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
Backpackers (especially thru-hikers) are constantly in search of ways to lighten their load. When I did my initial gear weigh-in, my base weight was just under 20 pounds. Once I add in a full water bottle and the clothing I'd be wearing, the total comes to about 25 pounds. Gear This guy says he got … Continue reading Weight Loss
Now that I am nearly done gearing up for the Camino, I decided to get everything out and see what I could expect for packing. I want to get as close to the real deal as possible for training purposes. Organization Organization and quick access makes trail life a lot easier - and since my … Continue reading First Packing Test
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor or physical trainer, nor have I consulted either on this post. I have also not walked the Camino yet! I have spent a fair amount of time on the trail, but it's not the same thing. Practically nothing is. What I say here is based on my hiking … Continue reading My Camino Training Strategy
I'm a pretty light sleeper, and recurring noises drive me crazy at night when I am trying to sleep. As every peregrino will verify, dozens of exhausted pilgrims sleeping in the same albergue room make earplugs a Camino sleep system essential. The other night was a perfect time to test my earplugs. My wife and … Continue reading Earplugs
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!
Although walking the Camino is not backpacking in the normal sense of the word (where you must carry food, cooking supplies, and shelter), you do need some sleeping gear. While many albergues provide bedding, some do not (some do not provide heat!). Thus, the prepared peregrino must have at least a minimal sleep system just … Continue reading $45 Sleep System
After my failed "Waterproof" Waist Pack Test, I decided to try out another product. Although the Blue Sky Basics Waterproof Pouch is the cheapest of any waterproof waist pack I've found on the market, it is also one of the highest rated. This was obviously too good to be true, so I figured it wouldn't … Continue reading Actually Waterproof Waist Pack Test
As I have been hiking around, one thing I kept wishing I had was a waist pack. Pockets can hold flat things well, but they can get uncomfortable. There are some things I'll want to access more often than others (like snacks or my phone) and I don't want to have to drop the backpack … Continue reading “Waterproof” Waist Pack Test
VIDEO VERSION HERE! It is a Camino tradition to carry a rock during one's walk to the Cruz de Ferro at the highest point of the Camino Frances and leave it there. The idea is that you carry your burdens - symbolized by the weight of the rock - to the cross and there you … Continue reading The Camino Rocks
Backcountry Pilgrim 