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The pilgrims of the past used anything they could -- including sending their servants instead of themselves -- to make the journey easier.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
I always carry my own pack too. On a Camino route in the main season that hardly counts as "suffering" because the load I need to carry is so trivial that most of the time I am not even aware of carrying it.I'd always prefer to carry my back-pack for a multitude of reasons, but not for additional suffering although that might be a by product of the reason.
Indeed I carry my own pack and go from what I deem to be the start to the finish, but no issue with folks that do public transport. I was quite shocked at first how many do that and it absolutely not for me but lots of poeple struggle to walk the whole course!I always carry my own pack too. On a Camino route in the main season that hardly counts as "suffering" because the load I need to carry is so trivial that most of the time I am not even aware of carrying it.
I love carrying my own things because it gives me a sense of freedom, both a sense of being free from all obligations and literally being able to stop wherever I want. It is an important part of the trip for me, to live simply. Plus not having to check in luggage on the plane. Plus not having to choose what to wear the next day. Plus extra training for the body.I always carry my own pack too. On a Camino route in the main season that hardly counts as "suffering" because the load I need to carry is so trivial that most of the time I am not even aware of carrying it.
I also carried my pack for my first camino Frances and found so many people sending packs ahead. The weather was above normal in late Sept /23 and hot going through the meseta . I sent my pack ahead once. I felt totally out of sorts that whole day with just a day pack. My back was sore where I hadn’t any issues before then. Also I didn’t like having to wait for pack delivery at my destination that was 3 hours after my arrival. I honestly thought they lost my pack. It didn’t work for me. I preferred the flexibility of not booking accommodation ahead also, whereas I found people were always stressed over that. I never had an issue just arriving looking for a bed in an albergue.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
It is a fear. So long as people limit themselves to the benefits of carrying one's own backpack (which I like to do) or shipping it ahead (if that is your wont) and don't stray into who is or isn't a pilgrim it should be okay.I fear your post will very rapidly fall foul of Forum Rule 3. The movement towards a Camino which involves the minimum of effort - physical or mental - has been underway for decades and is unlikely to be reversed now.
Please consider that some pilgrims are disabled, have chronic pain or limited energy, a combination thereof, or have all three. Yet they still want to do a Camino pilgrimage. Their daily suffering at home, let alone on the Camino, is oftentimes worse than yours on your most exhausting day on the Camino. Would you look askance at them for being unable to bear a backpack over a mile without great pain and fatigue, nor able to hike long distances, compared to you?The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
Because there are benefits to stretching yourself? Nothing to do with 'penitance' or 'suffering,' but just a way to develop a bit of resilience. ('God forbid someone should be the slightest bit uncomfortable or bored,' seems a pretty unhelpful attitude the face of things that are universal.It’s a nice rural walk through Spain!! Open to all ages and fitness levels! No one needs to suffer! Why not make it as easy as you can?
The movement towards a Camino which involves the minimum of effort - physical or mental - has been underway for decades and is unlikely to be reversed now.
There are legitimate medical reasons to not carry a pack, but wanting to avoid a bit of discomfort is not one of them.
I have struggled with this same thought before, but then I came to realize... "who cares?" If there is someone out there who is enjoying the Camino and can afford it and carries less weight "more power to them."On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
A pilgrim may carry a bag or not carry a bag, there is no rule.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
Personally I would rather go in the other direction and make the Compostela available once more to all pilgrims who visit the tomb of the Apostle - no matter how they got there. In my opinion the 100km rule has been very divisive and undermines the concept of pilgrimage. Adding yet another hoop to jump through before receiving a Compostela would not be helpful.Maybe a change of the rules, if you do not carry your backpack for those last 100km then you are not classified as a pilgrim so no Compostella for you.
This is getting into Rule 3 territory. It’s perfectly fine for people to talk about the advantages of carrying your own pack, or to urge others to consider challenging themselves to do something more difficult even when easy options are everywhere, or to talk about the benefits of using transport. But we do not want to rehash the divisive topic of whether carrying your pack makes you more or less of a pilgrim. As Rule 3 has tried to clarify, being a pilgrim has only to do with individual subjective intent, and it’s not for us on the forum to judge anyone else in that regard.Maybe a change of the rules, if you do not carry your backpack for those last 100km then you are not classified as a pilgrim so no Compostella for you.
Indeed.This is getting into Rule 3 territory. ... it’s not for us on the forum to judge anyone else in that regard.
This is getting into Rule 3 territory. It’s perfectly fine for people to talk about the advantages of carrying your own pack, or to urge others to consider challenging themselves to do something more difficult even when easy options are everywhere, or to talk about the benefits of using transport. But we do not want to rehash the divisive topic of whether carrying your pack makes you more or less of a pilgrim. As Rule 3 has tried to clarify, being a pilgrim has only to do with individual subjective intent, and it’s not for us on the forum to judge anyone else in that regard.
And they would probably consider us nuts to walk when trains, buses, and cars are available!I think about the origins of the walk. I mean, do you think Kings, merchants, and peasants shared the same experience about carrying their weight on the their back? My guess is heck no. It's ALL good
That's it I am bringing all my servants next Camino.The pilgrims of the past used anything they could -- including sending their servants instead of themselves -- to make the journey easier.
Yah. But I like the exercise. and the people met.And they would probably consider us nuts to walk when trains, buses, and cars are available!
Smiley's help when you are are being "a little" confrontational. I've learned the hard way.It was a light hearted observation should have put a few smiley ☺s after it . Started some debate though.
"World in a bag" well said woody.I will carry my pack for as long as i am able; my little World in a bag!
When i travelled round Europe on my Motorcycle with a tote bag and only a waterproof sleeping bag i loved it!
In my head i was John Wayne on my steel horse heading to the badlands
Now 50 years later the Camino has brought that feeling back and i love it /my World in a bag again and adventure!
My next steel horse will probs be made by mister Zimmer
Well said happy perfect summation.I couldn't imagine not carrying my pack. I did find it odd to see so many people sending bags ahead, as if that (and not carrying one's own pack) was the default. I could see if there is an injury or physical limitation need but, i don't know, so many seemed to not even try. Some of my biggest and most profound revelations and awarenesses came from having to carry my own pack. To each his/her own, but if anyone is on the fence i would encourage carrying one's own pack.
To build “resilience”? Really? As a resilience coach, dealing with adversity “realistically bit optimistically” is the definition. I realistically know that with my physical limitations and past injuries know that the only way I could EVER consider walking MY camino is without anything other than a day bag. It is my camino and my choice. Please - allow folks to make their own choices.Because there are benefits to stretching yourself? Nothing to do with 'penitance' or 'suffering,' but just a way to develop a bit of resilience. ('God forbid someone should be the slightest bit uncomfortable or bored,' seems a pretty unhelpful attitude the face of things that are universal.)
If you want a nice easy walk, there are other ways to do that. But this is (sadly) true:
There are legitimate medical reasons to not carry a pack, but wanting to avoid a bit of discomfort is not one of them.
Edited to add - I'm not pointing an accusatory finger at @TravellingMan22 , but rather at our consumsrist culture that feeds off people just wanting to be comfortable. The Camino breaks the spell of that, if you let it.
There are degrees of "suffering", all of which tend to be, to some extent, transformative. To attempt a camino with a chronic disease or physical impairment suggests that the person intends to use their condition as a test of their resolve - a discipline. Otherwise, it seems like just a hike, for hiking's sake.Please consider that some pilgrims are disabled, have chronic pain or limited energy, a combination thereof, or have all three. Yet they still want to do a Camino pilgrimage. Their daily suffering at home, let alone on the Camino, is oftentimes worse than yours on your most exhausting day on the Camino. Would you look askance at them for being unable to bear a backpack over a mile without great pain and fatigue, nor able to hike long distances, compared to you?
Your lament can be viewed in the obverse. Since you don’t have limited energy, are not living with chronic pain and fatigue, nor do not have any permanent debilitating disease(s), daily you have it far easier than these pilgrims. Why stay at a hotel or albergue, when you’re perfectly capable of carrying a tent and sleeping bag? Why eat your meals prepared in a restaurant, when you have the wherewithal to pack and cook freeze dried backpacking meals along the way?
Besides, pilgrims of the past did not have access to our modern day conveniences. Would you forego your ultralight Osprey or other high-end backpack for a simple rucksack? What about your hiking boots with Vibram soles or Hoka sneakers with ultra padded soles and arch support? Would you use instead the heavy leather mountaineering boots that inevitably cause blisters?
Thanks. The definition of resilience is interesting. I don’t think I have ever seen one, surprising given the word is tossed around like confetti!To build “resilience”? Really? As a resilience coach, dealing with adversity “realistically bit optimistically” is the definition. I realistically know that with my physical limitations and past injuries know that the only way I could EVER consider walking MY camino is without anything other than a day bag. It is my camino and my choice. Please - allow folks to make their own choices.
As I heard yesterday on a “Ted Lasso” repeat, try to be more curious and less judgmental. May learn something along the way. Buen camino!
The first recorded pilgrimage to Santiago was that of Alfonso the Second, King of the Asturians. Most reputable historians are of the opinion that he neither walked nor carried his backpack.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
No problem at all...for those who see the camino as a simple "nice easy walk".Why is “avoiding discomfort” not a “legitimate” reason not to carry everything on your back? What is so wrong with wanting to take a nice easy walk in Spain on a supported route?
Not nuts, just fortunate to have the choice. Where I live, I have no choice but to carry my 20kg bag on my back or on my bike. All good training, costing only time and effort. No gym membershipAnd they would probably consider us nuts to walk when trains, buses, and cars are available!
Such a great post.I think instead of telling other people what to do or not to do ("Carry your backpack! Don't use luggage transport!") it might be better to simply explain why one personally thinks it's a good idea to carry a backpack on this journey, so that potential first timers get an idea why that might be something that, as strange as it sounds, could make their journey even better and not just more difficult, exhausting and uncomfortable (as one might expect).
The thing is that many people who decide to walk the Camino have never done any hiking or backpacking before and are used to travel the "traditional modern way" with a suitcase. And not like a hiker with a backpack.
You tend to stick to what you know. If you've always travelled that way, of course you'll ask yourself, "Why should I carry a backpack when I can have my suitcase with all my nice stuff waiting for me at the end of the day?". It seems unnecessarily difficult to reduce your belongings to a few items and then carry it all day on top of that. When you've always enjoyed your travels with a suitcase, why risk not enjoying carrying a backpack?
When I watch some of my family pack for travelling, even if they're only going to be away for a few days, they pack in a way that they'll have everything they'd have at home, too. You'd need two donkeys or a lot of servants to carry all that stuff! And they're convinced they absolutely need it all!
For someone like that, even reducing their gear to one very heavy 70l backpack and then sending that forward would be a giant challenge.
They simply don't understand that it is possible to travel with less and they're convinced it must be a horrible, uncomfortable experience, and those who decide to carry their own backpack must be crazy extreme-hikers. Which is as much a prejudice as the other way around, with some of those who carry their own packs pointing fingers at those who don't...
Personally, I am convinced that there are many things to be learned by reducing the things you bring with you to an amount you can comfortably carry in a backpack every day. Especially when you find it difficult to reduce to less things to bring.
I am also convinced you won't know what you'll learn from that exactly, unless you actually did travel that way (and did actually reduce the weight of what you carry to a comfortable amount and didn't just torture yourself by packing everything you usually put into your suitcase(s) into a giant monster of a backpack).
For me, personally, giving my backpack to someone else simply won't happen. It is my home away from home. Like a snail or tortoise or maybe a hermit crab.
I've got everything in there to survive (comfortably!) for a few days even if I do not find accommodation or a restaurant.
It is my house, my bed, my closet, my fridge and kitchen, ect. ect.
When walking, it doesn't feel like a burden, it feels like a part of me.
There's a freedom to be found in having everything you need with you at all times that I, personally, find very appealing.
I'd feel less free and would enjoy my walk less with having to choose beforehand where I'll stay the next night, organize pack transport, and then having to walk there no matter what happens only because all my stuff is already there and dictates what I have to do that day.
When I carry my own pack, I can stop whenever I want to.
Tired? Stop after just a half day and rest.
Enjoy a place you just walked into? Love the atmosphere? Just stay there instead of walking to where your luggage stays.
Made friends who stay in a different town than you planned to walk to, but you'd like to spend more time together? No problem, you're free to stay with them, and not where your luggage dictates you have to stay at.
Feel a pain somewhere in your legs or feet, or a blister forming...? No problem, just stop and check into the next albergue to rest and relax, no need to take a taxi to where your suitcase stays.
Feel oh so strong today you want to try to walk that very long day? No problem, just walk and stop whenever you feel like it.
Ect.
When you have luggage transported, you'll reduce yourself to a smaller variety of places to stay at (because some do not accept luggage transport, or a backpack max but no suitcases).
And even more importantly, whatever happens, you have to walk to where your stuff stays, even if you feel tired, have injured yourself, got to know people you'd prefer to have dinner with that evening and who stop somewhere else, fell in love with a certain town you just walked through, bad weather conditions (heat, storms, torrential cold rain all day) ect. Or you'd have to use a taxi to still get to your destination despite injury ect.
For me, personally, that would take away much of what I enjoy in my travels.
But that's just me and what you prefer (or need) might be completely different, of course.
But maybe this helps to at least understand a bit better why some people enjoy walking with a backpack, and that there's no need to pity those or make fun of those who do carry their pack. I've often been made fun of because of my big backpack, how much of a torture that must be... Just no. No it isn't. It's my home and my freedom, and I love to carry it.
(For those who simply cannot carry a backpack it is a whole different story, this is for those who could easily carry a backpack but wonder why they should).
It perfectly describes the tensions in this thread. The Camino culture is changing, like it or not.No problem at all...for those who see the camino as a simple "nice easy walk".
That is a very noticable change in attitude and perception that has crept in over the past years with the popularity of the camino.
Others see the Camino as both a challenge on many levels and not a simple walk and choose to not adopt the easier way.
Take your pick
Nothing. You're missing out on something wonderful, is all.Why is “avoiding discomfort” not a “legitimate” reason not to carry everything on your back? What is so wrong with wanting to take a nice easy walk in Spain on a supported route?
Try it and see.why carrying a pack builds resilience
Try to read more carefully, please. There was no judgment in my post. As I said, some people must use pack transfer for physical reasons and that's just fine, essential, in fact.try to be more curious and less judgmental.
(For those who simply cannot carry a backpack it is a whole different story, this is for those who could easily carry a backpack but wonder why they should).
I always carry a back pack as per earlier posts. Tbh I never knew that was an alternative option when I walked the 3 Camino l have done! I travel so light that I forget I am carrying it! But I am cool with others not doing so. Similar I would never ‘skip stages’ but fine with others doing so!This:
It perfectly describes the tensions in this thread. The Camino culture is changing, like it or not.
Nothing. You're missing out on something wonderful, is all.
Try it and see.
Try to read more carefully, please. There was no judgment in my post. As I said, some people must use pack transfer for physical reasons and that's just fine, essential, in fact.
But for those who can carry a pack and don't, there's a lot to be said for trying at least once. I walked my first camino with a daypack and transfer, and I wouldn't do that again unless it I absolutely had to. The caminos I've walked without pack transfer (7 and counting) have been harder but a whole lot richer. My experience, YMMV. But you can't compare for yourself without trying both.
The post by @good_old_shoes is long, but a very good explanation of the good things about carrying everything. Note the caveat. No-one is judging here
Hardest thing to learn on your Camino is that you have to stop bothering about how everybody else is going about their Camino
No one is judging-opinions are not judgments. And not one person on this thread has said people with disabilities or physical limitations must carry their pack.To build “resilience”? Really? As a resilience coach, dealing with adversity “realistically bit optimistically” is the definition. I realistically know that with my physical limitations and past injuries know that the only way I could EVER consider walking MY camino is without anything other than a day bag. It is my camino and my choice. Please - allow folks to make their own choices.
As I heard yesterday on a “Ted Lasso” repeat, try to be more curious and less judgmental. May learn something along the way. Buen camino!
Not simply a change in attitude and perception. A very different reality on the ground. It has become possible to walk a Camino with far less effort in recent years - at least on the popular routes like the Camino Frances and the Portugues. And people are making use of those new services which now exist. There was no luggage transport when I first walked the Camino Frances. There were still long stages up to 30km with no intermediate services. Private accommodation was extremely rare outside major towns and it was not possible to make the journey only using private accommodation unless you had a support vehicle to take you off-route on many nights. Some refugios provided only bare floors to sleep on so all pilgrims carried sleeping bags and mats. With no mobile phone service it was generally not possible to stop walking part way to your destination and call a taxi - and taxi services were rare in any case. The net effect was that walking a Camino in 1990 was far more physically demanding and less comfortable than today. There has been a vicious (or virtuous) circle at work. Increasing numbers of walkers over the years have made it financially viable to provide new services to walkers. That has in turn attracted yet more people and further investment. At the same time people have become ever more demanding and unwilling to accept the conditions which earlier pilgrims simply regarded as the norm. Those who would prefer an "old-school" Camino experience can still find it on the less travelled routes. On the other hand those who would prefer to buy themselves a less strenuous experience are well catered for on the Frances and the Portugues.No problem at all...for those who see the camino as a simple "nice easy walk".
That is a very noticable change in attitude and perception that has crept in over the past years with the popularity of the camino.
To some extent, isn’t everyone “buying themselves” a less strenuous experience? Finding the perfect shoes, using walking poles, selecting a lightweight backpack … all the things that are discussed on this forum?On the other hand those who would prefer to buy themselves a less strenuous experience are well catered for on the Frances and the Portugues.
Yes that’s pretty much my take too. To me that is one, or maybe THE central focus of this forum.To some extent, isn’t everyone “buying themselves” a less strenuous experience? Finding the perfect shoes, using walking poles, selecting a lightweight backpack … all the things that are discussed on this forum?
Such a diatribe as to why you personally, in your opinion, feel that carrying a backpack is preferable. You then seem to go on as to why it seems to you to have a plethora of advantages.I think instead of telling other people what to do or not to do ("Carry your backpack! Don't use luggage transport!") it might be better to simply explain why one personally thinks it's a good idea to carry a backpack on this journey, so that potential first timers get an idea why that might be something that, as strange as it sounds, could make their journey even better and not just more difficult, exhausting and uncomfortable (as one might expect).
The thing is that many people who decide to walk the Camino have never done any hiking or backpacking before and are used to travel the "traditional modern way" with a suitcase. And not like a hiker with a backpack.
You tend to stick to what you know. If you've always travelled that way, of course you'll ask yourself, "Why should I carry a backpack when I can have my suitcase with all my nice stuff waiting for me at the end of the day?". It seems unnecessarily difficult to reduce your belongings to a few items and then carry it all day on top of that. When you've always enjoyed your travels with a suitcase, why risk not enjoying carrying a backpack?
When I watch some of my family pack for travelling, even if they're only going to be away for a few days, they pack in a way that they'll have everything they'd have at home, too. You'd need two donkeys or a lot of servants to carry all that stuff! And they're convinced they absolutely need it all!
For someone like that, even reducing their gear to one very heavy 70l backpack and then sending that forward would be a giant challenge.
They simply don't understand that it is possible to travel with less and they're convinced it must be a horrible, uncomfortable experience, and those who decide to carry their own backpack must be crazy extreme-hikers. Which is as much a prejudice as the other way around, with some of those who carry their own packs pointing fingers at those who don't...
Personally, I am convinced that there are many things to be learned by reducing the things you bring with you to an amount you can comfortably carry in a backpack every day. Especially when you find it difficult to reduce to less things to bring.
I am also convinced you won't know what you'll learn from that exactly, unless you actually did travel that way (and did actually reduce the weight of what you carry to a comfortable amount and didn't just torture yourself by packing everything you usually put into your suitcase(s) into a giant monster of a backpack).
For me, personally, giving my backpack to someone else simply won't happen. It is my home away from home. Like a snail or tortoise or maybe a hermit crab.
I've got everything in there to survive (comfortably!) for a few days even if I do not find accommodation or a restaurant.
It is my house, my bed, my closet, my fridge and kitchen, ect. ect.
When walking, it doesn't feel like a burden, it feels like a part of me.
There's a freedom to be found in having everything you need with you at all times that I, personally, find very appealing.
I'd feel less free and would enjoy my walk less with having to choose beforehand where I'll stay the next night, organize pack transport, and then having to walk there no matter what happens only because all my stuff is already there and dictates what I have to do that day.
When I carry my own pack, I can stop whenever I want to.
Tired? Stop after just a half day and rest.
Enjoy a place you just walked into? Love the atmosphere? Just stay there instead of walking to where your luggage stays.
Made friends who stay in a different town than you planned to walk to, but you'd like to spend more time together? No problem, you're free to stay with them, and not where your luggage dictates you have to stay at.
Feel a pain somewhere in your legs or feet, or a blister forming...? No problem, just stop and check into the next albergue to rest and relax, no need to take a taxi to where your suitcase stays.
Feel oh so strong today you want to try to walk that very long day? No problem, just walk and stop whenever you feel like it.
Ect.
When you have luggage transported, you'll reduce yourself to a smaller variety of places to stay at (because some do not accept luggage transport, or a backpack max but no suitcases).
And even more importantly, whatever happens, you have to walk to where your stuff stays, even if you feel tired, have injured yourself, got to know people you'd prefer to have dinner with that evening and who stop somewhere else, fell in love with a certain town you just walked through, bad weather conditions (heat, storms, torrential cold rain all day) ect. Or you'd have to use a taxi to still get to your destination despite injury ect.
For me, personally, that would take away much of what I enjoy in my travels.
But that's just me and what you prefer (or need) might be completely different, of course.
But maybe this helps to at least understand a bit better why some people enjoy walking with a backpack, and that there's no need to pity those or make fun of those who do carry their pack. I've often been made fun of because of my big backpack, how much of a torture that must be... Just no. No it isn't. It's my home and my freedom, and I love to carry it.
(For those who simply cannot carry a backpack it is a whole different story, this is for those who could easily carry a backpack but wonder why they should).
Thank you! Exactly. Gracias Ivar.Yes that’s pretty much my take too. To me that is one, or maybe THE central focus of this forum.
I think you entirely missed the point of that post.Such a diatribe as to why you personally, in your opinion, feel that carrying a backpack is preferable. You then seem to go on as to why it seems to you to have a plethora of advantages.
Kudos to you. I am not sure who you are trying to convince of the advantages.
Can I load a pack at home while training to learn if this would work for me? Yes. Do very selectively select the few pieces of clothing I will take - checking the historical weather for the time we will be traveling? Absolutely. Have I researched what shoes would be best for me based on my feet, gait, previous injuries and walking pattern? Yup. Thanks to REI and their wonderful return policy, I am returning my Sppedgoats and going back to Challengers.
So please understand that just because we have opted to have our backpack transported for us, we haven’t put in the same time, research and training in preparing for our first Camino. And we will walk the same steps you do - probably slower and over more days.
Buen Camino. (BTW - we are 67 ans 78 years old.)
Yes indeed. We live in the 21st century and most of us choose to acknowledge that fact and make use of whatever suits our own needs and tastes. My early Camino experience predated mobile phones and the Internet. So I planned my first Camino and walked the Frances without ever using either. But I would not choose to walk without my mobile phone these days and I use the internet to keep in touch with family and friends. But I still choose to carry my own pack and walk all of my chosen route. I feel that there is a qualitative difference between using modern advances like synthetic fabrics, mobile phones, walking poles and so on and paying someone else to carry your pack, plan your stages and book your accommodation. Things I am quite capable of doing for myself. The difference between buying a lawn mower or paying someone else to cut my grass.To some extent, isn’t everyone “buying themselves” a less strenuous experience? Finding the perfect shoes, using walking poles, selecting a lightweight backpack … all the things that are discussed on this forum?
I totally relate to this. I was really uncomfortable about the thought of staying in Albergues before I went, but after a couple of days staying in them far from wanting a private hotel room to myself, I couldn't actually bear the thought of not staying in an Albergue!True. But I would be sad to think someone was missing out on an enhanced Camino experience, just because of not trying an alternative
I 'feared' Albergues for years!
The difference between buying a lawn mower or paying someone else to cut my grass.That small personal physical and mental effort is an integral part of the pilgrimage experience for me and I would be losing some of the joy and satisfaction by paying someone to take it away from me.
Such a diatribe
I like the idea of carrying the bag. It makes you think about what is important to you. Shedding things you don’t need, to me, is part of the Camino experience. I have walked a few and love the idea of carrying all of my needs with me.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
I used to think like that before I did my first Camino in 2017. Six years on, as the ’niggles’ in my muscles and joints get more insistent, my views have changed. I can foresee a time when I might have to make a choice between forgetting about doing a Camino or taking more rest days, an occasional bus or taxi ride, or arranging backpack transfer. A little tiny tote bag might seem very attractive If the alternative is not to walk at all.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
Maybe it's time for me to stay off the forum for a while.
I sincerely wish you a Buen Camino, and sorry for causing offence.
Exactly! We'd all be happier avoiding judgmentI have struggled with this same thought before, but then I came to realize... "who cares?" If there is someone out there who is enjoying the Camino and can afford it and carries less weight "more power to them."
Last year I had a rest day in Santiago after the VDLP (or was it the Norte?) and I was bored so I took a bus to Pedrouzo to walk back in... but with my daypack only (normal backpack in hotel). OMG it was awesome... I was so fast.
I try not to worry about other people's choices.
It's your Camino. You don't know the burdens of others, the cross they bear. If not carrying a pack allows them to continue, rejoice in their pursuit of the journey.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
I took a most unusual route to walking the Camino. I did the first quarter, then the last quarter. In September and October of last year, I did the middle half.On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
could see if there is an injury or physical limitation need but, i don't know, so many seemed to not
My next steel horse will probs be made by mister Zimmer
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there (sic) backs as a part of the idea of pilgrimageOn my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today.
Don't be put off. It's your Camino walk it how you want and enjoyJesus! You single-headedly discouraged me and my wife who are planning 2024 fall pilgrimage. We are 70s and walking 10-15 miles a day with a light day pack is already a challenge. Thank you very much.
Appreciate.Don't be put off. It's your Camino walk it how you want and enjoy
Perhaps after you have actually experienced a camino you may understand where @good_old_shoes was coming from.Such a diatribe as to why you personally, in your opinion, feel that carrying a backpack is preferable. You then seem to go on as to why it seems to you to have a plethora of advantages....snip
...Buen Camino. (BTW - we are 67 ans 78 years old.)
Thank you for noticing, first off. Secondly, the Camino is a very personal pilgrimage for each individual, to do their “Own Way”, no matter what that looks like…… To that individualOn my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
Of course. My statement never made the assumption that a persons limitations have to be visible. If a person is unable to carry their pack for whatever reason, I totally get that. What I think is unfortunate are the pilgrims who don't have any actual limitations who don't even try. I was part of another Camino social media group when I was gathering information for mine and there were so many posts about bag transfer, one would think that that is the default for walking the Camino (vs carrying one's own pack), if one didn't know any better. I had to leave that online group, especially after returning from my Camino and seeing so many posts requesting bag transfer and tour group company information. For *me*, I can't imagine having the same experience I had by sending my bag ahead and i loved my Camino, so carrying my pack is the right choice for me.“Remember not all disabilities are visible” I have read next to seats reserved for elderly or pregnant or otherwise “disabled” persons on the public transport system soewhherein th UK.
Which has nothing to do with whether or not you carry your pack, where you sleep, etc.The Camino is different for everyone. For me, it is a pilgrimage…and will be…always.
Why wear rain gear? Sleep in a clean bed?On my last few Caminos I notice the massive movement away from carrying your backpack, part or all the way.
Little tiny totebags are the new norm as your burden is shifted from stage to stage.
The pilgrims of the past carried their belongings on there backs as part of the idea of pilgrimage this is not the case of current pilgrims or hikers its all about ease of travel no suffering please its Camino
"True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor"
Here endeth my lesson for today..
What I think is unfortunate are the pilgrims who don't have any actual limitations who don't even try. I was part of another Camino social media group when I was gathering information for mine and there were so many posts about bag transfer, one would think that that is the default for walking the Camino (vs carrying one's own pack), if one didn't know any better.
I took many such photos in May/June this year on the CF. Totally clogged entryways. Hardcover suitcases, not even backpacks.Yep, and I think that first sentence might be the heart of the "to carry or not to carry" argument (again, I'm ALWAYS excluding physical limitations/disabilities from this quibble). It's an age old camino argument and there will always be someone in a huff over it. I'm of the "if you can, do it" mindset. After all, I'm not spending $185+ on a backpack that I'm not going to carry.
Carrying my bag is...honestly such a joy. It becomes molded to my body and feels like home, a security blanket. And, depending on the brand (hello Osprey Kestrel 38!) feels comfortable. Which is why packing just what I need helps keep the experience joyous, simple and..secure.
ps I took a photo last year of an albergue lobby that had a literal SEA of baggage and suitcases, waiting to be picked up. Quite a different vibe from my previous caminos.
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