The "10% Rule" . . . when it comes to pack weight considerations, probably no guideline is more cited (and disputed!) in Camino forums. What is the 10% Rule, and is it based on science, folk wisdom, or mere rumor? FULL VIDEO HERE! Problems with the 10% Rule This popular pack weight rule of thumb … Continue reading The So-Called 10% Rule
Click image above or HERE for video version! There are some cool photography accessories that you might find useful on the Way. Some of these will depend on which Camino Camera you choose, of course, so I will sort them accordingly. For All Cameras No matter what you bring with you for capturing pictures and … Continue reading Camino Camera Accessories
Click image above or HERE for video version! When my best friend and I spent a month in Europe after college in the mid-90's, I took a whopping 500 pictures. Today, of course, people take 500 pics of themselves during the course of a single night out - but back in the days of film, … Continue reading Camino Camera Considerations
Packing proper toiletries for hygiene on the Camino can be a real stress reducer. Although knowing you can stay clean (or at least "Camino clean") as you walk will alleviate many concerns, but doing so can be costly in cash, convenience, and kilos. Here are some items that can help. Cleansers For the Shower: Soap … Continue reading Keeping Clean on the Camino
After a tough August, I got to go play for a few days. To "prepare for my Camino" (*wink*), I went to my beloved Yosemite for 4 days and did 4 great hikes. The total distance was 52k with an elevation total of 5,700': Taft Point & Sentinel Dome: 7k, 830 ft, 2 hrs Cloud's … Continue reading Extended Training: 4 Days, 4 Hikes
A while back I wrote up a post on the Altra Lone Peak "Magic Shoes". The Altra Timps are a cross between the Lone Peak and Olympus trail runners. HERE I take them for a test run and even a "slip test"to see if these might be my new "magic" Camino shoes!
There are so many options for hydration carry on the trail / Camino. From metal canteens to the ubiquitous Nalgene bottles and even reusables - what are the benefits of each? HERE I compare the Hydroflask, Nalgene, and Smart Water bottle options. The video contains a BONUS FEATURE on water filtration!
An umbrella on the Camino? I would not have really considered it until I saw a bunch of thru-hikers using them on the PCT. It took some effort, but I finally found the model and tried it out. It's actually pretty cool! Click HERE for the review! Here are the first volley of comments this … Continue reading An Umbrella on the Camino?
So just what is this "Camino" thing anyway? Find out HERE!
It's "Camino Monday" and I have a new video on some popular hiking sandals. What is the best sandal for the Camino? Here I compare the Teva Hurricane XLT2 and the Xero Shoe Z Trail. Both are great for what they do, but there are significant differences that should be considered.
Backcountry Pilgrim 