What's in my backpack?! Final Gear Review from the Camino!

[@beepie874]

Thanks so much for all these videos! I'm doing the camino as part of a longer Sppain Portugal Trip. I'm trying to decide what to do packing wise. A) pack really light for the whole trip and bring everything for my full 10weeks trip on the camino with me. B) Bring a smaller day type bag and post it from Porto to Santiago. Did you meet anyone along the way in a similar situation/ have any thoughts ideas. I see you brought your laptop which is heavy so maybe I could carry extra. It'll be my Spain, Portugal guidebook, a few bits of clothes for walking around cities. Also how did you find the Solomons footwear? Well done on all the challenges Thanks , Brid

[@toughgirlchallenges]

I'd probably go for option A - but I'm very minimalist and don't have a lot of stuff - you also have control over the amount of miles you are doing - so you can go heavier with your pack and just take your time more. I'd just build up the miles as you go - so you adjust to carrying a pack. I'd rather have my stuff with me - than post it - but's that's just me. I love Solomons -they were great for me. I now wear Inov-8 - with trainers it's a very personal thing depending on your feet. So it's very much trial and error to see what works best for you. Thanks so much for watching the vlogs. You will have a brilliant time. It's such a beautiful part of the world - enjoy Sarah

[@djh1066]

Well done Sarah !! really enjoyed watching your videos of your journey up from Lisbon. I did the Frances last June/July so know exactly how you felt and will be doing Portuguese same time this year, so you've made me even more keen to do it now !Appreciated your efforts in putting it all together, super watch !! Kind regards, Dave :)

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Thank you Dave - I'm so excited for your journey - you will have a fabulous time!!! It's going to come around so quick!! Enjoy!!

[@cocosguesthousekohphiphi5704]

Awesome video

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@dianal.1279]

Hi Sarah! I've found your podcast and found it a wonderful idea and you're very good at it! Your pack and stuff look very heavy and I'd cut some things and lighten some others. All in the cheap. I've made a backpack out of an IKEA blue bag for my last adventure in Kyrgyzstan. It weighs less than 400 g and it was almost perfect. It was my first and now I know how to make it awesome for next time (I missed a top pocket). Just an idea if you want to go lighter without spending a fortune. Keep on being amazing!🌹

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your words!! I'd love to see a pic of your backpack!! 400g is very light!!!

[@dianal.1279]

@@toughgirlchallenges I've posted a gif with pictures on my channel. Here is a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHPEcqyrmsudrck This one shows it in final version on Kyrgyzstan with all my gear inside: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJebkpl3pZ51aJI In the first video (gif) there's also a photo of all of my gear for 7 weeks hiking in Kyrgyzstan alone, including my "budget" ul tent (less than 800 g, less than 100 euros). Going light doesn't have to cost a fortune. Carrying less means being able to do adventures even after back surgery (myself, because of herniated disc). I've added load lifters to the pack I've made for Kyrgyzstan. It also has an aluminum frame, but I didn't need it. What I've missed was a top pocket. I'll make another one for my next adventure with a pocket on the top. I like the pocket to carry my sawyer filter and my rain layer. I thought I would use the mesh pocket for it, but I found much more comfy to keep the pack as thin as possible (nothing dangling, one long tube, as close to the body as possible).

[@chimuk519]

Hi Sarah. I watched all of the Portuguese Camino videos and really enjoyed them. I'm hoping to walk from Porto to Santiago and onto Fisterra next year, Covid permitting! Can you tell me which model of Garmin watch that you use?

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Hi Chim, thanks so much for watching the vlogs - glad you enjoyed them. I'm so excited for you - it's such a beautiful walk. I don't actually know - it's 4/5 years old and the back sticker with the details has fallen off!! It is great though. I would recommend Garmin as a brand.