It’s surprising how complicated all this preparation is. It’s not that there is no information on what to take – rather that there is so much and so much is contradictory. For example; the most fundamental kit has got to be the footwear. On the Camino websites there is plenty of advice that says strong walking boots with good ankle support are essential, the evidence being sad tales of pilgrims turning an ankle on day 1. There is also plenty of advice that says strong walking boots are heavy, the ground isn’t too rough and you will end up throwing the boots away by day 5.
I’ve gone for ultra lightweight trail shoes. They are wonderfully comfortable and are obviously highly engineered, down to the kevlar shoes laces with a quick release mechanism. So if anyone decides to shoot at my feet, I’ll be laughing. If the kevlar snaps, I’m stuffed because the eyelets are too narrow for normal shoelaces. I can’t say I’m delighted with the style as they look like really cheap trainers which, with shorts and dark socks, is going to reinforce the stereotypical image of an Englishman abroad rather cruelly.
コメント