So many gear decisions! In the videos below I present my thoughts on three of the debates concerning Camino footwear. Boots vs. Shoes? Waterproof vs. Standard? Bringing Backup Shoes?
Camino Footwear Debates
Hiking Hat Test
As a follow up to my post on hiking hats, I took both on a nice hot hike into the hills of California to see how they would do. I tested the Sunday Afternoons sun hats - the standard and the waterproof "Storm." As it turned out, these are both excellent hats, but not for … Continue reading Hiking Hat Test
Rain Jacket Challenge: Marmot Minimalist vs. Outdoor Research Foray
Although I plan to bring a Frogg-Togg jacket with me on the Camino, I've needed a new rain jacket for hiking and backpacking for some time now and decided I might as well try out a few just in case one would also work on the Camino. For Video, click HERE. Marmot vs. Outdoor Research … Continue reading Rain Jacket Challenge: Marmot Minimalist vs. Outdoor Research Foray
Marmot Assessment Correction
We all make mistakes, and I've made several on this Camino prepping adventure. One, however, I really feel bad about and want to rectify right now. Marmot Gear Over the years - and without meaning to - I've amassed a nice collection of Marmot hiking gear. The first "technical" rain jacket I ever bought - … Continue reading Marmot Assessment Correction
Magic Shoes 2.0 – Testing the Altra Lone Peak RSM
Well I finally did it. Ever since I discovered the Altra Lone Peak "Magic Shoes" I've been itching to test out the waterproof version of the model (the "RSM" - short for rain, snow, mud). This week (thanks to a free $100 REI gift card and their annual sale) I got my chance. Why So … Continue reading Magic Shoes 2.0 – Testing the Altra Lone Peak RSM
Ultra Adventure Hat(s)
Protective and stylish! (Except stylish.) Introduction I don't tan well and cancer runs in my family, so I am not about to tempt fate with sunburns on the Camino. I also don't like using sunscreen - it's often messy, sweats into my eyes, absorbs into the bloodstream (but is totally safe, of course), and the … Continue reading Ultra Adventure Hat(s)
Altra’s Waterproof RSM Mids Tested
As noted earlier, I am sold on the Altra design strategy for hiking shoes. While doing some gear comparisons at REI, I discovered they had the Mid Top RSM (rain snow mud) version of my shoes available in my size. I decided to give them a go. Knowing that they'd be comfortable, I had only … Continue reading Altra’s Waterproof RSM Mids Tested
Is it Waterproof? Mo Gear, Mo Tests!
So the other night I'm standing in the shower wearing a plastic skirt, sun hat, and biking gloves . . . I got my nearly final gear shipment the other day and found myself with some time to test the remaining "waterproof" items to see how they performed. Testing was exactly as fun as you … Continue reading Is it Waterproof? Mo Gear, Mo Tests!
Gaiter Test
The purpose of gaiters is to keep water and dirt from getting into your footwear from the top. I've used full sized gaiters when hiking in snow, but they're a bit much for the Camino. Because it is very hard to keep dry even with "waterproof" clothing, I thought these might be a good addition … Continue reading Gaiter Test
Skirting: The Issue
So, rain pants are great in theory. The problem is they're difficult to put on / take off fast because they generally require removing/replacing shoes plus a full pack drop (possibly in the rain and mud). Then there's the limited success they have in keeping your waist and legs dry anyway (often failing to keep … Continue reading Skirting: The Issue
Backcountry Pilgrim 