Stu and Joan Mozarabe May 2012

[Deleted member 19171]

We completed walking from Seville to Santiago in late May 2012. Here is our blog http://www.caminowalkaboutplata.blogspot.com . We then took a bus to Ferrol and walked back
To Santiago. Http://www.caminowalkaboutingles.blogspot.com .We plan to walk the Norte this
May, 2013. We just can't seem to hang up our boots.

 

[Jac8020]

Hi Stu & Joan

I have enjoyed perusing your blog and photos. I noticed you had an Aarn pack Stu. I've just bought one to take next year & was wondering how you enjoyed using yours -? A magic mountain or one of the smaller ones. Comfort? Convenience? Durability?

Best wishes
Vjr

 

[Deleted member 19171]

We just purchased two new AARN back packs, Natural Exhilaration (30-33L). we originally purchased the magic mountains. Their waste straps were very thin without padding so we had to have our jackets tied around our wastes to prevent discomfort. The new ones have padding that we enhanced by taking the gray pad used for sitting on and folded it in two and sliding it back to the bottom of the netting. This also improved the waste measurement so we didn't run out of adjustment. What we liked the most are the front pockets. You can live out of them. We carry our foods, liquids, gloves, tubes of cookies and chocolate bars,etc. Don't fill them until you have your pack on! YOu can get so much in them, they can get bulky.
What camino do you plan to walk? Buen camino stuwmson@icloud.com

 

[Jac8020]

The Via de la Plata, starting in April '13. Very pleased to hear your comments on the front mini 'packs', particularly after seeing photos of you wearing them as your pockets were noticeably empty ish. Great idea for weight distribution but i had wondered if perhaps they were not so useful. I expect I'll need to remove them when flying as i always travel cabin-baggage- only. Well, except for taking heavy winter gear.

Have certainly found the Aarn harness very comfortable & easy to use.

 

[Deleted member 19171]

We really enjoyed the Plata. The best part of it is turning left and going to Saniago and not ending in Astorga. Mid April is a perfect time to leave just after Easter. You will find that others have the same idea; so, the challenge will be getting to the smaller alberques before the major part of the group arrives. We always started by 6am to arrive before 12 noon. Bring a light if you plan to leave before sunrise. If you are going to write a blog, please send address. I would enjoy reading your thoughts. Wishing you a very pleasant personal journey. Buen camino. Stuwmson@icloud.com

 

[Luka]

Hi Stuart and Joan, thanks for your informative blog! I am very much looking forward to my 500k walk on the Via the la Plata starting the end of April. You mentioned you always left very early to be sure to find a bed in the next albergue. Did you ever hear from pilgrims who couldn't find a place to rest? Was it that crowded because many people started just after Easter? Or do you think it will be that busy all of April and May?

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

We just purchased two new AARN back packs, Natural Exhilaration (30-33L). we originally purchased the magic mountains. Their waste straps were very thin without padding so we had to have our jackets tied around our wastes to prevent discomfort. The new ones have padding that we enhanced by taking the gray pad used for sitting on and folded it in two and sliding it back to the bottom of the netting. This also improved the waste measurement so we didn't run out of adjustment. What we liked the most are the front pockets. You can live out of them. We carry our foods, liquids, gloves, tubes of cookies and chocolate bars,etc. Don't fill them until you have your pack on! YOu can get so much in them, they can get bulky.
What camino do you plan to walk? Buen camino stuwmson@icloud.com

Hi Stuart & Joan
Glad to find another Aarn convert. Only one question - did the waterproof liner stand up to the conditions or did you need a pack cover as well (pack AND pockets)? I own and have extensively used other Aarn packs on various long treks in all weathers both in Australia and overseas but this will be my first trip with the Exhilaration and Compact Pockets.

 

[Deleted member 19171]

Hi Stuart & Joan
Glad to find another Aarn convert. Only one question - did the waterproof liner stand up to the conditions or did you need a pack cover as well (pack AND pockets)? I own and have extensively used other Aarn packs on various long treks in all weathers both in Australia and overseas but this will be my first trip with the Exhilaration and Compact Pockets.

We used a poncho that covered our pack. We found if we didn't the water proof inside worked; however it took days for the pack to dry out. We have changed packs to the pack listed in this web page. it is much lighter, easier to put on and has fewer waste straps to adjust. Buen Caminos, stu
http://agoodwalkunspoiled.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-things-we-wore-and-carried.html

 

[george.g]

And it only takes half an hour and an assistant
to put on!! (Only joking)
Best wishes for the new year Joan and Stu,
Your Camino amigo.
George

 

[Deleted member 19171]

Hi Stu & Joan

I have enjoyed perusing your blog and photos. I noticed you had an Aarn pack Stu. I've just bought one to take next year & was wondering how you enjoyed using yours -? A magic mountain or one of the smaller ones. Comfort? Convenience? Durability?

Best wishes
Vjr

We have recently purchased zpacks at http://www.zpacks.com. We have found the AARN packs have too many adjusting straps that get in the way when you put on the pack. The front packs are great. When filled they make getting the pack on even more difficult. The zpacks are pounds lighter. 33-37L is just right for the camino. Keep weight to a minimum. have a grand walk. stu

 

[Deleted member 19171]

And it only takes half an hour and an assistant
to put on!! (Only joking)
Best wishes for the new year Joan and Stu,
Your Camino amigo.
George

Hey George, We have purchased simpler lighter Zpacks hoping we won't need help getting them on.
Look them over. zpacks.com Give Sue a New Year Hug from both of us. Stu

 

[Kialoa3]

Stu, congratulations on switching to ZPacks. Now where will you be carrying them? Happy New Year.

John

 

[george.g]

Hi Joan and Stu,
Z packs seem look OK, but sometimes ultra light gear sacrifices durability in the pursuit of lightness, but only time will tell I guess, in the meantime I'll stick with the Osprey Exos 48 there's a few Camino's left in it yet!
Still a little undecided where to start this year but Malaga still the first choice.
Best wishes
George

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

We used a poncho that covered our pack. We found if we didn't the water proof inside worked; however it took days for the pack to dry out. We have changed packs to the pack listed in this web page. it is much lighter, easier to put on and has fewer waste straps to adjust. Buen Caminos, stu
http://agoodwalkunspoiled.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-things-we-wore-and-carried.html

Thanks for the update. used to the fiddlyness of the Aarns, so not an issue as they are really comfortable for me, but appreciated the reference to the website. After all, trekking IS an accessory sport and have found some useful items.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

the fiddlyness of the Aarns, so not an issue as they are really comfortable for me

I agree. My shoelaces are more of an aggravation! My Aarn is the most comfortable of any pack I have owned.