In Stick vs. Poles? I gave my reasons for both the classic walking stick and the techier trekking poles. I ended on a non-committal note, but in the ensuing months of training, I've made my decision. Watch HERE!
Walking Stick vs. Trekking Poles
Powering Through the Camino
I plan to carry a few devices that require power on my Camino (phone, camera, and headlamp). These will require charging, and from what I hear power outlets are at a premium in many locations on the Camino. I am sure that most if not all of today's pilgrims will also be carrying rechargeable tech, … Continue reading Powering Through the Camino
Osprey Exos 38 Review
The backpack I am bringing with me on my Camino is the Osprey Exos 38 - a very popular model on the Way for several good reasons. it is lightweight (it weighs less than my 24L day pack!) and the perfect size for what I'll be taking with me. In this video, I review the … Continue reading Osprey Exos 38 Review
What Size Backpack is Best for the Camino?
Your backpack is a very important part of your Camino experience. Although there are many factors, the size is one of the primary considerations. What is the right backpack size for the Camino? In this video I show three different sized packs, discuss what each one is good (and bad) for, and tell which size … Continue reading What Size Backpack is Best for the Camino?
I Got My Shell!
I got my shell!!!!!!!!!!!! I found this excellent store on Etsy called Spirit of the Camino. All proceeds go to funding the owner's time as a hospitalera comforting pilgrims along the way. I wanted to give a big shout out to the store for several reasons. First, the order arrived WAY before expected! I was … Continue reading I Got My Shell!
Hot Hiking
I got three decent hikes in the span of eight days last week and the last one about did me in. It didn't seem like it was the distance or the elevation gains, though. It was the heat. The Heat The scary thing is, it wasn't really that hot (for California, at least). It was … Continue reading Hot Hiking
Camino Gear Shopping Tips
Getting geared up for the Camino de Santiago can be expensive - especially if you're starting from scratch. After much trial and error, I've discovered some pretty good resources to help. Below I list the most helpful that I have found. ! REI There is almost too much to like about REI. Although they have … Continue reading Camino Gear Shopping Tips
Tricking Out My Water Bottle
Although there is allegedly plenty of water available on the Camino (the Frances route anyway), there are stretches on the Primitivo where we won't want to go in relying on easily accessible water. Planning on a few hours of hydration carry each day is just smart. (Definitely a situation where the rule is, "Better to … Continue reading Tricking Out My Water Bottle
Down Jacket / Puffy Pillow
Today I got my first down jacket: the Tactical Distributors Down Range Jacket 2.1. The fact that I posted the news on this blog might prompt the more experienced hikers out there to wonder . . . Why Bring a Down Jacket on the Camino? Down "puffy" jackets are a very common layer for cold … Continue reading Down Jacket / Puffy Pillow
Muh Good Ideas
They say that you avoid mistakes by gaining wisdom and you gain wisdom by making mistakes. I've got a running report of Muh Dumb Mistakes I've made during my Camino planning journey. So to be fair, here are some of the better moves I've made. (Hopefully I will be adding more to this list and … Continue reading Muh Good Ideas
Backcountry Pilgrim 