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The 10% rule isn't a rule at all. When in the Marines, slim, muscled and trim, I weighted in at 175 lbs/79kg. My field pack, without ammo and rifle was about 70 lbs/31kg. Yet, by the “rule” I should carry a 17 lb/7.9kg pack. The ideal weight is always going to be determined by the requirements of the trip, not by some magical ratio to your body weight, no matter how you measure it. Going into combat where you carry everything you “may need” is different from the Camino where the “may needs” are removed. All else being equal, the least weight you can get away with is best.
If you start your Camino weighing 200lbs/97kg and you lose 10lbs/4.5kg of body fat your muscles are strengthened and although you started with a pack weighing under 20lbs/9kg the only thing you should add to your pack is a six-pack of cerveza. As you walk you remain refreshed and urinate away the extra weight.
Me too!when I take my pack off at a rest-stop, I miss its weight ...
I carry my iPad. It has over 400 books in the library. As the mood strikes, I can transport anywhere. Though, never closer than 100km to SDC. Earning the Compostela is the icing on my bizcocho.Odd that no-one has mentioned books. Reading to me is as necessary as food, water, even breathing. As a very fast reader, I can start a new book around 10pm, and finish it before going to sleep and sometimes read two books in a day. Reading is my 'winding down', so walking the Camino without books was unthinkable. Although I don't like reading online, I ended up loading a heap of books onto my phone, and this solved the problem. Once home, it was back to the real thing.
A poetry book: 'By Heart', compiled by Ted Hughes. I even replaced the copy I left in A Laxe albergue. You can read a poem over and over, which you can't with a novel and this anthology is super light. One day I (or someone else with more energy and education) will assemble a compilation of pilgrimage-related poems and I often pass time thinking which poems I would put in it. Actually, that might be a good idea for a thread - poems for pilgrimages.We speak about keeping our pack light, eliminating the "nice to haves" and then, the night before departure, unpacking and again removing the "might needs." All that said, I am sure there is one item: a keepsake, picture or going away gift you must accept and in your pack it goes. On my first Camino, I carried a number of prayer cards for my recently deceased cousin killed in a terrible accident. I placed them in Churches, at many of the shrines along the Way and behind a confessional in the Cathedral of Santiago. What did you just have to carry?
I saw one pilgrim carrying one of those ceramic Nordic Elves determined to leave it at the Cruz de Ferro. Alas, he grew so attached to the Elf he took it back home.
Now, open your pack and your mind and reveal that special item carried deep inside your pack and possible your soul.
Tea is my GoTo beverage in the morning and sometime in the afternoon. My boer Meisie was big on Wit Tea (RooiBos) but I'd rather have it black. And, just for the record, I am 40+ % Scot, 16% Irish and the remainder Welsh/English.A Thermos flask, so that I can have a cup of tea in the morning and at lunchtime. And teabags, obviously. Why, yes, I am British - how did you guess?
A few years ago, on the Madrid, we met two senior French ladies - Therese and Brigitte. One of them left a pillowcase in an albergue and as we were a day or two behind them, they texted us to pick it up for them. A few days after that, one of them got sick and they had to go back. So we carried the pillow case all the way to Santiago and then posted it back. I think they were touched and pleased that we kept our promise, but I suspect they were even more pleased that if they couldn't get to Santiago that year, their pillowcase damn well could. They also taught us how to drink white wine properly. Vive la France!A pillow case from home. Keeps me grounded, keeps me 'home'.
Years ago I found the perfect set of rosary beads for carrying in the pocket -- small, modest, built to last, probably wouldn't even see them in my hand when in use. I carry them everywhere, Camino and otherwise, in the left front pocket along with the Chapstick. If the Camino taught me one thing, it is that prayer is efficacious.My previous partner (deceased) was a Catholic priest- yes, really. I carried his rosary beads with me.
Same. I also always carry a light set of rosary beadsYears ago I found the perfect set of rosary beads for carrying in the pocket -- small, modest, built to last, probably wouldn't even see them in my hand when in use. I carry them everywhere, Camino and otherwise, in the left front pocket along with the Chapstick. If the Camino taught me one thing, it is that prayer is efficacious.
What I was trying to say is... yes I do carry them (and can’t imagine not to) but....they are not necessaryI carry no religious artifacts when I walk various pilgrimages, but I think it's wonderful for those of you who do, and that you find comfort and positibity in the doing.
Ha! I totally agree. Mine do bring me great comfort and are a tool for helping me focus when I want to do the full rosary. But, yes, I too use that decade full of fingers!What I was trying to say is... yes I do carry them (and can’t imagine not to) but....they are not necessary
My Rosary is about 125 years old and made by nuns in Lourdes. It's always in my left trouser pocket.Years ago I found the perfect set of rosary beads for carrying in the pocket -- small, modest, built to last, probably wouldn't even see them in my hand when in use. I carry them everywhere, Camino and otherwise, in the left front pocket along with the Chapstick. If the Camino taught me one thing, it is that prayer is efficacious.
I carried a garnet, I loved that it made the whole 800k in my pocket.I carry blue goldstone which I bought on a Greek island (can't remember which one) in 2010. I don't really know what it is about this piece (which is actually man-made; copper flecks in glass)...maybe the smooth feel, the changing glitter patterns as you move it in the light...but there is something about this stone which compels me to carry it!
Looking up gemstone websites, it is said to eminate various properties including healing. Although I don't really go in for that sort of thing, I did buy it at a difficult time in my life & holding it evokes a calming affect. I certainly have no intention of leaving it anywhere on any trail.
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And if all that sounds a bit D&M, I also have 'Hello Kitty' dangling from my hiking pole!
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I carried a small garnet for strength and it made the whole journey.I carry blue goldstone which I bought on a Greek island (can't remember which one) in 2010. I don't really know what it is about this piece (which is actually man-made; copper flecks in glass)...maybe the smooth feel, the changing glitter patterns as you move it in the light...but there is something about this stone which compels me to carry it!
Looking up gemstone websites, it is said to eminate various properties including healing. Although I don't really go in for that sort of thing, I did buy it at a difficult time in my life & holding it evokes a calming affect. I certainly have no intention of leaving it anywhere on any trail.
View attachment 93664
And if all that sounds a bit D&M, I also have 'Hello Kitty' dangling from my hiking pole!
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Oh this is a great SHARE. Thank you.I dislike microfiber towels and and so always take a flannel cotton infant towel recommended by @Anniesantiago. They are very lightweight, super absorbent for their size, and perfect for me.
Hey are we now allowed to board a flight with these? I guess I could buy once in Europe...or do you have to check your backpack?For sure my Swiss Army Knife!
Whilst the answer may be technically ‘yes’ if you approach the security scan with a ruler, a copy of the IATA regulations and a confident expression, the practical answer is ‘don’t even think about it’. Check your bag or, if you need to, buy a suitable penknife at any ferretería in Spain.Hey are we now allowed to board a flight with these? I guess I could buy once in Europe...or do you have to check your backpack?
Michelle,Thank you for the quick, and tempting, response!
| Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) | No |
Something else to consider is that the restrictions on knives are not only on planes but, in Spain, can also be found in trains. But in planes, you can always put your knife in the checked luggage. Trains do not have that option.It may well vary depending on the country you’re flying from but in the UK the precise prohibition is:
Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) No
That is any knife with a blade longer than 6cm OR a pointed blade of any length, including less than 6cm OR a sharp blade of any length, including less than 6cm.
... so basically no ‘functional’ knife.
some who think they’ve read the guidance see only ‘6cm’ and fail to see the ‘sharp and pointy’
That prohibits, for example the ‘box cutters’ (Stanley knives) used with tragic consequences on 9/11. Clearly the blade length is well under 6cm, but I wouldn’t want to try taking one of those through security in the US.
Think about it folks. You may well be a fine upstanding citizen, but do you want to be on a flight these days with 300+ others, any of whom were allowed to carry a Swiss Army knife on board?
We’ve been round this circle before. At the security check in UK airports there’s a bin full of knives, scissors etc which the barrack room lawyers, also present here, will tell you categorically should be allowed on board.
Several years ago I took the high-speed train from Madrid to Seville to start the VdlP. The young man who was managing luggage screening put my backpack, containing a small Swiss Army knife, on the baggage carousal, then became focused on his important task of ordering me to take my shirt off and put it on too. The shirt was long-sleeved and unbuttoned over a tshirt. By the time I had figured out that the shirt was the "chaqueta" to which he was referring, the pack and knife had gone through the scanner. unobservedSomething else to consider is that the restrictions on knives are not only on planes but, in Spain, can also be found in trains. But in planes, you can always put your knife in the checked luggage. Trains do not have that option.
Eso es correcto, llevamos cosas de más. OKWe speak about keeping our pack light, eliminating the "nice to haves" and then, the night before departure, unpacking and again removing the "might needs." All that said, I am sure there is one item: a keepsake, picture or going away gift you must accept and in your pack it goes. On my first Camino, I carried a number of prayer cards for my recently deceased cousin killed in a terrible accident. I placed them in Churches, at many of the shrines along the Way and behind a confessional in the Cathedral of Santiago. What did you just have to carry?
I saw one pilgrim carrying one of those ceramic Nordic Elves determined to leave it at the Cruz de Ferro. Alas, he grew so attached to the Elf he took it back home.
Now, open your pack and your mind and reveal that special item carried deep inside your pack and possible your soul.
I also bring a tiny kit with colored pencils, ink, water colors; but the weight is negligible. Where I go against logic (what I can't live without), is a set of clothes to wear at night. One light dress shirt, one light pair of shorts, and found a pair of super light, soft leather sandals. There is something indispensable to me about being able to put on a comfortable outfit and walk around like a "normal" person. Doesn't set me back more than half a kilo.
You def have to check your backpack. No knive of any kind allowed inside the planeHey are we now allowed to board a flight with these? I guess I could buy once in Europe...or do you have to check your backpack?
You def have to check your backpack. No knive of any kind allowed inside the plane
Maybe. Maybe not. See post #133 above.According to EU-Regulations you CAN bring a knife, sciccors or the like with you as long as the blade is shorter than 6cm.
Of course this only applies to flights in the EU.
There is no maybe. First, post #133 refers to the UK, which is no longer part of the EU and if they for some reason have similar rulings as the EU is beyond my knowledge.Maybe. Maybe not. See post #133 above.
True. Thanks for the correction about the EU versus UK rules.post #133 refers to the UK
True. Thanks for the correction about the EU versus UK rules.
However, your list says those items are included among the forbidden. It does not say that the list is exhaustive and that everything else is allowed. That is where the inconsistencies come in - the airport or agency policy, or the individual agent, can still disallow other items such as a knife with a shorter blade.
Teeth! Spare onesI agree. A fit 120 pound woman can probably carry more weight than an unfit 150 pound woman of the same height.
As a professional civil servant, I tend to side with C clearly here. That word "including" wasn't put in there randomly. It adds a specific meaning. If they hadn't put it in, one would reasonably assume that the list below was the list of items prohibited, described broadly by the introductory text. Adding the word "including" makes them just examples and not a complete list. It gives the individual agents or organizations to add to that list as they see fit, within the broad language of the introductory text.I agree that the words could be simpler. Usually, if a goverment text states something as specifically forbidden, it is implied that the not specified thing is allowed. In this example, they could have just wirtten "knifes" but chose to write "knifes longer than 6cm", hence the implied allowance of shorter ones.
But i agree, some official at the airport might still forbid you taking it. They won't be correct in doing so, but either the knife or the flight will be gone, depending on the outcome of the discussion.
(same goes for the beloved trekking pole btw. technically, it's allowed)
Nice!View attachment 93699
Ultralight alcohol burning stove for making coffee. Last February there were only a few bars open. It has been with me on three Caminos and will be with me on my next Camino too.
I am so impressed!!!! It is incomprehensible that anyone can walk and knit. Or walk and do anything but chew the proverbial gum. I have to watch my feet when I walk, or else I trip. I mean I would trip a lot.I bring woolen yarn and wooden (soundless) knitting needles... to knit a self designed sweater in lots of shades of nice colors while walking. I knit when I walk, when rather flat and no rain/snow, during breakfast, lunch and in the evenings. So relaxing and nice - (and for those of you who think I miss lots of the scenery while knitting; I actually even more focused while knitting - as I knit without looking at it) - and it is also a fantastic door-opener to chat with elder local women on the camino.
Absolutely! In awe!I am so impressed!!!! It is incomprehensible that anyone can walk and knit. Or walk and do anything but chew the proverbial gum. I have to watch my feet when I walk, or else I trip. I mean I would trip a lot.
Perhaps you might also fancy a bripe.I can go 100 kms on a cup of early morning coffee ! The electric coil was truly great!!!
Um 100% me. I smuggle as much ibuprofen gel as I can manage each trip home. Voltaren we can get locally.There have been a number of essential and sentimental items listed already, several of which I also find I want/need. One of my first stops upon arrival (in Spain or France) is to a pharmacy where I can pick up a tube of Voltaren/flogoprofen gel, which I apply most mornings to my dodgy knees.
I'm affraid the original recommendation says you shouldn't pack more than 10% of your body weight. So when you dropped 16 kg...As I've already 'dropped' 16 kg in body weight.........
Can I put an extra 16 kgs in my pack?
The 10% rule came from a study about how heavy kids school backpacks should be! It drives me crazy seeing how everyone on every hiking board seems to misuse this "rule" and apply it for backpacking purposes!The 10% rule isn't a rule at all. When in the Marines, slim, muscled and trim, I weighted in at 175 lbs/79kg. My field pack, without ammo and rifle was about 70 lbs/31kg. Yet, by the “rule” I should carry a 17 lb/7.9kg pack. The ideal weight is always going to be determined by the requirements of the trip, not by some magical ratio to your body weight, no matter how you measure it. Going into combat where you carry everything you “may need” is different from the Camino where the “may needs” are removed. All else being equal, the least weight you can get away with is best.
If you start your Camino weighing 200lbs/97kg and you lose 10lbs/4.5kg of body fat your muscles are strengthened and although you started with a pack weighing under 20lbs/9kg the only thing you should add to your pack is a six-pack of cerveza. As you walk you remain refreshed and urinate away the extra weight.
It's more about having fun with that "rule" than taking it all too seriously.The 10% rule came from a study about how heavy kids school backpacks should be! It drives me crazy seeing how everyone on every hiking board seems to misuse this "rule" and apply it for backpacking purposes!
It IS a good starting point - if you aren't significantly overweight lol - for those who do want to pack light. But I wouldn't consider a 300lb guy carrying a 30lb bag - packing light. And 30lbs IS 10% of the guys body weight, right? LOL
And I concur - pack weight should be based on needs for the trip. For the Camino - I aim for under 15lbs. For the Pacific Crest Trail, I would consider 45lbs to be "light" LMAO - especially the parts where I need to carry LOTS of food and water!
Keeping my sanity lol ..only on my 6th day and shed my pack in half from 4kg to 2kg ..just the essentials nothing elseWe speak about keeping our pack light, eliminating the "nice to haves" and then, the night before departure, unpacking and again removing the "might needs." All that said, I am sure there is one item: a keepsake, picture or going away gift you must accept and in your pack it goes. On my first Camino, I carried a number of prayer cards for my recently deceased cousin killed in a terrible accident. I placed them in Churches, at many of the shrines along the Way and behind a confessional in the Cathedral of Santiago. What did you just have to carry?
I saw one pilgrim carrying one of those ceramic Nordic Elves determined to leave it at the Cruz de Ferro. Alas, he grew so attached to the Elf he took it back home.
Now, open your pack and your mind and reveal that special item carried deep inside your pack and possible your sokee
I get you! I am kind of that way too... my 10% is right around 13-14 pounds... so for me 10% of body weight is fine for the Camino.It's more about having fun with that "rule" than taking it all too seriously.
Sometimes, like the German guy, we pack our fearsI have helped pilgrims reduce their pack weights while serving at Estella. It is still early enough on the Camino that people are starting to realize they have too much. (People often ask the hospiterlera for help with this.) I helped one German lad reduce his pack weight more than 10 pounds. I encouraged him to "leave for other pilgrims" things he was not attached to (6 full bottles and tubes of creams, lotions he had not yet used) and mail ahead things that he wanted to keep (certain items of clothing, extra shoes, etc.) We had one pilgrim who carried two tents because he wasn't sure which he might need! Neither was lightweight and he did leave one. I suspect he abondoned the other at some later point.
Our donation box was always full and of interest to pilgrims coming along the next day. We had a whole boy scout cook set and stove at one point along with a popup beach sunshade. Crazily enough someone took some of those heavy things with them the next day!
I am pleased to say that I packed my summer Camino pack this weekend and with travel CPAP and my meds it still weighed less than 5.5 kg! We'll be walking and serving for a total of 6 weeks and the pack will get lighter as use up medications and CPAP supplies!
We speak about keeping our pack light, eliminating the "nice to haves" and then, the night before departure, unpacking and again removing the "might needs." All that said, I am sure there is one item: a keepsake, picture or going away gift you must accept and in your pack it goes. On my first Camino, I carried a number of prayer cards for my recently deceased cousin killed in a terrible accident. I placed them in Churches, at many of the shrines along the Way and behind a confessional in the Cathedral of Santiago. What did you just have to carry?
I saw one pilgrim carrying one of those ceramic Nordic Elves determined to leave it at the Cruz de Ferro. Alas, he grew so attached to the Elf he took it back home.
Now, open your pack and your mind and reveal that special item carried deep inside your pack and possible your soul.
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