Gear available in Sr. Jean?

[Scotiapilgrim]

My backpack full of clothing, etc. is small enough, I think, to fly as carry-on baggage. But I doubt that any airline will allow a collapsable hiking pole on board. I know that wooden hiking poles are available in abundance in St.Jean, but I much prefer a collapsable one. Is there a store in St. Jean where I might buy one? Same question for a knife? Thanks!

[Covey]

There are a couple of shops in St Jean who sell a limited range of hiking kit, but last time I looked in, the choice was very limited and expensive.

There are a couple of hardware stores where you can buy a knife, but again choice and cost might be an issue.

Pamplona has a much better selection of walking shops!

[Lipka149]

Pamplona has a much better selection of walking shops!

This is probably your best choice, if indeed you MUST have them.

As an alternative, you and your son may wish to accept what God provides along the Way. There is ample opportunity to select your own natural walking stick from the forest leading down into Roncesvalles. My son Aaron found his there, and mine was given as a gift in Villavieco. Unlike the varnished, metal tipped commercial sticks sold in stores, these were natural, sappy, splintery rods that became our friends. Tim and Pepe served us well, and we parted with them reluctantly in Santiago. (BTW, there is a great pile of sticks at the Pilgrim Office, left by peregrinos who cannot take them home.)

[grayland]

There is a nice Pilgrim shop on main street by the bridge. It is run by former Pilgrims and have a pretty good selection of Camino items such as Altus raincoats, ponchos, hats, walking sticks, poles, etc. They also have a pretty good update on pass conditions, weather, etc.
The Pilgrim Office also has the weather and conditions, of course.
The shop is worth visiting.
}Ed

[John Hussey]

My backpack full of clothing, etc. is small enough, I think, to fly as carry-on baggage. But I doubt that any airline will allow a collapsable hiking pole on board. I know that wooden hiking poles are available in abundance in St.Jean, but I much prefer a collapsable one. Is there a store in St. Jean where I might buy one? Same question for a knife? Thanks!

I suggest you buy them in the US where they are considerably cheaper than in Europe-even European brands- and check them on the airline as checked luggage. Wrap them with something like bubble wrap and tape.

[Irene Schmidt]

I think your best bet would be to buy those items cheaply in the US and have your backpack + knife + attached walking stick + whatever rolled up in plastic film at the airport, and then check the backpack. You would travel more comfortably, would not need to waste time shopping in SJPP, and it would probably cost you less in the end than buying a knife and walking stick in SJ and then having to get rid of it at the end of the Camino, as you would face the same airport problem on your way back home...

Flying to Spain from Brazil I will check my bag (with my nail scissors, pocket knife, nail file, walking stick and all those things airport security hates) inside this: FLIGHTBAG PROTECTION - Accessoire de sac à dos - ÉTÉ 2011 - - Sac à dos - ETE 2011 - - Nos produits.
It weighs only 300 gr, so I could keep it during the Camino if I wanted. Instead I'm sending it ahead to Santiago, along with a rolling bag with some clothes etc, as I'll do some tourism in Portugal and France after the Camino.

[Leslie]

I like the idea of the flight bag, however knowing me after a few days I would be wanting to donate it to someone else just to make my sack lighter, I know what I am like.

Most airports now have these clingfilm machine to wrap luggage in plastic - I think this would be an interesting way to do it.