Welcome to Expatkiwi on Camino ! Hi, I'm Peter, one of many expatkiwis living outside of Aotearoa . Much as I love my country of birth, like all expats the world over, I'm currently living elsewhere - in my case, Germany.
I spent many years travelling the world, gaining loads of valuable travel experience (and tip‘s ) enroute. I also did quite a few short multi day hikes hiking along the way, predominately in NZ, Australia, and Canada; with a few in places like Scandinavia, Thailand and Zaire thrown in for good measure. In 2023 I was researching the PCT and discovered the Camino de Santiago here on RU-vid. Those first few videos from @NadineWalks quickly got me hooked. Within days I was out training for my first Camino, I walked the Camino Inglés just two months later. Now I’m a Camino addict! Within months I’d also walked the Primitivo, and now, the Via Imperii ( a Jakobsweg/Camino here in Germany)
If you want to reach out to me, you’ll find me on the Camino forum.
@@swatigee Define 'so much.?' I started the video by pointing out that most people walk 20 - 25km per day. So if you mean 'do I need to build up to 20km' when you only plan on walking 15km per day max, then logically no. If you're comfortable with walking your planned daily distance for a minimum of 3 days in a row with everything you intend to carry, then you're good to go in my personal opinion. Just start slow and ease into it. Training doesn't just improve your fitness, it helps you check that everything fits properly and is working for you. If you find something wrong, it gives you the chance to rectify the problem. As I pointed out right at the very beginning, it's up to the individual as to whether they choose to train or not. I guess I should add: and how much! Buen Camino
@@davidpippin3460 Yes, that's the goal. I started last year and continued this, I'm having to do it in sections. There's only another couple of episodes yet to go at present because I broke my ankle enroute. I sincerely hope to be able to do another couple of days soon; failing which it will have to wait until next year. My original plan was to complete it in one long walk next year, however I may have to delay it- we'll see.
Great list! Just did another test hike with a pack with 1 kg more than I have planned, walked 17km in 4 hrs over undulating terrain. I was torn between my Topo shoes or my Altra shoes. (Both are new to me) After a few hikes the Altras are just a better fit for me. I did the same with different sock combos as well. I settled on toe sock silk halfies from Tabio and toe socks with grips strips underneath also from Tabio. Cool, comfortable, and no blisters so far. I depart 2 weeks from now from Frankfurt to Santiago to start the Ingles on the 29th! Super excited and ready!
@@davidpippin3460 Thanks David, sounds like you're pretty much ready to roll. Normally I'd say if you have time try 2 to 3 days back to back, however in your situation with only 2 weeks to go I would suggest just maintaining what you are doing. Whatever you do don't push yourself! It's exactly what I did before my Primitivo last year and I ended up injuring myself. I actually started the Primitivo injured. Fortunately I was far enough along the healing process to be able to continue. Buen Camino!
Packing for Camino Ingles late this month I am at 5.3kg or 12 lbs. base weight. I really wanted to be at 10 lb. but just cant get there with the extras I am bringing for possible cold weather. Probably going to shed the rain jacket and pack cover for a poncho.
@@davidpippin3460 David, comfort is more important than saving a tiny bit of base weight, especially on a camino as short as the Inglès . 5.3kg is a very reasonable base weight for this time of year. I appreciate the desire to go low but on my second camino I actually added a kilo. I've since maintained the same (shoulder season) packing list - and mine is significantly higher than yours, 8kg ( inc. 1kg video gear). Before you take out the backpack cover, check and see which is more waterproof. Galacian rain is quite something. Incidentally I presume you are using either dry bags or some kind of pack liner. (A half decent rubbish bag works).
@@peterexpatkiwi Yes, I definitely hear you on this. I know my weight is pretty low already and I do not think I can lose anymore weight except in the bag itself. Perhaps I will get a ZPacks UL bag to save 2 lbs for next time. I am going with the Deuter you recommended on this one. I did a test sleep in my silk bag liner and was cooking in it! I sleep really hot but as a precaution I am bringing an additional sea to summit reactor mummy liner to go inside the silk one if temps plummet. Based on weather data it looks like 50-70s Fahrenheit when I will be there, with rain more than likely. Still debating on my Altra TRs or my Danner goretex TRs. I dont like wet feet so the debate and test walks continue. I noticed you are in Germany, me too. I am near Kaiserslautern.
@@davidpippin3460 Thanks for the feedback. I love my pack, for me it's super comfortable. The Inglés was my first Camino, I absolutely loved it. I found the only problem was that at the end of it I had walked just long enough to want to keep walking. Be warned, it can be addictive! Buen Camino
You never mention incline training . Honestly you sure need that over the Pyrenees to enjoy it . Just this week heard so many getting taxis because they were scared re heart rate . Hill training will build that heart muscle to cope . Thought I was fit as an avid walker untill I started hill training . But loved your video
That's a very valid point. I did say 'train on different types of terrain' and include a picture of the stairs, but you are right I should have specified what I meant. (I don't have any hills in my area, I actually have to travel to do hill training!) I typically spend half an hour walking up and down the stairs 2 or 3 x a week. Boring as heck but needs must.
@@rubenvg7308 Much appreciated. I was pretty unhappy with the other videos, would have loved to delete them - but I'm not about to rewalk that 200 km...
@@davidharris4062 that can certainly happen, although to be fair the number of reasons as to why is large - not just lack of training. Blisters, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, various strains and sprains, even undiagnosed hairline fractures. Yes, seriously. Moderate training can help alleviate or prevent most of these, but not of course all.
@@KiwiPilgrim Thanks. These first few videos are terrible, I wasn’t originally going to post them but they’re for me, so I remember things in time to come, and show my friends / family. Yes, it’s from before my accident, there’s another 7 or 8 that lead up to it. The videos improved after Leipzig. I’m finally walking without crutches, up to walking 3-4 km per day… .
@peterexpatkiwi So good you're in the rehab stage. Hope it goes really well for you. And thanks for explaining about your videos, I'll look forward to seeing more as you add them.
I found I needed much much less than what I thought. But I had to have the basics. , weather protection, and things so I could be clean and sleep comfortably at night. Things to clean my body and my clothing each day. Simple first aid , some compede, leukotape, Tylenol and anti diarrhea med. you do not want to have that issue and have to wait until you find a pharmacy to get meds. An energy bar if needed and water bottle. That was in my pack. I also needed my trekking poles. And some recovery sandals ( very light ones ) for evenings. I have a tiny camera that clips to the bill of my hat and my phone.
I couldn't agree more. Mind you, I also find them extremely useful on long flat stretches. Basically, mine only leave my hands during break's. They're there to carry me, not me them!
You're welcome! A couple of recent thefts in Albergues emphasise how important it is to take our valuables with us at all times. Including putting them in our sleeping bags at night.
Good to know. Cheers. I have a question if I may. Do you wear your inside pouch whilst walking? If so how do you find it goes with the pack's waist belt?
Hello Peter. I really love your videos and I saw in some forums that ypu are quite an expert on the Camino. I'm doing the camino from Prague and I'm encontrting a bit of a trouble to find information about the stamps among other things. Not sure if you could help me with any websites or knowledge or wisdom that you can share with me. Thank you
Thank you much appreciated. Not sure if I can help, if I can I will. You may find it easier to 🦘 onto the Camino forum www.caminodesantiago.me/community/ . I'm pretty easy to find on there, I use exactly the same picture! Click on my picture, and then on start conversation. Or just posted publicly, then you will have multiple people able to answer! Peter
What an amazing project! You inspire me! Great video and photos. I hit the bell icon so I don't miss any of your progress. (btw, I am that, young, OldDog7 from the Camino site.) Stay safe! Have fun, and build memories.
There is absolutely no need to train for walking a Camino. I am 75 years old and will be flying into Seville next month to walk the Plata/Sanabres. I frequently come across people half my age giving up because of lack of motivation. I walked my first Camino in 2007 beginning in Poitiers. Last year I walked the Frances for the 4th time followed immediately by walking the Ingles. The Plata/Sanabres will be my 11th Camino. Start off your Camino slow and steady. After about four days or so you will realise you are already finding it easier. Another couple of days you will have your Camino legs and you will be polishing of the kms no problem. Just make sure you have good shoes that are a full size bigger than usual. Get your pack weight down below 8ks. A good rule of thumb is if you can walk one mile under twenty minutes you are good to go. Just enjoy it. Buen Camino.
You are correct, which is why I prefaced my video as I did. I like your rule of thumb, 5 km an hour is a reasonable pace. Sadly, many people seldom do any walking nowadays. Thanks for watching, and Buen Camino!
Be prepared! I trained with a 14lb. vest for 3 months, tested several trail runners and socks, and finally got fitted correctly with a backpack. Training is key and it takes time to build muscle and a positive mindset produced from routine. Knowing your gear and how it does or doesn’t function is also key. I do the same routine when I backpack, it makes for a pleasant journey. Buen Camino.
@@peterexpatkiwi Perhaps something about footwear for in albuergues/towns/showers etc or about the Sellos and collecting the Compostela in santiago? Just some ideas
Thank you for posting these! Our family of 4 wil be walking the Primitivo this summer, and plan to walk the Verde as well. Your videos are a great resource! Buen Camino!
Many thanks for this. Perhaps as a useful add on - worth mentioning the weight of the back pack it's self. For top end (40 litre) Dynema Composit Material (DCM) (aka Cuben fibre), think in terms of 750g or less, often frameless or with foam stiffened back panel and seriously big bucks. A well designed light materials 35 litre with stiffened back panel with good features😅 weighs in at about 1000g. Go for an 'Air Zone' style with ventilated back trampoline and the same 35 litre weight jumps to about 1,500g. Step towards traditional (army style) back packs - may be robust but weigh in at 2000g plus. There's also traditional top loading back packs vs less weather resistant / more accessible front panel unzip models. For me - carrying comfort is paramount, and the torso adjustable stiffened back panel Rab Aeon 35 litre ticks all the boxes you mention at 1050g - a likely winner - but not carry on compatible - it will have to go in the hold...
You definitely forgot the most used by Spanish, French or Italians that walk the Camino: Decathlon packs. Also Ferrino or Altus. In general, Osprey is used by those that come from outside Europe. Deuter by Germans, Swiss, and Northern European walkers. All are great brands. Although Decathlon packs are the least expensive of all I have mentioned and they get the job done just as well on the Camino de Santiago.
Thanks for that. Clearly it varies according to whom you see. On the Ingles the vast majority of Spanish pilgrims I met had a mix of backpacks, or were having their packs transported. Of the Italians I walked with on the Primitivo , one had a Decathlon pack, one a Deuter, the other I don’t know. I met zero French. On the Norte I also saw just a handful of Spanish, all the rest were American, Irish, I haven’t walked the Frances
Gracias por compartir este vídeo,llegar a la Plaza del Obradoiro nos produce una sensación indescriptible, todo el esfuerzo que hemos hecho tiene su recompensa al llegar a Santiago.Buen Camino a todos los peregrinos.👍👍👍🍀
@@peterexpatkiwi Unos caminos acaban y otros empiezan, lo importante es lo que nos aportan pues siempre nos enriquece conocer distintos lugares y disfrutar de los paisajes,gastronomía, monumentos y lo más importante toda la gente con la que nos vamos encontrando.Un saludo desde España.👏👏👏🍀🍀
