Favorite Toothpaste?

[Peregrina 2013]

At Peregrina 2000's suggestion I am now posing the question about what is your favorite toothpaste to take when you walk on the Camino?

My hope is that this thread is solely dedicated to the topic without becoming controversial like the thread I posted about deodorant preferences. Just interested in what you like to use for cleaning your teeth.

With that said, I usually will take a small travel size toothpaste - Crest, Colgate, etc. with me and replenish along he way when I'm on the Camino. Because I am a lightweight backpacker, I would like to mention a great tip I got years ago from a backpacking group, Listerine Strips! They work incredibly well with a toothbrush and clean your teeth quite effectively. If I run out of toothpaste, the strips do the job

I do abide by the saying "You take take care of the ounces (grams) and the pounds (kilos) take care of themselves." And, no, I do not cut my toothbrush's handle, nor do I do other crazy stuff like that. Using lightweight equipment and paying attention to the weight I carry makes long distance walking enjoyable.

 

[gerardcarey]

Who are you calling crazy?
You could get kicked off the forum for that!
Anyway......Drilling holes along the handle of your toothbrush is common sense.
It's like look after the grams and the kilos will look after themselves.
Watch yourself cobber, relse I'll pot you to the mods.
Gerard

 

[FourSeasons]

LUSH has toothy tabs and I used them on my last Camino. I liked them a lot. They not only cleaned my teeth well but whitened them too.

 

[J Willhaus]

Just use my same Crest gum detoxify toothpaste. Tube is relatively small and we don't have to look for a travel tube after a few days.

 

[muddy-mama]

I also used the Lush tabs 100 tabs in a small bottle about the same size and weight as a travel toothpaste.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I've seen tips on the forum to use your toothpaste from home, squeeze out drops onto wax paper, let them dry out and take them with you.

 

[DyanTX]

A travel size lasted me over half my walk with twice per day use. Next time I'll take 2 of those. Why carry and not buy there? It's one of those things I'm quite picky about. I hate the flavor of wintergreen (think pepto-bismol) and almost all brands in travel size here in the US are wintergreen although they say on the label some sort of mint. They're not mint! I finally found a brand that is actually mint and that's what I seek out for all my travel.

 

[Former member 91017]

For the first few days, if I'm lucky enough to have same, I use what comes in my airplane kit with the toothbrush and mask and socks. I don't bother to pack a toothbrush if I know I'm getting one on the plane. If I don't have that option, I just take a tiny travel tube of whatever I could get at the drug store.
Then, if I'm landing somewhere that will get me to a HEMA store, I pick up a very small HEMA toothpaste.
After that, when I stay (about 1 time per 10 days) in a hotel, I keep the tiny toothpastes that come with the room. I still have the remains from the Via de la Plata Spa in Astorga (2018), and from the Parador in Santiago (2019) to start out with this trip.
Eventually, I will probably find a grocery store and purchase a small tube of something.
The flavours of the local brands are unusual enough that if I open them later, long after arriving at home, I can open up the toothpaste and be transported to a specific place and experience.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Who are you calling crazy?
You could get kicked off the forum for that!
Anyway......Drilling holes along the handle of your toothbrush is common sense.
It's like look after the grams and the kilos will look after themselves.
Watch yourself cobber, relse I'll pot you to the mods.
Gerard

greardcarey, I agree with you. My crazy comment was just facetiously spoken

 

[Peregrina 2013]

LUSH has toothy tabs and I used them on my last Camino. I liked them a lot. They not only cleaned my teeth well but whitened them too.

Those tabs sound like a winner with the benefits of cleaning plus whitening! I'll look for them and try them out. Who knows? I might take Lush Tabs on my Camino next mont

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I've seen tips on the forum to use your toothpaste from home, squeeze out drops onto wax paper, let them dry out and take them with you.

Wow! That is a novel idea! I have never heard of doing that, though it doesn't surprise me because I dehydrate my backpacking food at home - including yogurt, mole, my favorite soup , etc. and it works perfectly well!

 

[peregrino_tom]

Never mind the toothpaste, I'm seriously considering taking my electric toothbrush on my next camino. I'm getting to the age where the old teeth and gums appreciate a buzzy clean. 235g or 8.25 ounces for plug/charger and brush. Not so bad.
And I promise not to wander round the dormitory at 5am cleaning my teeth (with my headtorch on)...

 

[cbacino]

At Peregrina 2000's suggestion I am now posing the question about what is your favorite toothpaste to take when you walk on the Camino?

My hope is that this thread is solely dedicated to the topic without becoming controversial like the thread I posted about deodorant preferences. Just interested in what you like to use for cleaning your teeth.

With that said, I usually will take a small travel size toothpaste - Crest, Colgate, etc. with me and replenish along he way when I'm on the Camino. Because I am a lightweight backpacker, I would like to mention a great tip I got years ago from a backpacking group, Listerine Strips! They work incredibly well with a toothbrush and clean your teeth quite effectively. If I run out of toothpaste, the strips do the job

I do abide by the saying "You take take care of the ounces (grams) and the pounds (kilos) take care of themselves." And, no, I do not cut my toothbrush's handle, nor do I do other crazy stuff like that. Using lightweight equipment and paying attention to the weight I carry makes long distance walking enjoyable.

On long walks (Appalachian Trail, Via Francigena, Paris-Norte-Primitivo) I don’t carry toothpaste. Just extra weight that adds up. I do, however, brush, floss, and pick. : )

 

[J Willhaus]

Never mind the toothpaste, I'm seriously considering taking my electric toothbrush on my next camino. I'm getting to the age where the old teeth and gums appreciate a buzzy clean. 235g or 8.25 ounces for plug/charger and brush. Not so bad.
And I promise not to wander round the dormitory at 5am cleaning my teeth (with my headtorch on)...

We do use what I call "travel" electric toothbrushes for the Camino and for other camping and travel. They are Oral B Pulsar. Not quite as good as our home electric toothbrush. But light weight and do a better job than the manual brush. I also try to take enough dental floss, because I have found the Spanish brands to be good mainly only for string and not dental hygiene.

 

[Bristle Boy]

At Peregrina 2000's suggestion I am now posing the question about what is your favorite toothpaste to take when you walk on the Camino?

My hope is that this thread is solely dedicated to the topic without becoming controversial like the thread I posted about deodorant preferences. Just interested in what you like to use for cleaning your teeth.

With that said, I usually will take a small travel size toothpaste - Crest, Colgate, etc. with me and replenish along he way when I'm on the Camino. Because I am a lightweight backpacker, I would like to mention a great tip I got years ago from a backpacking group, Listerine Strips! They work incredibly well with a toothbrush and clean your teeth quite effectively. If I run out of toothpaste, the strips do the job

I do abide by the saying "You take take care of the ounces (grams) and the pounds (kilos) take care of themselves." And, no, I do not cut my toothbrush's handle, nor do I do other crazy stuff like that. Using lightweight equipment and paying attention to the weight I carry makes long distance walking enjoyable.

Beyond discussing the enormous weight of your tube and brush and the fragrance it exudes I hear some toothpastes cure snoring.

I jest.....I think.

 

[gerardcarey]

greardcarey, I agree with you. My crazy comment was just facetiously spoken

Wouldn't be much of a world if we couldn't have a giggle or a laugh now and then, would it?
I must admit tho... Once I really did drill holes in it.

 

[Bristle Boy]

Wouldn't be much of a world if we couldn't have a giggle or a laugh now and then, would it?
I must admit tho... Once I really did drill holes in it.

So did I after reading the advice. I ended up drilling through the battery.

 

[auburnfive]

LUSH has toothy tabs and I used them on my last Camino. I liked them a lot. They not only cleaned my teeth well but whitened them too.

Lush has come out with black toothy tabs, contains activated charcoal. However they make a huge mess in the sink, best to avoid.

 

[gerardcarey]

So did I after reading the advice. I ended up drilling through the battery.

You're a real hard case BB. That is a jump down turn around absolute classic.

 

[Andorinha]

anything you use at home but squeezed into a tiny baggie to save a few ounces of weight, it all adds up

 

[RJM]

Whilst I am an advocate for packing as light as possible (don't carry what if's) to walk the Camino I am not an OCD gram/ounce counter when it comes to things like toiletries etc. I cannot imagine going into my shop outside and drilling holes in a toothbrush handle, or anything similar lol . It's not a wilderness hike, or a long range reconnaissance patrol. I enjoy the comforts of hot and cold running water and beds in albergues.
As far as toothpaste is concerned, as I have mentioned in another post, I carry a full sized tube of any of the typical varieties. It's a consumable and gets lighter everyday. Same with soap. I carry two full sized bars. They get smaller everyday. Same with me. I always lost about 10 kilos on every Camino I walked. Get lighter everyday.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I buy any brand of travel size toothpaste and it lasts me the whole 35-42 days when on the Camino as I choose to only brush at night. I use the cute little collapsible airline "free" toothbrush, but the free toothpaste is too small to bother with.

 

[El Cascayal]

Speaking of toothbrushes…found this gem at Whole Foods in the US. Weighs 0.1 oz. Bristles get into all the crevices. My new awesome Camino companion.

 

[Esperanza]

I am not particular about toothpaste, and when traveling I usually start out with whatever comes in a small tube in the drugstore. I buy more if I run out. I have traveled a fair bit, and I don’t buy many keepsakes, but I do find it amusing to have a tube of toothpaste and other toiletries covered in Japanese or Arabic or Cyrillic script, or whatever looks the most different from what I can buy at home. Then I use it up and toss it. Sometimes I look in my toilet kit and it’s like a UN meeting in there.

I am particular about my toothbrush. Soft bristles and a small head per my dentist’s orders, so I don’t use any of the airplane or collapsible ones.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Well, I just got back from my dental appointment with a new travel toothbrush that's going with me on the Camino. Now, the quandary, I have to decide whether to take my Listerine strips for a total of 7/8 oz or my travel size toothpaste at 1¾ oz

 

[Camino Chrissy]

So did I after reading the advice. I ended up drilling through the battery.

Never take all of the advise you read on the forum, BB. Take post #6 for instance on this thread. There is no way I will ever be doing that.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Well, I just got back from my dental appointment with a new travel toothbrush that's going with me on the Camino. Now, the quandary, I have to decide whether to take my Listerine strips or my travel size toothpaste

Wow, that's a Cadillac model travel toothbrush..and probably totally "free"!
My "advise" is to take both the paste and the strips; just brush twice as often.

 

[Former member 92300]

For the first few days, if I'm lucky enough to have same, I use what comes in my airplane kit with the toothbrush and mask and socks. I don't bother to pack a toothbrush if I know I'm getting one on the plane. If I don't have that option, I just take a tiny travel tube of whatever I could get at the drug store.

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks? I am surely missing out on my flights to/from the US! Haha I recently read someone else's post that mentioned getting airplane socks.

 

[Former member 92300]

anything you use at home but squeezed into a tiny baggie to save a few ounces of weight, it all adds up

Haha... I can just see my tiny baggie tearing and smearing toothpaste all over everything in my bag!

 

[Esperanza]

I have had those Listerine strips turn into a little impenetrable brick in hot weather. Not humid weather, just hot, as you might expect to find along the Camino most of the year. I don’t recommend them for outdoor travel.

 

[C clearly]

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks?

I was wondering that, too! I did manage to get upgraded once to business class on a flight to Spain, and received that package. But then I was faced with the ethical quandary of whether to toss the cheapo socks and extra toothbrush or carry them across Spain.

Looking at flights currently, and it would double my ticket cost to get business class, even with airline points. That would be very expensive toothpaste!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks? I am surely missing out on my flights to/from the US! Haha I recently read someone else's post that mentioned getting airplane socks.

I will chime in here. I often "used" to get cute free kits on international flights out of Chicago. My favorite came from Turkish Airlines. Here's one of theirs I never used except for the sleeping mask and earplugs. Probably many airlines are eliminating these little freebies due to budget cuts.

 

[trecile]

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks? I am surely missing out on my flights to/from the US! Haha I recently read someone else's post that mentioned getting airplane socks.

Twenty years ago when we flew to Australia on Qantas we received those amenity kits in Economy class, but I've never been given them on any other airline.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Haha... I can just see my tiny baggie tearing and smearing toothpaste all over everything in my bag!

We can all learn from this advise...don't do it!

 

[Former member 92300]

I will chime in here. I often "used" to get cute free kits on international flights out of Chicago. My favorite came from Turkish Airlines. Here's one of theirs I never used except for the sleeping mask and earplugs. Probably many airlines are eliminating these little freebies due to budget cuts.
View attachment 120013

Yeah, I have only gotten kits like this on European night trains! Of course, many of those also included a mini bottle of wine!! Most US airlines I fly on now don't even give out headphones unless you ask or buy, same with blankets etc...

 

[C clearly]

I also try to take enough dental floss, because I have found the Spanish brands to be good mainly only for string and not dental hygiene.

Now, THIS almost deserves a thread of its own. (NO, please! ) Even at home, I need to make the rounds of stores to find the exact floss that I need/want, so I always take enough with me.

 

[KJFSophie]

I use "Hello" charcoal toothpaste tabs and put them in a pill bag instead of the metal tin. Another response stated they are a bit messy in the sinks, and I agree that the Lush brand was messy as it has more coconut oil in the ingredients. I'm a fan of Hello...use them at home, perfect for travel.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Of course, many of those also included a mini bottle of wine!!

I'm always excited to get one of those cute bottles of "free" wine...unfortunately it's most always been a disappointment.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Now, THIS almost deserves a thread of its own. (NO, please! ) Even at home, I need to make the rounds of stores to find the exact floss that I need/want, so I always take enough with me.

Oh yes, dental floss. We could have loads of fun with that thread!

 

[J Willhaus]

We did get the "flight kit" when flying Quantas to Australia twice and I still have an eye mask from 2009 which I take on the Camino now. A few times we have flown Economy Plus to Spain (just the longest segment) and got the socks, pillow, blanket, toiletries and a bunch of other stuff we did not really need in a bundle.

 

[J Willhaus]

Now, THIS almost deserves a thread of its own. (NO, please! ) Even at home, I need to make the rounds of stores to find the exact floss that I need/want, so I always take enough with me.

I did use my Spanish floss one time to tie a bag transfer envelope to my pack. It was the only time I transferred my bag and it seemed the only good use for the floss after lacerating my gums.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I did use my Spanish floss one time to tie a bag transfer envelope to my pack. It was the only time I transferred my bag and it seemed the only good use for the floss after lacerating my gums.

Oh, another good topic for a thread..."101 uses for dental floss". Advise often given on the forum is to make sure most of the items you bring have "multiple" uses.

 

[walkinglover]

At Peregrina 2000's suggestion I am now posing the question about what is your favorite toothpaste to take when you walk on the Camino?

My hope is that this thread is solely dedicated to the topic without becoming controversial like the thread I posted about deodorant preferences. Just interested in what you like to use for cleaning your teeth.

With that said, I usually will take a small travel size toothpaste - Crest, Colgate, etc. with me and replenish along he way when I'm on the Camino. Because I am a lightweight backpacker, I would like to mention a great tip I got years ago from a backpacking group, Listerine Strips! They work incredibly well with a toothbrush and clean your teeth quite effectively. If I run out of toothpaste, the strips do the job

I do abide by the saying "You take take care of the ounces (grams) and the pounds (kilos) take care of themselves." And, no, I do not cut my toothbrush's handle, nor do I do other crazy stuff like that. Using lightweight equipment and paying attention to the weight I carry makes long distance walking enjoyable.

Travel size of what I use at home. If I run out, I buy another.

 

[Marbe2]

My hope is that this thread is solely dedicated to the topic without becoming controversial like the thread I posted about deodorant preferences. Just interested in what you like to use for cleaning your teeth.

I am a bit amused by your sense that you think that our responses regarding “deodorants” were controversial .

Regarding toothpaste,I use sensodyne as well as picks, and a combo of listerine and H2O2. …. but I leave the deoderant at home for select occasions. …

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Oh yes, dental floss. We could have loads of fun with that thread!

You're punny today CC.

 

[Marbe2]

I will chime in here. I often "used" to get cute free kits on international flights out of Chicago. My favorite came from Turkish Airlines. Here's one of theirs I never used except for the sleeping mask and earplugs. Probably many airlines are eliminating these little freebies due to budget cuts.
View attachment 120013

Now only in business, or 1st class on UA for such goodies. I remember many years ago on Condor Air getting such extras for inexpensive flights to Germany. .

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I am a bit amused by your sense that you think that our responses regarding “deodorants” were controversial .

Regarding toothpaste,I use sensodyne as well as picks, and a combo of listerine and H2O2. …. but I leave the deoderant at home for select occasions. …

Well, someone thought it was and they closed the thread so no more comments can be added

 

[alipilgrim]

FYI - when my little travel-sized tube of toothpaste had run out, I've had good success refilling it by squeezing more into it from a full-sized tube bought at any local tienda.

 

[RJM]

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks? I am surely missing out on my flights to/from the US! Haha I recently read someone else's post that mentioned getting airplane socks.

I was upgraded to business class for free on Finnish airlines once and I got one of those kits.

 

[Bristle Boy]

You guys are amazing. I'm persuaded and am a convert.
I will be carrying a tube of paste and brush for my teeth....and not the glass I normally carry for their overnight stay.

 

[Former member 91017]

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks? I am surely missing out on my flights to/from the US! Haha I recently read someone else's post that mentioned getting airplane socks.

British Airways used to give out flight packs in every cabin.
So did Air France and KLM.
I no longer know about those as I’ve not flown with them since 2014.
Sometimes, I am lucky enough to be flying with a company making all my arrangements and they put me in premium economy.
Or… I bid on a better seat at the last minute and get it for a small fee.
Or… I’ve been upgraded to business…
Or, as is the case this time… I’m buying upgraded tickets with points — because the arthritis in my spine can no longer handle the economy seats for more than about 3 hours.
I have heard good things from people coming from Australia about the all-cabin amenities and extras on Emirates.

 

[Sydney Peregrinos]

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks? I am surely missing out on my flights to/from the US! Haha I recently read someone else's post that mentioned getting airplane socks.

Flying from Australia to pretty much anywhere you are nearly always given amenities kits. I find the eye masks are particularly helpful for sleeping in albergues!

 

[Skiwhizz]

Have used the Lush tabs on Camino and they work very well. Recommend.

 

[Walkerooni]

I know you did not want this question disintegrating into something other than your intended post about toothpaste. BUT I cannot entertain your attention to minutiae while ignoring the only question that really matters when setting out on your Camino—Are you in shape?

 

[Bristle Boy]

I know you did not want this question disintegrating into something other than your intended post about toothpaste. BUT I cannot entertain your attention to minutiae while ignoring the only question that really matters when setting out on your Camino—Are you in shape?

Like all things on the camino (and to avoid "breakdowns") it is wise to have a checkup at the dentist before going and make sure you are good to go and in good shape.
As compeed is to blisters so toothpaste is to teeth ...and when discussing blisters it may be pertinent not to introduce toothpaste ( snoring and pack weight count too) into the discussion.
For me, it is Oral B....because my dentist recommended it. My breath also smells sweeter (apologies to those who might find this nasally offensive) and I am nicer to be around and it also counteracts all the nasty little microbes that exist after all that chocolate..

 

[KJFSophie]

FYI - when my little travel-sized tube of toothpaste had run out, I've had good success refilling it by squeezing more into it from a full-sized tube bought at any local tienda.

Ahhh you bring up a point that I've made in the past..."travel size", "sample size" items were NOT available in many small tienda / mercardo in villages and difficult to find in big grocery stores as well. What we found was family sized everything ( including shampoo ) ...so one would now be carrying a giant tube ( which was avoided in the first place ) or squeezing into a small one and wasting the rest. I cant waste anything. Hospitaleros told us they would need to throw out open tubes left behind for safety reasons....I recommend bringing the exact size one might need for entire trip for tubes or use tabs.
Of course responders are going to argue, but this was our experience on several camino routes. One never runs out of something in a convenient place...lol !

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I cant waste anything.

Me neither!

One never runs out of something in a convenient place...lol !

That has usually been my experience on the Camino, too, and I don't prefer having to "step out" of my "mental zone" to look and shop for things along the way.

 

[VNwalking]

Even at home, I need to make the rounds of stores to find the exact floss that I need/want, so I always take enough with me

My dentist gives away sample sizes of my favotite dental floss. Perfect size for a camino.

 

[J Willhaus]

My dentist gives away sample sizes of my favotite dental floss. Perfect size for a camino.

Samples don't last long enough for 2 people to use very long although we do use it on camping trips.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

My dentist gives away sample sizes of my favotite dental floss. Perfect size for a camino.

Exactly! When I go with my husband he'll bring his own and I have mine.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I know you did not want this question disintegrating into something other than your intended post about toothpaste. BUT I cannot entertain your attention to minutiae while ignoring the only question that really matters when setting out on your Camino—Are you in shape?

Yes, this is undoubtedly going on a different tack Am I in shape? Yes, absolutely! I consider staying in shape a longevity lifestyle just as much as having a healthy diet

 

[VNwalking]

Samples don't last long enough for 2 people to use very long although we do use it on camping trips.

So bring two, so each of you has one? You can surely manage the extra weight.

I don't prefer having to "step out" of my "mental zone" to look and shop for things along the way

I love to dip in to 'ordinary Spain' in the local tienda - and some of the small villiage ones are experiences unto themselves. That said, they probably won't have travel sized toothpaste.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I love to dip in to 'ordinary Spain' in the local tienda

Of course food is my one main exception. I love stepping in to the often quirky, small village tiendas...I load up on snacks and fruit.

 

[domigee]

Where do you fly that you get an airplane kit with the toothbrush, mask and socks? I am surely missing out on my flights to/from the US! Haha I recently read someone else's post that mentioned getting airplane socks.

Probably Singapore airlines, or Cathay Pacific?

 

[C clearly]

My dentist gives away sample sizes of my favotite dental floss.

What?! Some of those samples have as little as 4 m - enough for 10 days for me. But a sample toothpaste can last almost a month. I am a diligent flosser and have scarcely missed a night in 50 years .

 

[VNwalking]

What?!

Maybe under duress I've gotten good at using the minimum amount possible. One sample lasts me almost a month.

 

[C clearly]

Maybe under duress I've gotten good at using the minimum amount possible. One sample lasts me almost a month

And my teeth tend to shred floss!

 

[C clearly]

And my teeth tend to shred floss!

Ahh! The things we share on the forum!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I have had those Listerine strips turn into a little impenetrable brick in hot weather. Not humid weather, just hot, as you might expect to find along the Camino most of the year. I don’t recommend them for outdoor travel.

I actually have used Listerine strips for multiple backpacking trips without a problem. Perhaps it's because it's always inside a snack size ziplock by itself and not with my toothbrush?

Just for safety I probably will follow Camino Chrissy's advice and. take a travel size tube of toothpaste and my Listerine strips. I'll report my findings as soon as I return

 

[VNwalking]

And my teeth tend to shred floss!

Have you tried Oral B Glide?
Not toothpaste, so off topic. But it works in tight places.

Of course food is my one main exception. I love stepping in to the often quirky, small village tiendas...I load up on snacks and fruit.

And pharmacias. They are another possible place to get toothpaste and floss.

 

[trecile]

And pharmacias. They are another possible place to get toothpaste and floss.

But the prices are better in the larger supermercados and droguerías, where you can more often find "travel sized" items than in farmacias.

 

[C clearly]

Have you tried Oral B Glide

That is the only one I can use, but the samples are usually something else.

 

[VNwalking]

That is the only one I can use, but the samples are usually something else.

Oh, well. The good thing is that a 40m pack doesn't weigh much more than a sample. Comparing them now, I realize my knee-jerk decision to take a sample on my caminos was just silly.
Retracting my advice!

 

[trecile]

I just weighed my full size 44 meter Glide floss, and a 4 meter sample size. The full size weighed 12 grams, the sample size 6 grams.

 

[VNwalking]

Wow, that much? I have no scale and they both felt pretty light.

Hmmm. A lot of pretty light is heavy, so maybe for a short camino the sample would be the way to go. But for a month, I'll be going whole hog.

 

[C clearly]

But for a month, I'll be going whole hog.

Don't get carried away! I would take a half-used container, thus saving 3g.

Glad we've had this conversation!

 

[VNwalking]

I would take a half-used container, thus saving 3g.

No wait, It's probably the container that makes up a lot of the weight difference. Now who will be the first one to dismantle their floss and weigh the floss and container separately?

(What is it about dental products that bring out the next level of ultralight silliness?)

 

[trecile]

I completely forgot to bring dental floss on my first Camino, and ended up having to buy floss that seemed like something that I would use to truss a turkey!

 

[VNwalking]

ended up having to buy floss that seemed like something that I would use to truss a turkey!

It's funny, but...Ouch.

 

[Walkerooni]

Good Lord. Please stop. If you lost one pound, it would make up for the weight of all your toothpaste, all your floss, all your clothes.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am a diligent flosser and have scarcely missed a night in 50 years .

I am a semi-diligent flosser, but your super-diligence is amazing!

Now who will be the first one to dismantle their floss and weigh the floss and container separately?

@trecile is the gal for doing that.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This thread has definitely gone "off-floss".
Night all.

 

[C clearly]

No wait, It's probably the container that makes up a lot of the weight difference. Now who will be the first one to dismantle their floss and weigh the floss and container separately?

I assumed the same size container (which they almost are) and halved the difference in weight. I take the container for the luxury of having tbe nifty cutter.

Please stop. If you lost one pound, it would make up for the weight of all your toothpaste, all your floss, all your clothes.

Yes, well, that is next on the agenda for this meeting. After a snack break.

 

[VNwalking]

I take the container for the luxury of having tbe nifty cutter.

Not to mention that it keeps those meters of floss from turning into a tangled mass.
Thanks ladies. This was an amusing distraction.

Good Lord. Please stop. If you lost one pound, it would make up for the weight of all your toothpaste, all your floss, all your clothes.

But then what would we obsess about?

We're not serious, @Walkerooni.
We're joking.
And you are absolutely correct.

 

[Bristle Boy]

I just weighed my full size 44 meter Glide floss, and a 4 meter sample size. The full size weighed 12 grams, the sample size 6 grams.

Thank you for your attention to detail...it is greatly appreciated. I will be cutting my "full size" in half.

 

[Bristle Boy]

FOR SALE.

22 metres of unused Dental Floss. One careful owner. Low mileage. Good little runner and corners well. Showroom condition.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That is the only one I can use, but the samples are usually something else.

I need to try the Oral B Glide cuz I am a shredder, too. Sometimes when I finish flossing it feels like I have more between my teeth than when I started.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Upcoming Zoom session: Teeth Tips and Techniques.

 

[Phoenix]

One option for flossing:
An 18-24" piece of 550 paracord, of which some folks carry to hang clothes if no drying line is available.
Pull the 7 strands from inside, then separate the strands into individual threads.
Could provide enough floss for a month if the situation dictated or if traveling ultralight is of utmost concern.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Upcoming Zoom session: Teeth Tips and Techniques.

Great idea, Rick! We can visually show our personal techniques on zoom and then you can create a Youtube video of the variations.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Just post pictures of the floss fuzz.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

One option for flossing:
An 18-24" piece of 550 paracord, of which some folks carry to hang clothes if no drying line is available.
Pull the 7 strands from inside, then separate the strands into individual threads.
Could provide enough floss for a month if the situation dictated or if traveling ultralight is of utmost concern.

A perfect example of bringing an item on the Camino that has multiple uses so definitely saves on pack weight, taking "multi-use" to a whole new level. @davebugg will be impressed and ask himself..."Why didn't I think of that".

 

[Phoenix]

A perfect example of bringing an item on the Camino that has multiple uses so definitely saves on pack weight, taking "multi-use" to a whole new level. @davebugg will be impressed and ask himself..."Why didn't I think of that".

I suspect he knows about this.

 

[J Willhaus]

Sorry, I started the whole floss diversion, but people do need to know that although there are stores in Spain, they may not carry the specific floss you like to use. I have never seen Glide floss there and we are often there for 2 months or so. Samples just won't last us that long.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Good Lord. Please stop. If you lost one pound, it would make up for the weight of all your toothpaste, all your floss, all your clothes.

Right? I am a true believer in ultralight and really prefer to have my pack weigh no more than 13 lbs. (5.89 kg.). It makes for less stress on my back, my knees and my feet, plus I don't have to wear hiking boots Having had multiple toe surgeries, a hip replaced and 2 partial knee replacements, every single ounce (gram) counts and makes me a very happy walker

 

[Bristle Boy]

Sorry, I started the whole floss diversion, but people do need to know that although there are stores in Spain, they may not carry the specific floss you like to use. I have never seen Glide floss there and we are often there for 2 months or so. Samples just won't last us that long.

Why worry.
I'm guessing that this thread (and its sister "deodorant" thread) is only about personal hygiene on the camino....asked in a different way.
If you ask it in the form of "advice"or "recommendations" you will only get numerous posts with members own choices and favourites.
Quite cute and clever.

 

[VNwalking]

Sorry, I started the whole floss diversion

You're off the hook @J Willhaus, absolved of all responsibility! Even though you mentioned it first, it was we who ran with it.

Samples just won't last us that long.

No, they won't. But who gets to walk 2-month caminos, or to be in Spain for 2 months? Lucky dogs. I'm envious.

 

[Turga]

Leave your teeth at home - problem solved

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Sorry, I started the whole floss diversion, but people do need to know that although there are stores in Spain, they may not carry the specific floss you like to use. I have never seen Glide floss there and we are often there for 2 months or so. Samples just won't last us that long.

If you are partial to Glide Floss it makes perfect sense to take exactly what you need with you for that length of time I'm happy picking up whatever I might run out of along the way, and I like just about anything, so it's easier for me to buy travel size products

 

[J Willhaus]

No, they won't. But who gets to walk 2-month caminos, or to be in Spain for 2 months? Lucky dogs. I'm envious.

Ahh...,time often inclusive of walking on the Camino, serving as hospitaleros and various other activities such as taking Spanish lessons and/or volunteering at an English speaking school. Love that simple nomadic lifestyle living out of a backpack and helping out where we can...