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What to pack for my First Camino?
- Thread starter Gibbo147
- Start date
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- backpack & packing
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Ditch the flip flops. Replace with, crocs, eva birkenstocks, or some other waterproof sandals with some straps and support. Flip flops just don't cut with sore feet, your bunk is on the third floor and the showere are in the basement. Walking a few blocks down hill to dinner, after a long day with sore feet, a little support is much more comfortable.
MichelleElynHogan
Veteran Member
Before this becomes the 100th post to help with your question, fill the pack you have estimating the weight, put it on and walk around the block. If that is ok, walk a few km or miles. If that is ok, walk 20 km or 15 miles. If that is ok, you know what will work. If not, it is cutting time.
As far as maximum weight, most will target 10 or 11 lb or 5 kg. Less pack weight means less stress, easier on your entire body, but especially your feet.
As far as maximum weight, most will target 10 or 11 lb or 5 kg. Less pack weight means less stress, easier on your entire body, but especially your feet.
3rd Edition. Vital content training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF in spring and winter, Portugues, Sanabres: 2024
Instead of convertible pants, 2 prs shorts AND sleep shorts, I think I you would be fine with one pair of shorts and one pair of lightweight long pants. Wear one while you wash the other. And base layer long underwear. You dont need that many shirts, either. If you decide you need more once you get there, buy em there or get them from the donation/lost and found box at an albergue. I say all this as someone who has forgotten or lost clothes along the way and found out I don't need them.
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF in spring and winter, Portugues, Sanabres: 2024
What is a "compression" baselayer?
Jo Jo
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Eight routes; nine pilgrimages 2014-present
I would like to suggest a procedure rather than specific "include X, leave Y" kinds of comments? Get a kitchen scale and weigh everything in grams (to make differences really pop out) and then write them down (I use lighterpack.com). Just that procedure will, I think, force you to really look at whether a certain item is worth a free ride on your back all the way across Spain.
I've never walked that early and weather makes a huge difference (for instance, I usually have one pair of cotton clothes for summer/early fall Caminos. I would never do that in March). So I'll share my list, but it was for much warmer weather. https://lighterpack.com/r/vu75bc
My post-camino review of my list is here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-11-pound-pack-base-weight.64695/#post-789184
Buen Camino,
Jo Jo
I've never walked that early and weather makes a huge difference (for instance, I usually have one pair of cotton clothes for summer/early fall Caminos. I would never do that in March). So I'll share my list, but it was for much warmer weather. https://lighterpack.com/r/vu75bc
My post-camino review of my list is here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-11-pound-pack-base-weight.64695/#post-789184
Buen Camino,
Jo Jo
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via de la Plata
Thanks, I have lightened my load (over a period of 4 days) and think it’s just about right. Donations and a package home. A lot of people I have met while on the Camino have done the same. Wish I could find my earplugs for sleeping - I think the may be on their way home, because albergues crowded with exhausted hikers (myself included) are very noisy throughout the entire night.
Nigel Clark
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF May /June 2017
CF Sept / Oct 2019
I take my own pillow case as I do not like sleeping on plastic or paper covered pillows .
Enjoy your Camino.
Enjoy your Camino.
J F Gregory
Camino Frances , Camino Primavito 2024
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2016, Portuguese 2021, Frances and Prima
I use a flex tech garbage bag for my bag liner. The as I use for my trash bin. The are cheap. I always 1 extra scrunched in the pack but haven't had to use it in more than 1100 miles using my pack.They are the best thing ever, and the utrasil weigh so little. Go a bit bigger than you think you need, so they arent making your pack smaller than it is. https://seatosummitusa.com/products/ultra-sil-pack-liner?variant=7896127078428
AND MAY I ADD.. THEY DO NOT RUSTLE!!!
3rd Edition. Vital content training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Charles Johnson
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June 2016
Food for thought. I was overpacked on my first Camino and shipped over half of my pack to Santiago from Pamplona (thank you Ivar). There are plenty of shops along the way, and even more plentiful are helpful pilgrims you will meet along the way.
Trust that the Camino will provide.
Trust that the Camino will provide.
Delphinoula
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- C. PdC 2018 Finisterre Muxía 2018
C.Franconia 2019 C.Algeciras Sevillia 2019
Swabian C. (2020)
I stuffed my fleece part of my jacket in a dry back and used this as a pillow. Sleep masks with earphones may drown oit the outer noice.
spreadsheetdirtbags
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (2018)
I appreciate that you were VERY thorough in your posted list - including every single item, instead of just saying 'toiletries' or similar. It shows you are really thinking about each item! I did a similarly detailed list. I did not read every response you have here (wow, so many!), so I'm sure you have had some great advise so far. I did carry a knife (I thought I saw someone saying you did not need it?) I liked having a small/basic pocket knife for picnics. I used it daily. My entire list is detailed here, including pictures, and how and when I used all of the items, and which I would not bring again. Buen Camino!
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Roby
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2018 and 2021
On my first pilgrimage, I carried a liter bottle, the pictures attached. This way, the water is cold longer, you don't have to look for a bottle or take off your backpack.
In my opinion, you have too much clothes but you are in good shape so you can carry extra weight on your back if you wish.
On my first trip I wore four sets of socks / pants, now I will wear three sets.
3 T-shirts that are very lightweight, dry fast.
One shoe I walk in and one ultralight sneaker for the afternoon.
One shorts, one detachable hiking pants..
PVC rain pants that are worn over normal pants.
Lightweight wind and waterproof and warm fleece sweaters. Since you're already leaving at the end of March, add another warm piece of clothing.
Hat. Ear Plugs. Something to cut your nails.
One wet toilet paper. MicroFiber quick Dry towel.
Nothing to sleep for, after an afternoon shower I put on clean clothes to sleep in and walk the next day.
Bring a sleeping bag, it will be cold at night at that time.
I don't use flip flops, gloves and head lamp. I don't carry a medical kit, I can get it everywhere if I need it.
Everything else from your equipment that you mentioned that I did not comment on, I find unnecessary.
Backpack and shoes cannot comment, you have to decide which ones are better for you.
You can carry one plastic bag that you put all your stuff in to make sure everything stays dry in case of rain.
Water is available all the way.
In my opinion, you have too much clothes but you are in good shape so you can carry extra weight on your back if you wish.
On my first trip I wore four sets of socks / pants, now I will wear three sets.
3 T-shirts that are very lightweight, dry fast.
One shoe I walk in and one ultralight sneaker for the afternoon.
One shorts, one detachable hiking pants..
PVC rain pants that are worn over normal pants.
Lightweight wind and waterproof and warm fleece sweaters. Since you're already leaving at the end of March, add another warm piece of clothing.
Hat. Ear Plugs. Something to cut your nails.
One wet toilet paper. MicroFiber quick Dry towel.
Nothing to sleep for, after an afternoon shower I put on clean clothes to sleep in and walk the next day.
Bring a sleeping bag, it will be cold at night at that time.
I don't use flip flops, gloves and head lamp. I don't carry a medical kit, I can get it everywhere if I need it.
Everything else from your equipment that you mentioned that I did not comment on, I find unnecessary.
Backpack and shoes cannot comment, you have to decide which ones are better for you.
You can carry one plastic bag that you put all your stuff in to make sure everything stays dry in case of rain.
Water is available all the way.
nevster1975
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF (May 2019)
I did my first C.F. last year. I took 2 pairs of smart wool socks. Wear one wash one. Really worth it. They were lightweight. No need for sock liners. I had a pair of trekking sandles for wearing when not walking. Bear in mind you need to leave boots at th e door in most albergues so good to have something else to wear.
I got advice to use talc on my feet every day. I used baby power. Not Vaseline. And it totally works. put talc inside your walking shoes also.Take off socks at rest stops where possible. you want your feet to breathe.
In terms of training just to encourage you I did the C.F. In 33 days with no training at all. Not that that is recommended! Best advice is go slower at the start than you think you can and walk at your own pace.
I found a headlight very useful.for albergues where you needed to get ready and the main light wasn't on.
my shoes were salamon x ultra. They were amazing but shoes are very personal only you know what will work for you.
i bought a simple knife on the way.great for cutting oranges at rest stops if nothing else!
Bought some pegs as i found i needed them so I'd take some. Don't understand this idea of using safety pins but each to their own.,
Other thing i bought was a pack cover. Mine was an osprey talon 33. It was the perfect size.
i used a bumbag for wallet, credential, pasport, charger cable phone and power pack. Easy to keep these valuables close at hand. Maybe not so stylish but I'm so glad i had it. Kept the credential and passport in a small clear bag.free airport security ones are ideal.ost
hope that helps and buon Camino.
Gibbo147
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances March April 2020
I use compression pants as a base layer. It aids circulation and keeps warm at the same time. Its just a 'me' thin, nothing technical or fancy.
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Gibbo147
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances March April 2020
Wow, thanks for the detailed response and kind words. Really appreciate the effort that took. I will definitely take heed of this advice and work it into my plans. Thank you so much.
That's good to know because I didn't know what weight of merino socks to buy. I bought the light ones for my trip this September, they were on a buy one pair get one pair free sale. I also bought the liners.
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF in spring and winter, Portugues, Sanabres: 2024
Buy the socks that work with your shoes. Unless you get larger shoes to accomodate them, it's better to just wear liner socks than to wear two pairs of socks and have shoes that are too tight.
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Thanks, i'am going to hike around in the summer so I can see what works best before I leave in September
NYSE
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2019, Portuguese 2023
I brought 2 long sleeve merino wool shirts, one short sleeve
Medium weight wool sweater
Light waterproof raincoat
Two pair hiking pants
Two pairs of wool socks
Silk pajama bottoms
Two merino wool underwear
1.5 pound (40F) sleeping bag
Pillow case
Light gloves (lost one the day we had a blizzard)
Soap, shampoo, washcloth, towel (quick dry material)
Salomon Xultra hiking boots and a light weigh summer shoe
Hiking poles
Medical tape for possible pre-blister application
Toilet paper (I'd bring a quarter roll next time)
Water bladder
38 liter Marmot bag with cover
Note 1: where the number was greater than 1, the other one was in the bag
Note 2: When it was cool/cold/dry, the wool sweater worked. When it was sunny and very cold, the sweater and rain coat was more than enough. Total weight on back: 14 pounds (Not including water). Left SJPP April 1. I used everything. May bring a poncho along with raincoat next time.
DonCamino
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- past Caminos see signature
2024 Levante
Hi @Gibbo147 ,
perhaps you will find one or another useful idea in my pack list i developed over the last 7 years of walking caminos (starting unexperienced on 8,5 kg
in 2013 (dry and without food!)): https://lighterpack.com/r/y70rbu
So long
DonCamino
perhaps you will find one or another useful idea in my pack list i developed over the last 7 years of walking caminos (starting unexperienced on 8,5 kg
in 2013 (dry and without food!)): https://lighterpack.com/r/y70rbuSo long
DonCamino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
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