Hello Kiwi-Family,
Kiwi-family said:
Why do you use it? (ie what are the benefits?)
The weight of the "Carrix" is around 6 kg, my pack (with water and daily food) is around 10 kg. But I only have to support 4-5 kg on my back: my knees are weak and this small weight is very welcome! This system is "moving" the weight on the wheel so you have only 25-30% of the total on your back...
Kiwi-family said:
See above..
Kiwi-family said:
What about when struggling up a long steep hill?
The steepness is not a problem, but the quality of the surface can be...
Example: On SJPdP-Roncevalles, I had no problem at all, it's a hard for a big part. Villafranca-O'Cebreiro was more strenuous, due to the rolling stones and the rain.
Kiwi-family said:
Do you have to adjust your walking style to be able to hold two handles all the time? (I usually walk with poles, and my forearms move up and down continuously)
I'm not using sticks and I don't think it's possible: as there is only one wheel, you can avoid to use both hands on a flat, hard way but you need one and sometimes both to keep the balance.
Kiwi-family said:
Do you happen to have tried a similar contraption which is sans handles? If so, why do you prefer this one?
No, I haven't try. I saw 2 during my camino, but both were "self-made" systems which have not convince me of their efficiency...
Kiwi-family said:
What kind of bag do you carry?
I started with using my normal backpack 5 years ago, and I have bought a "customized" one this year. The biggest advantage of the customized one is that I can take the full pack+trailer on my back for a few 100 meters (for example the stairs in Portomarin), without dismounting anything.
Regards and if you have more questions, don't hesitate...
Buen camino, Jacques-D.