In the beginning, Camino pilgrims brought back a scallop shell back from Santiago as proof of their pilgrimage. Once people started scalping (scalloping?) them, though, more authoritative means were required for proof. This began as letters of authentication which eventually evolved to certificates of completion of which there are now many. To make things more … Continue reading Compostelas, Credencials, and Certificates
"It's a bag!" Liner Test It all started one night as I stood outside in about 50 degree weather with just a Sea to Summit Expander sleeping bag liner wrapped around me for warmth. Some of the walkers in my favorite Camino forums and blogs recommended swapping sleeping bags for bag liners to supplement albergue … Continue reading Sleeping Bag Blues
My Confession I crossed a line today. I tried . . . gram counting. I know, I know - but before you judge, please let me explain. It all started with the sleeping bag . . . Bags and Grams (not what it sounds like) During a sleeping liner test, I came to the conclusion … Continue reading Gram Geeking
Wet Hike I went on a 5 mile hike through snow-packed trails in Yosemite this week. It was a somewhat wet hike. There were several instances of snow break-through, hidden streams / puddles, and even a bit of water fall from above. By the end of the hike my feet were soaked. Although this was … Continue reading Waterproof Footwear(?)
What If One of Us Can't Make It? From the beginning of our discussions, my Camino Cuz and I have been very much in agreement that although we are doing the Camino together, each of us is also walking our own. That means that sometimes we'll walk side by side, other times apart, sometimes talking, … Continue reading “Dude, if you’re in a coma I got your back.”
I put two Camino guides on my wish list and got the Cicerone for a birthday present (Thanks Dad!). The other was the Wise Pilgrim book which goes with my favorite Camino App. My cousin got that one, so we're covered either way! Layout The Cicerone book is very well put together physically (more on … Continue reading My Camino Guide
As noted in an earlier post, my Camino backpack is the Osprey Exos 38. "Exos" designates Osprey's super lightweight line and "38" indicates its volume in liters (for reasons I will explain below, mine is closer to 41 liters). There were a number of things I wanted to test out, so this week I took … Continue reading Pack Test: The Osprey Exos 38 Review
While I was at Fleet Feet discovering my magic shoes, I decided to try a pair of Injinji sock liners. These "toe socks" are like gloves for your feet. The idea is that the material between your toes reduces blisters not only by keeping your skin from rubbing on your shoes but from rubbing on … Continue reading Those Weird Toe Socks
I think I've found my Camino shoe! Now, hear ye the tale of how I came to know of it. Making the Switch In the past, I've had great experience with Vasque (my first backpacking boots) and Keen Targhee II (my current pair). But after reading / watching about 1,000 gear reviews, I decided to … Continue reading Magic Shoes
OK, look - I like souvenirs and tourist stuff as much as anyone, but . . . wow - there is a lot of Camino swag out there! Besides the shell and possibly a walking stick, most of this stuff seems pretty over the top, of course. Although I have little desire for bumper stickers, … Continue reading “Bling” Camino!
Backcountry Pilgrim 