Do I need a splitter?

psychoticparrot · May 8, 2016

My husband seems to have the idea in his head that the Camino, like the Appalachian Trail, runs through vast and potentially dangerous wilderness areas. A few weeks ago, he bought some gadget that makes sparks when struck to start a fire if we get caught out in a snowstorm in the Pyrenees. The thing weighs 8 ounces (226g)! I told him I was not taking it along as the risk of dying of hypothermia in the Pyrenees is very small if one checks forecasts and avoids severe weather, a very simple and common-sense thing to do. (We plan to go in April and May 2017 -- not the dead of winter.)

Today, he handed me his newest acquisition, a power cord splitter that weighs 7 ounces (198g) -- ouch! For those who, like me, never heard of such a thing before, a splitter allows two electronic devices to be charged on one electric outlet. He's quite sure it's necessary. I'm not so sure. I'll be taking my Kindle and cell phone, neither of which needs to be charged every night.

So my question is -- is this something that might actually be useful? How plentiful are power outlets in the albergues and other accommodations? If there are fewer than one per bed, and my phone needs to be charged, the splitter would allow me to share an outlet with a fellow pilgrim, should he or she need it too.

Scott Sweeney · May 8, 2016

Most convenient stores now have wall jacks with two UDB ports in them. They cost about $2.00 and weight nothing but remember a converter. The sparking thing however.....

Peter Fransiscus · May 8, 2016

psychoticparrot said:
My husband seems to have the idea in his head that the Camino, like the Appalachian Trail, runs through vast and potentially dangerous wilderness areas. A few weeks ago, he bought some gadget that makes sparks when struck to start a fire if we get caught out in a snowstorm in the Pyrenees. The thing weighs 8 ounces (226g)! I told him I was not taking it along as the risk of dying of hypothermia in the Pyrenees is very small if one checks forecasts and avoids severe weather, a very simple and common-sense thing to do. (We plan to go in April and May 2017 -- not the dead of winter.)

Today, he handed me his newest acquisition, a power cord splitter that weighs 7 ounces (198g) -- ouch! For those who, like me, never heard of such a thing before, a splitter allows two electronic devices to be charged on one electric outlet. He's quite sure it's necessary. I'm not so sure. I'll be taking my Kindle and cell phone, neither of which needs to be charged every night.

So my question is -- is this something that might actually be useful? How plentiful are power outlets in the albergues and other accommodations? If there are fewer than one per bed, and my phone needs to be charged, the splitter would allow me to share an outlet with a fellow pilgrim, should he or she need it too.

Hi, as Scott already stated a splitter will be handy. I have a splitter where you can charge 4 items with.
A lot of pilgrims where happy that I used this.
Wish you both a wonderful journey and a Buen Camino, Peter.

Robo · May 8, 2016

Ask him to return the 'spark maker' and exchange it for a cork screw. He might start to get the idea

bunnymac · May 8, 2016

psychoticparrot said:
My husband seems to have the idea in his head that the Camino, like the Appalachian Trail, runs through vast and potentially dangerous wilderness areas. A few weeks ago, he bought some gadget that makes sparks when struck to start a fire if we get caught out in a snowstorm in the Pyrenees. The thing weighs 8 ounces (226g)! I told him I was not taking it along as the risk of dying of hypothermia in the Pyrenees is very small if one checks forecasts and avoids severe weather, a very simple and common-sense thing to do. (We plan to go in April and May 2017 -- not the dead of winter.)

Today, he handed me his newest acquisition, a power cord splitter that weighs 7 ounces (198g) -- ouch! For those who, like me, never heard of such a thing before, a splitter allows two electronic devices to be charged on one electric outlet. He's quite sure it's necessary. I'm not so sure. I'll be taking my Kindle and cell phone, neither of which needs to be charged every night.

So my question is -- is this something that might actually be useful? How plentiful are power outlets in the albergues and other accommodations? If there are fewer than one per bed, and my phone needs to be charged, the splitter would allow me to share an outlet with a fellow pilgrim, should he or she need it too.

Whatever about the splitter, leave the spark making device at home. The Spanish have really strict laws about lighting ANY type of fire off your own property - be warned. When traversing the Pyrenees, at the most difficult points there are numbered posts every 50 metres or so. If you get into difficulty call 112 tell the emergency services your nearest post number and they'll come and get you.

koilife · May 8, 2016

A multi-port USB charger is actually quite useful. Sockets can be at a premium, so being able to charge multiple items simultaneously is nice, especially if you can get someone to let you take the one they've been using to charge a single device and then let them piggyback on your charger. No impact to them, and you can charge yours.

7 oz seems overkill. I took a 3 oz, four-port charger (and was very popular).

Anniesantiago · May 8, 2016

I have my phone and my iPad with me. I gave no splitter. I gave had no problems keeping both charged.

I love your husband.
He sounds fun and makes me chuckle.
He likes gadgets.
Mostly gadgets he won't need.

Rebekah Scott · May 8, 2016

Leave all your electrical doodads at home. You do not need any of them. They are useless ballast you'll have to carry on your back.

Anemone del Camino · May 8, 2016

Scott Sweeney said:
Most convenient stores now have wall jacks with two UDB ports in them. They cost about $2.00 and weight nothing but remember a converter. The sparking thing however.....

Why the converter? A dual USB charger with a Europen plug is all you need. I carry them as it allows outlet sharing rather than hogging.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018V3Y9WM/?tag=casaivar02-20

Seabird · May 8, 2016

I'm glad i have my dual usb port. It weighs the same as my phone charger head. Sockets have been precious in most of the albergues where I've stayed so far.

Jeff Crawley · May 8, 2016

psychoticparrot said:
My husband seems to have the idea in his head that the Camino, like the Appalachian Trail, runs through vast and potentially dangerous wilderness areas. A few weeks ago, he bought some gadget that makes sparks when struck to start a fire if we get caught out in a snowstorm in the Pyrenees. The thing weighs 8 ounces (226g)! I told him I was not taking it along as the risk of dying of hypothermia in the Pyrenees is very small if one checks forecasts and avoids severe weather, a very simple and common-sense thing to do. (We plan to go in April and May 2017 -- not the dead of winter.)

Today, he handed me his newest acquisition, a power cord splitter that weighs 7 ounces (198g) -- ouch! For those who, like me, never heard of such a thing before, a splitter allows two electronic devices to be charged on one electric outlet. He's quite sure it's necessary. I'm not so sure. I'll be taking my Kindle and cell phone, neither of which needs to be charged every night.

So my question is -- is this something that might actually be useful? How plentiful are power outlets in the albergues and other accommodations? If there are fewer than one per bed, and my phone needs to be charged, the splitter would allow me to share an outlet with a fellow pilgrim, should he or she need it too.

Plus one for the splitter - cost you about €1 in a "100 Peseta" store - if Rambo is even thinking about making fire in the mountains get him to look at current newsreel from Alberta.

Canada, my heart goes out to you xx

Felipe · May 8, 2016

My rule: carry one "extra" thing that makes you particularly happy or comfortable -but just one. It may be a book a hair dryer, a tea pot, or whatever you like.
And yes, the Camino is not really a walk in the wilderness, and in late April there will be already many, many people, even in the SJPP-Roncesvalles stage. Anyway, if there is a chance of really bad weather, the Napoleon route will be closed -the Pilgrim's Bureau is not currently taking any risk.

Scott Sweeney · May 9, 2016

Because plugs for European outlets are not sold redily in your local convient store? I'm a cheap poop but perhaps I need to update my electronics.

Donna Sch · May 9, 2016

Seabird said:
I'm glad i have my dual usb port. It weighs the same as my phone charger head. Sockets have been precious in most of the albergues where I've stayed so far.

I picked up one of these in the airport terminal from a vending machine. Electronics are amazingly cheap in Spain at least compared to Australia. That spare USB port does make you friends The splitter sounds ridiculously heavy. If he must bring an extra gadget, bring a small external battery as phones always die just before you get to the next albergue.

psychoticparrot · May 11, 2016

Thanks to all for your replies. My husband has already dumped the splitter and the fire-starter, so he's getting the message, slowly. Told him about the dual USB charger with a European plug.

Thanks, Anenome, for the link. The charger is already in my cart ready to buy.

t2andreo · May 14, 2016

See, even a Neanderthal can be trained...I know because it is only recently that I learned to walk upright myself...

Personally, I am a gadget freak. But, over four Caminos, I LEARNED, evolved, and finally got it right, almost perfect in fact.

THEN on my fourth attempt this year, in April, my hips, knees and ankles all gave out...ironic...no?

So, I am regrouping, reevaluating, and reinventing a new method to do Camino in future. I will adapt and overcome!

You can find multi-USB splitters in most any mobile phone shop in Europe. But, once in Spain, look for "China Stores." The first one I encountered on my initial Camino Frances was in Pamplona. But they are in most every large town or city along the Camino. In Sarria, there is a very large one across the street from the Caminoteca shop, at the base of the LONG stairs. If you've been there, or are there you will KNOW what I am referring to.

These shops are frequently named something like "Oriental Bazaar," "Asian Bazaar," or something similar. But they ALL are usually run by Chinese immigrants to Spain and contain everything imaginable, all made in China. But, many of the electronics are very inexpensive and suitable to purpose. I always find my 1 to 3 outlet splitters there, lightweight and usually for less than €2.

Also, you can find all sorts of USB cables and chargers there. However, I always advise sticking to proprietary chargers and cables (like Apple or Samsung), or sourced from known multi-national vendors, like: Belkin, Griffin, or Hama, etc. There are many reports of fried mobile devices and even fires caused by inexpensive chargers and cables. So, it is caveat emptor. I have written about this elsewhere on the forum.

FYI, there is a El Corte Ingles department store in Pamplona, near the bus station, that sells name-branded electronic accessories, including Apple. They also have a general electronics department for plug splitters.

Otherwise, the China Stores can provide an almost endless profusion of clever gadgets you never knew existed or could not live without. On my first trip, I bought a dozen micro-fleece tubes that could be worn as a neck protector, balaclava, or a watch cap to give away to pilgrims who needed better head protection. There was a very late winter in April 2013. They cost only €1,20 each at the time. It was a good investment, and good karma too.

I hope this helps.

SYates · May 15, 2016

psychoticparrot said:
... A few weeks ago, he bought some gadget that makes sparks when struck to start a fire if we get caught out in a snowstorm in the Pyrenees. The thing weighs 8 ounces (226g)! ... a power cord splitter that weighs 7 ounces (198g) -- ouch! ... I'll be taking my Kindle and cell phone, neither of which needs to be charged every night. ...

Leave both at home would be my simple advice. If you are "caught out in a snowstorm in the Pyrenees" just having "sparks" is not enough to get a fire going, you will need also a sheltered place, dry material to start the fire etc. As for the splitter, a Kindle battery lasts very long, so you will only need to charge your phone regularly and the Kindle only very occasionally. Buen Camino, SY

Peregrinopaul · May 15, 2016

psychoticparrot said:
My husband has already dumped the splitter and the fire-starter, so he's getting the message

But don't forget the corkscrew. (Thanks for the reminder Robo.)

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Do I need a splitter?

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