some gear questions

[walkabout]

I am agonizing over a sleeping bag. I have 40 liter pack, so not much space. I will be walking from April 23 into June and starting in Pamplona. What sort of sleeping bag should I bring? Or do I even need one at all.

Also does anyone know if the Althus ponchos are available in the US?

One other question, I will have to check my pack on the airplane and there is no way to lock it up. Are there any tricks to make it secure?
I am really a novice at all this and any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and Buen Camino

[geraldkelly]

Hi

You will need a sleeping bag (or one of the lightweight alternatives). That time of year a summer one will do, so it won't weigh much.

On the subject of your 40l pack. If you're filling that without a sleeping bag then you're already bringing far too much stuff. There have been a few very good posts on this subject recently, have a look at: http://www.caminodesantiago.me.uk/fo...ings-pack.html

I have a list I use when I'm packing, it's at: http://www.caminoguide.net/packing.xls

Remember that you'll have to carry some water and food too (not much but at least another kilo).

A good rule a lot of people swear by is that you shouldn't carry more than 10% of your body weight.

Hope that's helpful.

Buen Camino!
Ger

ps. forgot to mention: if you're flying security personnel have a RIGHT to open your bag. If they can't do it easily they'll force it. So don't make it too difficult for them.

[Sil]

A 32L backpack has more than sufficient space for a camino walk. If you have a 40L pack, try not to fill it completely. A lightweight sleeping bag will be fine - ask the hospitaleros for a blanket if you feel cold.
Keep your pack down to under 10kg and you can take it with you into the cabin. I never check mine into the hold as backpacks regularly go missing. If yours does, remember that you can take things from the 'left over' boxes in the albergues - stuff left behind by other pilgrims. You'll have to comply with dimension regulations so that it fits into the overhead locker.
Spread all your stuff out on a dining table. Stack them into 3 piles -absolutely essential (two of everything) - might need and - would like to take. Weigh everything on a digital kitchen scale. If one shirt weighs less than other, take the lighter of the two. Ditto for shorts, trousers, socks etc. If the absolutely essential and might need total 8kg - 10kg, leave the would like to take at home.
Toiletries often weigh the most - take small, hotel size soap, shampoo etc. Spain is a First World country with more farmacias than bottle stores! You can top up supplies as you go.
If all else failes and you end up with a too heavy pack you can send stuff ahead to the Camino Travel Centre where they will keep your parcel for you for 60 days for about 20 euro.
Camino Travel Center in Santiago de Compostela
I don't think you can buy an ALTUS anwhere but Spain and a few stores in the French Pyrenees. Take a cheap poncho and buy an ALTUS when you get there.
Good luck!
Sil
Good luck!

[walkabout]

Thank you very much for this useful information, Sil. I discovered compression sacks today which should help, especially with the sleeping bag.
Cheers!

[Covey]

Taking your pack in to the aircraft cabin might sound like a good idea, but can cause problems.

Most airlines will not allow the telescopic walking poles in the cabin because with the spike, as they can be used as a weapon.

You cannot carry knives or scissors in your pack in the cabin. A small sharp knife is very useful to carry and scissors are essential in your medical bits and pieces.

There are limits as to the quantity of liquids/semi liquids carried in the cabin. I only carry a small container of shower gel (Honey and Almonds so I smell nice to the bed bugs!!) which I use for washing me and my clothing and for shaving. I think the current limit is 100ml of liquids through security, so no nice smellies for the bugs.

I always put my pack in the hold with the walking poles inside and the straps taped to the pack with gaffer tape so they do not get caught in the baggage conveyors. However, my flights from the UK to Bairritz and Santiago to the UK are single flights and do not involve changing planes or airlines. If you have to change planes or airlines, then I would not wish to try having my luggage checked all the way through to the final destination.

[Sil]

Four pilgrims from the RSA have had their backpacks go missing in the last two years. Although three were finally re-united with their packs after a few days (meaning that they had to re-plan the start to their caminos) Clyde wasn't so lucky last year in October when his didn't arrive in Madrid and hasn't been seen to this day.
I always take my pack into the cabin and check in a parcel with my walking poles, 'weapons of mass destruction' (cutlery, nail clippers etc) and any other contraband that might not make it through the Xray machines.
Better safe than sorry!

[Gazza]

Covey/Sil

Just read yr threads, would be a shocker to get all the way to Spain from Australia & gear not turn up.
Have just decided i will collect my bag from each connection & rebook it in myself. At least this way I have a reasonably good chance of it arriving

Gazza

[Sil]

Gazza, if your backpack conforms to the weight and dimension restrictions of the aircraft you are flying with, you can take it into the cabin on your back. That is what I do. I wear my boots, carry Crocs sandals, toiletry bag and water in a packet, and change ito the Crocs once I am seated. I wrap the walking poles, cutlery, nail scissors, etc and check that in as a parcel.
One trip I used compression straps on the pack to make it fit the dimensions - usually 55cm X 35cm X 25cm. My pack never weighs more than 5kg when I check in.

[Gazza]

Sil

5kg wow yr good. Don't think I can get my 55l pack down that tight even with compressions.
But will experiment over the next few weeks. We leave towards end of June..... Planning seems half the fun

[mosesmew]

Hi, anyone out there got suggestions on either a sleeping bag for September,or a silk liner bag? Thanks!

[Covey]

I take a treated silk liner, but in September it can get chilly occasionally which is when I put on a pair of socks and my fleece to sleep in.

[Sil]

I used a sil sleep liner in September and it was fine. On the few cold nights I asked for a blanket and was always given one. You can also sleep in all your clothing!

[mosesmew]

Hi Covey! Well ,today I FINALLY bought my Pack!! YEAH!! I tried on many and found the Osprey Talon 33,is perfect for me. The good folks at the Trailshop,loaded me up and I danced & hiked around for a bit. They have given me 30 days to try it out on my "walks'! So, providing all goes well with Dick,I should be making solid plans. Oh my gosh and guess what,on the way home from buying pack,(which is a 3 hour drive in each direction),on CBC they were interviewing a fellow who had written the Camino book,"The Way is Made By Walking" ! Blew me away. Definite sign things are looking up!

[Covey]

Pity we do not all have a branch of Trailshop nearby. Any shop who will let you try for 30 days has got to be very confident in the products and service they sell. Good on them.

The ways of the Camino are strange. You buy your pack and then listen to a broadcast about the Camino on the way home. Maybe the Camino is sending you a message!

The Black Sheep Express awaits Madam.

[mosesmew]

Oh my gosh, I am so GRATEFUL to have found this Forum,and all the Wonderful Folks,that go above and beyond to help! Holey Moley,I am so Blessed! Thanks again ! N~