Packing for my 2nd Camino: What changed in my gear list

[CamisMors]

After my first Camino, I made several adjustments to my packing list for this year in the hope of being more efficient. Here’s a breakdown of what I changed and why:

• Lighting: Last time, I didn't bring a torch, thinking my phone's flashlight would be enough. Unfortunately, it wasn't bright enough and quickly drained the precious battery I needed for photos and internet. I ended up buying a cheap lantern at a Chinese shop in Los Arcos for €2, which got me through the dark mornings when leaving the albergue, but either way it was very annoying having to walk holding the lantern. This year, I invested in a 300-lumen headlamp that I hope will last for many trips to come.
  
  
• Sleeping Gear: Since I tend to sleep warm, I brought a sleeping bag liner and a small fleece blanket for the colder nights. While this setup worked for September weather, the liner didn’t have a zipper, making it uncomfortable when I wanted to stick my foot out for some fresh air. Plus, the fabric was so noisy that I often tried not to move to avoid disturbing other pilgrims. This year, I’ve upgraded to a proper sleeping bag that weighs just 500g. The best part? It’s not noisy at all! I haven't tested it yet, but it seems like a great purchase.
  
  
• Towel: I initially brought a huge microfiber towel, thinking I could use it to create some privacy on the bunk bed, but I never actually did. It took up way too much space in my backpack, and I even ended up forgetting it at the albergue one morning. Fortunately, I found a smaller hand towel in a donation box at the next stop, which turned out to be the perfect size. This time, I’m sticking with that same hand towel from the albergue.
  
  
• Footwear: Last year, I faced the dilemma of carrying with me three pairs of shoes for 2/3 of the Francés because I eventually bought hiking sandals along the way to manage blisters, in addition to my trainers and flip-flops. Surprisingly, the sandals not only helped with the blisters but also were a lifesaver on rainy days—I’d rather walk one day in sandals and wet socks than deal with smelly wet shoes for the next two days. So, I’m packing all three pairs again this year.
  
  
• Toiletries: The shampoo bar I used last time was a complete disaster—by day five, my hair felt like straw, and I suspect I was beginning to smell funny by the time I arrived in Santiago. This time, I’m switching to regular shampoo in a travel-sized bottle. I’ll also be leaving out items like nail clippers, tweezers and a razor since this will be a much shorter Camino (Francés vs. Inglés).
  
  
• Walking poles: Last time, I mostly used just one pole, while the other stayed attached to my backpack. By the end of the camino, I barely used them at all. So this year, I'm packing only a single pole instead of the pair. This may be a controversial choice, but based on my last experience I think this will be the right call for me.
  
  
• Clothing: less is more. Always.

 

[KFH]

After my first Camino, I made several adjustments to my packing list for this year in the hope of being more efficient. Here’s a breakdown of what I changed and why:

• Lighting: Last time, I didn't bring a torch, thinking my phone's flashlight would be enough. Unfortunately, it wasn't bright enough and quickly drained the precious battery I needed for photos and internet. I ended up buying a cheap lantern at a Chinese shop in Los Arcos for €2, which got me through the dark mornings when leaving the albergue, but either way it was very annoying having to walk holding the lantern. This year, I invested in a 300-lumen headlamp that I hope will last for many trips to come.
  
  
• Sleeping Gear: Since I tend to sleep warm, I brought a sleeping bag liner and a small fleece blanket for the colder nights. While this setup worked for September weather, the liner didn’t have a zipper, making it uncomfortable when I wanted to stick my foot out for some fresh air. Plus, the fabric was so noisy that I often tried not to move to avoid disturbing other pilgrims. This year, I’ve upgraded to a proper sleeping bag that weighs just 500g. The best part? It’s not noisy at all! I haven't tested it yet, but it seems like a great purchase.
  
  
• Towel: I initially brought a huge microfiber towel, thinking I could use it to create some privacy on the bunk bed, but I never actually did. It took up way too much space in my backpack, and I even ended up forgetting it at the albergue one morning. Fortunately, I found a smaller hand towel in a donation box at the next stop, which turned out to be the perfect size. This time, I’m sticking with that same hand towel from the albergue.
  
  
• Footwear: Last year, I faced the dilemma of carrying with me three pairs of shoes for 2/3 of the Francés because I eventually bought hiking sandals along the way to manage blisters, in addition to my trainers and flip-flops. Surprisingly, the sandals not only helped with the blisters but also were a lifesaver on rainy days—I’d rather walk one day in sandals and wet socks than deal with smelly wet shoes for the next two days. So, I’m packing all three pairs again this year.
  
  
• Toiletries: The shampoo bar I used last time was a complete disaster—by day five, my hair felt like straw, and I suspect I was beginning to smell funny by the time I arrived in Santiago. This time, I’m switching to regular shampoo in a travel-sized bottle. I’ll also be leaving out items like nail clippers, tweezers and a razor since this will be a much shorter Camino (Francés vs. Inglés).
  
  
• Walking poles: Last time, I mostly used just one pole, while the other stayed attached to my backpack. By the end of the camino, I barely used them at all. So this year, I'm packing only a single pole instead of the pair. This may be a controversial choice, but based on my last experience I think this will be the right call for me.
  
  
• Clothing: less is more. Always.

Thanks for the insight.

Just to be clear on footwear--

Are you saying your "three pairs of shoes" are:
-an everyday walker
-sandals
-flip flops

?

Did you wear socks with your sandals?

 

[trecile]

The shampoo bar I used last time was a complete disaster—by day five, my hair felt like straw,

It's so important to try things out before you take on the Camino. Not just once or twice - give it a good trial period. It sounds like you got the wrong shampoo bar for your hair type. I've been using shampoo bars almost exclusively at home after first using one on my first Camino in 2016. Most work well for my hair, but I tried a couple that didn't.

 

[bestfootforward]

Before my first Camino, I took my fully loaded pack to Ines and Rob (of Rebekah's albergue storm post) and asked them to analyse my kit. Despite me thinking I'd packed light, they ruthlessly discarded about 50%. I protested some exclusions with:
Me: "But I might need....."
Ines: "Them there's the devil's words!".
Back home I included some of the discarded items....which I subsequently never used and were consigned to donativo baskets along the way. They were right. I was humbled.

It's all trial and error. Looks like you've got it sorted and I'm so with you re shampoo/conditioner. No matter how hard I try, I can't do without mine. Buen Camino!

 

[dreaming]

My indulgence is a small shampoo bottle and a small conditioner plus small nivea cream.

 

[CamisMors]

Thanks for the insight.

Just to be clear on footwear--

Are you saying your "three pairs of shoes" are:
-an everyday walker
-sandals
-flip flops

?

Did you wear socks with your sandals?

That's right.
I originally started with a pair of Columbia waterproof hiking shoes that were fairly well broken in. However, I didn’t anticipate how much my feet would swell, and the intense heat caused me to sweat so much, my socks were constantly damp, which led to some awfully painful blisters. I suspect the waterproof feature of the shoes limited breathability, making things worse.

In a desperate attempt to alleviate the pain and keep going, I decided to buy a pair of Teva sandals and also a pair of Altra trainers (which I love because of their wider toe box), and I shipped my original shoes back home. It was a bit of a gamble since I wasn’t sure if they'd work, but fortunately, they did. That's why I kept the trainers, the sandals and the flip flops with me for the rest of the way.

I’m not certain which one resolved the blister issue, but I managed to stay blister free for the rest of the Camino. The Columbia shoes are still great and comfortable—I’ve even used them for shorter hikes since then—but they just weren’t the right choice for a summer Camino.

To protect my feet from gravel and add some extra padding, I wore the sandals with socks, occasionally even double socks on cooler days. Once the blisters healed, I sometimes wore them without socks at all.

 

[CamisMors]

It's so important to try things out before you take on the Camino.

Absolutely. These are some wise words that I clearly learned the hard way.

 

[Scoutbuff]

@CamisMors It may seem like a silly question (but consider the source)... Why take both Tevas and flip flops? It is probably just me, but I don't mind wearing my Tevas from the shower and then out/about. BTW, what sleeping bag did you decide on? I am planning to use a liner and possibly a down throw (~3x6'). Thanks!

 

[Mandybj]

After my first Camino, I made several adjustments to my packing list for this year in the hope of being more efficient. Here’s a breakdown of what I changed and why:

• Lighting: Last time, I didn't bring a torch, thinking my phone's flashlight would be enough. Unfortunately, it wasn't bright enough and quickly drained the precious battery I needed for photos and internet. I ended up buying a cheap lantern at a Chinese shop in Los Arcos for €2, which got me through the dark mornings when leaving the albergue, but either way it was very annoying having to walk holding the lantern. This year, I invested in a 300-lumen headlamp that I hope will last for many trips to come.
  
  
• Sleeping Gear: Since I tend to sleep warm, I brought a sleeping bag liner and a small fleece blanket for the colder nights. While this setup worked for September weather, the liner didn’t have a zipper, making it uncomfortable when I wanted to stick my foot out for some fresh air. Plus, the fabric was so noisy that I often tried not to move to avoid disturbing other pilgrims. This year, I’ve upgraded to a proper sleeping bag that weighs just 500g. The best part? It’s not noisy at all! I haven't tested it yet, but it seems like a great purchase.
  
  
• Towel: I initially brought a huge microfiber towel, thinking I could use it to create some privacy on the bunk bed, but I never actually did. It took up way too much space in my backpack, and I even ended up forgetting it at the albergue one morning. Fortunately, I found a smaller hand towel in a donation box at the next stop, which turned out to be the perfect size. This time, I’m sticking with that same hand towel from the albergue.
  
  
• Footwear: Last year, I faced the dilemma of carrying with me three pairs of shoes for 2/3 of the Francés because I eventually bought hiking sandals along the way to manage blisters, in addition to my trainers and flip-flops. Surprisingly, the sandals not only helped with the blisters but also were a lifesaver on rainy days—I’d rather walk one day in sandals and wet socks than deal with smelly wet shoes for the next two days. So, I’m packing all three pairs again this year.
  
  
• Toiletries: The shampoo bar I used last time was a complete disaster—by day five, my hair felt like straw, and I suspect I was beginning to smell funny by the time I arrived in Santiago. This time, I’m switching to regular shampoo in a travel-sized bottle. I’ll also be leaving out items like nail clippers, tweezers and a razor since this will be a much shorter Camino (Francés vs. Inglés).
  
  
• Walking poles: Last time, I mostly used just one pole, while the other stayed attached to my backpack. By the end of the camino, I barely used them at all. So this year, I'm packing only a single pole instead of the pair. This may be a controversial choice, but based on my last experience I think this will be the right call for me.
  
  
• Clothing: less is more. Always.

Thank you for this - I'll be walking mid-October-early November so this is really useful

 

[msconduct10]

You’ve made me rethink my sleeping stuff. I was going to bring a liner and a camping quilt but I think the quilt has buttons or something to sleeping-bagify it. My only fear is that I sleep very hot, but I’ll be there in April so it should be chilly and I can hang a leg out if I need to. Hmmm…

 

[trecile]

You’ve made me rethink my sleeping stuff. I was going to bring a liner and a camping quilt but I think the quilt has buttons or something to sleeping-bagify it. My only fear is that I sleep very hot, but I’ll be there in April so it should be chilly and I can hang a leg out if I need to. Hmmm…

If it's hot you just use the liner without the quilt. It's a very flexible system.

 

[msconduct10]

If it's hot you just use the liner without the quilt. It's a very flexible system.

Right but I was thinking of leaving the liner home per the OPs experience. Always trying to shave weight!

 

[CamisMors]

@CamisMors It may seem like a silly question (but consider the source)... Why take both Tevas and flip flops? It is probably just me, but I don't mind wearing my Tevas from the shower and then out/about. BTW, what sleeping bag did you decide on? I am planning to use a liner and possibly a down throw (~3x6'). Thanks!

Not silly at all. The reason is... it was my favorite pair of Havaianas and I simply couldn't let them go.

The sleeping bag I bought was this one, mainly because it was on sale and it is so light (540gr). It packs really small as well, I was surprised with the size of the packaging when it arrived. But it's definitely not meant for winter temperatures though.

 

[CamisMors]

You’ve made me rethink my sleeping stuff. I was going to bring a liner and a camping quilt but I think the quilt has buttons or something to sleeping-bagify it. My only fear is that I sleep very hot, but I’ll be there in April so it should be chilly and I can hang a leg out if I need to. Hmmm…

I honestly felt trapped inside the liner, but that's me.
One question: isn't the quilt a bit bulky? I would definitely try to weigh it too. Perhaps a sleeping bag would be just as warm but half the weight and size.

 

[bestfootforward]

Have you thought about unpicking the bottom so you can stick your feet out if you get hot? I just take a liner and if I think I'm in for a cold night layer up clothes wise. Works for me, but I get that it may not be everyone's MO

 

[Scoutbuff]

I honestly felt trapped inside the liner, but that's me.
One question: isn't the quilt a bit bulky? I would definitely try to weigh it too. Perhaps a sleeping bag would be just as warm but half the weight and size.

The quilt that I'm thinking about is 140cmx340cm, 445g, and 15cmx10cm when in the stuff sack (with room to compress more). The liner I'm contemplating is 237g. Decisions, decisions... I still don't have dates decided, so I may be just a little bit ahead of myself! Thanks for the dialogue...

 

[msconduct10]

I honestly felt trapped inside the liner, but that's me.
One question: isn't the quilt a bit bulky? I would definitely try to weigh it too. Perhaps a sleeping bag would be just as warm but half the weight and size.

Well it’s only a pound and sits at the bottom of my pack nicely (link below). I probably could get a sleeping bag but I don’t like the idea of zippers touching me if I have to leave a thermostat leg out. Ick. But I’m more worried about it being too warm rather than not warm enough. But leaving my .75 lb sleep sack home is a very appealing notion! (Also just remembered they sell stuff in Portugal and Spain. If I want a liner, I’ll just buy one. Duh.)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CLG8VZB

 

[Scoutbuff]

The quilt that I'm thinking about is 140cmx200cm, 445g, and 15cmx10cm when in the stuff sack (with room to compress more). The liner I'm contemplating is 237g. Decisions, decisions... I still don't have dates decided, so I may be just a little bit ahead of myself! Thanks for the dialogue...

 

[OTH86]

Just a suggestion - but one can purchase - small sizes, inexpensively - all the way along the caminos. Farmacias, supermercados, tiendas... help the local economy for very little money!

 

[brian560]

That's right.
I originally started with a pair of Columbia waterproof hiking shoes that were fairly well broken in. However, I didn’t anticipate how much my feet would swell, and the intense heat caused me to sweat so much, my socks were constantly damp, which led to some awfully painful blisters. I suspect the waterproof feature of the shoes limited breathability, making things worse.

In a desperate attempt to alleviate the pain and keep going, I decided to buy a pair of Teva sandals and also a pair of Altra trainers (which I love because of their wider toe box), and I shipped my original shoes back home. It was a bit of a gamble since I wasn’t sure if they'd work, but fortunately, they did. That's why I kept the trainers, the sandals and the flip flops with me for the rest of the way.

I’m not certain which one resolved the blister issue, but I managed to stay blister free for the rest of the Camino. The Columbia shoes are still great and comfortable—I’ve even used them for shorter hikes since then—but they just weren’t the right choice for a summer Camino.

To protect my feet from gravel and add some extra padding, I wore the sandals with socks, occasionally even double socks on cooler days. Once the blisters healed, I sometimes wore them without socks at all.

One option I saw on the CF last October (Hi Inga) and worth trying was waterproof socks with sandals. I am going to add merino sock liners for added warmth.

 

[trecile]

One option I saw on the CF last October (Hi Inga) and worth trying was waterproof socks with sandals. I am going to add merino sock liners for added warmth.

That's exactly what I did on my last Camino. If you wash the waterproof socks they take forever to dry, so I just rinsed off the outsides so that I could wear them again the next day if necessary.

 

[CamisMors]

The quilt that I'm thinking about is 140cmx340cm, 445g, and 15cmx10cm when in the stuff sack (with room to compress more). The liner I'm contemplating is 237g. Decisions, decisions... I still don't have dates decided, so I may be just a little bit ahead of myself! Thanks for the dialogue...

That's very nice! I was thinking about the kind of camping quilts I had ages ago when I was a girl scout, they were huge and quite heavy, I guess they are making more modern versions of them now, with modern materials... Now I'm rethinking my sleeping bag!

 

[CamisMors]

One option I saw on the CF last October (Hi Inga) and worth trying was waterproof socks with sandals. I am going to add merino sock liners for added warmth.

Can you tell me a little bit more about these waterproof socks? Never heard about them.

 

[Lexicos]

Good to read about your adjustments Camilla. They sound quite sensible.
My packing list changes with every camino and has done for the last 6 years (I’ve done 5 in all seasons bar winter). Without fail I always end up carrying a bit more weight than I like and without fail I always end up discarding things along the way. Unexpected weather or terrain can also cause dumping or buying stuff along the way. You live and learn I guess but I’m sure next camino, in May, it will be no different.
My answer, for myself: be flexible. Very flexible. If I get it 80% right, I’m happy.

 

[ROjeda]

@CamisMors It may seem like a silly question (but consider the source)... Why take both Tevas and flip flops? It is probably just me, but I don't mind wearing my Tevas from the shower and then out/about. BTW, what sleeping bag did you decide on? I am planning to use a liner and possibly a down throw (~3x6'). Thanks!

I am also moving to a Liner and a small Puffy Blanket (Rumpl), less weight and space in the pack. I am trying them out in Mexico City weather, which now is similar to Spain at the beginning of Summer. I will share my review.

 

[rojasa]

I am also moving to a Liner and a small Puffy Blanket (Rumpl), less weight and space in the pack. I am trying them out in Mexico City weather, which now is similar to Spain at the beginning of Summer. I will share my review.

Exactly what I've used every time (off-brand version of a Rumpl). Works beautifully, weighs little, packs small. So far the only exception was a very chilly, snowy and rainy week in the Bierzo last April. The hospitality at Albergue Domus Dei in Foncebadon made up for the lack of heat, but I still wore every dry item of clothing I had! Buen camino!

 

[brian560]

Can you tell me a little bit more about these waterproof socks? Never heard about them.

Look at Sealskinz socks but there are also cheaper less thicker types out there. Try Amazon. I use them bike riding. They keep your feet dryish but are not that warm hence using liners. They would be too bulky for shoes but perfect in sandals. Trecile makes a good point. They take forever to dry. This website will give you an idea of how they work. https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g39432368/best-waterproof-socks/

​

 

[C clearly]

The quilt that I'm thinking about is 140cmx340cm

Seems a little long, to me!

 

[Lexicos]

I once walked with a Polish pilgrim who wore nothing but hiking sandals, rain or shine. She wore normal 80% wool hiking socks. I learnt from her: I climbed 2/3 up Mount Olympus this year with my Ecco hiking sandals. No dramas. They were great. On the camino I wear them 60% of the time, especially if it’s very hot.

 

[trecile]

I once walked with a Polish pilgrim who wore nothing but hiking sandals, rain or shine.

I've walked my last five Caminos exclusively in hiking sandals, rain or shine.

 

[CamisMors]

Look at Sealskinz socks but there are also cheaper less thicker types out there. Try Amazon. I use them bike riding. They keep your feet dryish but are not that warm hence using liners. They would be too bulky for shoes but perfect in sandals. Trecile makes a good point. They take forever to dry. This website will give you an idea of how they work. https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g39432368/best-waterproof-socks/

​

This is very interesting, thank you for the link!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Have you thought about unpicking the bottom so you can stick your feet out if you get hot? I just take a liner and if I think I'm in for a cold night layer up clothes wise. Works for me, but I get that it may not be everyone's MO

I too have unpicked the lower half of one side of my liner. Sometimes even that's too warm, then I just sleep on top of it.
Shoulder seasons I also carry a cheap lightweight (450g) sleeping bag that opens completely up - much like a quilt. It's only good down to 10 degrees - when it gets colder I just layer up. Having both gives me much more versatility, plus the liner only weighs 120 grams.

In addition to which sleeping in a sleeping bag without a liner means that said bag gets dirtier, fast. Not an issue on a short camino, can become an issue with a longer one.

I have two packing lists: one for summer, one for the shoulder seasons. Whilst there have been occasions that I have been fortunate enough not to need something, the only items I've ever discarded have been worn out. (Except my poles at Santiago airport when the old regulations still applied). There's so much excellent information and advice here on the forum to help 'dial in' everything.

 

[trecile]

Look at Sealskinz socks but there are also cheaper less thicker types out there. Try Amazon

I've used Sealskinz in the past, but lost one of the socks last year, so I bought several pair pair that were on the Runners World list. I settled on the Dry Mile socks because they were the least bulky.

 

[Scoutbuff]

Can you tell me a little bit more about these waterproof socks? Never heard about them.

I bought these for a trip to Scotland, but did not use them as the weather was unreasonably dry and warm. https://www.360dry.co.uk/

 

[DEIhle]

I too have unpicked the lower half of one side of my liner. Sometimes even that's too warm, then I just sleep on top of it.
Shoulder seasons I also carry a cheap lightweight (450g) sleeping bag that opens completely up - much like a quilt. It's only good down to 10 degrees - when it gets colder I just layer up. Having both gives me much more versatility, plus the liner only weighs 120 grams.

In addition to which sleeping in a sleeping bag without a liner means that said bag gets dirtier, fast. Not an issue on a short camino, can become an issue with a longer one.

I have two packing lists: one for summer, one for the shoulder seasons. Whilst there have been occasions that I have been fortunate enough not to need something, the only items I've ever discarded have been worn out. (Except my poles at Santiago airport when the old regulations still applied). There's so much excellent information and advice here on the forum to help 'dial in' everything.

What is your packing list for say April if I can ask.

 

[USSeneschal]

After my first Camino, I made several adjustments to my packing list for this year in the hope of being more efficient. Here’s a breakdown of what I changed and why:

• Lighting: Last time, I didn't bring a torch, thinking my phone's flashlight would be enough. Unfortunately, it wasn't bright enough and quickly drained the precious battery I needed for photos and internet. I ended up buying a cheap lantern at a Chinese shop in Los Arcos for €2, which got me through the dark mornings when leaving the albergue, but either way it was very annoying having to walk holding the lantern. This year, I invested in a 300-lumen headlamp that I hope will last for many trips to come.
  
  
• Sleeping Gear: Since I tend to sleep warm, I brought a sleeping bag liner and a small fleece blanket for the colder nights. While this setup worked for September weather, the liner didn’t have a zipper, making it uncomfortable when I wanted to stick my foot out for some fresh air. Plus, the fabric was so noisy that I often tried not to move to avoid disturbing other pilgrims. This year, I’ve upgraded to a proper sleeping bag that weighs just 500g. The best part? It’s not noisy at all! I haven't tested it yet, but it seems like a great purchase.
  
  
• Towel: I initially brought a huge microfiber towel, thinking I could use it to create some privacy on the bunk bed, but I never actually did. It took up way too much space in my backpack, and I even ended up forgetting it at the albergue one morning. Fortunately, I found a smaller hand towel in a donation box at the next stop, which turned out to be the perfect size. This time, I’m sticking with that same hand towel from the albergue.
  
  
• Footwear: Last year, I faced the dilemma of carrying with me three pairs of shoes for 2/3 of the Francés because I eventually bought hiking sandals along the way to manage blisters, in addition to my trainers and flip-flops. Surprisingly, the sandals not only helped with the blisters but also were a lifesaver on rainy days—I’d rather walk one day in sandals and wet socks than deal with smelly wet shoes for the next two days. So, I’m packing all three pairs again this year.
  
  
• Toiletries: The shampoo bar I used last time was a complete disaster—by day five, my hair felt like straw, and I suspect I was beginning to smell funny by the time I arrived in Santiago. This time, I’m switching to regular shampoo in a travel-sized bottle. I’ll also be leaving out items like nail clippers, tweezers and a razor since this will be a much shorter Camino (Francés vs. Inglés).
  
  
• Walking poles: Last time, I mostly used just one pole, while the other stayed attached to my backpack. By the end of the camino, I barely used them at all. So this year, I'm packing only a single pole instead of the pair. This may be a controversial choice, but based on my last experience I think this will be the right call for me.
  
  
• Clothing: less is more. Always.

I suggest a long phone charging cord for readers as well. I brought a 3 meter; my wife brought a 1 meter cord. Weight difference is negligent and we always need the longer one.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

What is your packing list for say April if I can ask.

I'll PM you with a video

 

[brian560]

I'll PM you with a video

As a bit of a (ahem) gear list freak myself, could I have a look at yours too please.

 

[trecile]

I'll PM you with a video

Can you post the video here, or give a list?

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Ok, sure.

My lightweight sleeping bag isn't shown in this video, I bought it a month or two later in the supermarket. (An ultralight hiker I am not).

It's a little long because I also talk about why I've decided on certain items.

 

[El Ramon]

One option I saw on the CF last October (Hi Inga) and worth trying was waterproof socks with sandals. I am going to add merino sock liners for added warmth.

I did the same on the Plata earlier this year, had a short stage ..but pouring rain the entire day....didn't want to get my shoes wet so put on my Randy Sun socks and used my keen sandals....surprisingly it worked great...drying the socks is a problem so back to back days can be an issue...

 

[starrysky]

I've walked my last five Caminos exclusively in hiking sandals, rain or shine.

considering this too. how do the sandals hold up in thick deep mud?

 

[Scoutbuff]

Seems a little long, to me!

Seems a little long, to me!

Dopey me, I measured/converted incorrectly. The length is closer to 200cm... "Just a bit outside!"

 

[trecile]

considering this too. how do the sandals hold up in thick deep mud?

Great in the mud because it's so easy to hose them down to clean at the end of the day. I pair them with waterproof socks for really wet days.