Australian Registered Nurse here. With regards to hats COVER YOUR EARS! I can't tell you how many ear cancers we see here from people not using sun screen on their ears and not wearing a hat that covers the ears. Always, always, always use SPF 50 on every exposed skin including the back of neck, back of legs and back of arms and use it EVERY day, even on cloudy days you can still get sun damaged. Prevention is better than the cure.
Refreshing to find a quitely spoken person to walk us through your journey. Easy to listen to and easy to take notes as you talk to us. Thank you! For bringing calmer pace to the journey prep for me. Ill be staying with you!!
Hi Lily! Those may be the kindest words written to me! I am humble and grateful ❤️ Thank you. I am on my way to Spain, as I write this, to walk Camino Finisterre. I will keep posting as this time I am walking alone and the schedule is quite demanding. Buen Camino! 🥾
This is so helpful to see an older person's experience. There seems to be a ton of videos from 20-somethings. I'm decades past that. LOL Thank you for your review.
Hi Ataraxia, thank you for your kind comment! It is funny that most of the videos seem to be coming from much younger pilgrims. It is certainly not representative of the pilgrim demographic. If the majority of pilgrims were not older, I would have to guess that it was at least 50/50. There is probably a gap in the comfort levels with technology. Buen Camino!
I really enjoyed your review and tips. They have lightweight rain skirts and leg gaiters for those rainy days. they do a lot to keep you dry and comfortable.
Hi Alma! Thank you for watching and adding your helpful comment! I just finished walking the Via Podiensis and am now a reformed believer in gaiters. It easily rained half of the total of 35 days. The rain and mud that I had to walk through was impressive. From now on, I’ll be walking with over the shoe gaiters. So grateful I had waterproof boots! Bon Chemin!
I have now watched all of your videos. What an adventure! I just love your spirit and positivity! No wonder you made so many Camino friends. Great videos and thank you for the gear review!
Oh my goodness! Huge dedication! Thank you for your very kind words 🙏💕 And, let me apologize for the music. I didn’t look at apps before Camino and just used what was on my phone. The choices that I had for music was abysmal and, believe it or not, the one that I chose was the best. Ugh 🙄. If you are going on Camino, it will be epic in your life. Please don’t forget that your friend Kathy said “the Camino provides.” This will make you smile and laugh in wonder on your journey.
Love all your videos. Great photography (really!) and great commentary. You helped me understand much better what the conditions will be, and what the challenges are. Really appreciate your positive outlook in every situation. Doing my first Camino (Frances) next October.
Hi Deborah, thank you for your very kind words. I’m excited for your Camino! I think October will be an excellent time to be on your Way. The cooler temperatures and melancholy sky will make your walk really special. I expect you will have an epic adventure! Buen Camino!
Hi Nina, thank you for your kindness 💕 You will certainly make friends in the first couple of days, your “Camino Family.” I expect that you will know them the rest of your life. Buen Camino!
Hi LCFI! Thank you for your very kind words! I do hope you enjoy my videos. They are really amateur productions, but I present them to you with honesty and vulnerability. Buen Camino! 🙏🏻💕😊
I thought this was a well done and informative post trip review. Good tips fir the Camino for everyone. The only tip I have being that I always suffer from blister when backpacking in the wilderness is to pre-tape your blister sensitive areas of your feet. Prevents the whole issue. Thanks again.
Hi Hike2Fish! I couldn’t agree more! I am off to hike through Provence in new hiking shoes, again, because I just can’t seem to learn anything! I will absolutely take your advice on taping. My Camino taught me well enough where I am likely to blister. I haven’t perfected care for the pads of my lesser 4 toes. Open to suggestions. Buen Camino!
Btw take extra time to break in those new hiking boots. Daily walks initially especially steep grades were you can. Then a day hike should soften up any non-leather hikers. For leather you need several weeks of harder wear. Another tip when buying & sizing boots is to take out the insole in the store, stand up on them and ensure that you have a finger width in front of your toes. In this way you double check for adequate toe-box space. Otherwise you are banging your toes into the boot front especially on downhills and taking off toenails at worse. Cheers.
Debbie, Thank you for all the advice in your video. I hope your Lupus doesn't 'flare up' anymore so that you can enjoy hikes like the Camino in the near future. I am thinking about walking the Camino and after seeing your video I am even more inspired. All the best to you and friendly greetings.
Hi Debbie! Thank you for your very kind words 💕 Thankfully, I don’t have lupus. The only thing that can slow me down is a few extra pounds 😆 I love that you feel encouraged to walk. I hope you do! Buen Camino!
Hi DJ Breakfast! Thank you for watching my channel and best of luck in your Camino planning! I am planning another long one this year and am lightening my pack by taking fewer clothes. In addition to the clothes on my back, I will only bring one additional pant and shirt, and running shorts and a tee to sleep in. I will still bring three pairs of socks and liners because foot care is so important. I am also adding a small waist pack, so I have easier access to my phone, money, passport, and Gimbal (better videos in ‘24 😃). I am excited for your adventure and Buen Camino!
Loved your video! First time I learnt there might not bed bed liners in the albergues! Also useful to learn what you didn’t use in the end. Buen camino!
Lovely practical video thank-you. How can I not love it with Kiki in it? Will now go on to watch your others. I’m planning to do the Frances this April may. ❤
I’m 63 now and have Lupus and complications from it. I don’t think I could even lift a carryon into the overhead now and I’m 5’9”. I love traveling and the last time I hiked was in 2018 all over Yellowstone and following the Gallitin River and the same trip we then flew to Calgary and hiked all over Banff and got to walk on a glacier. I miss those days and hope my doctors get me stronger again. I literally have to lay in bed for a week after we drive to see our son, DIL and grandkids or if they come down and I’m muscling up strength to play with them, which is nonstop for 6 and 4 yr olds. Everyone that’s able to travel, do it when you’re young like our 3 sons do. Our youngest has to travel alot as he’s in the USAF on a rapid response team to be on a cargo plane anywhere in the world within 12 hrs. This is a new position that he wanted, but more dangerous than the 8 yrs he was in airfield management. He had dangerous deployments in the Middle East, but was usually on an airbase. Now, his group would be 1st in and out in to decide where a runway should go coordinate how to fix a bombed out runway. I worry about him and I know the stress isn’t helping my Lupus and heart issues right now. But he’s happy and very responsible so I’m happy for him. Your video was very informative and if I’m able to get well, I’ll use those tips, especially the hiking poles. We bought 65 and 80 ltr Osprey backpacks, hiking gear, walking poles, tents, everything a hiker would need and haven’t used it once since my condition worsened. Oh, we did sleep in our own tents and new sleeping bags in the backyard! Lol it was fun for a few hrs and then we went inside to our comfy bed. 😅
Hey Debbie. Not sure if you have heard of Dr Goldner from Goodbye Lupus. There may be some pointers that she shares that could help you out. She has had lupus herself. Best of luck.
Hi Jill, thank you for saying such nice things! You made me smile from ear to ear 😄 I think you are going on Camino Real at the exact perfect time. I’m swaying back and forth between walking the Portuguese Way and returning to the French Way. Either “Way” (😉), I’ll be walking. I hope you have the very best time! Buen Camino!
Canadian aged 75 want to do the Camino, I've read Shirley Mcleans book years ago and it is on my bucket list and you have made it more interesting and need to go. scared as im alone but will do more research thanks for all your suggestions.
Hi Georgina! I listened to Shirley’s book while I walked part of my Camino. The Camino is an excellent bucket list adventure! And, addicting. I can’t imagine letting ‘23 pass without doing another. Georgina, maybe it’s time to lace up and head out! Buen Camino!
Hi Gina, thank you for the very kind words! You can find my videos easily by typing A Slower Pace Camino into the search. Hitting the join button will keep them in easy access for as long as you like. Buen Camino! 💕
Hi Wanderlusting! I have been on treks where the rain was relentless (Dolomites!). This was not that trek. The little boot brush is a cool item and I will keep it for future adventures. But, it only rained a couple days on my Camino. Mud was never an issue. Thank you for checking out my video. Buen Camino!
For any non-Americans reading and wondering about the shampoo. Lush - in many European countries, and online- do shampoo bars and containers (they are slightly less deep, so less weight). They have versions for all sorts of hair types: also, psoriasis etc for which you might normally feel you need your special shampoo. @A Slower Pace Thank you for the video. Goodness knows how I ended up here; I am not thinking of doing the Camino, though I live in Spain and have done practice day walks with those more committed to the idea, including the Camino from landfall from Africa - Tarifa to Boloña beach.
Hi Ursula, thank you for adding your local knowledge! I appreciate it! As for how you “ended up here”, perhaps you are being called. In the beginning, I didn’t even know that I wanted to walk. I gained knowledge of the Camino years ago and that knowledge grew, over time, into a desire that I could not ignore. Now, I think about the Camino every day and spend time looking at flights and the rest of my calendar for my eventual return. I want to walk the Portuguese Way, but I fell so deeply in love with Spain and her people and history, I may just go back to SJPDP and do the French Way all over again. Perhaps we will meet on The Way. Buen Camino!
Sweet lady, thank you so much for your suggestions, I am going to do only the last part on September , hopping I am not going to get blisters. I am looking forward to do it . God bless
Totally agree about not bothering to bring the money belt. I preferred to use a regular "fanny waist pack" since I liked to have access to my phone and my pilgrim passport during the day and it was nice to have it in front rather than in my backpack. The waist pack had a back zipper where I kept my passport, credit card, and driver's license since I didn't need those most of the time and liked the security of it being in the back. I also agree not to bring a pillow, but I did bring a pillowcase just in case there was no pillow, I could use clothes to make a pillow.
Hi Camino Turtle! Thank you for your insightful comment and for watching my channel 😊 I think the waist pack idea is a very good one! I am walking Chemin Le Puy this year and will definitely add a waist pack for all the reasons you mentioned. And, it would be nice to have my Garmin close at hand. Buen Camino!
Hi Caren! Thank you for watching and leaving a very nice comment! I think my first pack was pretty good, but heavy. If you can, or want to forward some of your things, it is a very manageable amount. I am getting ready to walk my next long Camino and have reduced the weight of my pack from about 23 lbs, without water, to 16 lbs, without water. This year, I am walking in the same pant and shirt every day, changing into a capri and tee for evening and sleeping. If I encounter rain and there is no opportunity to dry my hiking clothes, then I have the capris and tee as a backup. I really hope this works! 🤞 I wish you the very best experience and a Buen Camino!
@@kbhothothot Oh great, you're going for a new opportunity!!! I will do it God willing in Sep and Oct of this year, I have no excuses, there are many good tips and examples like yours... Buen Camino 2024 then!!!
@@kbhothothot Great to hear - I hope to do Portuguese after I finish the Francés- still have the section from SJPP to Burgos to do. Yes, wish I was back walking now!! 🏃🏼🏃♂️🏃🏼🏃♂️
Great video! The little stoppers for the pole tips are available in hiking shops along the way. I wore down a couple pairs in a couple Caminos - no regrets. The Camino goes through well-populated towns with excellent pharmacies. Anything 'emergency' or forgotten can be picked up along the way. The pharmacists are very helpful and usually bilingual. I did bring pepper spray - kept it within reach on the front of my pack. I didn't use it - but would have been helpful if I was cornered by a dog. It did help with my self-confidence along the way as I was traveling alone. The only thing I would add that I didn't see would be a swimsuit. Especially for the summer months. Doesn't take much space - and is such a welcome relief in a couple situations. If you can spend the afternoon / evening in Molinaseca after the mountain - you'll welcome a swim in the river. Also, I'd recommend marking the back of your shoes and your poles with a bright-colored duct tape with your name / initials on them. It makes them easy to find and makes it less likely that someone will accidentally take your boots. It happens - last Camino there was an ongoing saga of a few people losing boots in a similar...but not exact...size. See you on the next Camino!!
Hi Marilyn! Thank you for the great tips! They are really appreciated and add good value to this space! I especially appreciate the suggestion for easily identifying your poles and boots. When my former partner and I hiked Tour du Mont Blanc, someone took his hiking boots at the highest refugio on the trail. Thankfully, the pair that was lest behind fit him very well, but this mistake could have had disastrous results. Buen Camino!
@@kbhothothot Thanks! Are you going back soon? First walk I did St. Jean to Santiago. Second time I didn't have as much time, so I did it from the half-way point and then went to Finisterre. I highly recommend heading to the sea for a lovely rest stop at the end of the trip. My goal is to do the Camino every three years until I can't anymore.
@@marilyns6043 Hi Marilyn! I am packing now for my second Camino. I settled on Camino Finestere (Santiago-Finestere-Muxia-Santiago) because I am feeling strongly called to walk this. I will return in ‘24 to walk the entire Norte. I’m hooked! Buen Camino!
Hello again, Marilyn, We are rocketing into 2024 and my plans have changed a bit. I will walk two Caminos in the coming year, the Chemin Le Puy and Camino Portuguese. I’ve just purchased my air to France and am getting very excited 😃 Buen Camino!
WOW. Just loved this video! I've been on probably all the Camino packing list and yours was amazing. I'm doing my first Camino next September. Starting walking on Sept. 7th from SJPP. Will now go check out your other videos... Thanks for sharing !!!
I apologize for the poor video quality! I shot my first video ever after we arrived in SJPP and literally tried to learn as I went. The music is maddening! I will do a much better job next time…Portuguese Way ‘23 😃. Thank you for your very kind remarks!
Hi Julie! I was wondering about hikers wool just the other day! I have watched all of the Days We Spend videos. I adore Shawn and Lainey and their videos and advice are really good. Lainey is solid on the hiker’s wool and she makes me want to try it. Thank you for the reminder, Julie. If you have experience with it, I would love to hear more! Buen Camino!
Hi again, Julie! I just ordered two packages of hikers wool from Amazon. I think it will really help with my biggest problem area for taping: between my toes!!! If it works, I will add it to my video commentary on the Via Podiensis 😃 Bon Chemin, Julie!
For folks without a smart watch, they make watches for kids that have a silent vibrating alarms. I got one on Amazon. The band is plenty long enough despite it being a kids watch. Very reasonably priced. No need to buy or even bring a smart watch to get this alarm feature. (I own a smart watch but don't want to bring it since my phone will always be on me. I don't want to lose it or deal with charging it every day.)
It was so valuable to hear all your practical suggestions. I am curious: did you say when you walked? I'm planning on going on the Camino Portuguese in April or May of '24 and would like to bring the correct amount of warmth!!
Hi Loreeraine! I think you have picked the exact right time to walk Camino Portuguese. I am committed to walking Camino Norte in late spring, ‘24, and am very, very tempted to arrive early enough to walk from Porto first. So, you and I are on the same page. I am on my way to Spain right now to walk Camino Finisterre. I will keep posting as this time I walk alone and the schedule is demanding. I hope to see you on the trail and Buen Camino!
Thanks a great informational video. I am not sure you have been asked this, but two questions What did your backpack weigh? Did you prebook all your accommodations? How did you contact a use a bag forward company for you pack?
Hi Rhonda! Thank you for watching and thank you for the great questions! My pack was too heavy. I think it was pretty close to 22 lbs, before water. My pack was too heavy and my boots were too small. The combination of these two mistakes took a toll on me shortly after clearing the Pyrenees. So, that’s how I became acquainted with the baggage porting services. There are several companies that are available throughout the entire Camino Frances and their information is everywhere: all the alburgues and hotels along The Way. As for booking, yes, I did pre-book all of our accommodations. People are walking in unprecedented numbers since restricts dropped post Covid. And, we walked during a holy year. However, I did not complete all our reservations prior to leaving for the Camino. Instead, I booked SJPD through Pamplona prior to arriving in Spain, and then booked a few days ahead from there. I spent much of our five rest days booking ahead. This method worked fine for us. Buen Camino!
Loved your video. Can I ask how you handled the money situation? Did you bring a lot of cash or rely on ATM's? What brand was your puffy jacket as it packed down very small. Do you remember the weight of you fully loaded back pack? I hope to do it this year or next when I will be in my late 70's and any tips for an 'elderly' pilgrim? Thanks
Hi Laura! Thank you so much for watching! Let’s address your age first. You will be in good company and feel very comfortable on the Camino. Age is just not an issue. And, I very much hope you go this year! So, what are the issues? 1. Feet first! I live and recreate in the mountains. But, turns out that only gave me a false sense of security that took me down about 9 days in. My best advice, born of experience, walk! Walk for lots of miles and walk many consecutive days in a row. Walk on sidewalk and asphalt. Notice any hot spots on your feet? If you feel even the slightest crowding in your shoes, they will become your nightmare. Work with athletic tape and a sock liner before you leave home so you know what works for you. Try out both silk and synthetic liners. Shoes are a giant controversy in RU-vid videos. My experience is go larger than your usual size, a half to a full size larger. After I had to leave my hiking boots behind, I was fitted with shoes large enough to be clown shoes! 😆 But, they got me to Santiago, where I ceremoniously threw them in the trash! I had experienced walking 11 consecutive days prior to the Camino. But, you haven’t walked 500 consecutive miles, until you have. Your feet will swell, so give them room. 2. Money. I used ATMs. You will only find them in the towns large enough to have an ATM system that works with international banking. Many of the small villages had an ATM, but they were only for transactions within Spain. So, look at where you are going and plan accordingly. Many, if not most, of the dormitory style accommodations only accept cash, while most, if not all, of the hotels accept credit cards. The great majority of bars/cafes will only accept cash. I usually took $300-$400 EU out of the ATMs at a time in the very largest cities. 3. The puffy jacket that I purchased on Camino was super in expensive ($35?), made in China, and literally doesn’t have a label on it. However, there are lots of choices available at REI, Columbia, and I’ll bet just about every outdoor recreation store. I will also add that I have seen puffy jackets that fit into their own stuff sack in Costco and Sam’s club. So, I’m guessing Walmart will have something, as well. Lots of places happy to take your money! 4. My fully loaded pack, with 100 oz of water was just about 25 lbs. This is too heavy. When I Camino again this year, it will not weigh more than 20 lbs. Know that you can pick up lots of toiletry kinds of items along the way, if you find that you don’t have something you need. 5. Bonus comment! Keep in mind that the first stage of the Camino is physical and challenging, as your body conditions. The second stage, the Meseta, is mental, and you will have lots of time to think (I loved it!). And, the third and final stage is spiritual, no matter what you are spiritually tied to. This part of the Camino is green and lovely and has a lot more pilgrims on it. I think being aware of these stages helps. Does it hurt? Yes, it is expected. Will you be introspective? Yes, your journey will be largely internal. Will you walk in gratitude and love? Yes, it is your reward. Buen Camino, Laura!
@@kbhothothot Thank you so much for addressing all my questions. Regarding shoes I wear a men's size 41 and for my 2020 Camino which did not happen I bought a size 43!! I have lots of essential stuff going on like the renovation of the complex that I live in, repairs to apartment etc so I think 2024 will be my year. A huge thank you again.
Loved your video, even though I’m not going to Camino. Can you please tell me what is the name of your peg/loop hanging thing & the brand of your dry bag…I’m thinking they will be very useful in Mexico!
Thank you so much for watching! I used the Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Dry Sack, 13L and the cool hanging clips are Foshine Clothespins 24 Pack Small. I purchased both of these items on Amazon. Happy adventuring in Mexico!
Thank you the video it has really helped me. I was wondering where you got the bag that used for your clothes when showering. Also, how much water did you carry and how often were you able to fill up? We’re going in May so it won’t be as hot.
Hi Maria, my shower bag was Sea to Summit Ultra - SIL Dry Sac, 13L. I outfitted my backpack with a 100 oz water bladder, but only filled it about half way, most days. We did walk through several 100 degree days, but I was never lacking water. There is usually a fountain every couple of hours. If I remember correctly, there are a couple spots that require a little pre-planning, but your guide book (or one of your new besties’ guidebook 😉) will give you a heads up. The entire Camino is set up for your success…enjoy the miracles! Buen Camino!
Hi Lana! Congratulations on your decision to walk and Buen Camino! My pack was a little too heavy at close to 25 lbs, with a full water bladder. Best to keep it below 20 lbs. Getting rid of even the smallest items really helps, if you can find several of them: umbrella, boot brush, bar of soap, too much sun screen, bug repellent, etc. You will find a pharmacy almost every day and will be able to collect any essential items that you find that you need. So, you can pack much lighter than I did. Also good to know: shipping within Spain is really inexpensive. If you use hiking boots to cross the Pyrenees but don’t believe you will use them after the crossing, ship them to yourself at your exit hotel (ex. Madrid). I started my trip on a Med cruise, with sun dresses and cute sandals, and ended up shipping 2 boxes to my hotel in Madrid for something like $15EU. No need to ever suffer under unnecessary weight 😊
Just watched your helpful video again. Thanks! I have a few more questions. Where did you buy your hiking pole tips? I'm talking about the boot-like rubber tips that have metal reinforcement inside. Please share the brand, if appropriate. Sounds dumb, but I'm not sure what type of undies to take. Seems like my preferred cotton is out. What material are yours made from (for quick drying) and what brand are they? Next is lotion. Did your skin feel dry after all that sun exposure? If so, what type of lotion did you use after showering? Last is jewelry. I assume you took just one pair of earrings. That, of course, would compel you to buy one or two souvenir pairs to remember your adventure. Any advice here? Our plans have changed. We're now setting out mid May and have switched to the Camino Portugués, starting in Porto. Thanks for all your tips and advice!
Wow! Congratulations! I’m really excited for you and will be following your footsteps later this year. So, I hope you tell me all about it 🤞 Poles and tips: If you just want the “Nordic Walking Poles Rubber Tips (4 pack)”, they are available on Amazon for about $12 US. I think there are several brands, but the ones I looked at were from Mons Peak. I am leaving on another long Camino very soon and changed up my poles because they were confiscated at the airport in Paris and in Santiago. This year, I will be carrying Trekology collapsible poles. They fold up small enough to be placed in an ultralight duffle and handled as checked luggage at the airport. They also come with a variety of tips. I am carrying the light duffle in my pack anyway, in case of injury that causes me to forward some weight. So, I can make this modification without adding any additional weight to my pack. Underwear: I wear a wicking underwear that dries super fast. Again, there are several brands, but mine are from ExOfficio and can be purchased through Amazon. Jewelry: I’m not much help here. I wear the same gold hoops on and off the Camino. But, you will have many opportunities to pick up something cute along The Way. Best advice: Keep it light or forward a bag. In ‘22, my pack was about 22 or 23 pounds, without water. This crushed my feet. I pitched clothes and got my pack down to 16 pounds, without water, for ‘24. I will wear one hiking outfit and carry one, washing every night and sleeping in the clean dry one. I hope you have a wonderful walk and Buen Camino!
@@kbhothothot Thanks for all the information and good luck on your next Camino! They do seem to be addictive. It's rare to see someone who was satisfied after just one.
Hi Jessica! Thank you for your kind words and congratulations on your decision to walk!!! I love those little packing cubes 💕 They are made by Eagle Creek and mine are the Pack-it Specter Cube, available on Amazon. They are expensive but super durable. I have been using mine for over a decade. Thank you for your question and Buen Camino!
Thanks so much for talking us through your Camino gear. I'm really curious how much your total pack weighed. A few questions if I may. Did you coat your feet in petroleum jelly before putting your sock liners on? Did you use sheep's wool patches to cover foot hot spots? Did you wear merino wool socks over your liners? If not, what type? How much cash do you typically keep on hand? Are ATMs readily available? I'm scheduled to do the Frances beginning in April 2024, and concerned about extra weight due to cool weather gear. That's the only time my walking partner can go. Thanks for whatever you can tell me!
Hi CLTinTurkey! Thank you for watching my channel and thank you for all the great questions! BAG WEIGHT: My bag weighed about 20 lbs, without water. I think this is too heavy and I will make adjustments for my 2024 Caminos. It is absolutely possible to walk in the same pants and shirt every day and pack something to sleep and eat dinner in (shorts and a tee). This would alleviate a large amount of the weight that I carried. In addition, if you are walking through a couple of seasons, as I did, you can purchase additional outerwear along the way and donate whatever you no longer need. One item that is “optional” that I will continue to carry is the lightweight, packable duffle. This can be handy if you receive an injury and need to have some of your things forwarded to lighten your load for walking. FOOT CARE: This topic super controversial and you will find lots of differing opinions. I did not use any petroleum jelly or sheep’s wool. I used silk liners, surgical tape, and gauze, and Darn Tough wool socks. I am now a big advocate for wearing boots/shoes that are a size larger than your usual size. CASH: I carried about $200 Euros to start and replenished my cash when I walked through villages and towns that had an ATM. You’ll want to plan ahead a little and watch those ATM fees! Some are really steep! If you plan ahead, you can walk to the next larger town for a lower fee. Also, it’s helpful to know that some of the smaller towns don’t have ATMs that work with banks outside of Spain. Withdrawing $200 Euros at a time worked for me and lasted long enough to get to the larger cities that had ATMs that would connect with my USA bank. Lastly, I used a credit card whenever I could to make my cash last longer. COOLER WEATHER: Starting in cooler weather and walking towards the warmer weather is the exact opposite of my experience. But, I would suggest layering in items that you can discard along the way, if it gets warm enough to do so. My intuition tells me to bring a packable puffy jacket, poncho, fleece hat, warm gloves, merino wool long sleeve and short sleeve shirt, and efficient and light weight thermal underwear bottoms. A fleece jacket is another layer that is super light and efficient to put under your puffy, if your puffy is not super warm. To save on weight, I wouldn’t bring duplicates of anything other than your breathable underwear (panties x 3) and socks and liners (3 each). It is also helpful to know that you can purchase what you discover you need in the larger cities and discard what you no longer need. You can also ask for assistance at albergues. The albergue hosts are Camino experts and may even have a box of donated items that could be useful. Buen Camino, CLTinTurkey! 💕🥾🥾
@@kbhothothot Thanks a million! You're so kind to give me this great and useful information. I keep a minimal travel list in mind. The required items are: passport, ticket or boarding pass, visa (if necessary where you're going), cell phone, a credit card, $200-300 in cash, toothbrush and paste, and one change of clothes. Anything else you can buy most everywhere. I have several fun jackets or sweaters I bought overseas. They became fun souvenirs after the trip.
Love watching other people's Packing List for some future inspo! How do you feel about a sleeping liner versus a sleeping bag? Did you ever get cold? Everyone always asks me and I tend to say sleeping bag (even in August :) as Galicia can get cold nights? Much love from a fellow pilgrim
Hi Jess! Thank you for watching my little channel! I am always really happy to meet another pilgrim 💕 I am a pretty big girl and run on the warm side. I like a liner and expect that I would cook in a sleeping bag. I was cold in Roncesvalles on September 1st and the weather certainly got colder as traveled through Galicia in October. Every place that I stayed had blankets, so staying warm outside was the bigger issue 🥶 Buen Camino!
@@kbhothothot Good to hear! So true, it really matters what we're like in everyday life as well. I'm always cold :) Plus liked it for coziness, but never asked for blankets either, so maybe I consider this next time! Buen camino!!
Hi I found this so helpful . Thank you for taking the time to share. Can I please ask what brand your packing cubs are as they seem light weight also very good for an organised back pack?
Hi Happy Feet! Thank you for your kindness 😊 The packing cubes are Eagle Creek. I bought mine from REI and Sierra Trading Post, but they are also available on Amazon. Buen Camino!
Hi glad to have found your channel, I'm leaving out of L.A. in March you piqued my attention about carrying on your hiking sticks/poles , I read on TSA website they don't allow , how did you do it? As I want to do the same as I'm starting in Pamplona . Thanks , great vids. PismoRichy..
Hi PismoRichy! Thank you for watching my little channel🙏 I am happy to share my experience with carrying hiking poles onto airplanes. I put rubber tips over the titanium end of my poles and use a pole bag, there are several available on Amazon. The pole bag is then strapped to the outside of my pack. This has worked on every flight that I have been on leaving and reentering the USA, Greece, Italy, France, Switzerland, Peru, New Zealand, and Kenya. However, I must warn you that I have had my poles confiscated every time that I have flown out of Madrid and Santiago de Compostela (Resale? 😆). I don’t like loosing my poles. So, for myself, I will never travel with expensive poles. I can also allow myself enough time to hand my poles over as checked luggage on any flight that is not charging me for this service. And lastly, I can have comfort in knowing that purchasing another set of poles is not difficult at the beginning of any of the Caminos that I have been on. Bottom line, I don’t think there is any guarantee that you will be successful carrying your poles onto a plane. Thank you for your very good question and Buen Camino!😃🥾🥾
Hi James! Time to recognize that you are being called!!! My pack was too heavy. As I recall, it was about 22 lbs without water. It crushed me about a week in and caused real trouble with my feet. My shoes were also too small. Here’s the fix: If you are staying in alburgues, one hiking pant and shirt, 3 pair socks and liners, outerwear, sleep sack, etc. I had the clothes on me and two additional outfits in my bag. That’s a lot of extra weight. If you’re in hotels, pack what you like and forward what you don’t need in a separate bag for $5 Euro per transfer. As for shoes, please believe me!!! Your feet are going to swell. Purchase boots/shoes a half size to a full size larger than your usual size, and break them in well before Camino. I wore my regular size and paid dearly for it. One last tip: break in a pair of Tevas as your second shoe/shower shoe. They are heavy, but it’s nice to be able to take off your hiking boots/shoes and change to Tevas and socks (with silk liners) when your feet are fatigued and you still have miles to go. My experience is Tevas offer good support. Buen Camino, James!
What a great time of year! But the fleece that I brought may not be warm enough towards the end of your Camino. My fleece is from Columbia.com and is called Women’s Benton Springs Full Zip Hoodie. It’s on sale right now for $50. I love this hoodie. It’s warm enough by itself for cooler temperatures and thin enough to layer under another jacket when it is very cold. I will probably wear it threadbare!
The silicone circle lid thingy is super interesting, ive never seen anyone else use it before! Do you happen to have a link/ a name i can search it by?
I love the silicon lid thingy! I found one on Amazon for $7.95: “GIR: Get It Right Silicone Suction Lids - Heat Resistant Airtight Cover for Bowls, Plates, Pots - Oven, Fridge, and Freezer Safe - 6 Inches”. Thank you for watching! 🙏😊
Hi Angie’s Family! My pack was a little too heavy, for sure. I think it probably weighed close to 24 pounds with a full bladder and definitely added to the blister problems I encountered early on. I ended up putting daily non-essentials in a duffle and forwarding it on ($5 E per day). I actually ended up with more stuff at the end because the nights got quite cold in October and I needed a jacket and gloves. I am getting ready to do my second Camino as I am writing this and will take advantage of the warmer weather of an earlier start. I will eliminate one shirt and one pant so that I am only carrying one change of clothes. I also think that I can zip off my pant legs and leave those at home. Just this simple change will lighten my load quite a bit. I hope to carry my full pack the entire way and will post my progress on my channel. Thank you for your great question! Buen Camino!
Great video with lots of useful tips. I have been trying to find he USB port plug. What is the brand name of the plug? I am also curious to know if you checked your backpack or did you carry on the plane.
Hi Marylou! Thank you for watching! The USB charger that I brought is a Lencent 4 Port USB Travel Power Adapter. It comes with plug adapters for several different countries and the price was about $14 on Amazon. Buen Camino!
Hi again, Marylou! I missed the second part of your question…I did not check my backpack. It was my single carry-on for 5 flights through 4 countries. A 40 liter bag meets all the airline requirements that I encountered for an overhead storage bag. Thank you for another great question! Buen Camino!
Hi there, can you please tell me the brand of your 30L duffel bag? Thank you. I enjoyed your video. It is very helpful for trying to pare down to the essentials.
The duffel is an REI Co-op Stuff Travel Print Duffel - 30L. I paid $34.95 and it was one of the accidentally smartest things that I brought on Camino! You can order it on REI.com.
Hi Cali! The little shoe shaped walking pole tips are available on Amazon for about $7 for two pair. One pair is all you would need for 500 miles, but you will want to toss them out after that. Thank you for your question and Buen Camino!
On the off-chance that you can remember, these things that you took but didn't need - would they have been available if you DID need them? I'm thinking of the duffel, extra earplugs, all that sunscreen. I would imagine similar things are available for sale along the way, so no need to carry them "in case"?
Hi Frithbarbat! You are 100% correct! There are about 5 pretty good sized cities on The Way. So, if you can make it to Pamplona you can get just about everything you might need. I am walking another very long Camino in just a few weeks. I have pared down to one set of clothes to walk in and something to sleep in. My pack for ‘24 weighs 16 lbs, without water. This is much, much lighter, only includes what I would consider to be essential. Thank you for watching and your very good question! Buen Camino!
Hi Deirdre, Thank you for watching! Are you asking about the really versatile clips I used to hang clothing, socks, etc? If so, they are called Foshine Clothespins and I purchased them on Amazon. Currently, they are about $10 for a 24 pack. I think 8 of them is plenty. Buen Camino!
Hi Sally, the cool clothing clips are Foshine clothespins 24 pack small. I purchased them on Amazon. They are really one of the best adventure travel hacks ever! Thank you for checking out my packing video. Buen Camino!
Hi Kathy! I wore Darn Tough Socks. And, I love them! I am a 100% convert to this brand! Heading for a hike through Provence (could there be a better “girls trip”?) and taking my gorgeous socks with me 😊 I also like the silk sock liner from REI. That’s it for Merino wool on my walk through Spain. Buen Camino!
Hi Trinity! The yummy shampoo bar is “Blossom” by Suds & Co. I bought the tin for it from them, as well. It was kinda pricey, but worth the investment! Buen Camino!
Hi O.R.F.! We started walking from SJPDP on August 31st and finished in Santiago on October 12th, with 5 scheduled rest days. It was a great time to go! It was really hot in the beginning, temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, but it had cooled off enough by the time we got to the Meseta that heat wasn’t a big concern for us. October evenings were cool and required a jacket. We decided against the May-June time frame because of possible difficulty crossing the Pyrenees (snow). July-August was also not possible for us due to extreme heat across the Meseta. In fact, a female pilgrim died during this time in ‘22 due to heat and dehydration. Hope this helps! Buen Camino!
Hi LCFI! Hooray! I’m excited to hear that you are venturing onto your second Camino! I will also be walking my second this year and I’m really interested to find out how the experiences will compare. We walked the entire French Way from September through the middle of October. We walked 37 days and took 5 rest days. The weather was great! We took on the very warmest days in the mountains and avoided the excessive and dangerous heat of the meseta, experienced in the summer months. Buen Camino!
Hi Kay! I have used both the Rei Co-op Coolmax and silk sock liners. They both work well for preventing blisters. If you do blister up, I really found threading at night to be helpful. I would then gauze and tape the drained blisters in the morning. This regimen allowed blisters to heal so that I could stop the gauze first, and eventually taping as well. Buen Camino!
@@kbhothothot thanks for the quick reply. My other questions are: 1. do you really need linings? 2. Is there a tape specific for feet? Thanks in advance.
@@kay-jv3hz Hi Kay, you will need to carry a bed liner. It is required at most albergues. Also, the tape that I use is just a good surgical tape. My favorite comes from Europe, and is available through Amazon. It is Leukoplast 2.5cm x 5cm x 5.4 yards. Two rolls is priced at about $15. I like this brand because the adhesive is strong enough to last an entire day of walking. And, I didn’t experience and rolling edges. Buen Camino!
@@kay-jv3hz Oh for heck sake! It would help if I looked back at your entire conversation! My apologies for not addressing your question properly. Sock liners! No, they are not necessary for everyone. I have found that for myself, they reduce friction on my feet down to almost nothing. On Camino, however, I got plenty of blisters while wearing sock liners! Prevention was a difficult challenge. I tried Glide and Vassoline, as well. It just didn’t help. So, do what works for you and learn how to take care of your feet after the blisters appear. This seems to be the best advice. Buen Camino!
@@kbhothothot thanks for sharing info with me. I came back form the Portuguese Camino about a month ago and lost 3 toe nails and had lots of blisters. Yes you are right about leukoplast. I bought it in Portugal and it was great.
Hi Chellebeller! Thank you for watching my video and commenting. I appreciate it! I love my backpack! It has been my constant companion through 2 Caminos in ‘22 and ‘23 and will join me for 2 big Caminos in ‘24…REI 40 liters. Buen Camino!
Hi Brigh12, my full pack, without water, was s little over 20 lbs. But, water weights a lot! So, next time I do this, my goal is to bring my pack weight down closer to 18 lbs. Buen Camino!
Hi Judy! I carried my full bag all the way to Logrono. Then I ran into some serious blisters and bloody feet. I needed to purchase new shoes and break them in. From that point forward, I used a baggage forwarding service for extra clothes, shower and bedding items, etc, almost all the way into Santiago. That decision allowed me to successfully walk into Santiago. Buen Camino!
Hi Estella! I absolutely agree! Now that I have completed two Caminos, and will be walking solo in the future, I will pack the bare minimum: wear my hiking clothes and pack bike shorts and a tee to sleep in. There will be zero spares of anything 😃 Buen Camino!
Hi Jonie! Yes, there is a bus that leaves daily from Santiago to Finestere. I don’t have any information on it, but I will recommend my favorite app for all bus and train information: Rome2Rio. I have used this reliable app to track down schedules and cost ranges for years. Thank you for your question! Buen Camino!
Hi Lavender! It was hot in September, with some early days over 100 degrees. But, the temperatures cooled down as the month progressed. And, by October, I needed to purchase a puffy coat and gloves for the evening temperatures. I believe that we made a very good decision to walk in September and October. Buen Camino!
Hi Mo! We walked the French Way starting on September 1st and finishing around October 11th (this included 5 rest days). This was truly an ideal time of year. We avoided most of the blistering heat and it had really cooled down and was starting to rain by the time we finished. Thank you for watching and asking a really great question! Buen Camino!
Hi Maria! My hat is a Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Broad Brim Recycled (made of recycled nylon), the color is Khaki/Olive. I ordered it from Amazon for about $100. It was the most important gear item that I brought, next to my shoes and pack. Thank you for your question and Buen Camino!
Hi! Thank you for your question and I apologize for being so late to respond. The shampoo bar and tin that I brought was from Suds & Co. The yummy scent was “Blossom”. Buen Camino 😊
