I just read your blog(s), very nice indeed! While on Camino this past April and May, I met a fellow named Massimo from Italy who had a Carrix. I would like to tell you he was thrilled with it, but that would not be honest. In mountainous areas, the FRAME had a tendency to break. I helped him repair it a couple of times using duck tape and nylon zip ties. On uphill climbs he was not able to keep the same pace as the backpackers. On flat portions it was fine and he could walk faster than others. But there is always another "UP" on the Camino!
On the other hand, if you MUST use a cart of some kind, the "Wheelie" from Radical Designs in the Netherlands appeared to me, based on direct observation and discussion, to be a better alternative. You can see it here:
https://www.radicaldesign.nl/en/products/walking-trailers/wheelie/wheelie-iv-trekking
I encountered a fellow from Germany with one. It had a bright yellow nylon cover. It was so amazing that I asked him to try it. It feels like pulling or pushing a shopping trolley. The larger wheels translate to a lighter weight at the tongue. The "tongue" is / are the poles you hold or attach to the harness. The principle is the same for a boat trailer or pop-up camping trailer. The design of the trailer affects the amount or weight at the automobile bumper or trailer hitch. In this case, 'you" are the automobile.
However, I must admit that the "felt weight" at the poles or waist seemed to me to be about 4-5 kg. I believe this is presently still more than you can handle.
But for a able-bodied person it is an option for carrying heavier loads - and some pilgrims must carry heavier leads.
I saw at least four people lugging CPAP devices (for night time sleep apnea) in their rucksacks. There were plenty of Type I diabetics carrying small cooler boxes containing ice. I personally have to supplement my daily diet with powdered protein. So I had an additional 3.5 Kg in my rucksack when I started. One does what they have to do.
All of this stated, my considered recommendation for you is to use the mochila / backpack / suitcase to move a standard rolling suitcase from lodging to lodging. You can make arrangements at your first night's lodging once you arrive at your starting point.
All the hotels / hostals / and most of the albuergues are aware of this service and usually have flyers for them. The leading one seems to be a firm called Jacotrans. Their web site is at:
http://www.jacotrans.com/ It is available in English and French, as well as Spanish. The cost each night is from Euro 3 - 7 per hop if I remember correctly.
I observed this process nightly at the hostals I stayed in. It is very well run and safe to use. Basically, you leave your locked suitcase with ID tag and itinerary tag (where you will be that night) at the front desk of the place you just slept in. You depart for the day's walk. The service comes by, picks up the bag in a car or van and transports it down the road to your next stop. When you arrive mid-afternoon, the bag is waiting at the front desk.
All you need to carry during the day, in addition to what you are wearing, can fit in an ultralight siliconized nylon day pack. See this:
http://www.rei.com/product/799600/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-packable-daypack The pack weighs 2.4 OUNCES. It collapses into it's own pouch, about the size of a tennis ball..
I have one that I use for shopping, laundry, snacks, etc. I hang it from the front harness of my rucksack. But is also works great as a separate purse or day bag. On the way over, check your rolling bag and use the day pack as your carry-on tote. It holds 20 liters.
All you need in the day bag is rain gear, snacks, water and perhaps a small first air kit. I am sure the total weight would be less that 2 kg. I assume that you will be wearing a hat, outer wear, and will have your valuables and electronics, etc in belt pouches or pockets. The day bag is large enough for a fleece jacket or jacket as well. In fact, you use the rain gear or jacket / fleece as padding if you need it against your back.
Consider that the cost of the baggage handling service is FAR less overall than the cost of checking the Carrix as an extra piece of checked luggage - both ways.
Remember, to do the Camino, one does it their OWN way. There is no one model, process solution, or product that makes the Camino more legitimate than another. No person has the perfect solution. We all have reasons and back-stories for doing it our own way.
You do what you need to do to accomplish this important event. I guarantee it will change you - forever. Most people leave their first Camino considering their entire life in two stages: all the bits pre-Camino, and their life post-Camino.
I hope this helps.
Feel free to PM me with any direct questions that are not answered elsewhere on the forum.
I wish you a Buen Camino!
Tom (from Virginia)
