Starting in Ponferrada Nov 4, 2024

[nisita]

Hi all! Wanted to introduce myself. I’ve been soaking up so much from your journeys.
Excited and nervous all at the same time. I just bought a last minute small sleeping bag, after reading about how cold it can get with minimal or no heating.

I’m Nisita, I’m starting my first Camino on Monday from Ponferrada at a snail pace.
I’m giving myself 15ish days to get to Santiago, or however far I make it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Welcome to the forum, @nisita.
When I know I will be staying in quite a few albergues in spring or fall, I always bring my small, lightweight sleeping bag, which I use quite often. It makes me feel warm and cozy.

 

[nisita]

this is comforting to hear, thanks for sharing @Camino Chrissy!
I feel a tad fish out of water (that’s probably common for first timers).

I’m trying to pack as lite as humanly possible, while still having some warmth.

 

[nisita]

I was advised to take a really bright head lamp, since we have less day light hours. I have a rechargeable one (bulky and heavy, 800 lumen), and a regular headlamp with batteries (450 lumen)

I think taking both maybe an overkill. Would the regular headlamp 450 lumen not be inadequate?

 

[J Willhaus]

The regular one is fine. I also have a couple of inexpensive blinky safety lights at attach to my pack for walking in the dark. Helps others and cars to see you if you are on or near the road. They look like these. I did not pay this much for mine.

https://www.rei.com/product/107038/amphipod-flash-dot-led-vizlet-safety-light-package-of-2

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I was advised to take a really bright head lamp, since we have less day light hours. I have a rechargeable one (bulky and heavy, 800 lumen), and a regular headlamp with batteries (450 lumen)

I think taking both maybe an overkill. Would the regular headlamp 450 lumen not be inadequate?

I never walk outside in darkness on any of my Caminos so for me a headlamp is overkill.
A small LED flashlight similar to these keychain versions worked well for me in albergues in the night or packing up for early departure. I put it on an old shoelace and usually was able to hang it on the bunk frame near my pillow.

 

[nisita]

The regular one is fine. I also have a couple of inexpensive blinky safety lights at attach to my pack for walking in the dark. Helps others and cars to see you if you are on or near the road. They look like these. I did not pay this much for mine.

https://www.rei.com/product/107038/amphipod-flash-dot-led-vizlet-safety-light-package-of-2

This is super helpful!! Thank you. I’ll be leaving the bulky one at home for sure now.

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes, I never use a headlamp in the albergue dorm as it disturbs other sleepers and I dont take one at all for summer walking. I have a tiny red map reading light on a springy bracelet.

Amazon.com

Night Reader Pro Red planisphere reading light

The astronomer's red light torch enables comfortable reading of your planisphere come night time without loosing your night vision. Comes with a lifetime warranty!

planispheres.com.au

 

[nisita]

I never walk outside in darkness on any of my Caminos so for me a headlamp is overkill.
A small LED flashlight similar to these keychain versions worked well for me in albergues in the night or packing up for early departure. I put it on an old shoelace and usually was able to hang it on the bunk frame near my pillow.
View attachment 180001View attachment 180002

Ah!! So glad I asked. I’m absolutely leaving the bulky one at home now. That’s a good 400gms of saved weight. Phew.

 

[nisita]

Yes, I never use a headlamp in the albergue dorm as it disturbs other sleepers and I dont take one at all for summer walking. I have a tiny red map reading light on a springy bracelet.

Amazon.com

Night Reader Pro Red planisphere reading light

The astronomer's red light torch enables comfortable reading of your planisphere come night time without loosing your night vision. Comes with a lifetime warranty!

planispheres.com.au

Makes sense, also very helpful. Thank you!

 

[bestfootforward]

Hi all! Wanted to introduce myself. I’ve been soaking up so much from your journeys.
Excited and nervous all at the same time. I just bought a last minute small sleeping bag, after reading about how cold it can get with minimal or no heating.

I’m Nisita, I’m starting my first Camino on Monday from Ponferrada at a snail pace.
I’m giving myself 15ish days to get to Santiago, or however far I make it.

Hola Nisita,
Welcome! Enjoy every step and every day of your wonderful adventure. Be excited. Very excited! Buen Camino!

 

[MARSKA]

Welcome Nisita! You are sure to get good advice here! It will be cold so a wool shirt , wool hat, and a sleeping bag are good to bring with you.

 

[nisita]

What apps/ other things, are recommended for keeping track of weather? Or other safety related things?

On my list so far;
112 for emergency (police/ambulance etc)
Weather app to track weather daily on home screen
Buen Camino app for route planning

 

[nisita]

Hola Nisita,
Welcome! Enjoy every step and every day of your wonderful adventure. Be excited. Very excited! Buen Camino!

appreciate the encouragement!
I’ve got last minute jitters (weather) so reminding myself, to put one foot infront of another and take it one day at a time.

 

[nisita]

Welcome Nisita! You are sure to get good advice here! It will be cold so a wool shirt , wool hat, and a sleeping bag are good to bring with you.

Thank you @MARSKA!
I’m incredibly greatful for the advice available on this forum. I find myself finding comfort in knowing there’s a large community of folks here to offer guidance and support.