Do I change it or do I still keep it?

[Jomas]

two elements, which I define as essential in a pilgrimage, talking about equipment, are the backpack and the shoes.
I was wondering if you members of the forum have a criterion for making the decision to replace (buy a new one) these two important "means" companions.
Simply the wear of the materials?
A better fit on your previous adventure?
A search for something more performing? (perhaps given by the additional knowledge received here or in other such portals)?

thanks for your contributions

 

[Tincatinker]

If it fits and is serviceable I use it. If its worn-out I repair or replace it. I pay very little to no attention to information & particularly recommendations from the Internet. I would rather rely on a professional tradesperson whom I can re-visit and punch on the nose if necessary

 

[Jarrad]

No slave to fashion, I too prefer to use my gear until it's rendered unserviceable. But I do have a backpack I purchased about 15 years ago that, while serviceable, is simply not as comfortable or as functional as newer models. I have upgraded with no regrets.

Thriftiness is a virtue, but strongly consider letting go of hiking boots and shoes once the shoe no longer does its job protecting your feet. Significant compression lines on the side of the sole and loss of comfort, among several other signs of significant wear and tear, are good indicators that you might want to step into a new pair of shoes. I found some good advice here: https://housershoes.com/blog/14-signs-you-need-new-hiking-shoes/

The Camino may not give the same visible wear and tear to hiking boots or shoes that you will see from wearing them in a backcountry environment. At the end of my first Camino, walked almost entirely in fair weather, the boots I wore (Keen Targhee II's) had only minor fraying of the stitches and signs of wear to the uppers and laces. But there was little cushioning provided by the midsole, so those boots went into 'yardwork and lawn mowing only' pile.

I'm keeping in shape for the next Camino in Hoka One One Bondi 6's. They fit me perfectly and are like walking on air, but I have some reservations about whether the uppers will remain serviceable for 500 miles. Here's to hoping that we will find out in 2021!

 

[C clearly]

Simply the wear of the materials?
A better fit on your previous adventure?
A search for something more performing? (perhaps given by the additional knowledge...)?

All of these are valid considerations for getting new equipment, depending on the degree, of course. I would not take half-worn shoes to start a new Camino, but I keep the shoes for use at home. First they become regular around-home shoes, and ultimately all shoes become gardening shoes. (I admit that I have a backup of gardening shoes!) The same is true for camino clothes - I do some switching back and forth, to optimize the use and the special purposes.

 

[thejoker]

If it fits and is serviceable I use it. If its worn-out I repair or replace it. I pay very little to no attention to information & particularly recommendations from the Internet. I would rather rely on a professional tradesperson whom I can re-visit and punch on the nose if necessary

Post of the month

 

[mvanert]

two elements, which I define as essential in a pilgrimage, talking about equipment, are the backpack and the shoes.
I was wondering if you members of the forum have a criterion for making the decision to replace (buy a new one) these two important "means" companions.
Simply the wear of the materials?
A better fit on your previous adventure?
A search for something more performing? (perhaps given by the additional knowledge received here or in other such portals)?

thanks for your contributions

Regarding shoes, I wear them until holes appear, as for a backpack I've been happy with the one I bought in 2014 which I've taken on three caminos, I can't imagine it wearing out.

 

[mvanert]

All of these are valid considerations for getting new equipment, depending on the degree, of course. I would not take half-worn shoes to start a new Camino, but I keep the shoes for use at home. First they become regular around-home shoes, and ultimately all shoes become gardening shoes. (I admit that I have a backup of gardening shoes!) The same is true for camino clothes - I do some switching back and forth, to optimize the use and the special purposes.

Me too, worn shoes stay at home.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

I wore high top Waterproof Patagonia boots on my first two caminos. They were starting to wear thin in several places so I donated them to a Catholic orphanage in Honduras after a church sponsored working trip. Last camino I wore Merrill Moab high tops. They worked well and I will wear them again next camino, then retire them. My backpack is a 50 L Osprey Atmos and I’ve carried it all three caminos. Still works well. It was a bit grungy after the second camino so I had it cleaned at a dry cleaner and it was fresh for last year’s camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

For shoes, if the tops are still in good condition, I then look at the bottom soles to see how much tread is left. If still good, I then usually just replace the insoles for better cushioning because as others have said, compression usually goes flat.
Like @C clearly has said...I too, have quite a pile of gardening shoes in my garage.

 

[Robo]

two elements, which I define as essential in a pilgrimage, talking about equipment, are the backpack and the shoes.
I was wondering if you members of the forum have a criterion for making the decision to replace (buy a new one) these two important "means" companions.
Simply the wear of the materials?
A better fit on your previous adventure?
A search for something more performing? (perhaps given by the additional knowledge received here or in other such portals)?

thanks for your contributions

If it works I stick with it. I don't want to find 300 kms into a Camino that my old gear was better

 

[Jomas]

it has always been my line too ..... until it "breaks", it can still be useful for the cause.
And it is still like this, until I can define the task of the shoes or backpack as "exhausted", I don't think about a purchase.
On the other hand, however, it is also pleasant to look around and evaluate the new, given that the market offers increasingly efficient and attentive solutions. If well presented ....
I am thinking in particular of the best comfort for our body and therefore consequently for our journey.
This does not translate into spending a lot and often because you follow fashions or trends .... it is right to test something more suitable.
I have always worn Salomon, in various models depending on the path to take, and I always thought it was the shoe par excellence. The only one to evaluate.
Last year, on the advice of the seller, I bought mizuno (mujin model) for walks in the plains / hills. I was puzzled, another type of fit .... but in the end I was able to appreciate the qualities. A boring heel discomfort when I walked a long way has vanished. But this is my case.
next week I'll test them further on VF ... just a few days

ps: I can also say that I have my outfit for garden work and during the harvest

 

[David Tallan]

two elements, which I define as essential in a pilgrimage, talking about equipment, are the backpack and the shoes.
I was wondering if you members of the forum have a criterion for making the decision to replace (buy a new one) these two important "means" companions.
Simply the wear of the materials?
A better fit on your previous adventure?
A search for something more performing? (perhaps given by the additional knowledge received here or in other such portals)?

thanks for your contributions

I think it is a different situation replacing something with "more of the same" or "something quite different". If I am replacing with more of the same, it is generally simply the wear on the materials. If it is something different, it is likely sparked by hearing about the new options from someone else (perhaps here, perhaps through a friend or on social media, etc.) Depending on how much of an improvement I'm expecting with something new, I may decide to replace right away or keep the different thing in mind for when whatever I am currently using wears out.

I pay very little to no attention to information & particularly recommendations from the Internet. I would rather rely on a professional tradesperson whom I can re-visit and punch on the nose if necessary

As referenced above, I am different. I am quite ready to accept that others, including those on the Internet (even those in these forums) have access to useful information otherwise not available to me. I pay attention to it. But I don't let it determine my decision. It just goes into the hopper of available information that I can draw upon when looking for options. I'll still check out the options myself and make my own decisions. Then I only hold myself accountable for those decisions. I find it does not good to punch the accountable person (me) on the nose. If I paid very little or no attention to information and recommendations from the Internet, I never would have sought out and tried Hoka One One's, which weren't available at the outfitter I was going to at the time. I find they work quite well for me (your mileage may vary). I amgrateful to those who made the suggestion and happy I paid attention to it.

 

[Jomas]

I think it is a different situation replacing something with "more of the same"

sorry, I don't understand what you mean by "more of the same"?
Staying on the footwear field, do you mean the new model of the one you already used?

or keep the different thing in mind for when whatever I am currently using wears out

this is my prerogative

 

[David Tallan]

sorry, I don't understand what you mean by "more of the same"?
Staying on the footwear field, do you mean the new model of the one you already used?

When I walked the Camino Frances in 2016, I wore Merrell Moabs. By 2018, when I went to walk the Camino Portugues, they had worn out and I bought myself another pair of Merrell Moabs that looked and fit the same. That was "more of the same". Since then, I got Hoke One Ones. They are something different.

 

[Isca-camigo]

After a few disaster's walking in new stuff I'm of the mind that going with old gear if it still has some life in it is better.
When I walked on the C de Lana in 2018, I had new trail mids, they tortured my feet and left me with a bunion on my left foot, so afterwards even footwear which my feet could have previously tolerated were no longer an option.
I know people who have cuts bits of sole of one part of shoes and have stuck it on another part which had a hole on it, just to get that extra bit of life out of comfortable footwear, extreme yes but it worked.

 

[Jomas]

After a few disaster's walking in new stuff I'm of the mind that going with old gear if it still has some live in it is better.
When I walked on the C de Lana in 2018, I had new trail mids, they tortured my feet and left me with a bunion on my left foot, so afterwards even footwear which my feet could have previously tolerated were no longer an option.
I know people who have cuts bits of sole of one part of shoes and have stuck it on another part which had a hole on it, extreme yes but it worked.

I am very sorry for what happened to you .... and I understand that it can happen. I always thought I made a good choice when I gave up on the "project" because the conditions were critical ... and I couldn't fix it quickly. But you learn something from every situation.

"sometimes a crack in the wall is needed to let some light through"

 

[Isca-camigo]

In all my previous Caminos upto but not including the last one, only one footwear has not given me problems the 'Meindl Alicante' which I used in 2011 from near Lisbon upto Santiago, they stopped making it almost at the same time and that has been a constant theme over the years, once my feet find footwear with which they are comfortable it seems the footwear goes out of production. I bought the Meindl Respond in 2012, which had the same last as the Alicante but different materials, my feet had problems all the way with them. On my last Camino I used the Olympus 3.5 from Altra,they were comfortable but 7 days in my knees started hurting which could be a issue from the extra cushioning they provide, it has been highlighted by other people who have worn them. I was going to save these 3.5 for my next Camino but I have been living in them since March so I feel now my knees have adjusted to them, if they are still around next year I might get them again for hopefully a Camino.

 

[LesR]

two elements, which I define as essential in a pilgrimage, talking about equipment, are the backpack and the shoes.
I was wondering if you members of the forum have a criterion for making the decision to replace (buy a new one) these two important "means" companions.
Simply the wear of the materials?
A better fit on your previous adventure?
A search for something more performing? (perhaps given by the additional knowledge received here or in other such portals)?

thanks for your contributions

If it ain't broke, don't fix it...

And if it is beyond its use-by date (or near to), you have the choice of replacing it with same, or looking to a newer model from the same maker, or looking more widely.... with increasing risk that it may not be what you want/need.

The conservative walker that I am, I prefer to go with what I know rather than take the chance that the near gear will not be what I really need and have to replace along the way. But that is just me! Others may prefer to live a little more on the edge.

 

[Albertagirl]

I keep my gear until it dies, then I buy more of the same, if available. For years now, I have been wearing Timberland boots, men's sizing: they fit and are comfortable. I believe that they are also one of the cheapest brands of hiking boots on the market: expensive is not always preferable. I buy a new pair in the same size and a similar style when the old ones wear out. I replaced my backpack when I fell over backwards in a puddle and the frame went through the fabric: fortunately, on a trail close to home. I bought something similar for the style and my preferred capacity, this time in a women's fit. I have never carried a pack that was comfortable to carry, in any size or style, so I just buy something that is not too big and heavy and get on with it.

 

[JabbaPapa]

When I lost my backpack during training in 2018, I replaced it with the exact same model -- but if I needed to change it, I might switch to a military one (I've seen one model that looks great for a Camino).

As to shoes, well, it's army boots and it's always been army boots both on and off the Camino since before starting my first one in 1993. The only thing that changes is size, as in 27 years I've moved up from size 10½ to size 14½.

 

[henrythedog]

two elements, which I define as essential in a pilgrimage, talking about equipment, are the backpack and the shoes.
I was wondering if you members of the forum have a criterion for making the decision to replace (buy a new one) these two important "means" companions.
Simply the wear of the materials?
A better fit on your previous adventure?
A search for something more performing? (perhaps given by the additional knowledge received here or in other such portals)?

thanks for your contributions

Do as I do!

Be tempted to buy replacements, similar to your favourites whenever ‘on sale’, or whenever you’ve got some cash hanging about. At the last minute, decide to stick to the originals and store the new version away in a cupboard. Buy an additional cupboard if necessary.

The only items I actually replace in-use are boots, and then only when it’s desperate. My wife assured me I’ll be buried in a skip full of outdoor clothing and equipment, mostly with the tags still attached.

My favourite Patagonia fleece is over 20 years old has been thrown out twice, used as a dog bed, stuffed into the spare wheel of my car ‘for emergencies’, retrieved constantly and I’m wearing it now. The other ten or more similar items are rarely ever worn.

On the other hand, perhaps not.

 

[Icacos]

My favourite Patagonia fleece is over 20 years old has been thrown out twice ....

Thank you for my morning chuckle.

 

[FLEUR]

Over the years and various Camino walks I have changed my gear. Shoes that proved uncomfortable have been retired and I now walk happily in Mendl shoes bought last year. A couple of rucksacks have been retired as they proved to be uncomfortable. One was a very cheap one and the other a second hand rucksack. I have now invested in an Osprey Eja and not looked back.
I agree, do look for quality walking gear when sales are on both Rohan and Berghaus have really good sales from time to time.

 

[motero99]

On the Camino Frances in 2019, I met a young woman who started with a new backpack in St. Jean PP. She traded it in in Pamplona for a different brand. A week later I ran into her again and she had just purchased a third backpack. I have often wondered how many times she changed backpacks before reaching Santiago.

 

[Albertagirl]

I wonder if she found each backpack uncomfortable to carry. It may never occur to her that backpacks are, for many people, quite uncomfortable, regardless of what model you purchase. I am sure that this is a secret of backpack wearing common to many of us. (And after more than 50 years of carrying them, I don't really want to hear what perfect new backpack you have just acquired. My closet is full already.)

 

[motero99]

I am sure that she was uncomfortable. Her walking style involved multiple long days then a rest day, Roncesvalles to Pamplona for example. I don't think anything would be comfortable with long hauls like that.

 

[Old Kiwi]

In 2016 on the CF I wore boots that I had used tramping in New Zealand for 6 months before the Camino. I got blisters after two weeks. On the CF in 2019 I wore trail runners that had 300 kilometres on them (I keep a record of my training) and had no problems whatsoever. Unfortunately my 20 year old pack literally fell apart in Leon. The material was rotten. I have another cheap pack at home that I have used successfully for two day walks but it does not have a waist belt. I am trialing this with longer walks until I can get to Spain again. As my full pack only weighs 4.5 kilos I could probably get away without having a waist belt. If so, I won't need to buy a new pack.

 

[Old Kiwi]

In my humble opinion, it could be that the lady that kept changing packs was carrying too much weight and would never be comfortable whatever pack she wore.