Mourned for jacket

[Deleted member 61803]

After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Ah well, I do own others that I can use but none quite as comfortable or the cobearer of so many memories.

Do any of you have deceased bits of equipment/ clothing that you truly, deeply miss? Am I alone in mourning a piece of clothing as if it had real life.

 

[nidarosa]

I hear you. My trusty walking trousers that actually fit me and were long enough in the leg and light enough to wear in Spanish sunshine, were left for good in Santiago when the daily stitch-up job was no longer possible. On the last week of our last walk together I had to mend the same seam every morning before I left the albergue. I decided I could never hope to have (or find) another like it and have walked in tights ever since.
The moral of the story - when you find that thing that fits you perfectly, wait for the sales or trawl ebay and buy a spare. You're welcome.

 

[Paul Wilson]

Reebok trailgrip 5.0 gtx…I wore them on the west highland way, on the Portuguese, and so many other walks, they died about 6mths ago and I’ve been trying to find a replacement for about a year in preparation so when I found them I ordered a 2nd pair immediately so I don’t have to go through the same drama again

 

[TMcA]

Replace an aging jacket? Can and will do. Replace worn-out hikers? Not so easy unless the model is still available. Way to go, @Paul Wilson.

 

[MinaKamina]

I wore my fleece jacket until it was held together by holes and safety pins. Fortunately, there was enough left of it to draw the outline. So we cut it up during sewing class in the parts that made up the jacket, and I made a new fleece jacket on the basis of the old one.

Come to think of it, the trousers that I am wearing now are based on my favourite 'worker' from like 15 years ago.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I had a Swiss army knife that I carried to the antipode of my home on long vagabond. About 25 years later I lost it at work. It wasn't devastating but I still missed it. About a year and a half later while I was having lunch in the break room I saw a lump under the tablecloth on the TV table and I checked it out. I have no idea where it was in the meantime but my knife came back to me! A piece of the red plastic handle was missing but that has made it more valuable to me.

 

[Mycroft]

After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Ah well, I do own others that I can use but none quite as comfortable or the cobearer of so many memories.

Do any of you have deceased bits of equipment/ clothing that you truly, deeply miss? Am I alone in mourning a piece of clothing as if it had real life.

Many people would say it is not wise to be attached to objects. But I find they hold memories, just like looking at a photo album. So I am boo-hooing my beautiful dark blue paisley shawl that got left behind at a TSA screening in Dallas. And my fav backpacking towel from REI that got left behind in the darkened room at the fire station in a village in Portugal where they kindly let me stay when there were literally no rooms available because the village was celebrating its saint's feast day. I am even sadder about it because the people at the fire station said they would send it, and when I asked how much money I should send them to cover postage, they stopped responding.
I hope both got good homes.

 

[Albertagirl]

I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.

 

[C clearly]

I take pleasure in mending and revitalizing certain items of clothing, and other things. I have pants which were once everyday pants that are now patched so much that they are almost too stiff for gardening. But when they are done, I will put them in the rag bag with satisfaction. They have had a good life and have been well used and well loved. They wouldn't want me to be sad.

 

[Anniesantiago]

My Arcteryx 30L backpack stunk so bad by the time I got to Cordoba I think it had been dead for days. It went into the next garbage bin I saw and I’ve regret it ever since because they stopped making that particular bag.

 

[davebugg]

After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Ah well, I do own others that I can use but none quite as comfortable or the cobearer of so many memories.

Do any of you have deceased bits of equipment/ clothing that you truly, deeply miss? Am I alone in mourning a piece of clothing as if it had real life.

I love it. . .
I don't really have any items of gear or clothing that I miss due to a sentimental attachment, but I do have items I no longer use but have kept as 'souvenirs' and would regret it if they went away.

• The backpack, boots, parka, and ice axe from when I summitted Mt. McKinley in 1971, the summer after high school graduation. It was during the time I was a 'mule' hauling supplies between low camp and high camp during a 3 week USGS expedition.
• I kept a 'well-seasoned' hat from my PCT thru-hike.
• An old Svea 123 white gas stove that finally gave up the ghost in the Bavarian Alps, while stationed in Germany in the 70's.
• The buff from my first camino.

I have 5 or 6 pair of old hiking footwear, but I need to dump them. No sentimental value at all.

***** Read Below At Your Own Risk.

Rather than miss them, I regret flinging a pair of boots, which had tortured me into a minor rage, into a lake at the end of a long day-hike near Mt Rainier back in '80 or '81. I don't regret the actual 'fling' of those boots-from-hades. What I regret is that my flinging littered the lake when I knew better.

I really miss not having had some napalm handy so that I could properly mete out vigilante boot justice, and give those boots what they rightly deserved.

I regret having to walk 1/4 mile in my socks over sharp debris, to get to the car. I regret being a bonehead.

Sorry about the outburst. . . I blame that bit of fit-foaming, boot blather on a severe case of T.B.D. (Traumatic Boot Disorder).

Stupid torture-boots.

 

[Albertagirl]

@davebugg
I understand the footwear temper tantrum a little, having been in the throes of my own today, as I have faced the challenge of replacing my sandals: not even trail walking sandals, but town sandals. I prefer boots to walk in, so I enjoy changing to my lightweight, comfortable Birkenstock EVA sandals when unpacking in an albergue. They have given good service, but they have died. After a couple of days of searching all over town for the same model, size etc., I finally gave up today, when they were not available on the Birkenstock website, then found them on a store website, so they are on order. I am almost certain that they will again be unavailable and I shall be having another tantrum when I am so informed. But I promise not to dispose of the old ones in the nearby river.

 

[VNwalking]

Stupid torture-boots

Yeah.
I hear you Dave. I had a tantrum like that sitting in the dirt by the side of the Camino, when my feet finally said "ENOUGH!!!," banging the said boots on a rock.

I suspect this may be the source of many boots that end up on mojones.

They wouldn't want me to be sad.

Haha. You're probably right. In any event it's futile.
I really wish Keen still made the original Mackenzie. These made 3 caminos a joy. But marketing being what it is, that model is not around anywhere anymore.

 

[auburnfive]

I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.

Albertagirl, try Sole to Soul Footwear, not black but they have navy and some other standard colours. Online or stores in Calgary that will order in for you

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Yeah.
I hear you Dave. I had a tantrum like that sitting in the dirt by the side of the Camino, when my feet finally said "ENOUGH!!!," banging the said boots on a rock.

I suspect this may be the source of many boots that end up on mojones

 

[nidarosa]

I enjoy changing to my lightweight, comfortable Birkenstock EVA sandals when unpacking in an albergue

Yes! And I had a small tantrum when I couldn't find a nice metallic grey pair as my recent ones showed signs of disintegrating. I wear them all the time at home as well so they are a must, but suddenly the Madrid model (one strap) were hard to find and had been reduced to only black or white - I worry that they are being phased out so will bulk buy.

 

[Albertagirl]

Yes! And I had a small tantrum when I couldn't find a nice metallic grey pair as my recent ones showed signs of disintegrating. I wear them all the time at home as well so they are a must, but suddenly the Madrid model (one strap) were hard to find and had been reduced to only black or white - I worry that they are being phased out so will bulk buy.

Madrid is still available in Calgary and online. But Birkenstock is advertising that they have gone to new, narrower sizing for women. The new sizing is what is available in Calgary. I suggest that you buy instore, to be sure that they will fit you.

 

[Phoenix]

I don't miss them because I still have/use them, but I'm very fond of my Black Diamond trekking poles.

They've helped me reach the top of Africa and the summits of many mountains in the U.S., on ruck marches through the desert, on multiple Caminos, and have steadied me as I've relearned how to walk after multiple surgeries. The one piece of gear that I would truly miss if lost.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

I don't miss them because I still have/use them, but I'm very fond of my Black Diamond trekking poles.

They've helped me reach the top of Africa and the summits of many mountains in the U.S., on ruck marches through the desert, on multiple Caminos, and have steadied me as I've relearned how to walk after multiple surgeries. The one piece of gear that I would truly miss if lost.

If still available buy another pair, just because, well you never know. They (clothing and equipment designers) often change designs, not always to the benefit of the user.

 

[Charte57]

I have a pair of pants that have traveled to 5 continents. They were the best, lightweight, comfortable and didn’t wrinkle. I still have them even though they haven’t been worn in public for decades, they no longer have a shape and have faded badly. Every once in awhile I put them on and think back on all the places they’ve been, I could never part with them!

 

[Former member 62607]

I hear you. My trusty walking trousers that actually fit me and were long enough in the leg and light enough to wear in Spanish sunshine, were left for good in Santiago when the daily stitch-up job was no longer possible. On the last week of our last walk together I had to mend the same seam every morning before I left the albergue. I decided I could never hope to have (or find) another like it and have walked in tights ever since.
The moral of the story - when you find that thing that fits you perfectly, wait for the sales or trawl ebay and buy a spare. You're welcome.

Thats exactly what i have done, now on my 5th pair of merrell boots, and they got cheaper as they got more out of date and i trawled the internet for them!

 

[Former member 62607]

I cut the bottom half of my merino top off after it got holes in after so many washes and now wear it as a buff, twisted over my head twice. I wore the top on my first pilgrimage and its a touchstone reminder. Waste not want not.

 

[Mickblack]

Boots worn out, jacket finished,rucksack fallen apart.......Can't bring myself to throw them away . Why? The fabrics fade away BUT the memories they hold not only appreciate with time but last forever.

 

[FourSeasons]

Yes, my beloved wind/rain jacket. Ohhhhh the agony. She protected me during my travels through 7 countries in 2008 and countless hikes around my home in America. She kept me warm against the mighty winds on the Camino and dry during those early morning Fall rain storms in 2013. Then again during the Spring wind and rain on the Frances in 2016. I loved her color and comfort. She met a horrible fate while hanging on a hook. One of her pockets was ripped wide open by a disgruntled coworker. I patched her up best I could for several years but alas I had to say goodbye. She was still young, a mere 10 years old. To this day I’ve yet to find a suitable replacement. Here we are pictured with two of my Camino Angels in Santiago, 2013.

 

[Bob P]

This is NOT a joke.
I "trolled" Ebay a couple years ago for the last new original Altra Timps I could find in my size. I ordered them and waited,,, and waited,,, and waited. When I chased them down, I found out they were on a plane that crashed and all the cargo was lost (crew survived).
Some things just aren't meant to be. We have to move on.
Bob

 

[Roy_Smyth]

I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.

Hi Albertagirl,

I too love my Birkenstock EVA sandals. They have been on many walks with me. I recently replaced mine, and found them at Broadway Shoe Salon (2809 W Broadway, Vancouver BC V6K 2G6, Phone: +1 604 731 1410, no web site). Good store, friendly staff, specialize in Birkenstock and a few other brands. Give them a call!

 

[Sue127]

I take pleasure in mending and revitalizing certain items of clothing, and other things. I have pants which were once everyday pants that are now patched so much that they are almost too stiff for gardening. But when they are done, I will put them in the rag bag with satisfaction. They have had a good life and have been well used and well loved. They wouldn't want me to be sad.

i understand exactly. i have jeans that have patches on the patches but they're great for gardening or decorating

 

[Rebekah Scott]

My green 30 liter Janssport Tree Frog backpack. I have hauled this bag around the world for 22+ years; it's showing signs of wear but it's still going strong, or I at least keep taking it with me wherever I go! It is my perfect fit, but they stopped making them years ago. Janssport just ain't what it used to be, alas!

 

[steve 217]

My go lite race rucksack 12 years old and as light as a feather clings like a monkey never notice it untils its gone wish id bought 2 hangs at the back of the wardrobe makes me smile everytime I see it even though its too worn to use again

 

[NorthernLight]

After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.

If you haven’t tossed it in the trash yet, consider taking it to a tailor and having them use it as the pattern to make you a new one. It’ll cost, but you may get what you want.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

If you haven’t tossed it in the trash yet, consider taking it to a tailor and having them use it as the pattern to make you a new one. It’ll cost, but you may get what you want.

Oooh, good idea. My wife may be persuaded with chocolate, getting the material is gonna be the problem, maybe.
But thanks for the idea, I'll go into research mode.

 

[BookGirl305]

everyone looking for discontinued shoes in weird sizes- eBay is your friend.

 

[Mycroft]

Yes, my beloved wind/rain jacket. Ohhhhh the agony. She protected me during my travels through 7 countries in 2008 and countless hikes around my home in America. She kept me warm against the mighty winds on the Camino and dry during those early morning Fall rain storms in 2013. Then again during the Spring wind and rain on the Frances in 2016. I loved her color and comfort. She met a horrible fate while hanging on a hook. One of her pockets was ripped wide open by a disgruntled coworker. I patched her up best I could for several years but alas I had to say goodbye. She was still young, a mere 10 years old. To this day I’ve yet to find a suitable replacement. Here we are pictured with two of my Camino Angels in Santiago, 2013.
View attachment 103938

Jeez where did you work?!

 

[alipilgrim]

My Arcteryx 30L backpack stunk so bad by the time I got to Cordoba I think it had been dead for days. It went into the next garbage bin I saw and I’ve regret it ever since because they stopped making that particular bag.

FYI, I toss my smaller backpacks into the washing machine all the time with no problems

 

[Backagain]

I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.

Your post reminded me of how much I loved the EVA Birkenstocks I had several years ago, so I just went online and found them at a store near me. They have the black EVA in both the Arizona and the Gizeh.

If you message me with the model and size you want and you're willing to send me your address (I'll send you my work info/stuff you can google before you share that), I will send you a pair and you can send me money when they get there. I realize this is a slightly weird offer from a stranger, but hey, it's for the camino...

 

[VNwalking]

Your post reminded me of how much I loved the EVA Birkenstocks I had several years ago, so I just went online and found them at a store near me. They have the black EVA in both the Arizona and the Gizeh.

If you message me with the model and size you want and you're willing to send me your address (I'll send you my work info/stuff you can google before you share that), I will send you a pair and you can send me money when they get there. I realize this is a slightly weird offer from a stranger, but hey, it's for the camino...

Someone here connected me with my last pair of Mackenzies that way. I posted here that I was looking for them. She saw a pair in the EU, I sent her the money, and she mailed them to me in the states. It was magic. Where else can you turn to relative strangers to buy shoes?

 

[Albertagirl]

Your post reminded me of how much I loved the EVA Birkenstocks I had several years ago, so I just went online and found them at a store near me. They have the black EVA in both the Arizona and the Gizeh.

If you message me with the model and size you want and you're willing to send me your address (I'll send you my work info/stuff you can google before you share that), I will send you a pair and you can send me money when they get there. I realize this is a slightly weird offer from a stranger, but hey, it's for the camino...

Thank you so much for the generous offer. I have found the sandals that I want on an outdoor store website and put in an order. Almost at once, I received a reply that my order had been processed, and a little while ago another email said that the sandals had been shipped. If they arrive exactly as I ordered, I shall sign up for their email list and use the 10% discount on my first order to buy a second pair. The company is Atmosphere, an outdoor gear shop where I have bought much of my quality camino gear. Generally, I prefer to shop in person, particularly for clothes and footwear. But it can't do me any harm to be on their email list. Thanks again.

 

[Flig]

I had The Pair of Boots I had made in Korea when I deployed there sometime in the last century. They cost me $30, I think, and we’re the most comfortable pair of boots I have ever had. “Jungle boot” style that had hard rugged virbram soles with a nice layer of giving material that provided cushion & comfort. The cobbler traced my feet on butcher paper and took several measurements and built them for me.

Man, I could hump for days in those boots on hardball or mud and everything in between with no issues. I had those boots for 10 years before I had to get them resoled, Once they were “fixed” they were never the same. I miss those boots more than any other single piece of gear and probably more than some of the folks I knew back then.

I kept them for another 15 years before I finely threw them out. That was a sad day.

 

[auburnfive]

A couple of times a year Atmosphere puts Osprey backpacks on sale, you will get the info from their emails

 

[Backagain]

Thank you so much for the generous offer. I have found the sandals that I want on an outdoor store website and put in an order. Almost at once, I received a reply that my order had been processed, and a little while ago another email said that the sandals had been shipped. If they arrive exactly as I ordered, I shall sign up for their email list and use the 10% discount on my first order to buy a second pair. The company is Atmosphere, an outdoor gear shop where I have bought much of my quality camino gear. Generally, I prefer to shop in person, particularly for clothes and footwear. But it can't do me any harm to be on their email list. Thanks again.

I'm glad you found them and hope they're all you need them to be. Buen Camino!

 

[bubba]

Give that jacket a Viking Funeral.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

Give that jacket a Viking Funeral.

My family roots are most definitely Saxon!

 

[Priscilla NC]

I had REI Sahara hiking pants that I loved. This was before they eliminated the model that didn't have the zip off feature. I wore them heavily for years. They were water resistant, fit perfectly, and wore well. But on my second Camino Frances a couple of years ago, I took them out of the dryer (which I had done countless times before) and they lost all their shaping. They looked like a wrinkled rag.

I do not like at all the new Sahara pants and have not yet found a good replacement. RIP, great hiking pants!!

 

[Robyn Scott]

I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.

Try a brand called Keen. Mine crossed the Pyrenees when they were two years old, and that was four years ago. I still wear them most days although they are now showing some wear and tear. Most comfortable sandals I have ever owned.

 

[nidarosa]

The Birkenstock sandals in EVA closed cell foam (feels like soft plastic) aren't for walking, but for after walking - you can wear them in the shower, in the albergue, to go out to eat and some gentle sightseeing, they are non slip, non stink and very lightweight, which is why people like them so much and have small tantrums when they can't find the right model.

 

[Anniesantiago]

FYI, I toss my smaller backpacks into the washing machine all the time with no problems

Yes, it had been washed several times but at the end even washing did not help it

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have tried Birkenstocks. I am quite flat footed (unfortunatelty) and because they are firmly pre-formed in the shape of the bottom, they absolutely killed my feet...I can not wear them.

 

[FourSeasons]

Jeez where did you work?!

I worked at a hotel. People can be mean and jealous. It’s very unfortunate. One of the reasons why I pray.

 

[Anamiri]

I have tried Birkenstocks. I am quite flat footed (unfortunatelty) and because they are firmly pre-formed in the shape of the bottom, they absolutely killed my feet...I can not wear them.

I have wide feet and cant wear them because if you are just a mm off centre, the sides are really sharp and crippling, the family called them my 'sharp shoes'.
One of the specialty sport shoe shops tried to get me into these arch molded flip flips, with huge arch support that was completely in the wrong place. They hurt so much I couldn't even take a step in them.
Lucky cheap basic flip flops work just fine.

 

[Paul Wilson]

Yes, it had been washed several times but at the end even washing did not help it

I had a FDNY cap like that, washed fine many times after many walks but at the end of my Camino it had clearly died and no amount of washing could revive it Ordered a new one from the States for my next Camino

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I have wide feet and cant wear them because if you are just a mm off centre, the sides are really sharp and crippling, the family called them my 'sharp shoes'.
One of the specialty sport shoe shops tried to get me into these arch molded flip flips, with huge arch support that was completely in the wrong place. They hurt so much I couldn't even take a step in them.
Lucky cheap basic flip flops work just fine.

And after a couple of months wearing them they will wear and mold to your exact feet shape.

 

[t2andreo]

Just as a point of order - most all footwear can be resold or rebuilt. I recommend a computer search for "hiking boot resoling" or "hiking boot reconditioning." My first pair of Keen Targhee II boots did four Caminos, with two resolings (via the mail), until the uppers started to wear badly from the inside out. But this definitely stretched the "miles of smiles."

Also, I have had simple repairs made to nylon rucksacks or day bags at my local shoe repair place. They have the heavy duty sewing machine including a 'free arm' sewing machine, so they can get to most any p[lace in your bag. I also use them for nylon web belt sewing.

More extensive repairs to rucksacks can be usually had for free by contacting the manufacturer and placing a warranty claim. Most of the big names in the business have excellent customer service in this regard. My experience has been with Keen, but I am certain other makers have similarly good customer service.

I hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Albertagirl]

And after a couple of months wearing them they will wear and mold to your exact feet shape.

I certainly hope that you are right, as I have received the sandals which I ordered and they prove to be in the new "Narrow" fit, which is too small for me. I could wear my previous Birkenstock sandals with the straps in their widest positions, but these are too narrow to be comfortable. I don't want to replace them, as no other sandal provides all the other options available in these. What I can do is to wear them at home for the next two months, until I am preparing to leave. Hopefully, they will then have stretched to fit. If the front strap, over my toes, is still quite uncomfortable, I shall see whether I can put an additional, inconspicuous hole in the strap, without ruining it. The "Narrow" fit was not mentioned when I ordered them. I am sure that if the Romans had to order online they would have realized how pointless is the recommendation, "Caveat emptor."

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The particular Birkenstocks I had purchased had a very stiff molded cork sole. I cannot see how they would have comformed to my feet. I am relatively flat footed and the high arches made it impossible for me to wear them.

 

[Albertagirl]

The particular Birkenstocks I had purchased had a very stiff molded cork sole. I cannot see how they would have comformed to my feet. I am relatively flat footed and the high arches made it impossible for me to wear them.

There was a bit of confusion here. My question about Birkenstocks had to do with EVA sandals only. EVA is a soft and plasticky material, which tends to stretch over time, very light-weight, but not distance walking sandals. I have had a hard time finding any in the fit and colour that I want. I have seen the cork sandals and I believe that they are a lot sturdier, and are suitable for long-distance walking, for those whom they fit, but not as flexible.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

There was a bit of confusion here. My question about Birkenstocks had to do with EVA sandals only. EVA is a soft and plasticky material, which tends to stretch over time, very light-weight, but not distance walking sandals. I have had a hard time finding any in the fit and colour that I want. I have seen the cork sandals and I believe that they are a lot sturdier, and are suitable for long-distance walking, for those whom they fit, but not as flexible.

Oh, thank you for clarifying. That makes total sense now.

 

[nidarosa]

@Albertagirl - I got a pair of Crocs Cleo sandals to try out, and they are also very comfortable, packable and lightweight and have one moveable and one fixed strap. Also slip and smell and water proof. Might try them for a while as potential spares/replacements. Birkenstock ladies' or small sizes are now narrow, but the magic size is UK 7.5 - you should be able to get mens' or regular fit from that size. If you are close, maybe it would be worth sizing up to get the width?
(Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread)

 

[Deleted member 61803]

But did all you feet fetishists mourn the passing of your footwear?

 

[nidarosa]

If I can't get them in the future, yes I will! Hence the bulk buying at the moment. I wish I had bought another pair of those now departed walking trousers too but couldn't find them for love nor money. Not making that mistake again.

 

[malingerer]

After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Ah well, I do own others that I can use but none quite as comfortable or the cobearer of so many memories.

Do any of you have deceased bits of equipment/ clothing that you truly, deeply miss? Am I alone in mourning a piece of clothing as if it had real life.

Yes'm! I left my Akubra hat on a bus many years ago and have never stopped moaning since! Neither has my love-dove who bought it for me in the first place I have had other hats since, but none like that one. Piteous howling ( dingo fashion) will now commence! As I am one of the people of the Chosen Skull ( OK: bald as a badgers arse as they say in Ireland) I need to watch the sun on my bone dome. Tis a hard life

Buen Camino

Samarkand.

 

[Albertagirl]

But did all you feet fetishists mourn the passing of your footwear?

My problem is my awareness of the essential nature of my footwear in order to walk a camino. I am not at all sentimental about clothing or gear, but very frustrated with the games that marketers play. My boots for my imminent camino are old, but in good condition. In them I have put made to measure, very expensive orthotics. I have not decided yet about socks, since the orthotics take up so much space that I shall have to adjust the socks. Yesterday, I bought waterproofing suitable for my boots. I shall wash the boots then apply it. So that's it for walking. But the light sandals that I wear in the evenings were not easy to find and fit a little tight. I hope that they will stretch a bit before I leave, for comfortable evening wear. Yesterday, I also bought a new sleeping bag for my camino, which I hope will prove comfortable and lighter. I shall try to get used to it over the summer, but lighter weight is critical. These are the old considerations of backpackers. What is practical, comfortable, lightweight and available? And an additional concern about spending my travel money on clothing and gear. And underneath, of course, the delightful excitement of an imminent camino.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

So Albertagirl, In short your answer is no, you've never mourned the loss of any particular item of clothing or equipment.

I am now a convert to the "if I like it and it fits correctly I'll buy another now before they decide to improve it" group of caminantes. Will mean a lot less attachment and mourning in the future.

 

[Albertagirl]

So Albertagirl, In short your answer is no, you've never mourned the loss of any particular item of clothing or equipment.

I am now a convert to the "if I like it and it fits correctly I'll buy another now before they decide to improve it" group of caminantes. Will mean a lot less attachment and mourning in the future.

Not exactly. Very often, when a particular item of clothing or equipment wears out, I am extremely frustrated by the impossibility of replacing it with the same or a very similar item. But my budget does not permit me to automatically say, "This works for me, so I shall buy a second." And of course, my body changes over the years: deteriorating feet, the need for new orthotics, etc. I develop less tolerance for carrying a heavy pack, so I cannot guarantee that the second of two identical items will be suitable in future. I am working very hard at paring down the weight of my pack for this fall's camino.