About to embark on my first Camino....

[Emma]

Hi all,

First of all, let me say thanks to everyone for all their posts on here - it's made for interesting, helpful, exciting and sometimes anxiety-provoking reading!

I am doing my first Camino this month - I am flying in to Biarritz on Wednesday 27th July and plan on doing the whole 5 weeks in to Santiago. I don't think I have time to tack on another week to go to Finisterre and Muxia but I would love to. I think I would feel like it's cheating to bus part of it in order to see both places but am I just being too harsh on my expectations? Should I accept that this time I can only fit in a relaxed camino to Santiago and do the Finisterre/Muxia at another time or should I aim to fit it in even if it means getting a bus at some stage?

By my calculations, if I leave SJPP on 28th and walk every day (following the 33 stages as indicated in John Brierley's book), I'll arrive in to Santiago on 30th August without room for rest days (if needed). I've never done anything like this before although I am a reasonably good walker and would consider myself to be a kind-of fit 38 year old. Is 33 days without any rest days realistic? If that's doable (sp?), then I think I can squeeze in the extra week....

Also, I've read advice about 50l rucksacks but seem to be having difficulty finding a 50l one - they mostly seem to be 45l or 55l and upwards. Am I better going for slightly bigger or slightly smaller?

Thanks for the advice heretofore. It's helped me get past the obstacle of fear to booking my Camino!

Kind regards,

Emma

[Covey]

Welcome Emma.

The end of July is a good time to walk the Camino Frances. Yes, it is warm and the age group tips to the younger side, but with a bit of luck you will have little or no rain! (Famous last words!!!)

Most Pilgrims start out with a healthy dislike of the thought of catching a bus, and many have sworn "every step of the Way". This is fine in theory but the reality is a little different. For instance, the last 8kms in to Burgos are a depressing trudge along a footpath which is 5m from a dual carriageway and follows the road past all the industrial estates and endless blocks of flats. You are much better off catching the bus, saving 3 hours and spending the time enjoying the sights of Burgos Old Town and the Cathedral.

The same is true walking out of Leon towards Hospital de Obriga. 10kms of pavement walk past the industrial estates!! Take the bus from Leon town centre to Las Virgins de la Camino and save yourself 3 hours of misery!!

As for packs, go for the 45L pack as this will assist you in keeping the weight on your back to the minimum. The more space, the greater the chance that you will fill it up!!

What you also need to be aware of is that the various makes of packs vary greatly in the bag weight for a given size. I use an Osprey Atmos 50L which weighs just over 1kg empty. I have seen adverts for 50L bags which weigh 3kgs!! Your aim should be for 8kgs MAX including pack and contents but EXCLUDING water and food items. All up, your pack should be no more than 10kgs with everything! Anything less than 10kgs is a big bonus!!!!

[BHinSanDiego]

Hi Emma, Congratulations on your upcoming Camino! There is a common saying you'll see on this board, that is "it's your Camino", if you don't have time to make it to Finisterre that's OK. Last year on my Camino I did it in 33 days with one rest day in Burgos, I didn't feel the need for any others. During my Camino I had thoughts of continuing on to Finesterre but when I arrived I didn't have the desire, what I had accomplished at that point is what I set out to do, that is walk from St Jean to Santiago, I didn't go with the plan of continuing on. I did have the desire to never take public transportation and never did, but as Covey says there are some areas that if you do you're not missing anything, for example walking inot Burgos was very boring, we walked around the airport, a dry dusty track till we hit part of the city then followed a path through a park that seemed to go forever, I did walk out of Leon, but it was morning, weather was cool and I was taking a different path than the people I was walking with at that time so I wanted to walk with them a bit, so do your Camino as you see fit, don't feel obligated to continue past Santiago if you don't have the time or desire, it will be there if and/or when you return.
Altreya,
Barry

[Lipka149]

I've never done anything like this before although I am a reasonably good walker and would consider myself to be a kind-of fit 38 year old. Is 33 days without any rest days realistic? If that's doable (sp?), then I think I can squeeze in the extra week....

Hi Emma !

Yeah, you will be fine. I am somewhat older (56), never did anything like the Camino before, and took 34 days. I would agree with Covey about the "industrial estates". Also about the backpack strategy. I might offer 2 suggestions:

1) In order to finish in 33 days, you must avoid injury. This means manageable blisters and no twisted / sprained ankles. Accept the fact that DISCOMFORT will be your constant companion. That's ok ... it's part of the experience. Combined with fatigue, it will cloud your judgement. Just be aware, Emma.

2) Don't necessarily stick to John's start/stop points. There are some great albergues in between his Stages. If you run into a Camino Angel who has walked several times, consider following their advice about when to stop and where to stay.

Looking forward to what you share when you finish !

Buen Camino !

[grayland]

Welcome Emma.

As for packs, go for the 45L pack as this will assist you in keeping the weight on your back to the minimum. The more space, the greater the chance that you will fill it up!!

What you also need to be aware of is that the various makes of packs vary greatly in the bag weight for a given size. I use an Osprey Atmos 50L which weighs just over 1kg empty. I have seen adverts for 50L bags which weigh 3kgs!! Your aim should be for 8kgs MAX including pack and contents but EXCLUDING water and food items. All up, your pack should be no more than 10kgs with everything! Anything less than 10kgs is a big bonus!!!!

I agree that the smaller pack is the best choice. I use a Gregory Z35L and have more room than I need. I think it is important to limit your ability to stuff things you won't need or use in.
This pack weighs 3 lbs 3 oz (about 1.5 kilo). I will buy a new pack if I can find a lighter one with an internal frame.
(I think the 50L Osprey Atmos actually weighs over 1.5 kilo...)

[Emma]

Thank you all so much for your advice.

I read somewhere (here or elsewhere?) that coming in to Burgos, one should take the left option past the river as this takes you away from the main industrial road and is much prettier but runs at the same length. Is it really that much prettier? To be honest, I'm not sure how much of a purist I am going to be once I'm there in terms of "every step of the Way" but am looking forward to finding out (",) Hadn't heard of the industrial 'scenery' out of Leon so will seriously consider the bus there also if I find myself not to be a purist. Covey & Grayland, you must know me! The bigger my bag, the more I bring with me - whether that's out for a night out or going on holidays. I'm going to go for the smaller size to force myself in to being sensible! I noticed in another thread your advice re: the Osprey but can't seem to find them here in Ireland. Am thinking of a "Jeep" one as it seems fairly comfortable and light.

Barry, you reminded me of something else I read somewhere ... Santiago will always be there. I guess that can be extended to Finisterre and Muxia. I'll keep you posted as to what I decide on "my" camino. As you said, it's up to me so I'll see where the path takes me.

Alan, I'll keep my eye out and mind open for Camino Angels on my way.

Thank you all!

[freedom13]

I found Regatta stores to be very helpful Emma, they can be found in any major city or town in Ireland .... usually Shaws stores will have a Regatta section.
Here are some rucksacks available Regatta ~ Great Outdoors

[Covey]

Regatta clothing has improved over the years and I always wear Regatta trousers with the zip off legs. At the end of a Camino, they go in the bin!

The main thing about a pack is that it MUST have a frame and a waist belt. Frame-less packs are not suitable for long distance walking as you tend to end up with all the weight on your shoulders. It is amazing the number of Pilgrims I have met over the years on the road to Roncesvalles who complain about the aching shoulders, yet they walk with the waist belt undone or loose.

You carry the weight of your pack on your hips and to do that you need the waist belt done up pretty tight. With the weight on your hips, there should be almost no downward pressure on the shoulder straps, and they are there to stop the pack falling backwards. You should be able to slide your fingers between shoulder and strap easily. If you can't, then you pack is not set up properly.

Many packs come in different frame sizes depending on the length of your back. Get the wrong size and you will suffer all the way to Santiago. Try and find a specialist walking/camping store rather than a general retail store. They are more likely to have staff who have actually used the kit they sell!!

PS. If you are not French, then lose the hair drier!!

[Lipka149]

The main thing about a pack is that it MUST have a frame and a waist belt. Frame-less packs are not suitable for long distance walking as you tend to end up with all the weight on your shoulders. It is amazing the number of Pilgrims I have met over the years on the road to Roncesvalles who complain about the aching shoulders, yet they walk with the waist belt undone or loose.

You carry the weight of your pack on your hips and to do that you need the waist belt done up pretty tight. With the weight on your hips, there should be almost no downward pressure on the shoulder straps, and they are there to stop the pack falling backwards. You should be able to slide your fingers between shoulder and strap easily. If you can't, then you pack is not set up properly.

Many packs come in different frame sizes depending on the length of your back. Get the wrong size and you will suffer all the way to Santiago. Try and find a specialist walking/camping store rather than a general retail store. They are more likely to have staff who have actually used the kit they sell!!

PS. If you are not French, then lose the hair drier!!

Covey, ol' boy, you are so absolutely right in everything you say here ! My son Jonathan does short hikes with a 20-25kg pack (Camelbak filled with beer. Hey Sandy ! Ever try that ? ) and wears his pack tight to the shoulders. This DOES NOT work for the kind of walking caminantes do. I tend to walk with a slouch, and my pack hangs a good 8-10cm off my shoulders. Waist belt is as tight as I can get it. I loop my thumbs under the straps to shift the weight as I walk. This allows me to change the pressure the pack places on any given point on my hips. And when it gets really bad, I just sling the darn thing over one shoulder and give my hips a break !

Also agree heartily with your recommendation to get a frame that fits. It may smack a bit of socially correct fashion, but it pays big time to invest in a Brand name backpack that fits. You are right on here, brother !

As for the hair drier ... do you think it would be gentlemanly to offer to carry a woman's hair drier for her ? I mean, if she has long, flowing tresses, wouldn't it be a shame to deny her the ability to add to the lovely scenery ? My wife has blond hair half way down her back ... I can't wait to see her walking into that breeze across the meseta !

[Covey]

I have to admit that after 10 months of the year enjoying good living, I have a little difficulty in finding my hips on Week 1 but after a couple of weeks the waist belt can start reducing an inch at a time!!!

It is an absolute rule of the Camino that if you see a couple walking together, the man's pack is twice the size for his significant other half's pack!!

We had another rule in the Army. Never volunteer for anything!! let alone carrying a ladies hair drier cos within 3kms, you will be carrying the rest of her kit.

I know the role of us poor males is to act as beasts of burden for the female race, but this Camino Grandfather can just about manage being a Baggage Mule for my own kit, let alone anyone else's kit!!

I only walk with a slouch after a few beers!!!!!

[Lipka149]

I have to admit that after 10 months of the year enjoying good living, I have a little difficulty in finding my hips on Week 1 but after a couple of weeks the waist belt can start reducing an inch at a time!!!

Agree with that !

It is an absolute rule of the Camino that if you see a couple walking together, the man's pack is twice the size for his significant other half's pack!!

Hmmm ... might suggest "twice the size, or more"

We had another rule in the Army. Never volunteer for anything!! let alone carrying a ladies hair drier cos within 3kms, you will be carrying the rest of her kit.

Yes, but Covey ... that long, flowing hair ...

I only walk with a slouch after a few beers!!!!!

Ha ! I make it a point to be where I need to be before hitting the mugs. That way I can slouch while I am sitting !

[Emma]

Ok, I'll leave the hairdryer at home. What about just bringing my straighteners then? (",)

Still haven't bought my pack - getting a bit overwhelmed by all the options but think I might just go in to a specialist store in the city later and get one there. They seem to know what they are talking about in the one I have in mind. I went in to one store in town and the manager there tried to sell me a HUGE one (think it was a 65l one but almost as tall as me!) and tried to tell me I should wear it high up on my shoulders. Hmph! Not going back to his shop, that's for sure. Hopefully, my waist belt will need to be tightened as I go!

I decided to give myself a leisurely 5 weeks to do Camino Frances (is that pronounced Frahn-says?) and will go back on another trip to do the Santiago-Finnisterre-Muxia another time. I figured putting myself under undue pressure to "finish it to Finnisterre" was defeating the purpose of doing the Camino. So, one step at a time I go.

Thank you all again for your help and comments and humour. I feel like I am already "on" my camino and already feeling this great sense of community!

Emma

[mic]

Emma,
Definitely find a shop that the staff know's pack fitting. I've had some painful nights out backpacking due to poorly fitted packs and have had students with packs that where borrowed, and saw them struggle. There are a lot of light weight/female specific packs on the market as well. Fit is a very personal thing. When trying on the pack in the store, make sure you load it with the weight you plan to carry and test it out for a while in the store. Have the sale person show you how to adjust the straps and load it correctly. The recommended approach of straps is in this order: Waist, under the arm pits, then the straps over your shoulders. The straps over your shoulders; shouldn't be flat; but at an angle. This 'lifts' the weight off your shoulders. I fully expand all of the straps; when adjusting a pack for the first time.

I'm also in the market for a smaller and lighter pack and so far have tried on the Osprey and Deuter women's packs. I have a weak shoulder and so far both worked well for me.

[Lipka149]

Thank you all again for your help and comments and humour. I feel like I am already "on" my camino and already feeling this great sense of community!

Great feeling, isn't it ?

Regarding the backpack, mic is absolutely right. Proper fit is critical.

Some other things to consider:
1) Are you taking a sleeping bag for bedding ? If so, you may be able to attach it to the bottom of the backpack using the straps put there for that purpose. This will give you more room in the backpack itself.
2) If you do this, will there be room in the backpack to carry the sleeping bag if you want to protect it from rain ? Wet bedding is no fun to sleep in ...
3) Are you considering a waterproof covering for the backpack itself ? I highly recommend this. Just make sure it covers everything, sleeping bag included.

Have fun shopping !

[zzotte]

Emma congratulation on your decision to do the camino, just don't get to hang-up on the weight of the empty backpack aim for a proper fit, weight distribution, packing technics and you will not even notice your pack is there even if you pack weighs over 3 lbs. I personally like the Atmos 50 I must have tried at least 20 packs before I decided on this one.

Have fun
Zo

[Emma]

Oh! I had just typed a big reply and then lost it! So here goes again...

I bought my pack in a "proper" outdoor store and just as I sat down in the sunshine for a coffee and examination, I got an email through stating I had a reply to my thread from mic. As I read the email I was able to check off all the advice as it matched my experience perfectly. The sales guy was great, put the weights in (10k is heavier than I expected!) and showed me how to adjust the straps etc. The pack I got is a Deuter Futura Pro 38 - http://www.deutergb.co.uk/products/a...ra_Pro_38/335/ which I am very happy with. It has a section I can separate from the main pack for the sleeping bag, a rain cover, feels very comfortable on and I also got a 3litre bladder as I know I am less likely to drink plenty along 'the way' if I have to stop every 5 minutes to take my bag off my back to get my bottle of water so with the bladder I'm less likely to die of dehydration (",)

So the countdown is officially on now: I leave in 11.5 days and am excited and nervous about it. I keep panicking (mildly) at the thoughts of not having accommodation arranged for when I get to SJPP but then it sinks in that I have nothing arranged from the minute I get off the plane in Biarritz to when I get on the plane in Santiago so what difference does one night make?

Thank you all for your advice, it means a lot and has been great help!

Emma

[Covey]

Emma, might I suggest you put 3 1L bottles of water on the scales !!

[joe]

I would just fill your bag up with 1 litre, when you run out (or are about to), refill it back to 1 litre at a water fountain. The most I ever filled mine up to was 2 litres and that was when I had a long stretch with no fountains to refill, I survived

[grayland]

I would just fill your bag up with 1 litre, when you run out (or are about to), refill it back to 1 litre at a water fountain. The most I ever filled mine up to was 2 litres and that was when I had a long stretch with no fountains to refill, I survived

Great suggestion by Joe!
1 liter weighs about 1kg so 3 liters will put you in a bad spot before you even start as far as pack weight goes. Lots of water along the way. Don't start out of SJPP with any more weight than you need!

[BHinSanDiego]

I want to second or third (where ever I am in line) about carrying 3 liters of water, that would add over 6.5 pounds to what you are carrying, and as you know what is emphysized on this site is weight. You should be fine with only a liter in the bladder, the villages are close enough together to refill quite often. That being said, since you are using a bladder and it is out of site it can be easy to forget so be sure to check it at every opportunity for water, nothing worse than running out because you forgot to check, at the very least carry a small bottle as an emergency backup just in case, just don't use it while walking unless you need to.

[Emma]

Yeah, I have been thinking 3l of water is too much to have knowing there are fountains along the way. If I have time to change it before I go, I will go for a smaller one; if not, I'll just half fill it. Don't know what I was thinking when I bought it.... Must've been a panic purchase! I like the suggestion about having a half litre bottle as a back up.

[Gerrym]

Emma, we head off on our first camino on 30th July and have all the anxieties and issues you have as we prepare. We have been training by walking Howth to Dun Laoghire once a week and other walks as time permits. Carried 10Kg one day as a test and boy was it heavy. Getting the weight right is difficult, there always seems to be too much to carry. Part of our weight load includes about 3kg of medicne type foods which my wife must have. So this makes for difficult trimmimg of other things. We also bought two walkinh poles each, but they now seem too heavy and maybe we won't bother with them. My wife has a 28/30 litre bag, I've been messing with a 80Ltr but filling it to only 8/10kg, still trying to decide wheter to buy another smaller one. As you are going non-stop I don't expect to see you but enjoy and let us know when you get back how it went.

[zzotte]

Gerrym, I think a 80L backpack it's an over over kill, you are leaving in July correct? if you check the weather I don't think you need much even with 3kg of meds, however I don't know how much weight your wife is able to carry, but atmos 50 fully loaded for Fall/Winter (meaning heavier clothing) I'm at 7KG (without food or water), now if you are carring all the weight yourself you could carry 14Kg using a a 65L with this weight an internal frame is a must, you may consider an aarn pack (unsual but very efficient) for heavier loads above 7kg it distributes the weight between the front and back.

Zo

[Covey]

Last year at Boadilla I saw a German couple and they each had a "trailer" which they towed behind them. It was a lightweight alloy frame with a single bike wheel and the frame clipped on to a belt around their waist. It did seem a little overkill for the kit they were actually carrying on the frame, but they said it was very easy to pull once you got used to it!

http://www.monowalker.com/ENG-produk...anhaenger.html

[Larry]

Fellow Walker

My name is Larry and I walked the Camino when I was 58 and did it in 32 days with 3 rest days so I don't think you'll have difficulty, all things being equal, in hiking it in the time you've allotted yourself. The first day was the most difficult for me; the 24 k from SJPP to Roncevalles is a lot of steep walking, but I went in the Spring and was advised to walk the road; the dirt trail may be easier. There are some days that will be trying and others boring but I have yet to talk to anyone who didn't find it very uplifting and a joy. I started alone but by the second day I was trekking along in a movable feast of wonderful people.
Be sure to take a diary and a camera!!
Buen Camino


Hi all,

First of all, let me say thanks to everyone for all their posts on here - it's made for interesting, helpful, exciting and sometimes anxiety-provoking reading!

I am doing my first Camino this month - I am flying in to Biarritz on Wednesday 27th July and plan on doing the whole 5 weeks in to Santiago. I don't think I have time to tack on another week to go to Finisterre and Muxia but I would love to. I think I would feel like it's cheating to bus part of it in order to see both places but am I just being too harsh on my expectations? Should I accept that this time I can only fit in a relaxed camino to Santiago and do the Finisterre/Muxia at another time or should I aim to fit it in even if it means getting a bus at some stage?

By my calculations, if I leave SJPP on 28th and walk every day (following the 33 stages as indicated in John Brierley's book), I'll arrive in to Santiago on 30th August without room for rest days (if needed). I've never done anything like this before although I am a reasonably good walker and would consider myself to be a kind-of fit 38 year old. Is 33 days without any rest days realistic? If that's doable (sp?), then I think I can squeeze in the extra week....

Also, I've read advice about 50l rucksacks but seem to be having difficulty finding a 50l one - they mostly seem to be 45l or 55l and upwards. Am I better going for slightly bigger or slightly smaller?

Thanks for the advice heretofore. It's helped me get past the obstacle of fear to booking my Camino!

Kind regards,

Emma[/QUOTE]

[Larry]

I just read the rest of your message. Insofar as ruck sacks go, I was advised to pack for winter weather so I wound up with a 45 pound pack. My advice is that if you're carrying any more than 25 pounds, you're carrying too much. Two liters of water, for sure, and a light sleeping bag will do (it's summer, after all) and there are lots of places (generally) to get food and such. Remember that many places close at noon and don't open up again for at least a couple of hours. Again, don't carry too much weight and don't skimp on boots. It was recommended to me to use sock liners and comfy wool socks (they wick water away from your feet). Good luck

[zzotte]

Wow! 32 days with a 45lb pack hats off to you sir. I hope to make it with 12lbs in 45 days (Yea I'm leaving the picture frames and TV at home) oh yes and the electric bread slicer LOL.


Zo