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First, thanks for your note. Yes I have heard this; the way around it sounds like politeness! (Always asking permission etc.) There are some paid campsites as well. The lightening of my pack is the bigger problem so if anyone knows of links, articles, please advise.Hi, sorry to bring this up but as far as I know wild camping and off-site camping is illegal in Spain. Type in 'wild camping' in the search box top right of the page and I am sure you will find lots of info about it. Yes I know people do it but please do check first if it is a realistic option. I am sure you will find lots of info on here about lightening the pack as well!
Before my first Camino, I bought a backpack that would be accepted as carry-on on my planes.The lightening of my pack is the bigger problem so if anyone knows of links, articles, please advise.
Polite asking might work, or pitching up in albergue grounds etc. The biggest problem is the worry about forest fires and mess left behind.
Usually the way to cut the weight is to first make sure the big 3 - shelter, sleep system, pack - are as light as possible. How much of the 9+ kilos are big 3 items?
Thanks very much. yes, I am flying into Gatwick and have only my Osprey 55 litre. I realize it is a large backpack but it is my only luggage for one way ticket and potentially six months of travel in UK, Europe. I am waiting to donate my 3 piece luggage set as soon as Toronto charity shops are open againBefore my first Camino, I bought a backpack that would be accepted as carry-on on my planes.
For two reasons:
1. The pack was always with me: No waiting in airports or getting lost: Fast away from the airports, and no check-in.
2. The size (lack of) made it much easier to avoid excess/heavy items.
Rule of thumb: Do not carry more than 10% of your bodyweight.
Thanks again. Great idea. I will add individual weights and 'put it out there'.I am sure if you post your packing list, people will be only too happy to have a look, comment and probably suggest alternatives or things to leave behind. My packing list for Norway in summer was the same-ish weight but without a tent, and I know there were things there that I would not take again. Let's have a look!
A few pieces of advice, take them for what they are worth and adjust as suits.I've actually got everything in it already, excluding toiletries and few other items.
I walked Thursday for 1 1/2 hours; without pack I can go 4 hours and 20k no problem. Was tired but decided I need to train (add weights) if it's going to be this heavy.
For past year, I've been doing yoga, 3 times/week and strength training (x 2) but NOT specific upper body weights. I think this needs to be next stage of preparation for September. As long as my knees, feet and ankles can handle itThanks again for all your input!
These are all good advices.A few pieces of advice, take them for what they are worth and adjust as suits.
I hope this helps.
- Remember that the solution to keeping your backpack within 10% of body weight is to decrease pack weight, not increase body weight.
This is somewhat tongue in cheek, as I see you are already heading down the path of reducing pack weight. - Planning is great, but if this is your first Camino, leave yourself as much flexibility as possible. I see you are already heading down this path, too, taking as much time as needed to enjoy it all. But I notice that you are positing an ideal 2/3 camping, 1/3 staying in accommodations. Leave yourself open to the possibility that, when you are there, you may prefer a reversed ratio or give up on camping altogether. Many find that the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, experienced in pilgrim accommodations after the day's walk, one of the best parts of the experience.
- While there are certainly some pilgrims who tent, they are decidedly a small minority. If you look at most of the packing lists here, they won't have tents, likely not sleeping pads, and perhaps not sleeping bags (I tended to take just a sleeping bag liner). But if you look at places frequented by North American through hikers (the people who walk the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Coast Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, etc.), those people are used to walking long distances carrying everything they need to camp. They may have good advice for keeping the pack weight down while camping.
- There's another thread on the value of training before hand. Personally, I believe it can be a big help. Walking with your full backpack is, in my opinion, an important part of that. Not only does it help condition you, bet it will help see how things are working, help you figure out how to stow things so they are balanced right and the weight distribution is good, and all that sort of thing. For me, I started out with walks of 5-10km a few times a week, upped it to 15-20km for at least one of them, until eventually I could do 20km with full backpack for three days in a row (long weekend) without issue.
- The Norte is a fairly challenging Camino, by all accounts, with a fair amount of hills. Toronto is reasonably flat, except in certain specific areas (e.g. south of St. Clair, where the old Ice Age lakeshore was). Try and include some hills in your practice walks. I live on the top of the Scarborough Bluffs, and the 10km circuit I use includes walking down to the lake shore, along the lake, and up a substantial hill.
- Finally, you mention "as long as my knees, feet, and ankles can handle it". In my experience, walking poles will certainly help them to handle it a lot better.
Hi David,A few pieces of advice, take them for what they are worth and adjust as suits.
I hope this helps.
- Remember that the solution to keeping your backpack within 10% of body weight is to decrease pack weight, not increase body weight.
This is somewhat tongue in cheek, as I see you are already heading down the path of reducing pack weight. - Planning is great, but if this is your first Camino, leave yourself as much flexibility as possible. I see you are already heading down this path, too, taking as much time as needed to enjoy it all. But I notice that you are positing an ideal 2/3 camping, 1/3 staying in accommodations. Leave yourself open to the possibility that, when you are there, you may prefer a reversed ratio or give up on camping altogether. Many find that the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, experienced in pilgrim accommodations after the day's walk, is one of the best parts of the experience.
- While there are certainly some pilgrims who tent, they are decidedly a small minority. If you look at most of the packing lists here, they won't have tents, likely not sleeping pads, and perhaps not sleeping bags (I tended to take just a sleeping bag liner). But if you look at places frequented by North American through hikers (the people who walk the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Coast Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, etc.), those people are used to walking long distances carrying everything they need to camp. They may have good advice for keeping the pack weight down while camping.
- There's another thread on the value of training before hand. Personally, I believe it can be a big help. Walking with your full backpack is, in my opinion, an important part of that. Not only does it help condition you, but it will help see how things are working, help you figure out how to stow things so they are balanced right and the weight distribution is good, and all that sort of thing. For me, I started out with walks of 5-10km a few times a week, upped it to 15-20km for at least one of them, until eventually I could do 20km with full backpack for three days in a row (long weekend) without issue.
- The Norte is a fairly challenging Camino, by all accounts, with a fair amount of hills. Toronto is reasonably flat, except in certain specific areas (e.g. south of St. Clair, where the old Ice Age lakeshore was). Try and include some hills in your practice walks. I live on the top of the Scarborough Bluffs, and the 10km circuit I use includes walking down to the lake shore, along the lake, and up a substantial hill.
- Finally, you mention "as long as my knees, feet, and ankles can handle it". In my experience, walking poles will certainly help them to handle it a lot better.
If you are going to train by the Bluffs, here's the route I use:Hi David,
All such great reminders and advice!
Yes flexibility is definitely the name of the game; I really don't know who I will meet or what will happen; "dancing (walking) in the moment" . Because unsure how long I will be out of Canada, planning for lots of options.
I have JUST started to walk with full weight and it IS a VERY different story! I have been able to walk 20km regularly BUT WITHOUT MY PACK!
** Your 20kms with full backpack is my goal and I'm glad to hear I was thinking along those lines and why I decided to create post. This is very affirming.
# five is probably most valuable advice. Yes, Toronto is very flat. I will take trips to the Bluffs and also be doing walking in UK - where I will be by mid June. I plan to walk (train) extensively over there until departing Spain. Finally, #6 - yes, I have poles and I'm so happy I invested in them.
THANKS AGAIN for taking the time to write. I will cut and paste and add to my "Notes" on laptop. Regards and with great appreciation!
That's great to know and will keep in back of my mind.Also, should you decide along the way to go without the tent and mat, you can have them sent to Santiago, to Casa Ivar's luggage hold service! There will be links on this site.
This is really valuable and depicts the way I think of the camino. Thank you very much for taking the time. I will keep these notes for incorporate your thoughtful insights.9kg with camping gear doesn’t sound that much to me. Watch how much weight the water adds, esp if wild camping. I would go walking with the pack loaded and get used to it (or simply put something heavy into a normal day to day rucksack and just get used to the weight doing things you would normally do). Not so sure other exercises will help that much. Maybe some arm exercises to lift your back onto your back
I don’t know how well that 10% weight rule really works for women. Obviously lighter the better but there are plenty of women across the world regularly carrying small children on their backs all day who will weigh far more than 10% of their mother’s body weight.
I get the desire for flexibility but a wild camping experience is not your average camino experience. typically you would be walking during the day, having an evening meal, walking a bit in the evening to find somewhere to camp out of town as it gets dark, get up at dawn, find somewhere to have coffee and breakfast. I think most people who wild camp are camping in a very fleeting kind of way, they aren’t setting up camp in the afternoon and building a fire to cook, it’s more about waiting for people to go to bed, quietly pitching a tent somewhere unobtrusive and disappearing before people wake up.
Sometimes you can camp at albergues/campsites (maybe more on the Norte) or ask for permission to camp and have a more typical camino experience where you finish walking by 2.30pm, set up camp, go for a meal and then come back to your tent to sleep. Don’t want to put you off but sometimes I think discussions about wild camping on the camino can get a bit divorced from reality. It can be a deeply spiritual experience and you can feel at one with nature, it's free, but it’s also pretty primitive and miserable if it’s wet!
Good luck with your planning!
If you are going to train by the Bluffs, here's the route I use:
- Bus or drive to the Guild Inn. From the parking lot, there is a nice walk through a wooded ravine to the lake shore.
- Walk west along the lake shore to the Doris McCarthy Trail (DMT). You have the lake on your left and the bluffs on your right. Just before the DMT, there is a shipwreck you can see by the shore (the boiler of the ships seems to be all that is left). You will know when you reach the DMT (a) by the large metal sculpture and (b) by the path going up the hill.
- Walk up the DMT to the top. This is about twice as far as you walked down. It is also through a nice wooded ravine with a nice burbling brook beside the trail. When you get to the top, turn right and walk east along the road (Bellehaven Cr.).
- When you get to where Bellehaven meets Hill Cr. you have two choices. You can take the path to your right which leads through another wooded ravine to Sylvan Park. (Gotta love Toronto's ravines!) That's what I usually do when it isn't too wet. Taking the path, you walk down to Sylvan Park where you can turn left and walk to Sylvan road, or turn right, walk for a bit, turn right again, walk to the top of the bluffs, turn right again, walk along the top of the bluffs to a nice scenic view before walking through the park to Sylvan Road. One choice is more straightforward, one is longer and more scenic. I do the latter. Or instead of walking down to Sylvan Park you can continue along Hill Crescent to where it meets Heathfield Drive on the left. On the right you will see a paved path through the woods that will take you down to a short stretch of Heathfield Drive which ends in Sylvan Crescent. Either way you end up in Sylvan Crescent.
- Walk East along Sylvan Crescent unril you get to the end at Livingston Road. You will pass a school and a part on your right. Just about where the school is, is Rogate Place. If you look south on Rogate Place you will see another park (South Marine Park). Next to that you might see a yellow arrow attached to a tree giving the number of km to Santiago. But you don't have to go that way. Just keep going along Sylvan to Livingston.
- When you get to Livingston, keep going straight, not on a road, but on a path. That path will take you into the Guild Inn Park and you can walk through the park back to the parking lot.
- If it doesn't make much sense as described above, it will make a lot more sense if you read it while looking at Google Maps.
The whole route is between 9 and 10 km (depending on how much you wander in the parks). Later in my training, I'll do it twice, with a stop for brunch or lunch in between. There are generally washrooms in the Guild Inn Park but those are the only facilities on the trail (be warned). At the moment, those washrooms are closed and replaces with a porta-potty.
There is a Toronto Camino Community that, when not in Covid-times, meets up for walks twice a week. This was one of the walks that they would sometimes do. They'd meet at the coffee shop in the little plaza at Livingston and Guildwood Parkway and then walk down Livingston to the park entrance by Sylvan. After the circuit, they'd walk back up from Livingston and Sylvan to the little plaza and have lunch at Ace's Place. There is a bus stop for the 116 right by the plaza. (The 116 is also the bus you'd take to get to the Guild Inn.)
You can connect with the Toronto Camino Community under that name on Facebook. Darlene, who organizes the walks, knows a ton of excellent Toronto walking routes and can probably suggest others that are good for training.
Thank you for responding and for the link. My reasons for camping are multiple: I want to be outdoors, I want the quiet and solitude, to avoid bed bugs, save a little cash and finally prove that I am not too old to be a camper. I celebrated 65 last week!What is the reason why you want to camp rather than sleep in albergues? As has been mentioned very few people camp along any of the Camino paths. @Kanga took a tent on her Camino del Norte, but eventually sent it to Ivar in Santiago. Here's her thread which might interest you.
This post is full of good advice. I’d also add that the old rule about carrying no more than 10% of your body weight actually seems to encourage peregrinos to carry too much stuff and too much weight, especially when they start using the “just in case” justification for adding more things to their packs. A couple other thoughts— during my Camino, I met only four or five walkers who were trying to camp their way across Spain. It just wasn’t being done and there seemed to be limited places to do it. Not impossible, but probably more complicated than one might guess. Other thoughts: definitely use hiking poles and do not hurry yourself. Carrying too much and striving for ultra long days will turn the Camino into a grind and blister your feet. Be a happy wanderer, take the time to fill yourself with gratitude just for being in Spain and being able to tread the sacred ground of the Camino. Move forward each day and leave no trace behind.A few pieces of advice, take them for what they are worth and adjust as suits.
I hope this helps.
- Remember that the solution to keeping your backpack within 10% of body weight is to decrease pack weight, not increase body weight.
This is somewhat tongue in cheek, as I see you are already heading down the path of reducing pack weight. - Planning is great, but if this is your first Camino, leave yourself as much flexibility as possible. I see you are already heading down this path, too, taking as much time as needed to enjoy it all. But I notice that you are positing an ideal 2/3 camping, 1/3 staying in accommodations. Leave yourself open to the possibility that, when you are there, you may prefer a reversed ratio or give up on camping altogether. Many find that the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, experienced in pilgrim accommodations after the day's walk, is one of the best parts of the experience.
- While there are certainly some pilgrims who tent, they are decidedly a small minority. If you look at most of the packing lists here, they won't have tents, likely not sleeping pads, and perhaps not sleeping bags (I tended to take just a sleeping bag liner). But if you look at places frequented by North American through hikers (the people who walk the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Coast Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, etc.), those people are used to walking long distances carrying everything they need to camp. They may have good advice for keeping the pack weight down while camping.
- There's another thread on the value of training before hand. Personally, I believe it can be a big help. Walking with your full backpack is, in my opinion, an important part of that. Not only does it help condition you, but it will help see how things are working, help you figure out how to stow things so they are balanced right and the weight distribution is good, and all that sort of thing. For me, I started out with walks of 5-10km a few times a week, upped it to 15-20km for at least one of them, until eventually I could do 20km with full backpack for three days in a row (long weekend) without issue.
- The Norte is a fairly challenging Camino, by all accounts, with a fair amount of hills. Toronto is reasonably flat, except in certain specific areas (e.g. south of St. Clair, where the old Ice Age lakeshore was). Try and include some hills in your practice walks. I live on the top of the Scarborough Bluffs, and the 10km circuit I use includes walking down to the lake shore, along the lake, and up a substantial hill.
- Finally, you mention "as long as my knees, feet, and ankles can handle it". In my experience, walking poles will certainly help them to handle it a lot better.
For you, @gayeh : A very good rule is: If you know you'll need it, bring it on in your backpack. If you think you'll need it, leave it at home. And be strong on this one. The leftover boxes in the albergues are filled with "neccessary" items left by over-packing pilgrims on the first 6-7 etapas of the Camino.I’d also add that the old rule about carrying no more than 10% of your body weight actually seems to encourage peregrinos to carry too much stuff and too much weight, especially when they start using the “just in case” justification for adding more things to their packs
That is a very good point. Cant comment on the Norte, but on the Frances people dont seem to live on the farm, you dont see houses in the fields. I think they must live in the village and go to the farm to work each day. I am used to a scenario here where the farmers live on the farm and are easy to find.. There are many open fields that I am sure you could camp on but I wonder how easy it is to find the owner of the field you choose to pitch your tent. Fires are illegal. I may have missed it but besides the weight of a tent and sleeping bag etc., you will also have the additional weight of food, utensils and water.
Thanks for this Anamiri! All to be digested and considered seriously.That is a very good point. Cant comment on the Norte, but on the Frances people dont seem to live on the farm, you dont see houses in the fields. I think they must live in the village and go to the farm to work each day. I am used to a scenario here where the farmers live on the farm and are easy to find.
Just endless unbroken fields on the Camino.
On the Frances on 3 Caminos I have seen only two lots of people camping, both times they had dogs and chose camping to allow them to stay with their dogs. As @alexwalker says, you may miss out on meeting other people, which is often one of the things about the Camino that makes it different and special (the social aspect adds to the enjoyment whether you plan to or not) from other long walks around the world. In my opinion a pilgrimage is different from a long walk.
On my first Camino I didn't expect to meet other people and form friendships, it just happens, and some of my most memorable moments were with other people.
However you can ship your stuff to Santiago and walk with a lighter load if you change your mind. Walking every day with a heavy pack can take a toll on your body and knees.
Congratulations! Perhaps you may consider GR11 then? It is a great trail, just a different kind. An attempt to camp on Camino most likely will end up with a disappointment because it is not a nature trail. You can check this on Google satellite maps. I have spent a couple of nights in woods and dunes but these were rather exotic eventsThank you for responding and for the link. My reasons for camping are multiple: I want to be outdoors, I want the quiet and solitude, to avoid bed bugs, save a little cash and finally prove that I am not too old to be a camper. I celebrated 65 last week!
That sounds like a perfect recommendation. There are SO many books and I have not read any yet. I will order today. Thanks very much Jenny!Hi @gayeh - a wonderful book about walking and camping on the Norte was written by Jean-Christophe Rufin and is called The Santiago Pilgrimage. He was a founding member of Medicins Sans Frontieres and a former French ambassador to Senegal. He mostly camped but did have the occasional night in albergues and small hotels.
It’s a very frank, open and honest read and the reader feels they are right there beside him. The book makes one want to be right there beside him! If only there was an emoticon for sighs of longing - for the Norte - not J-CR - though he would definitely be fascinating company!I’d recommend it to anyone who is thinking of walking the Norte.
Buen Norte Camino!
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny
...
The 10% rule is for people sleeping indoors only or ultralight enthusiasts, in my opinion...
....
Fantastic advice. Yes, my stuff is weighing in in the same ballpark. I still have time to decide whether to send the tent back - it just arrived yesterday! This is excellent though. Helps me a lot. From what I've heard the Norte is more difficult re camping and generally the route is very challenging compared with others.Hi gayeh!
9 kilos including camping gear is not that bad. Unless you have medical problems that do not allow carrying that much, it should be doable.
Sure, if you stay in albergues or hotels only, you could walk with much less weight. But if you carry camping gear (unless you‘re going ultralight and/or ultra expensive!), it‘s not unusual to have a pack in that range of weight. There are probably a few things you can leave at home or find a cheap, lighter version, though.
The 10% rule is for people sleeping indoors only or ultralight enthusiasts, in my opinion...
As a reference, when I intend to sleep outdoors (on Camino and elsewhere), I use a 70 ltrs backpack, tent 1,5-2kg, down sleeping bag 1-1,5kg, sleeping mat about 400 gr. All about maybe 8-12 (?) kgs of backpack depending on route and time of year. I had the same pack on the Le Puy way. Back then, I weighed about 55kgs myself. Got no blisters or other health issues and walking was not miserable. Sleeping in the tent wasn‘t either, I was toasty warm in the sleeping bag, even at almost freezing temperatures, heavy rain and wind. That was also done on a tight budget.
Most people on this forum do not camp and have no desire to do so, so the advice will usually be to leave the camping stuff at home.
On the Francés at least, it can definitely be a bit complicated finding legal camping spots, and you might not want to deal with the daily struggle. It is easier to find a bed than legal campground. No idea about the Norte. On the Le Puy it is easy to camp. In general, France is more tent friendly, Spain is not.
But only you know what you really need and which amount of weight on your shoulders you can or want to carry.
Happy planning and buen Camino!
Hi GayehI am planning the del norte in September. I will take as much time as needed to enjoy all.
My issue: I have purchased all the equipment and I don't see how I can travel (prepared) with less than 9+ kilos of gear - with no cooking equipment. I weight approx 59 kilos. I am thinking the only solution is to train my upper body so that I can handle this backpack weight? Ideally I will stay in accommodations 1/3 of my time. Opinions, insights are most welcomed!
May I suggest filling two liter soda bottles with water instead. Reasons: You can easily estimate the weight you are adding and, if you get sore along your training hike, you can dump the water to lighten your load (or drink it or pour it over you).time to start walking around with it stuffed full of 9kgs of books etc ...
I use very little upper body..pack should rest almost fully in hips, so work more in legs. Make sure your pack is fitted so straps are not on shoulders..they should be about an inch or less higher. I am about your size and train weekly with my pack which is about 13lb-15lb. Always seeking ounces to shred. I bought bar shampoo...less waste, less weight. Got rid of solar charger for lighter plug in type. I am using a tarp, buvvy sac from REI, Nemo air mattress, super light blanket I cut down to size and poncho. Trek pole will hold up tarp. I even cut the handle off toothbrush. Draconian yes, but even couple ounces adds up. I got rid of CamelBak and nalgene type bottle...a regular bottled water bottle weighs 6x less.I am planning the del norte in September. I will take as much time as needed to enjoy all.
My issue: I have purchased all the equipment and I don't see how I can travel (prepared) with less than 9+ kilos of gear - with no cooking equipment. I weight approx 59 kilos. I am thinking the only solution is to train my upper body so that I can handle this backpack weight? Ideally I will stay in accommodations 1/3 of my time. Opinions, insights are most welcomed!
Great advice lisaflora! Thanks so much! I sent my tent backI use very little upper body..pack should rest almost fully in hips, so work more in legs. Make sure your pack is fitted so straps are not on shoulders..they should be about an inch or less higher. I am about your size and train weekly with my pack which is about 13lb-15lb. Always seeking ounces to shred. I bought bar shampoo...less waste, less weight. Got rid of solar charger for lighter plug in type. I am using a tarp, buvvy sac from REI, Nemo air mattress, super light blanket I cut down to size and poncho. Trek pole will hold up tarp. I even cut the handle off toothbrush. Draconian yes, but even couple ounces adds up. I got rid of CamelBak and nalgene type bottle...a regular bottled water bottle weighs 6x less.
Yes SinBosun I have given up on the camping idea as a 'first timer'. I live in Ontario, Canada where camping is a fantastic option anytime. (From what I gather the del Norte is not really 'camping friendly'.) Also, although I look forward to solo walking, my innate extroversion will likely surface at the end of the day. Therefore, albergues, donativos etc. will suffice and communal cooking is very attractive to me. Thanks again for helping me to look at this more realistically this time around.Hi there. I walked the Norte a couple of years ago in September. I carried a tarp, groudsheet, bivvy bag, inflatable sleeping mat, sleeping bag, rocket stove and pan/mug as well as the usual. In the event we camped out twice, once wild and once on a site. We averaged over 30km per day but by the time we got to Ribadeo we'd had enough of the stuff and sent all the camping gear home - what a relief! Clearly I'd overdone it with a bivvy bag and tarps so that was a waste, as was the cooking gear. Our experience of rough camping was that, where it was feasible, others had done it before and there was digusting litter. Camping with the tarp on a paid site was ok. On balance though, it wasn't worth it.
I'm heading to the UK mid June and hoping to do some training/walks in England. I'm hoping hostels, guest houses will reopen soon. What else might you recommend? I have poles and an Osprey 55L pack.I’ve literally just completed the Pennine Way in the UK and due to lack of accom options, had to wildcamp a lot of it. I’m around 54 kg and the lightest I could get my pack weight to was 13.5 - 14 kg. This included food and water (no cafes, shops, bars etc to rely on). I found it tough but got through it and it is an awful lot hillier than the CN. My biggest aid was to use my poles the whole time to take some of that weight pressure and use my tried and tested Osprey 35ltr pack that fits me like a glove. Had to add a couple of dry bags to top and bottom for the extra volume required. I did several practice walks with the weight before finally setting off. Have fun!
Thank you again. I sent the tent back for now. I think the combo of del Norte not being camper-friendly, the social aspect of making food, sharing trekking and life stories etc. will be a perfect end to solo walking. Your input really helped me to let go of the camping idea - for now. I can always order it again! Gracias!That is a very good point. Cant comment on the Norte, but on the Frances people dont seem to live on the farm, you dont see houses in the fields. I think they must live in the village and go to the farm to work each day. I am used to a scenario here where the farmers live on the farm and are easy to find.
Just endless unbroken fields on the Camino.
On the Frances on 3 Caminos I have seen only two lots of people camping, both times they had dogs and chose camping to allow them to stay with their dogs. As @alexwalker says, you may miss out on meeting other people, which is often one of the things about the Camino that makes it different and special (the social aspect adds to the enjoyment whether you plan to or not) from other long walks around the world. In my opinion a pilgrimage is different from a long walk.
On my first Camino I didn't expect to meet other people and form friendships, it just happens, and some of my most memorable moments were with other people.
However you can ship your stuff to Santiago and walk with a lighter load if you change your mind. Walking every day with a heavy pack can take a toll on your body and knees.
I think that you have made a good decision. If you were a person that preferred to be alone all the time, then camping may have been a good option, but I think that staying in albergues will give you a good mix of alone and communal time.Yes SinBosun I have given up on the camping idea as a 'first timer'. I live in Ontario, Canada where camping is a fantastic option anytime. (From what I gather the del Norte is not really 'camping friendly'.) Also, although I look forward to solo walking, my innate extroversion will likely surface at the end of the day. Therefore, albergues, donativos etc. will suffice and communal cooking is very attractive to me. Thanks again for helping me to look at this more realistically this time around.
It really is just a rule of thumb, not a "rule" as such, for people of "average" height or smaller.I don’t know how well that 10% weight rule really works for women. Obviously lighter the better but there are plenty of women across the world regularly carrying small children on their backs all day who will weigh far more than 10% of their mother’s body weight.
Like this:tarp poncho and a lightweight mat might give you options with a lot less weight?
Yes, I am aware of the rain to be expected on the Norte. Currently I have a light waterproof hooded jacket and single layer rain pants. I bought rain cover for my Osprey backpack. Considered the poncho but the went this route ... for now. I wasn't keen on all the fabric (bulk) around me.Coming late to this, and it sounds like you've already made a decision about the tent, Gaye, and a wise one I think.
As others have said, it's not really possible to duplicate camino conditions while training - so do what you can, and then trust. We humans are natural distance-walkers; we moved around this way for thousands of years. So you may be surprised how natural it comes to feel. Maybe not at first because we're out of touch with the activity, but after a little while it becomes easy.
One thing you do not mention is rain protection. It rains on the Norte! Rain gear need not be heavy. On a whim before my 2nd camino I ditched gore-tex jacket and leggings for an Altus poncho that goes over the pack - which I bought in St Jean. I could not be happier with that decision: it saves a lot of weight, and is easier to boot. Altus is Spanish company but you could likely get one in the UK. Here's a blogpost someone wrote about ponchos in general - one thing I would say about the Altus is that the long sleeves are a real plus. I see the decathlon brand has a similar design.
Why a poncho?
When getting rain gear for something like a Camino and not just a quick walk in the park, most people will go with what they know: rain jacket and ditto trousers, and a rain cover for their pack &#…somewhereslowly-com.cdn.ampproject.org
If you search here on the Forum you'll find lots of (opinionated) posts, giving both pros and cons.
Planning to walk September, October, November (?) and additionally have mesh-style Merrell closed-toe sandals. I don't mind if my feet become wet eitherOne more thing to consider - what is the advantage of waterproof hiking shoes in summer? In real rain the feet will get wet anyway, and it is much harder to dry them than quick drying upper mesh shoes. My recipe for muddy path on a rainy day is just walk and do not pay attention how much mud and water the shoes soak in. Good socks are essential for escaping blisters. At the campsite give a good rinse to shoes/socks in a creek/river/lake and let them dry overnight. In winter its is different story, but then one would wear high boots, gaiters etc
Another controversial approach to rain protection is a trekking umbrella️. The major advantages are quick deployment, great ventilation, sun protection as well. Some are saying it is indispensable when one needs some privacy, but there is nowhere to hide ... Anyway, I found it pretty handy on CF and some tracks in Pyrenees, but it adds some weight of course.
How fixed is your June date? Members of the UK Government's own SAGE Committee (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) as well as the Independent SAGE Group have, over the weekend, been urging a more cautious approach to easing of restrictions due to an expected new wave caused by the so-called India variant and are urging the government to push for more people to get vaccinated before the "Big Bang" lifting of restrictions predicted for 21st June or it might need to be put back (again).I'm heading to the UK mid June and hoping to do some training/walks in England. I'm hoping hostels, guest houses will reopen soon. What else might you recommend? I have poles and an Osprey 55L pack.
You may check these. https://euroschirm.com/trekking.php?session=xUYWQS3k2HupP&sprache_land=englischPlanning to walk September, October, November (?) and additionally have mesh-style Merrell closed-toe sandals. I don't mind if my feet become wet eitherAnd yes, I will take good socks x 3. Will skip camping initially and be able to rinse and/or wash at albergues/donativos hopefully. PS: I wore my Goretex Merrells in Shetland last winter and my feel were never wet (?) Maybe I wasn't walking more than two hours (?) I do like idea of trekking umbrella but weight is unfortunately an issue .. Do you know weight?Also, how can one use trekking poles with trekking umbrella?
Planning to walk September, October, November (?) and additionally have mesh-style Merrell closed-toe sandals. I don't mind if my feet become wet eitherAnd yes, I will take good socks x 3. Will skip camping initially and be able to rinse and/or wash at albergues/donativos hopefully. PS: I wore my Goretex Merrells in Shetland last winter and my feel were never wet (?) Maybe I wasn't walking more than two hours (?) I do like idea of trekking umbrella but weight is unfortunately an issue .. Do you know weight?Also, how can one use trekking poles with trekking umbrella?
I would just take the sandals and waterproof socks if you are worried about wet feet. I wouldn't want to take two fairly heavy/bulky pairs of footwear. How about sandals and trail runners?You may check these. https://euroschirm.com/trekking.php?session=xUYWQS3k2HupP&sprache_land=englisch
I have that handsfree/silver one. I would say it works handsfree/2 poles on more or less flat path, but I feel somehow cumbersome this way. In mountains umbrella in one, a pole in another hand works better for me.
More on the matter: https://francistapon.com/Travels/Advice/10-Reasons-to-Go-Hiking-and-Backpacking-with-an-Umbrella
Hi gayehI've actually got everything in it already, excluding toiletries and few other items.
I walked Thursday for 1 1/2 hours; without pack I can go 4 hours and 20k no problem. Was tired but decided I need to train (add weights) if it's going to be this heavy.
For past year, I've been doing yoga, 3 times/week and strength training (x 2) but NOT specific upper body weights. I think this needs to be next stage of preparation for September. As long as my knees, feet and ankles can handle itThanks again for all your input!
Yes tomorrow will be an important update. I shall go to the UK, quarantine in London and hopefully head off to see friends & relatives in south England from Brighton to Bournemouth. Will consider some long walks as preparation for fall camino(s?).How fixed is your June date? Members of the UK Government's own SAGE Committee (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) as well as the Independent SAGE Group have, over the weekend, been urging a more cautious approach to easing of restrictions due to an expected new wave caused by the so-called India variant and are urging the government to push for more people to get vaccinated before the "Big Bang" lifting of restrictions predicted for 21st June or it might need to be put back (again).
Hi gayeh
You might consider the basic priciple that we are good for what we train for. If you want to walk the Camino with a 9kg pack then just train or it and all being equal, all should be equal.
Hopefully you will be able to get your pack weight down quite a bit now that you aren't taking the camping gear.I was only able to walk 1.5 hours last week with 9 kilos...slow but sure I'm hoping
@gayeh we walked the Norte with a tent in 2015, and here is the thread, which details our experiences, if you are interested. I was carrying more than 9kg that time, instead of my usual 7kg or less. At the end of the walk we both said that if we were to walk it again, we would not bother taking the tent.
Amazing thread! Thanks so much...Hopefully you will be able to get your pack weight down quite a bit now that you aren't taking the camping gear.
Remember, you can buy things in Spain.Amazing thread! Thanks so much...
Hope springs eternal re pack .... if I am able to practice in England on long walks/hikes, I might lighten up and leave things behind. Currently, everything I have seems important.
Excellent. Great list!Remember, you can buy things in Spain.
Check out @C clearly's all season packing list - https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/my-all-season-packing-list.59429/
I use a kitchen scale to weigh my gear.Someone here suggested that I post my packing list and ask for feedback re 'slimming down'.
I have to look up the weights etc. and do so.
Will get to it. Thx.
Good idea!I use a kitchen scale to weigh my gear.
Here's the amazing motherlode of info that came up when I was thinking (before covid) that I would be walking in the UK:Will consider some long walks as preparation for fall camino(s?).
Yes tomorrow will be an important update. I shall go to the UK, quarantine in London and hopefully head off to see friends & relatives in south England from Brighton to Bournemouth. Will consider some long walks as preparation for fall camino(s?).
What will happen? Only time will tell.
I may have to head to Portugal first and then into Spain. Will monitor the situation as it unfolds.
I am arriving vaccinated with my EU Irish Passport. I said to some friends this evening "I will believe I'm going when the plane is taking off".
This sounds like very realistic advice. (Speaking as another Canadian) the paid sites are way more "civilized" than we're used to, and not places to duck in and out of with 8 hours' sleep and nothing else. More like little settlements with cafes, etc. The rough-camping sites could be pretty rough. Remember, no outhouses!Our experience of rough camping was that, where it was feasible, others had done it before and there was digusting litter. Camping with the tarp on a paid site was ok. On balance though, it wasn't worth it.
Gossamer Gear sells an umbrella attachment kit that seems to work very well.I would just take the sandals and waterproof socks if you are worried about wet feet. I wouldn't want to take two fairly heavy/bulky pairs of footwear. How about sandals and trail runners?
I used and loved my Euroschirm handsfree umbrella on the Camino Francés - especially for long relatively flat stretches like the Meseta, but didn't find an umbrella as useful for the Norte. When I did the Norte I brought a lighter weight Euroschirm trekking umbrella (not handsfree) for which I rigged up a way to attach to my backpack. It never felt particularly stable, and wasn't as useful for the Norte. I think that the key to the handsfree model is the extra long handle that attaches to the waist belt of the backpack. However I'm still trying to find the perfect way to attach a lightweight umbrella to my backpack.Especially since I dislike wearing a hat.
What do you have in the Prepared category???travel (prepared)
My pack was 15kg at the beginning as I walked the Norte the first time.
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