs of pants
I have many years of hotel laundry experience also; being too parsimonious to ever send anything unnecessarily to be service washed; even when spending my former employers’ money.On all of my various caminos I have used washer/dryers no more than three times total. I enjoy doing camino laundry by hand and if there is no clothes lines outside or if raining, I become innovative in my drying techniques, like Laurie, sometimes even hanging clothes outside of an upstairs window, safety pinned on a hanger. In a pinch I usually opt to wash just my socks, undies and the t-shirt under my fleece.
I like laundry detergent sheets. These are the ones that I use, though I've noticed that there are a lot more brands available now. I use half a sheet for handwashing my daily clothes. I use a 12 liter dry bag to wash my clothes in, rather than the albergue laundry sinks. As I'm undressing for my shower and the water is warming up I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag, then my clothes. Then I fill the bag about 3/4 full with water and close it up. I give it a few shakes and set it aside to soak while I shower and dress. I then shake the bag some more to agitate everything well before rinsing in the laundry sink. The detergent sheets don't create a lot of suds, but get the clothes clean. After wring them out well I roll them up in my towel and twist it. This method gets my clothes cleaner than using the laundry sinks alone in the albergues. I think that the long soaking time is the secret. I even use the dry bag to wash when I'm staying in a room with my own bathroom.A tiny bottle of cold-water laundry detergent is more effective than a bar of soap and gets me through two weeks of laundry.
Pants that are the color of dried dirt are even better.Darker colours are more forgiving of a bit of grime.
I like laundry detergent sheets. These are the ones that I use, though I've noticed that there are a lot more brands available now. I use half a sheet for handwashing my daily clothes. I use a 12 liter dry bag to wash my clothes in, rather than the albergue laundry sinks. As I'm undressing for my shower and the water is warming up I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag, then my clothes. Then I fill the bag about 3/4 full with water and close it up. I give it a few shakes and set it aside to soak while I shower and dress. I then shake the bag some more to agitate everything well before rinsing in the laundry sink. The detergent sheets don't create a lot of suds, but get the clothes clean. After wring them out well I roll them up in my towel and twist it. This method gets my clothes cleaner than using the laundry sinks alone in the albergues. I think that the long soaking time is the secret. I even use the dry bag to wash when I'm staying in a room with my own bathroom.
Pants that are the color of dried dirt are even better.
It seems your wife has a dry sense of humor similar to your own.Several years ago when re-carpeting the house my wife was asked what colour range she wanted to pick from.
‘Cat vomit would be good’
(In the years before the arrival of Henry the actual dog, of course.)
My husband told me about this … and it works. I have used this system from time to time for underwear and socks (and occasionally a t shirt) if they are still damp and look like they may not be dry by morning due to weather. I put them in the sleeping bag / bed with me - not wearing them - and body heat takes care of the rest. Voila. I don’t fancy wearing the damp clothes but having them ‘sleepy’ nearby is not a problem.In a pinch, and if the temperature is not too cold, I have also put on damp clothes. This was because of the advice I got from a former Spanish soldier on my first Vdlp that body heat is the best dryer. He used to get inside his sleeping bag with wet-ish clothes and emerge all dry after his nap. Not sure that sounds like much fun though.
One of my two pairs of zip off pants is an Outdoor Research brand - the colour ‘Mud’ sealed the deal.Pants that are the color of dried dirt are even better.
I've posted this before on the forum but it seemed very appropriate here. The English writer and TV presenter Nicholas Crane on the problem of overthinking his packing decisions for a very long walk from Santiago to Istanbul. Also, because I deeply feared blisters, I had four pairs of socks. All were short socks (i,e. No calf or ankle coverage) so I don’t think the weight meant much.
Well I actually had already deleted this comment, before yours, because I realised I hadn’t explained the scenario well and made the belated realisation that it would inevitably attract this sort of response. Thankfully for fellow pilgrims I typically take private rooms these days and, in any case, pride myself on cleaning the shower down after use so that’s it’s often found cleaner than when I arrived. So no cause for concernProbably not, but I would hope so. I do not enjoy the thought of using a shower that has been used as a wash basin with all the dirt and contaminants - like dried manure - that would be sloughed off onto the floor pan.
One would be hard pressed to distinguish between my real clothes and my Camino clothes! In fact, my real clothes are often my old Camino clothes!Real clothes for wearing around town on a day off
C'mon. I don't expect that Jenny steps into the shower with manure-encrusted underwear!dirt and contaminants - like dried manure
I first learned of the Camino through my remarkable late mother-in-law Barbara who walked the Camino Frances in 1985. She was an artist working at first in precious metals but later in textiles. I've always been a shy and retiring person and that is pretty much reflected in my clothes. Barbara once summed up my wardrobe choices in one word: "Mud!" Then she immediately softened the blow by qualifying her comment: "Classy mud!". I owe the lady an enormous debtOne of my two pairs of zip off pants is an Outdoor Research brand - the colour ‘Mud’ sealed the deal
I hear ya!One would be hard pressed to distinguish between my real clothes and my Camino clothes
I travel alone also, but usually can find a couple of other pilgrims to share the load.Re washing clothes en route: I have never used washers/dryers on the Camino, since I travel alone and don't have enough to warrant a machine.
That's another benefit of washing the clothes in a dry bag. You don't have to spend a lot of time with your hands in soapy water.However, one thing to remember is that all the hand washing can make your hands sore, so please take a good supply of hand cream.
I took light blue socks on my first Camino, and hand washed them every day bar one (Pamplona). I didn't even notice as they slowly turned grey. Imagine my surprise when I washed them at home and they were blue again!Since it takes me a whole day to get to Europe (plus a 4-5 hour drive to get to the airport), I visit friends in various countries either at the begging or the end of my Camino. This requires me to bring a variety of clothing suitable to various climes, since I travel during shoulder seasons. My "uniform" for my flights is a long skirt and a shirt and a flimsy low cut pair of socks that I wear with my hiking shoes or boots (I change to my flipflops once the plane is underway). For my walk, I usually have 2 pairs of lightweight trousers and 2 tops. I have a sleep shirt. No matter what, I bring 4-5 pairs of socks to wear during my walk, since as we know your feet are your life on such journeys. I cut off a tiny chunk of Zote (a bar of soap from Mexico) to do my handwashing. I keep the weight of the pack around 7 kg.
I will tell you a story from years ago when I splurged and used a washing machine at an albergue in Pamplona. The next morning I put on clean underwear and was bedazzled how wonderful it felt. Even after all these years, I remember the sheer delight at this simple pleasure. When I am grumpy about some (ridiculous) slight the universe has dealt me, I think of that underwear and feel gratitude for all the many blessings I have.
I am definitely a wear one, wash one, spare one. On my first Camino I went with wear one, wash one and it was a real pain to have to do laundry every day for 5 weeks. Second Camino I had a spare set of clothes and it made it so much better. The spare consists of an extra under short, shirt and socks, but not extra trousers. Not much weight added since I used light weight breathable stuff.Hello Fellow Pilgrims,
Acknowledging the need for a sleeping bag due the withdrawal of blankets in albergues I am looking for advice in the washing and drying facilities in alberques. I have only completed two short Caminos, the first I made the beginners mistake and carried too much clothes so facilities was not an immediate issue. My second Camino I attempted to reduce the quantity of clothing but fell foul of the weather, heavy rain and damp conditions resulted in washed but undried clothes.
I am planning to walk Camino Frances starting in April 2022 from St. Jean, damp conditions will be certain and therefore I wonder if I should continue with the "wear one, wash one" approach or would it be wiser to adopt the "wear one, wash one and spare one" approach.
I look forward to the views of other pilgrims.
Love this! I got some laundry sheets for Christmas, for this very purpose. I was planning on washing in the sinks and would carry a universal plug - the dry bag is easier and so much lighter! Great idea, and one I will adopt.I like laundry detergent sheets. These are the ones that I use, though I've noticed that there are a lot more brands available now. I use half a sheet for handwashing my daily clothes. I use a 12 liter dry bag to wash my clothes in, rather than the albergue laundry sinks. As I'm undressing for my shower and the water is warming up I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag, then my clothes. Then I fill the bag about 3/4 full with water and close it up. I give it a few shakes and set it aside to soak while I shower and dress. I then shake the bag some more to agitate everything well before rinsing in the laundry sink. The detergent sheets don't create a lot of suds, but get the clothes clean. After wring them out well I roll them up in my towel and twist it. This method gets my clothes cleaner than using the laundry sinks alone in the albergues. I think that the long soaking time is the secret. I even use the dry bag to wash when I'm staying in a room with my own bathroom.
Pants that are the color of dried dirt are even better.
And you can use the dry bag to hold your sleeping gear or something else.Love this! I got some laundry sheets for Christmas, for this very purpose. I was planning on washing in the sinks and would carry a universal plug - the dry bag is easier and so much lighter! Great idea, and one I will adopt.
I do like the occasional machine wash. So, I just send out a loud offer in the Albergue to have other pilgrims give me their clothes to fill up my load. Sharing is caringRe washing clothes en route: I have never used washers/dryers on the Camino, since I travel alone and don't have enough to warrant a machine. The one notable exception was Albergue Quinta Estrada Romana in Portugal, where the Canadian owner took all my clothes away and put them in his machine! However, one thing to remember is that all the hand washing can make your hands sore, so please take a good supply of hand cream.
To add to my post - the dry bag and laundry detergent strips that I use together weighed 2.7 ounces for a 6 week Camino.I like laundry detergent sheets. These are the ones that I use, though I've noticed that there are a lot more brands available now. I use half a sheet for handwashing my daily clothes. I use a 12 liter dry bag to wash my clothes in, rather than the albergue laundry sinks. As I'm undressing for my shower and the water is warming up I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag, then my clothes. Then I fill the bag about 3/4 full with water and close it up. I give it a few shakes and set it aside to soak while I shower and dress. I then shake the bag some more to agitate everything well before rinsing in the laundry sink. The detergent sheets don't create a lot of suds, but get the clothes clean. After wring them out well I roll them up in my towel and twist it. This method gets my clothes cleaner than using the laundry sinks alone in the albergues. I think that the long soaking time is the secret. I even use the dry bag to wash when I'm staying in a room with my own bathroom.
I'm in the wear one wash one group with an extra pair of socks. When I was crossing the Pyrenees in April I did take a ratty old pair of long underwear and gloves which I tossed when I reached Pamplona.the "wear one, wash one" approach
I look forward to the views of other pilgrims.
Well I actually had already deleted this comment, before yours, because I realised I hadn’t explained the scenario well and made the belated realisation that it would inevitably attract this sort of response. Thankfully for fellow pilgrims I typically take private rooms these days and, in any case, pride myself on cleaning the shower down after use so that’s it’s often found cleaner than when I arrived. So no cause for concern
Only with socks. The third pair came in useful a couple of timesHello Fellow Pilgrims,
Acknowledging the need for a sleeping bag due the withdrawal of blankets in albergues I am looking for advice in the washing and drying facilities in alberques. I have only completed two short Caminos, the first I made the beginners mistake and carried too much clothes so facilities was not an immediate issue. My second Camino I attempted to reduce the quantity of clothing but fell foul of the weather, heavy rain and damp conditions resulted in washed but undried clothes.
I am planning to walk Camino Frances starting in April 2022 from St. Jean, damp conditions will be certain and therefore I wonder if I should continue with the "wear one, wash one" approach or would it be wiser to adopt the "wear one, wash one and spare one" approach.
I look forward to the views of other pilgrims.
DittoWear one wash one for me with the exception of jocks and socks.
When I did my 2016 Camino with my son, I thought I would be hand washing every day. But I found that clothing for the two of us every other day (4 sets) made a perfect load for the washing machine. So I tried to arrange it, where feasible, so that we were in an albergue with a washing machine every other day. Hand washing to me seemed to help one hold one's own in the battle against dirty clothes while machine washing was a definite victory.I took light blue socks on my first Camino, and hand washed them every day bar one (Pamplona). I didn't even notice as they slowly turned grey. Imagine my surprise when I washed them at home and they were blue again!
On my next Camino I took merino blend socks, and about 2 weeks in, the hospitalera took the laundry and delivered it back dry, I had to buy new socks as they shrunk to a dolls size. And the sleeves were so tight I had to cut the seam to make them wearable. I had to buy more. Im pretty sure the culprit was a very hot dryer.
Now I stick to hand washing most days, and just put up with the dirt build up - occasionally renting an apartment with a washing machine - but not using the dryer.
Now I take a spare pair of socks though. Two of every thing else, but an extra pair of socks just in case.
I agree. I'm not in competition for the lightest pack award. I carry what makes me comfortable so long as I can comfortably carry it.Having 'stuff' with me that brings me joy--even if it is just a clean set of clothing for the evening, or a fruity smelling lotion--is part of my camino.
Me neither @trecile ... in any event it would be futile. I know I wouldn't win! A commendation for effort would be the most I could reasonably expect.I agree. I'm not in competition for the lightest pack award. I carry what makes me comfortable so long as I can comfortably carry it.
Only 2 pair of pants for me. I'd wear and hand wash my pants which zipped to shorts, but I had 3 pairs of quick dry socks, underwear and shirts. Used a machine once. It did a poor job drying and was unreliable. I hand washed the entire camino minus the first day. I brought this along to dry where I stayed if it rained or there wasn't space on the available clothesline.Hello Fellow Pilgrims,
Acknowledging the need for a sleeping bag due the withdrawal of blankets in albergues I am looking for advice in the washing and drying facilities in alberques. I have only completed two short Caminos, the first I made the beginners mistake and carried too much clothes so facilities was not an immediate issue. My second Camino I attempted to reduce the quantity of clothing but fell foul of the weather, heavy rain and damp conditions resulted in washed but undried clothes.
I am planning to walk Camino Frances starting in April 2022 from St. Jean, damp conditions will be certain and therefore I wonder if I should continue with the "wear one, wash one" approach or would it be wiser to adopt the "wear one, wash one and spare one" approach.
I look forward to the views of other pilgrims.
I’ve always thought that a laundromat on the Camino could make some extra money by selling paper/disposable clothes that you could wear while doing laundry. Or they could rent you surgical scrubs which they could launder after use. Either way, you could then wash all of your clothes.
When I had a bed bug scare I wore a towel while a hospitalera washed all my clothes.You can also wear your poncho while washing all your clothes. Saw someone do that when they had to wash everything because of bedbugs. Everybody had a good laugh, but it worked!
I have done too and works wondersI have a very strong opinion on this question, but I give it not with a directive to do what I do, but rather with the hope that you will take all the opinions you get and figure out what works for you!
Since you will be on the Francés, the availability of washers and dryers will likely make this a non-issue, but even without that luxury, I think that with quick-dry clothes (essential, IMO), the ”spare one” is unnecessary. If you are at a time and place where drying by morning is unlikely, just wear what you are wearing for another day. That means you will have clean clothes when you get to the next place where you can wash what you are wearing.
If you really need to wash something, and dryers are not available, and clothes won’t dry on their own, a night in a pensión/hotel will solve your problem. Use the bath towel to wring out the clothes and they will dry. I frequently hang wrung-out clothes all around the room on hangers — from the overhead TV stand, from door knobs, etc.
In a pinch, and if the temperature is not too cold, I have also put on damp clothes. This was because of the advice I got from a former Spanish soldier on my first Vdlp that body heat is the best dryer. He used to get inside his sleeping bag with wet-ish clothes and emerge all dry after his nap. Not sure that sounds like much fun though.
Buen camino, Laurie
I have done it too and works wonders and in the worst case I always can buy something on the way
Hi,I've never met anyone who 'boasted' about hand washing their clothes. For many, it's a necessity. I
In my humble opinion wear one wash one. Easier to manage. As an ensemble, change underpants, T-shirt and socks every second day, after all you are showering every day. I wash them that afternoon as soon as I arrive at an alburgue. Therefore you have two days for them to dry - hopefully fully. If you put on not fully dry clothing, besides being uncomfortable, they stink in no time. Also keep an eye/nose on your towel. I wash mine every fourth day.Hello Fellow Pilgrims,
Acknowledging the need for a sleeping bag due the withdrawal of blankets in albergues I am looking for advice in the washing and drying facilities in alberques. I have only completed two short Caminos, the first I made the beginners mistake and carried too much clothes so facilities was not an immediate issue. My second Camino I attempted to reduce the quantity of clothing but fell foul of the weather, heavy rain and damp conditions resulted in washed but undried clothes.
I am planning to walk Camino Frances starting in April 2022 from St. Jean, damp conditions will be certain and therefore I wonder if I should continue with the "wear one, wash one" approach or would it be wiser to adopt the "wear one, wash one and spare one" approach.
I look forward to the views of other pilgrims.
I have many years of hotel laundry experience also; being too parsimonious to ever send anything unnecessarily to be service washed; even when spending my former employers’ money.
Quick drying is assisted (obviously) by effective dewatering. Rolling t-shirts or underwear in a towel (ideally the hotel’s) and treading on the rolled towel for a few minutes gets an amazing amount of water out.
The ‘anti-theft’ hangers to be found in many hotel rooms - the ones with no hook, just a metal rod with a mushroomed top - can be defeated with a short loop of string and suspended in the bathroom to assist drying.
A tiny bottle of cold-water laundry detergent is more effective than a bar of soap and gets me through two weeks of laundry. It’s certainly lighter than another unnecessary set of clothes. I do, however, abhor sleeping in clothes which I will wear during the day; so I found a set of ultra-light boxers and t-shirt to sleep in. (www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk)
Darker colours are more forgiving of a bit of grime.
My spare set of clothes are identical to my other set.
I was once chucked out of a hotel in Braga where the display of my drying underwear on the balcony was directly opposite the Archbishops office and he phoned the hotel to complain.
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