Camino Photo of the Day: a Note on Water Bottles

14 May 2024 Thom Gear, Photo of the Day 2023, Via Podiensis

Steve took this photo of me as we entered Aumont-Aubrac. This was my stopping point for the day, though Steve was pushing on a bit farther. Our plan was to have lunch in town and then say our goodbyes. In this photo you can see my mascot, Dobbles the penguin, as well as my forward-facing water bottle holsters. A word about these is probably in order, since so many folks have asked me about them.

I purchase mine from an Etsy seller named JustinUL. I recently purchased a second pair, as after several thousand miles worth of pilgrimage and hikes since 2019, the originals are pretty beat up. I prefer bottles to the in-pack water bladder that most folks seem to like – including Francine. I find the bladders to be too fussy, and it’s impossible to tell how much water you have left without disassembling your pack. I also like the bottles to be in easy reach. Justin perfected these holsters, and although many gear companies have copied his design, I still prefer the original. I unhesitatingly recommend them.

And though you probably can’t tell from the photo, my bottles are 0.75 liter metal bottles. Why metal and not plastic? I have a tendency to drop things, and I’d rather put a dent in my bottle than a crack. It’s worth the small amount of extra weight.