Galicia

Green fields & tree groves are common in Galicia, a region with deep Celtic roots & an Irish feel. The Pouch takes in the view while resting on a stone fence.

In the town of Sarria, Dad & I stopped at Peregrinoteca, an outdoor gear store located on the Road. Sarria is the #1 starting point for Camino Frances because it's about 100 kilometers from there to Santiago. This distance is the minimum amount needed to walk in order to receive a Compostela.

Who wants a Pilgrim Pouch? 3 peregrinos raise their hands near Palas de Rei.

Final stretch

Dad & I stopped in Astorga on our way to Sarria where we'll begin the final stretch of our Camino. In Astorga we visited the outdoor gear store Huracan Deportes y Aventura. The Pilgrim Pouch could help with lightening the load of the giant backpack out front!

** There's about a week left before the Pouch reaches Santiago de Compostela, the finish for Camino Tres -- stay tuned for more adventures!

The Lions in Leon

The Pilgrim Pouch met the lions in Leon. This beautiful city's insignia is the lion, which can be seen in sculptural form around town.

While in Leon, Dad & I visited several outdoor gear stores to show the Pilgrim Pouch. At Córdoba we talked with Julio, who grew up in Leon & gave us suggestions about festival events happening during our stay.

At Ameria Castro we met Roberto who had enjoyed visiting San Francisco & national parks during his travels in the U.S.

Dad posed with Maria at El Corte Ingles, Spain's major department store chain, which has a sports department that features hiking & outdoor gear.

Pouch on the go

Traveling by train is a snap with the Pilgrim Pouch. Any essential needed en route is an easy reach.

It's off now to the last segment of our Camino Tres journey, from Sarria to Santiago. First up, though, is a stop in the city of Leon. 

Meseta sweetness

The Meseta path includes bushes with fragrant yellow blossoms. It's easy to "stop and smell the flowers" when you're carrying a lightweight Pilgrim Pouch.

Pilgrim Pouch on the Meseta

The Pilgrim Pouch is looking good against an adobe wall in Calzadilla de la Cueza on the Meseta, Spain's central plateau region. This is where buildings made with mud and straw are common. 

A day in Burgos

The Pilgrim Pouch is given a thumbs up by a local chef during a sightseeing day in the city of Burgos. 

Stay tuned for more reviews on the second leg of the Pouch's Camino journey. Next stop: the Meseta.

End of Camino Aragones

Near the end of Camino Aragones, the Pilgrim Pouch takes a break by Santa Maria de Eunate ("House of 100 Doors"). This 12th c. octagonal church is where Knight Templars might have worshipped. Old graves with shells have been found in the area, signifying medieval pilgrims visited here. 

Stay tuned for further discoveries as the Pouch travels to the Meseta, the second part of our Camino Tres journey. 

 

From Jaca to Izco

A "barrabes" outdoor gear store was on the Road out of Jaca. Yorka gave Dad & me contact info for the main office where new products are introduced.

Swiss walker Susanna poses with the Pilgrim Pouch in Sanguesa. Susanna & husband Michael are avid hikers & travelers, and the Pouch will be a perfect carry bag for their adventures.

Outside the village of Izco Dad demonstrates how the Pouch's adjustable strap fits nicely under backpack shoulder straps. It's an easy reach to get any essential.

Handy in Jaca

The Pilgrim Pouch came in handy for carrying a small water bottle while checking out sights in Jaca. Dad refilled his bottle at the fountain in front of 11th century Catedral de San Pedro.

If the Pouch picks up trail or city dust, just wipe the fabric with a damp cloth. It couldn't be easier to clean! 

Hitting the trail in Somport

Trail essentials are at your fingertips with the Pilgrim Pouch! The zippered closure holds everything in place, even while navigating rocky surfaces at the start of Camino Aragones in Somport.

Adventures in Zaragoza

The Pilgrim Pouch is ready for a bike ride on Zaragoza's public bicycle system. Carrying essentials while riding is a breeze with the lightweight Pouch. 

Why lug around a heavy bag while sightseeing? The Pouch is perfect to tour historic sites, such as Zaragoza's 11th c. Palacio de la Aljaferia that features Moorish architecture.

Onward to Spain

After a tiring but exciting day of travel, the Pilgrim Pouch lands in Spain with Dad & me for Camino Tres. We spent the first night in Zaragoza and celebrated our arrival with a late dinner. The Pouch rested near the flan.

Pilgrim Pouch Debut

Over two years in the making...tested on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in Spain...made with eco-friendly fabrics...it's the Pilgrim PouchTM! The pouch handy for hiking, biking, traveling, & strolling around town.

In 2011 I walked the Camino with my dad Albert in memory of my mom Lillian and her two sisters, Arlene & Virginia, who all passed away in 2010 within seven weeks of each other. On the walk I realized the need for a small & lightweight carry bag to hold essentials. 

When Dad & I returned to Spain in 2013 to walk the Camino again, the gear preparation included searching for a bag. There was no luck finding what we wanted, so I got out my sewing machine and created the first version of the Pilgrim Pouch.

The Pouch proved to be invaluable on the trail and while sightseeing. I used mine to carry a camera, sketchpad, and sun lotion; Dad used his to carry a cell phone, small tablet, and guidebook.

Once home from the Camino, I further developed the Pouch, which involved fine-tuning the overall design & incorporating art inspired by the trail. The Pilgrim Pouch line was launched with a silkscreen design on the front that replicates the logo, a boot to represent the countless walkers who have trekked the Camino over the centuries.

The process of producing the Pilgrim Pouch involved many stages, from finding a U.S. manufacturer to getting a patent & trademarks in place. A search for eco-friendly fabrics led to choosing a blend of organic cotton/recycled polyester (from water bottles) & an organic cotton lining.

The 9.25"x 10"x 1.5" Pilgrim Pouch packs easily into a backpack or suitcase and is hand washable with cold water & a gentle soap. The wide adjustable shoulder strap stays comfortable for hours, and a zippered closure keeps everything in place. At around 4 oz., the Pouch never weighs you down!

Dad & I on a walk with our Pilgrim Pouches

In 2015 Dad & I returned to Spain to explore more Camino trails, including Camino Aragones, & in 2016 I walked solo the Camino Primitivo.

Follow along on "Pilgrim Pouch Peregrinations" as the Pouch travels the Camino and other adventures. 

Ultreia! Forward!

Lillian, Arlene, Virginia -- "The Charn Girls"