My first post on this blog detailed all the gear I was bringing on the Camino. Now I have completed the Camino, I can offer the following advice for anyone about to do the Camino in May/June
Rucksack – i used an Osprey Talon 33 rucksack for this adventure. Whilst this was a good size backpack that fitted all my belongings in albeit quite compact, I think I would get a 35 or 38l pack next time. A lot of my stuff was packed so tightly it was difficult to unpack or find items whilst walking. A slightly bigger pack will give more freedom and perhaps let your clothes breath a little better.
Shoes – Although I had to part with my trail running shoes, I would still recommend trail running shoes over boots for the Camino. But normal trail running shoes are not made for carrying 6-10kg in your backpack. I would recommend getting trail shoes with Vibram soles or a hiking shoe. Make sure your shoes are one size bigger than normal as your feet do swell in the heat making you more prone to blisters.
Socks- I would bring three pair of anti-blister merino wool socks. Merino wool is great for wicking sweat and keeping your feet dry. Anti-blister socks have a little extra padding where blisters are more likely. Two pair to rotate, and a third pair just to freshen up on longer days.
Bottoms – Next time I do the Camino, I will only bring two pair of lined technical sports shorts, with either a light pair of trousers or casual shorts for the evenings. Sports shorts are quick drying and can be worn in the rain with a poncho. I had a pair of cargo hiking shorts and these got very heavy and took longer to dry out when they got wet. Bring one pair of underwear for evenings.
T-shirts/Tops – 3 Merino wool technical shirts (one with long sleeves) Bringing three means you can wear one in the evening too. Perhaps a lightweight fleece for the colder days/nights.
A waterproof sun hat would be an excellent item to bring instead of baseball caps or straw hats.
Rainwear – I brought a raincoat and it wasn’t great for walking in warm wet weather. It trapped the body heat within and usually left your clothes soaking in sweat as well as any rain that got in. I found that a half decent poncho that also covered your backpack was the best form of rain protection. It kept you reasonably dry, cool and prevented any water dripping down behind your back into your rucksack.
Sleeping – I brought an extra-lightweight 1-2 season sleeping bag which I used on colder nights and a silk liner that done for warm nights- also very good for keeping bed bugs away. I wouldn’t change anything here at all.
Washing – Just a bar of soap or a bottle of shampoo which also washes your body. Don’t bring too much as a lot of albergues have XL bottles of shower gel available and if you stay in a hotel, you can pick up the small bottles/ soap provided amongst other useful things like a comb or single use shaver. Don’t be picky on what the soaps smell like, as long as you’re clean no one will give a damn. Also bring a small toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste that should last 5 weeks. Bring one small roll-on deodorant bottle that will last your journey. Remember the lighter the better.
Clothes washing – I wouldn’t bring any detergent as most albergues have some available. I preferred to use the local laundromats as the detergent was provided by the machine and you could dry your clothes in the dryers available too.
Electricals- a portable battery pack is essential for the Camino. Some albergues only have one socket for everyone to use and this means that some people miss out on recharging. A multi USB plug is also very useful for sharing a charge. A mobile phone was essential for me with good apps to help navigate confusing parts of the trail and to identify where albergues are located. Also handy if you want to book ahead.
First aid – A kit with plenty of Compeeds. Compeeds are very expensive in the pharmacias so if you can stock up on a few boxes before leaving and pack them into your fist aid kit it may save a bit of expense. If you don’t use them yourself you can guarantee you will make many friends by sharing them! Another essential I brought was anti-chafing stick or cream to put on your feet every morning. This helps prevent blisters. A lot of people used some muscle rub for aches and pains. The most common used was Voltarol. I found it worked wonders on my shoulders after carrying the rucksack all day.
Quick-drying lightweight towel – essential for everyday use. I hung my wet towel on the frame/steps of the bunk beds every night and it was dry by the morning- its also useful for using as a curtain for a little privacy or for blocking out lights that are left on.
Walking Sticks – Not essential but a great help for distributing the backpack weight across your whole body. Unless you want to check them in the hold of a plane, I would just buy some sticks wherever you start and donate them when you reach Santiago, or give them to a fellow pilgrim. Personally I found carrying sticks very annoying especially when attached to your pack. They just get in the way and seem to hit everything.
These are my essential items for any camino and I’m sure the ladies will need to bring alternatives and extras. Merino wool is the go-to material for any hiker. But there are also many other suitable materials produced by the big hiking brands such as North Face, Patagonia, Mammut, Rabb amongst others.
Remember to train in your gear with your back-pack before you start the Camino so that everything is well worn in and comfortable. Pay attention to the condition of your shoes especially. You don’t want to have to buy a new pair of shoes and have to break them in when your feet are already sore – Like I did.
If I think of anything else that may be useful I’ll post it here.
El Camino de Santiago 