Not many people would argue with the fact that your feet are the most important part of your body to take into consideration when hiking - only the best hiking socks will do.If you want the best waterproof sock I recommend SealSkinz Waterproof Trekking socks.Having the proper footwear is … [Read more...]
Best Minimalist Sandals – Guide to Barefoot & Running Sandals
The best minimalist sandals only use a few straps and they are made with zero drops. Drop refers to the height difference between the heel and the ball of the foot. I wasn’t sure about zero drops, given I often use walking shoes which have a drop of around 10mm.If you are in a hurry or just don't … [Read more...]
What is a Camino Family?
I reflected in a previous story, that the Camino is a place where magic happens, something I have not experienced anywhere else, there is strange ‘need’ to return that I cannot explain, a longing for something … the places, the experiences, and the people. You have no doubt read about pilgrims who … [Read more...]
Best Vegan Hiking Boots & Shoes
Certain materials are to be avoided in the best vegan hiking boots and shoes. Leather, wool, silk or cashmere are among them. Vegan hiking boots are made with alternative materials such as faux leather, faux fur, and wool made from plants.The best vegan boots are the Arc'teryx Bora Mid Gtx is the … [Read more...]
Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for Hiking & Backpacking
Protecting yourself from whatever Mother Nature throws at you while out on the road is vital. If you want to stay safe and well when you’re out in the wilderness, you need a backpacking rain jacket that works well.Just in case you don't want to read the full review, my favourite is this jacket … [Read more...]
Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
Unlike many outdoor activities, in most places, you can camp all year round - as long as you have the right winter backpacking gear.If you don't want to read all my reviews or if you are just in a hurry, the best cold weather sleeping bag on this list is undoubtedly the Outdoor Vitals Summit … [Read more...]
Walking the Camino Frances in Our Retirement
Planning ahead means getting into shape, collecting the bare necessities packing list, and planning when, how, and for how long you will manage your Camino de Santiago.If you can afford and plan to use hotel accommodation, restaurant meals, and luggage carried then this route report is not for … [Read more...]
Making Time for the Camino de Santiago
If all goes well, and God wills it, at the end of March I will begin to walk the Camino de Santiago. It’s about time.I have been thinking, dreaming, and planning for this for nearly 20 years. I first read about the pilgrimage to Santiago Compostela in a 14th century biography, The Book of Margery … [Read more...]
Camino: Should You Travel Solo or in a Group?
When planning a pilgrimage, we are often faced with a choice of going for it alone or as a part of a group.The forums are swirling with questions such as “I want to do the Camino, but I have nobody to go with, should I go alone?”, “I couldn’t agree on dates with my friends, but I still want to … [Read more...]
How Much Does the Camino de Santiago Cost?
The main costs for any of the Camino de Santiago routes are your daily budget on the Camino and getting to and from your start and finish points. For most of in Europe it is fairly quick and easy to get to and from any of the routes - not so from North America, (see travel page here), however the … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Aspects of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
The Camino SpiritThis is a transcript of a talk I was asked to give at an information session on walking the Camino, presented in September 2016 and sponsored by the Albuquerque, New Mexico Chapter of The American Friends of the Camino.My wife, Janet, and I walked the Camino Frances in the … [Read more...]
Best Hiking Shorts for Backpacking
If you’re planning on hitting the trail any time soon, you’ll need some thin, light clothing if it looks as though the weather is going to be good. Wearing the right hiking shorts means you can have the freedom to move around as you please, but it also means you won’t overheat.Hiking shorts may … [Read more...]
What About Medical Help & Health Care?
Concerns about health care and medical help while on the Camino is one of my most common asked questions. You can read some reports from pilgrims on the Camino here about their experience with the Spanish health care system.For all those that reside within the twenty-eight countries of the EU … [Read more...]
Planning Rest Days on the Camino de Santiago
For most people walking the Camino de Santiago means a month walking across northern Spain covering about 800 km, (500 miles). So it is not surprising that most of us plan on a few rest days along the Camino.Below are some of the towns and villages that I suggest are good places to stop for a … [Read more...]
Best Rain Ponchos for Hiking and Backpacking
When you’re out hiking or backpacking, you need to make sure you’re prepared for all types of weather. When it begins to rain, you need to know that you’re not going to get soaked through. You need the best rain poncho that’s going to work well for you no matter how much it’s pouring down, ensuring … [Read more...]
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes
If you are in a hurry or don't want to read all the reviews, Keen Voyageur is my choice for the best lightweight hiking shoes.Depending on the terrain and the weather I like to have a good choice of hiking shoes, walking boots or trail running shoes for my many treks. As I am generally a fair … [Read more...]
