Always enjoy your videos! You’ve guys got style! Last summer I did my 8th and 9th Caminos. I gave the Invierno a try, and then later in the summer I took our 14 year old daughter on the coast from Porto. On these Caminos, I tried and fell in love with the Ten Thousand Tactical Short with liner. I wore them every single day, without issue. The waistband is incredible comfortable. Very light weight nylon shorts, that quickly dry. No underwear needed because of the liner which is soft and stretchy. The shorts have a security zipper pocket and a small tiny pocket inside the pocket that is stretchy… works great for the European coins! Right now they have 30% off. I have been very impressed with them. Originally I brought two pairs. I only needed one. Because the Portuguese Coastal was warmer when we went, I wore those shorts every day, along with my WoolX black Tshirt. I really didn’t have a need for anything other than my evening wear. Everything was dry by morning. In the evenings, I just wore some Unbound Merino travel shorts and one of their polos. Neither had to be washed, as long as I didn’t spill anything on myself. Next summer, I am meeting up with friends for the Primitivo… and then later in the summer, me and the (now) 15 year old are thinking of trying a part of the Via Francigena from Lucca, Italy to Vatican City. I will be wearing my Ten Thousand Tactical Shorts! Have you done any of the Francigena yet? I am curious what your opinion is on it. Buen Camino!
Wow you’re a super pilgrim! So glad our videos are helpful and enjoyable for you. We keep meaning to walk the Portuguese (and the Francigena one day). Thanks for the tip on the tactical shorts. They look like my style, but I really rely on my pockets when I’m hiking - especially my cargo pocket - so I don’t think they’d work for me. But they look super comfortable. Good luck on the Primitivo. It’s the best.
@ I really like the Portuguese Caminos. I have done different variations of those the most, over the years. I like that it has a good amount of support, and places for good food. I have gone a couple times on those during the winter, solo. I am going to have to go back and watch your videos on the Primitivo. I don’t know what to expect.
Great Vid! Not many good ‘proper’ ultralight Camino packing videos (IMO) and this is one of the very best. Shows just how much stuff you can do without! I’m a fan of running vest-style bags (like Lainey's) but now might give lumbar a go...
Thanks for all the videos!!! Looking at ordering the Jolly Gear shirt through your link, but unsure the size. Are the sizes pretty standard? I'm only 5'8", but unfortunately 180lbs. Would you recommend a Large?
Interesting. As a cyclist, I am a waist pack endorser. Some objections to this ultra minimalist approach though: - I used liner on Camino Sanabres in summer, but I was glad to have an ultralight quilt as well. At some nights the liner was just not warm enough in the Albergues. Even more so in shoulder seasons, I would assume. - Not quite sure if 2 small bottles would be enough when there is a big stage with fewer springs ahead, with heat and elevation. The same goes for groceries for whole day (sometimes necessary). - This minimalist approach feels easier when all the Caminos are in your backyard, basically 1-2 hour speed train ride from your home. As opposed to traveling from half the globe to a Camino. Depends on the attitude though, and I will consider...:)
Absolutely. I feel a little spoiled taking the train to the Camino. And I hear you about the food and water but I really have used this pack for 5+ Caminos with full food and water carries everyday and it works a treat. I’m less maintenance than the average bear but you can absolutely make it work if you don’t need 3L of water and a week of food and snacks (I never do). I’d love to bike the Camino one day too.
Admire what you do so much!! I want to take my kids on the Camino, but we can only go during winter (between Christmas and NY), spring (mid April) or summer breaks, for 7-9 days. Do you have recommendations for a route and best time to go? We want to walk at least 100km. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! We really enjoyed the Camino Invierno for the winter. Or, for a shorter route you can walk any section of the Camino Frances in winter. We've got a video on our favorite alternative routes: th-cam.com/video/jXscvp705qw/w-d-xo.html and a video about time of year to go: th-cam.com/video/j_btIflJ1Qk/w-d-xo.html
This is a great idea if you have the right butt pack. The one I used in the army held my life together in the field. I tried one at REI last week, with 5# it was a bit much, 8# was off the chart. BTW what is the brand of microphones you’re using? Sound quality is awesome. My daughter wants to record some songs outside.
Yeah you have to dial in your lumbar pack but once you find the right one it’s heaven. We use the Hollyland Mark 2. Super easy and great quality. Not sure how it would work for songs though…
Thanks. Yeah we sleep in Albergue’s almost every night and I carry two or three days worth of snacks and usually lunch, sometimes stuff for dinner in my lumbar pack and pockets. Everything fits!
Merino is a better fabric. That's true. And it got a little stinky, but nothing outside of the norm for long hiking days. Just wash it regularly. And if you're really worried, then yeah, merino might be a better choice.
Interesting gear loadout. Wouldn't work for most females though - having to detach all that stuff just to have a wee would be a pita. Guess have to stick with Lainey's packing list! have you ever compared your first camino gear lists to now? quite the evolution.
For sure. The drop leg bag would be a nightmare if you pee on trail all the time. But the lumbar works without it. And yeah, Lainey’s vest packing list is amazing!
FYI, all aluminum cans and bottles have a thin plastic liner in them. There are videos of people dissolving the aluminum and are left with a plastic bag of liquid. The idea that you're limiting your plastic exposure by using aluminum is crunchy snake oil.
I’ve actually seen those videos and I agree. The thin layer of plastic in aluminum cans is a bummer. But it’s better than drinking directly from a plastic bottle. I’ve witnessed severe degradation from using the same plastic bottle for weeks on trail. They break down in the sun way faster and anything that reduces the amount of plastic I’m drinking is a win (even if it’s got an asterisk in it). Thanks for the heads up though and thanks for watching!
Really nice list of gear! Instead of changing to a bigger leg pack, you could also change to the hoverair x1 drone, which brings down your pack weight even more and gives you also other benefits.. Your packlist is really inspiring!
Really well. I washed my shirt every three days or so. More often if I could but it wasn’t a necessity. I’m not a super sweaty guy, so mileage may vary, but I was happy with it. It’s not as anti-odor as merino, but I found it a close second.
Always enjoy your videos! You’ve guys got style!
Last summer I did my 8th and 9th Caminos. I gave the Invierno a try, and then later in the summer I took our 14 year old daughter on the coast from Porto. On these Caminos, I tried and fell in love with the Ten Thousand Tactical Short with liner. I wore them every single day, without issue.
The waistband is incredible comfortable. Very light weight nylon shorts, that quickly dry. No underwear needed because of the liner which is soft and stretchy. The shorts have a security zipper pocket and a small tiny pocket inside the pocket that is stretchy… works great for the European coins! Right now they have 30% off. I have been very impressed with them. Originally I brought two pairs. I only needed one.
Because the Portuguese Coastal was warmer when we went, I wore those shorts every day, along with my WoolX black Tshirt. I really didn’t have a need for anything other than my evening wear. Everything was dry by morning. In the evenings, I just wore some Unbound Merino travel shorts and one of their polos. Neither had to be washed, as long as I didn’t spill anything on myself.
Next summer, I am meeting up with friends for the Primitivo… and then later in the summer, me and the (now) 15 year old are thinking of trying a part of the Via Francigena from Lucca, Italy to Vatican City. I will be wearing my Ten Thousand Tactical Shorts! Have you done any of the Francigena yet? I am curious what your opinion is on it.
Buen Camino!
Wow you’re a super pilgrim! So glad our videos are helpful and enjoyable for you. We keep meaning to walk the Portuguese (and the Francigena one day). Thanks for the tip on the tactical shorts. They look like my style, but I really rely on my pockets when I’m hiking - especially my cargo pocket - so I don’t think they’d work for me. But they look super comfortable. Good luck on the Primitivo. It’s the best.
@ I really like the Portuguese Caminos. I have done different variations of those the most, over the years. I like that it has a good amount of support, and places for good food. I have gone a couple times on those during the winter, solo.
I am going to have to go back and watch your videos on the Primitivo. I don’t know what to expect.
The Cleverhood poncho is very light and very waterproof. Thanks to your recommendations, I've made a 3kg Camino pack!
That’s amazing! Hope you enjoy the lighter pack on the trail. I can’t wait to see the Cleverhood poncho
Great Vid! Not many good ‘proper’ ultralight Camino packing videos (IMO) and this is one of the very best. Shows just how much stuff you can do without! I’m a fan of running vest-style bags (like Lainey's) but now might give lumbar a go...
Thanks so much. Yeah, once you go light it’s tough to go back. The vest is great but it’s lumbar pack all the way for me.
Thanks for sharing. Some great ideas and tried and tested equipment. 👍
Happy to help! It all works for me, and hopefully some of it will fit your packing style.
i looked into the Jolly Gear shirts when i saw Lainey's running vest packing video...i love them 🙂
That's awesome!
Awesome video ❤❤❤
Thanks!
Excellent. Thanks for the recommendations!
Happy to help!
Thanks, you answered my questions about the drone.
Happy to help!
Thanks for all the videos!!! Looking at ordering the Jolly Gear shirt through your link, but unsure the size. Are the sizes pretty standard? I'm only 5'8", but unfortunately 180lbs. Would you recommend a Large?
I think jolly makes his shirts on the larger side. Check out his sizing guide but I’m 6’1” and I wore the large and had some room to spare.
Interesting. As a cyclist, I am a waist pack endorser. Some objections to this ultra minimalist approach though:
- I used liner on Camino Sanabres in summer, but I was glad to have an ultralight quilt as well. At some nights the liner was just not warm enough in the Albergues. Even more so in shoulder seasons, I would assume.
- Not quite sure if 2 small bottles would be enough when there is a big stage with fewer springs ahead, with heat and elevation. The same goes for groceries for whole day (sometimes necessary).
- This minimalist approach feels easier when all the Caminos are in your backyard, basically 1-2 hour speed train ride from your home. As opposed to traveling from half the globe to a Camino. Depends on the attitude though, and I will consider...:)
Absolutely. I feel a little spoiled taking the train to the Camino. And I hear you about the food and water but I really have used this pack for 5+ Caminos with full food and water carries everyday and it works a treat. I’m less maintenance than the average bear but you can absolutely make it work if you don’t need 3L of water and a week of food and snacks (I never do). I’d love to bike the Camino one day too.
Admire what you do so much!!
I want to take my kids on the Camino, but we can only go during winter (between Christmas and NY), spring (mid April) or summer breaks, for 7-9 days. Do you have recommendations for a route and best time to go? We want to walk at least 100km. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! We really enjoyed the Camino Invierno for the winter. Or, for a shorter route you can walk any section of the Camino Frances in winter. We've got a video on our favorite alternative routes: th-cam.com/video/jXscvp705qw/w-d-xo.html
and a video about time of year to go: th-cam.com/video/j_btIflJ1Qk/w-d-xo.html
@ rooting for you guys!!
Very helpful tips!
This is a great idea if you have the right butt pack. The one I used in the army held my life together in the field. I tried one at REI last week, with 5# it was a bit much, 8# was off the chart.
BTW what is the brand of microphones you’re using? Sound quality is awesome. My daughter wants to record some songs outside.
Yeah you have to dial in your lumbar pack but once you find the right one it’s heaven. We use the Hollyland Mark 2. Super easy and great quality. Not sure how it would work for songs though…
I enjoyed the video. Are you sleeping in hostels? Do you carry much food?
Thanks. Yeah we sleep in Albergue’s almost every night and I carry two or three days worth of snacks and usually lunch, sometimes stuff for dinner in my lumbar pack and pockets. Everything fits!
I recommend Houdini Pace light pants.
Awesome thanks! I’ll check em out.
Does the Jolly Gear shirt get stinky? Many folk seem to wear merino sun hoodies to avoid that?
Lovely info as always :)
Merino is a better fabric. That's true. And it got a little stinky, but nothing outside of the norm for long hiking days. Just wash it regularly. And if you're really worried, then yeah, merino might be a better choice.
Interesting gear loadout. Wouldn't work for most females though - having to detach all that stuff just to have a wee would be a pita. Guess have to stick with Lainey's packing list! have you ever compared your first camino gear lists to now? quite the evolution.
For sure. The drop leg bag would be a nightmare if you pee on trail all the time. But the lumbar works without it. And yeah, Lainey’s vest packing list is amazing!
FYI, all aluminum cans and bottles have a thin plastic liner in them. There are videos of people dissolving the aluminum and are left with a plastic bag of liquid. The idea that you're limiting your plastic exposure by using aluminum is crunchy snake oil.
I’ve actually seen those videos and I agree. The thin layer of plastic in aluminum cans is a bummer. But it’s better than drinking directly from a plastic bottle. I’ve witnessed severe degradation from using the same plastic bottle for weeks on trail. They break down in the sun way faster and anything that reduces the amount of plastic I’m drinking is a win (even if it’s got an asterisk in it). Thanks for the heads up though and thanks for watching!
Really nice list of gear!
Instead of changing to a bigger leg pack, you could also change to the hoverair x1 drone, which brings down your pack weight even more and gives you also other benefits..
Your packlist is really inspiring!
Thanks so much! Always happy to help spark some ultralight ideas. I’ve seen that drone before and it looks interesting. Could be fun. Do you have one?
In California they have the road runners in El Camino de Santiago they have Days we Spend.
Hahahaha I love it!
Nice try Shawn, but I’m still not sold- need to get down to a smaller pack first I think before taking the lumbar pack step…
Absolutely! It’s not for everyone but hopefully it can help you pack a little lighter.
Decathlon mh100 pants ! Just like your shorts but with legs. Light and very cheap - £21 in uk
Yessssssss! Thank you. Can’t wait to check em out. I love the shorts.
How does Jolly gear perform with Funk/Stink? How many days could you wear it before it got ripe?
Really well. I washed my shirt every three days or so. More often if I could but it wasn’t a necessity. I’m not a super sweaty guy, so mileage may vary, but I was happy with it. It’s not as anti-odor as merino, but I found it a close second.
Are the Jolly Gear shirts lightweight? How many ounces aproximately?
Not super duper lightweight but on par with standard hiking shirts. It’s a bit thicker and the hood adds some heft. But super worth it.
You’re my gold standard in packing. Aspirational. But I’m not with you yet. Thx for insights.
Haha I’m always just showing what works for me. Hopefully it gives you a few ideas. Buen Camino!
Sea to Summit has a more conventional silnylon poncho.
Awesome! Thanks so much. I love Sea to Summit. Can’t wait to check it out.
@ mine weights 185 grams.
Take a look at alpha down…
Awesome. Will do!