sweat/jogging pants, and electric toothbrushes

[TheNerdAbides]

Hi folks, I've been loving reading through so many posts on here! I'm getting ready to do the CF starting in late September, and two questions have come to mind.

- I'm thinking of taking one traditional pair of hiking pants for the hiking, and a pair of glorified, obscenely expensive sweat/jogging pants for evening wear (and possibly for some daytime hiking). Any thoughts on that? Would sweat pants be too informal for restaurants?

- I'm still working on my pack weight, but it's likely I'm going to want to pack my electric toothbrush; the hygienic value is just far too vast to go a full month of old school manual brushing. But I don't want to be waking people up in the mornings. Are bathrooms typically far enough away that the noise wouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!

 

[Anamya]

Are the pants quick drying? Will you be sad if they are destroyed by the end of the trip? Those are things to consider before packing anything for caminos. Restaurants are used to pilgrims I all sorts of attires, you may be refused entry in a fine dining place but all else may be fine.

About the toothbrush... what about the weight? And if it's that noisy that it would be a concern waking up people, then maybe it is an issue? But that said, bathroom location varies a lot and albergues are more noisy when people are waking up. Carry what works for you and adapt if needed there.

 

[Anhalter]

When talking sweatpants i think of the cotton type. Which means they are rather heavy and dry slowly. So i personally would not take them, but if they give you more comfort than the downsides, why not.
From a fashion point, don't worry.

Same with the toothbrush. I would not dream of carrying such a heavy item. But i would not be worried about THAt being the thing that wakes up other pilgrims in the morning.

As for managing weight: With every single (!!) item that goes into your pack, always ask yourself if the benefit of that item is worth carrying its weight 800km on your back. If the answer is "yes", go for it. If the answer is "maybe", leave it at home.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Hi folks, I've been loving reading through so many posts on here! I'm getting ready to do the CF starting in late September, and two questions have come to mind.

- I'm thinking of taking one traditional pair of hiking pants for the hiking, and a pair of glorified, obscenely expensive sweat/jogging pants for evening wear (and possibly for some daytime hiking). Any thoughts on that? Would sweat pants be too informal for restaurants?

- I'm still working on my pack weight, but it's likely I'm going to want to pack my electric toothbrush; the hygienic value is just far too vast to go a full month of old school manual brushing. But I don't want to be waking people up in the mornings. Are bathrooms typically far enough away that the noise wouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!

For me an electric toothbrush is a ‘must’ from a hygienic standpoint!! Didn’t know ‘manual’ toothbrushes were still used much?!! I am guessing that walking in rural environments probably is not great for teeth (dust, etc) so even more important. They are very light anyway!!!

Sure noise can be managed. Can’t be noisier than a flushing toilet!! You can always walk outside and brush!

 

[J Willhaus]

We carry electric toothbrushes now. They are light and clean better. As far as your evening wear. I agree it should be quick drying and multipurpose.

 

[naplesdon]

Electric toothbrush, is it 110, 220 or battery operated?

 

[J Willhaus]

Electric toothbrush, is it 110, 220 or battery operated?

Ours is battery.

 

[SioCamino]

I love my electric toothbrush at home/in real life but I've never manage to justify bringing it and its charger for a camino - just more stuff and it's simpler to use a bamboo toothbrush - easy and cheap to replace too if you mislay it.
Absolutely the electric cleans much better but really will a few weeks/months make that much difference... And you could use it as an opportunity to "mindfully" brush your teeth, ensuring you brush for min 2 minutes etc etc

 

[Amused212]

Hi folks, I've been loving reading through so many posts on here! I'm getting ready to do the CF starting in late September, and two questions have come to mind.

- I'm thinking of taking one traditional pair of hiking pants for the hiking, and a pair of glorified, obscenely expensive sweat/jogging pants for evening wear (and possibly for some daytime hiking). Any thoughts on that? Would sweat pants be too informal for restaurants?

- I'm still working on my pack weight, but it's likely I'm going to want to pack my electric toothbrush; the hygienic value is just far too vast to go a full month of old school manual brushing. But I don't want to be waking people up in the mornings. Are bathrooms typically far enough away that the noise wouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!

Because of the extra weight, I did not take my electric toothbrush either time and it is the one thing I missed the most.

 

[Simperegrina]

I’ve invested enough in my dental health to make the effort of carryung an electric toothbrush worth it

 

[Simperegrina]

Hi folks, I've been loving reading through so many posts on here! I'm getting ready to do the CF starting in late September, and two questions have come to mind.

- I'm thinking of taking one traditional pair of hiking pants for the hiking, and a pair of glorified, obscenely expensive sweat/jogging pants for evening wear (and possibly for some daytime hiking). Any thoughts on that? Would sweat pants be too informal for restaurants?

- I'm still working on my pack weight, but it's likely I'm going to want to pack my electric toothbrush; the hygienic value is just far too vast to go a full month of old school manual brushing. But I don't want to be waking people up in the mornings. Are bathrooms typically far enough away that the noise wouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!

I’m prioritising taking my electric toothbrush. But I’d recommend taking a 2nd pair of hiking trousers (or shorts) rather than sweatpants. I’m walking around the same time as you and given the time of the year I’m not confident that thicker material eg sweatpants, is going to dry overnight all of the time

 

[TheNerdAbides]

When talking sweatpants i think of the cotton type. Which means they are rather heavy and dry slowly.

These are polyester sweat pants, but yes they're still relatively heavy and I expect won't dry super fast -- but I also don't anticipate them getting wet too often, and I wouldn't expect to need to wash them that frequently. Still, very valid concerns, the jury is still out on them.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

Electric toothbrush, is it 110, 220 or battery operated?

I think all electric toothbrushes themselves are battery operated, don't think many people to be putting a 110 or 220 device straight into their mouths But the charger (yet more space and weight) would be electric. My toothbrush lasts about 3ish weeks on a charge, so unfortunately I would need to charge at least once on the trip.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

Because of the extra weight, I did not take my electric toothbrush either time and it is the one thing I missed the most.

Sooo actually! I just discovered -- my regular electric tooth brush tops in at a little over 2lbs (34 oz), PLUS the charger. No bueno... BUT, the Quip toothbrushes are somewhere in the 7oz to 12oz range, depending who you believe on the internet. Plus a 0.5oz AAA battery that lasts three months, so no need for a charger. To me that makes it a no-brainer, I'm definitely bringing one along.

Edit: Apparently my sense of weight is waaaay off. Also I guess the weights above were shipping weights. I finally found my scale: Sonicare is 4.5oz without any case or charger. Quip is 1.5oz including the covering case, which I will bring, and it doesn't need a charger.

 

[NYSE]

Hi folks, I've been loving reading through so many posts on here! I'm getting ready to do the CF starting in late September, and two questions have come to mind.

- I'm thinking of taking one traditional pair of hiking pants for the hiking, and a pair of glorified, obscenely expensive sweat/jogging pants for evening wear (and possibly for some daytime hiking). Any thoughts on that? Would sweat pants be too informal for restaurants?

- I'm still working on my pack weight, but it's likely I'm going to want to pack my electric toothbrush; the hygienic value is just far too vast to go a full month of old school manual brushing. But I don't want to be waking people up in the mornings. Are bathrooms typically far enough away that the noise wouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!

I did terribly miss my electric tooth brush, but, I'd leave it at home (again).

 

[Myra13]

Just bought a Gum electric brush. Operates on 1 AAA battery for 3 months.
Weighs 50gr.
Cleans great.

 

[timinOK]

I plan to bring my Oral-B battery operated toothbrush on my planned April Camino. Weight is 2.4 Oz per website (I assume plus weight of a AA battery).

 

[trecile]

I brought my Gleem battery powered toothbrush this year. It weighs 1.2 oz/35 gm (including battery, but without its case which I don't bring). I recently started using an OralB electric toothbrush, which does a better job, but I would never bring it on the Camino. My old manual toothbrush weighs 0.5 oz/14 gm, so it's not a huge amount of extra weight.

 

[Dennis Pack]

Seriously sad expectations.

 

[hikentravel1234]

Hi folks, I've been loving reading through so many posts on here! I'm getting ready to do the CF starting in late September, and two questions have come to mind.

- I'm thinking of taking one traditional pair of hiking pants for the hiking, and a pair of glorified, obscenely expensive sweat/jogging pants for evening wear (and possibly for some daytime hiking). Any thoughts on that? Would sweat pants be too informal for restaurants?

- I'm still working on my pack weight, but it's likely I'm going to want to pack my electric toothbrush; the hygienic value is just far too vast to go a full month of old school manual brushing. But I don't want to be waking people up in the mornings. Are bathrooms typically far enough away that the noise wouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!

Do NOT take an electric toothbrush. You will live without it and you will regret the extra weight. Almost all restaurants along the way expect to see pilgrims in pilgrim wear.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

At home I often switch between my electric toothbrush and a manuel one, which is always given to me by my dentist every 6 months. I never have had any dental problems (thanks, mom!), so I just bring a manuel one on the Camino.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

Seriously sad expectations.

How do you mean?

 

[Anniesantiago]

I just bring a plain old toothbrush. I'm 71 and have managed to keep all my teeth so far. My grandmothers all died pretty close to 100 and all but one had all their teeth and didn't use an electric so ::

It's 6 weeks. But do what makes your heart happy.

I wouldn't take regular sweat pants for two reasons, weight and they'd never get dry unless you're walking in summer in which case, why take sweat pants?

Do I sound tired and cranky? ::::

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I just bring a plain old toothbrush. I'm 71 and have managed to keep all my teeth so far. My grandmothers all died pretty close to 100 and all but one had all their teeth and didn't use an electric so ::

It's 6 weeks. But do what makes your heart happy.

I wouldn't take regular sweat pants for two reasons, weight and they'd never get dry unless you're walking in summer in which case, why take sweat pants?

Do I sound tired and cranky? ::::

No, Annie, you sound very practical to me!

 

[oursonpolaire]

My electric toothbrush has served me for a 5-week Camino without a recharge. As a dental implant is worth about 80% of a Camino expense, I'll continue to work with the electric. For my nether regions, a pair of Tilley hiking shorts and a pair of Tilley's old technical hiking pants, generally used in the evenings.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

These are polyester sweat pants, but yes they're still relatively heavy and I expect won't dry super fast -- but I also don't anticipate them getting wet too often, and I wouldn't expect to need to wash them that frequently. Still, very valid concerns, the jury is still out on them.

So, get them soaking wet, wring them out by hand, and hang them out to dry draped over a line, inside, in an unheated room.
Still wet/ damp in the morning? Leave them at home!!

 

[Mormon]

Sooo actually! I just discovered -- my regular electric tooth brush tops in at a little over 2lbs (34 oz), PLUS the charger. No bueno... BUT, the Quip toothbrushes are somewhere in the 7oz to 12oz range, depending who you believe on the internet. Plus a 0.5oz AAA battery that lasts three months, so no need for a charger. To me that makes it a no-brainer, I'm definitely bringing one along.

Edit: Apparently my sense of weight is waaaay off. Also I guess the weights above were shipping weights. I finally found my scale: Sonicare is 4.5oz without any case or charger. Quip is 1.5oz including the covering case, which I will bring, and it doesn't need a charger.

I have a Phillips Sonicare toothbrush. Toothbrush and case plus charger comes in at 12oz. Worth it to me.

 

[Simperegrina]

I’m sure this agonising over toothbrushes seems crazy to many on this thread

But, damn it, implants in particular are expensively demanding little beasts when it comes to ongoing maintenance over a multi-week trip…

 

[TheNerdAbides]

So, get them soaking wet, wring them out by hand, and hang them out to dry draped over a line, inside, in an unheated room.
Still wet/ damp in the morning? Leave them at home!!

I think I will try that test! One surprise already - the sweat pants weigh less than the hiking pants. 15oz for the hiking pants, 14oz for the sweat pants.

 

[Verbacious]

Hi folks, I've been loving reading through so many posts on here! I'm getting ready to do the CF starting in late September, and two questions have come to mind.

- I'm thinking of taking one traditional pair of hiking pants for the hiking, and a pair of glorified, obscenely expensive sweat/jogging pants for evening wear (and possibly for some daytime hiking). Any thoughts on that? Would sweat pants be too informal for restaurants?

- I'm still working on my pack weight, but it's likely I'm going to want to pack my electric toothbrush; the hygienic value is just far too vast to go a full month of old school manual brushing. But I don't want to be waking people up in the mornings. Are bathrooms typically far enough away that the noise wouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!

Philips makes a lightweight 1 AAA battery electric travel toothbrush. It's not as aggressively powered as the heavy spinning head types but if you like some added cleaning over a manual I recommend it. It's also not as noisy.

 

[witsendwv]

I think all electric toothbrushes themselves are battery operated, don't think many people to be putting a 110 or 220 device straight into their mouths But the charger (yet more space and weight) would be electric. My toothbrush lasts about 3ish weeks on a charge, so unfortunately I would need to charge at least once on the trip.

I carry a Phillips One- it is rechargeable on a USB cord, and I have found that the charge lasts longer than the instructions say. If you don't carry the case it come in it will be lighter, but even with case it is not heavy.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

I carry a Phillips One- it is rechargeable on a USB cord, and I have found that the charge lasts longer than the instructions say. If you don't carry the case it come in it will be lighter, but even with case it is not heavy.

I tried the Quip, it's not quite as aggressive as I would prefer... I like the idea of not needing a separate charger, I'll take a look, thanks!

 

[David Tallan]

A word of warning though, for those who are concerned that their electric toothbrush may be too heavy. You may read posts on this forum with weight saving tips where they advise sawing your toothbrush in half or drilling holes in the handle to save weight. This is not advisable for electric toothbrushes.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

A word of warning though, for those who are concerned that their electric toothbrush may be too heavy. You may read posts on this forum with weight saving tips where they advise sawing your toothbrush in half or drilling holes in the handle to save weight. This is not advisable for electric toothbrushes.

No no, see, if you have a removable battery then you take the battery out, carefully drill out plastic holes leaving only enough for it to be structurally sound, then put the battery back in. With the battery in place, the remaining plastic shouldn't break in half. Hopefully...

 

[TonyC]

Ours is battery.

But is the charger 220 or 110 volts?
For Spain and Europe in general you need 220 volt devices.

 

[J Willhaus]

But is the charger 220 or 110 volts?
For Spain and Europe in general you need 220 volt devices.

Just a AA battery which is easily sourced.

 

[witsendwv]

But is the charger 220 or 110 volts?
For Spain and Europe in general you need 220 volt devices.

Mine uses a charging cord that plugs into a USB port- it is not 110 or 220. It is the same cord that my Ipad uses to charge.