Some principles for packing

[BarbaraW]

Being of an age where luggage becomes mysteriously heavier with each passing year, I’ve realised what I’ve learned about packing light for Camino is relevant for all kinds of travel. Gleaned from many contributors to whom thanks, as well as my own experience.

• Take nothing that you would be very upset to lose. Too many tales on this forum of lost items of sentimental value.
  
  
• Layering works for all kinds of trip. Baselayer, walking shirt and fleece for walking might equate to vest, top and wrap for smart occasions.
  
  
• Washing saves weight. So, take clothing that dries overnight. This usually means synthetics, though I've found that cotton lawn and silk are also quick-drying. If staying in a hotel or guest house, roll damp clothes in a towel and twist, then dry items on a hanger, smoothing them out as they dry.
  
  
• Liquid and electronics are heavy. No-one’s come up with dehydrated water yet, but you can get solid shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap and deodorant. Many people manage without a power bank, and you can charge using just a USB European plug, rather than an array of adaptors.
  
  
• Go multipurpose. Items which can do more than one thing are great. Think scarf/sarong/privacy screen, or phone/guidebook/map or sleeping robe/smart top. Etc.
  
  
• Watch the containers. Things like purses, wallets, handbags, soap containers, spectacle cases, even packing cubes, can add up to a significant weight. If necessary, there’s probably a lighter alternative.
  
  
• If you find you do need it, you can probably buy it there. Spain and Portugal are full of wonderful general shops, often called Bazaar Chines or similar. And it may well be cheaper than at home!

Many people tour before or after walking so I hope this is useful to someone.

 

[Kitsambler]

Camino packing has definitely changed how I pack for other trips. Thanks for reminding me. I would add:
- Merino wool (especially the lighter weights) will also dry quickly (and doesn't usually need daily washing)
- Get your power adaptors in Europe; goes straight wall-to-USB or USC, so saves weight
- Zippers are heavy!

 

[KDub]

I have started using powdered deodorant and shampoo. Talk about weight savings!

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Back in the day I walked with my beauty pageant champ sister. She didn't bring hair conditioner to save weight and she regretted it. Also, Spain stores don't have any "travel sizes"... so if you figure out you do need conditioner or another toiletry, unless you want to carry a mega bottle, you can buy a 1 euro travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer (its a solid bottle) and after rinsing refill it with your mega bottle of the desired product, then ditch or hopefully share the remaining with others.

 

[trecile]

Also, Spain stores don't have any "travel sizes"..

Some do. I have found travel sizes in droguerías and at El Corte Inglés.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Some do. I have found travel sizes in droguerías and at El Corte Inglés.

Ok, let me change my remark to say 99% of Spain's stores don't have travel sizes. .

 

[lt56ny]

For my beauty treatments and washing my body and clothes I have a very strict regiment. I use a bar of soap for everything.
Don't have much hair but i still shave my head almost completely, no brush or comb
No deodorant as I walk in colder weather and virtually everyone smells a little before they take a shower and luckily I don't smell alot. My merino wool stuff doesn't smell for a while but I am washing every day. Also only 2 shirts, 2 pants, 2 underwear, 3 socks, one light sleepng bag or sleep sack, one midweight pullover and long underpants, one super light puffy jacket, one beanie, gloves, buff and sun hat to protect from UV rays even in winter oh yea poncho and super light rain pants. 10 Ibuprofen, toothpicks, tooth brush/paste ear plugs, valtoron, charger cable, oh yea water and a decathlon bag that I carry food in. Some days I need food for at least 4 or 5 meals (just to be safe).

 

[JerryStroebele]

I can wash shirt, socks, underwear and towel every night for a month with just one small 1 oz. nalgene bottle of Tide powder laundry soap. Just a few sprinkles on each gets them clean in the sink. Buen Camino

 

[jrewins]

At the risk of starting another ‘polyester vs. merino wool’ war, I’d suggest that performance fabrics made of poly should not be summarily abandoned. As both fabrics have positive / negative features (and I have both), I can mix the two to achieve a desired layered objective. While polys have historically had a bad rap from sustainability issues, many of the newer fabrics have resolved this through more responsible use of raw materials; e.g. bamboo and recycled PET containers. Packing is not just a function of need, it also should consider weight, durability, sustainability, and of course the always ubiquitous, affordability.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

At the risk of starting another ‘polyester vs. merino wool’ war, I’d suggest that performance fabrics made of poly should not be summarily abandoned.

Darn straight. Merino gets holes. Go ahead, try it. You'll see.

 

[BarbaraW]

I've not come across powdered shampoo or deodorant, though I remember my father, in the 1950s, whisking up a powder with water to make liquid shampoo. Could you provide more information, please, @KDub ?

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

While polys have historically had a bad rap from sustainability issues, many of the newer fabrics have resolved this through more responsible use of raw materials; e.g. bamboo and recycled PET containers. Packing is not just a function of need, it also should consider weight, durability, sustainability, and of course the always ubiquitous, affordability.

Yes- and no. Whilst growing bamboo itself is more environmentally sustainable, unless it is mechanically processed (an extremely small percentage) unfortunately the processing uses extremely toxic chemicals. Toxic both to the environment and the workers. It also uses significant amounts of energy.
So actually it's not the great option that we are encouraged to think.

Darn straight. Merino gets holes. Go ahead, try it. You'll see.

Indeed it does. My 100% Merino typically lasts anywhere from 500 to 1500 kilometers before developing the first hole - and once the first appears the others are often not far behind. Although they will still have several hundred kilometers more wear in them. I'm not a fashion model.....
Buttons and buckles in the washing machine are not good for them, dryers are even worse. I always Air dry mine.

I've heard that a 85/15 wool/nylon blend is significantly more robust but have yet to try it.

The main reasons I prefer Merino is the fact that I can wear it for several days without it stinking, and it's far better at regulating my temperature then my old polys were.
I seldom used to wear my pollies out - I used to evict them from the house because of the residual odour (although they were practically walking out the door under their own stink).

I love the fact that Merino is renewable and biodegradable, and has a lower environmental impact since it requires less energy to produce compared to synthetic fibers.
Plus which it's seriously comfortable.

I fully accept that it's not for everybody - but it seems to be a pretty good compromise.

 

[Anhalter]

A few considerations from my experience:

- Start with the lightest load possible. You get stronger / more used to the "burden" of walking as you go. Even if you can't find replacements in small sizes, say deodorant or toothpaste, that extra weight will be much less a problem once you walked your first 200km.

- Minimize "just in case" items. There are plenty of shops. Even if those items are of lesser quality, they will likely be good enough for the moment.

- Weigh everything. Consider every item in regards to worth to weight. You want a journal or a guitar or a deck of cards? Absolutely fine if you are aware that those xxx added grams will bring you pleasure. Just be very careful with the "i might need this" things.

- Also: First aid. Yes it is important. Be sure you bring items you know how to use. Bring items that will get you out of a situation and into the hands of professionals. With very few exceptions they are never far away. I've seen too many people with kits that weight half of my whole pack that didnt know how to use the things in them and could just as well been on a wilderness trip.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

First aid. Yes it is important. Be sure you bring items you know how to use. Bring items that will get you out of a situation and into the hands of professionals. With very few exceptions they are never far away. I've seen too many people with kits that weight half of my whole pack that didnt know how to use the things in them and could just as well been on a wilderness trip.

Agree 100%.

Sadly I've seen too many people that carried nothing. And there are too many forum members that say you don't need anything because you'll always find a pharmacy in the next town.
A/ that is not always true - the next town with a pharmacy may be a couple of days away and
B/ you have to get there first!

 

[Lexicos]

Washing saves weight. So, take clothing that dries overnight. This usually means synthetics, though I've found that cotton lawn and silk are also quick-drying. If staying in a hotel or guest house, roll damp clothes in a towel and twist, then dry items on a hanger, smoothing them out as they

Can I add fine merino wool to this list of quick drying tops. I find it dries just as quickly as any synthetic fabric, fine or otherwise. I know it costs more but seriously, pure merino wool doesn’t smell and dries super fast. Just a suggestion based on good and long experience.

 

[Lexicos]

t solid shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap and deodorant. Many people

I leave out conditioner from my things. Many people probably don’t know that it often causes dandruff!!

 

[Lexicos]

Being of an age where luggage becomes mysteriously heavier with each passing year, I’ve realised what I’ve learned about packing light for Camino is relevant for all kinds of travel. Gleaned from many contributors to whom thanks, as well as my own experience.

• Take nothing that you would be very upset to lose. Too many tales on this forum of lost items of sentimental value.
  
  
• Layering works for all kinds of trip. Baselayer, walking shirt and fleece for walking might equate to vest, top and wrap for smart occasions.
  
  
• Washing saves weight. So, take clothing that dries overnight. This usually means synthetics, though I've found that cotton lawn and silk are also quick-drying. If staying in a hotel or guest house, roll damp clothes in a towel and twist, then dry items on a hanger, smoothing them out as they dry.
  
  
• Liquid and electronics are heavy. No-one’s come up with dehydrated water yet, but you can get solid shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap and deodorant. Many people manage without a power bank, and you can charge using just a USB European plug, rather than an array of adaptors.
  
  
• Go multipurpose. Items which can do more than one thing are great. Think scarf/sarong/privacy screen, or phone/guidebook/map or sleeping robe/smart top. Etc.
  
  
• Watch the containers. Things like purses, wallets, handbags, soap containers, spectacle cases, even packing cubes, can add up to a significant weight. If necessary, there’s probably a lighter alternative.
  
  
• If you find you do need it, you can probably buy it there. Spain and Portugal are full of wonderful general shops, often called Bazaar Chines or similar. And it may well be cheaper than at home!

Many people tour before or after walking so I hope this is useful to someone.

Very useful, especially for first timers.

 

[Anhalter]

Agree 100%.

Sadly I've seen too many people that carried nothing. And there are too many forum members that say you don't need anything because you'll always find a pharmacy in the next town.
A/ that is not always true - the next town with a pharmacy may be a couple of days away and
B/ you have to get there first!

Well, i am one of those people. While i don't carry nothing, i do only have a few ibuprofen, active coal tablets, 2-3 bandaids, some electrolytes and a bit of sticky tape. Literally less than 100g.
My consideration is, that thats what will get me to somewhere where i can get either help or supplies. Yes, i can fall and break a leg or whatever, but even if i had things to get through that, i would not know what to do with them...
Maybe not an approach i would recommend to others, but so far it worked well enough for me.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I would be happy to wear the softer merino wool, but it is still itchy on my skin very sensitive skin. Often "one size does not fit all" no matter how much you wish it did.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Well, i am one of those people. While i don't carry nothing, i do only have a few ibuprofen, active coal tablets, 2-3 bandaids, some electrolytes and a bit of sticky tape. Literally less than 100g.
My consideration is, that thats what will get me to somewhere where i can get either help or supplies. Yes, i can fall and break a leg or whatever, but even if i had things to get through that, i would not know what to do with them...
Maybe not an approach i would recommend to others, but so far it worked well enough for me.

Actually you're not - I'm talking about the idiots that don't even carry a couple of plasters or an ibuprofen, let alone coal tablets or tape. Instead they rely on "the camino will provide" - or in another words somebody else.

All I carry in addition to your items is hikers wool and a single bandage. I don't even really need the latter, but I hate cutting up perfectly good clothing for the sake of 26 grams.
In 40 years I've only ever used the bandage on three occasions - one of which was for myself.

When I broke my ankle I could have splinted and bandaged it but to heck with that - I called 112.
Just as I would punch my Garmin SOS button if I was in the wild somewhere.

Bring items that will get you out of a situation and into the hands of professionals.

As I said before I 100% agree.

You really do not need much.

 

[BarbaraW]

What are coal tablets for please? I've never come across them in the UK.

 

[Anhalter]

What are coal tablets for please? I've never come across them in the UK.

While not without controversy, they are said to help against food poisoning and other things messing with your digestion. I find they a "lighter" alternative to the Immodium or other "proper" digestive medication.

And yes, so far 95% of my uses of them have likely been due to too much Tinto than anything else.

edit: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-269/activated-charcoal

 

[BarbaraW]

Ah. I just take a handful of immodium equivalent and try not to eat and drink too much. Which is sometimes quite difficult.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I didn't know what coal was either. I must be rather lucky because I have never needed anything for stomach problems on any of my 10+ Caminos, however head colds/congestion have sometimes been a different story.

 

[henrythedog]

‘Active charcoal’ might be more familiar.


The lightest thing you can carry in terms of first aid is some knowledge; so for the majority of us who are not medical professionals (and only a proportion of those are better than average in an emergency), periodically attending a first aid course is a good thing to do.

 

[BarbaraW]

Take as in carry, not consume! Fortunately most of the few meds I carry travel around for a few years and then have to be ditched because they're out of date.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Alright, here's the deal. In most likelihoods, anyone walking any camino route won't need a first aid kit. I know that is maybe irresponsible for me to say it, but this isn't a walk in the wilderness. Carry your needed medications... and maybe some NSAIDS and some neosporin. That's it. I mean, only if you are concerned about weight. if not, carry it all.

 

[Lindsay53]

Alright, here's the deal. In most likelihoods, anyone walking any camino route won't need a first aid kit. I know that is maybe irresponsible for me to say it, but this isn't a walk in the wilderness. Carry your needed medications... and maybe some NSAIDS and some neosporin. That's it. I mean, only if you are concerned about weight. if not, carry it all.

You never need a first aid kit....until you do. Then it's worth every gram of weight and space it occupies in your pack.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

You never need a first aid kit....until you do. Then it's worth every gram of weight and space it occupies in your pack.

Have yet to need one. Just saying. But if I do need something, it's available within miles. My biggest fear is no ATM when I'm oouta cash and the town I'm in is tiny.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Alright, here's the deal. In most likelihoods, anyone walking any camino route won't need a first aid kit. I know that is maybe irresponsible for me to say it, but this isn't a walk in the wilderness. Carry your needed medications... and maybe some NSAIDS and some neosporin. That's it. I mean, only if you are concerned about weight. if not, carry it all.

I guess that depends on how you define 'first aid kit". The dictionary suggests "a small box containing items such as bandages, plasters and antiseptic wipes". To which most of us would add some kind of painkiller, whether it be aspirin or ibuprofen.
As the majority of pilgrims are carrying soap and /or sanitiser we can ignore the wipes, if it's bad enough to need a bandage most of us have enough brains to utilize materials to hand, or it will be serious enough to call an ambulance.

Which leaves plasters and painkillers.

Personally I think that most people that walk a camino will need a first aid kit. Even if all that is, is a plaster or an ibuprofen.

As I've already stated above my first aid kit comprises a few plasters, some tape, hikers wool, a single bandage and some Ibuprofen. ( I don't bother with charcoal or Imodium however a couple of tablets could be useful and weigh almost nothing.)
I agree completely that I'm unlikely to need the bandage, however the rest get used by somebody every time I walk.

Typically that somebody is not myself. I've given away far more ibuprofen than I have ever used, ditto plasters and tape.
About the only thing I can almost guarantee to use is some hikers wool because sooner or later I'll get a hotspot. (Prevention being better than cure).

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I guess that depends on how you define 'first aid kit". The dictionary suggests "a small box containing items such as bandages, plasters and antiseptic wipes". To which most of us would add some kind of painkiller, whether it be aspirin or ibuprofen.
As the majority of pilgrims are carrying soap and /or sanitiser we can ignore the wipes, if it's bad enough to need a bandage most of us have enough brains to utilize materials to hand, or it will be serious enough to call an ambulance.

Which leaves plasters and painkillers.

Personally I think that most people that walk a camino will need a first aid kit. Even if all that is, is a plaster or an ibuprofen.

As I've already stated above my first aid kit comprises a few plasters, some tape, hikers wool, a single bandage and some Ibuprofen. ( I don't bother with charcoal or Imodium however a couple of tablets could be useful and weigh almost nothing.)
I agree completely that I'm unlikely to need the bandage, however the rest get used by somebody every time I walk.

Typically that somebody is not myself. I've given away far more ibuprofen than I have ever used, ditto plasters and tape.
About the only thing I can almost guarantee to use is some hikers wool because sooner or later I'll get a hotspot. (Prevention being better than cure).

I don't know what plasters are but I assume "band-aids". I also, just based on personal experience, I don't use ibuprofen! Have you tried Naproxeno Sodico (Aleve)? My reaction to first aid kits available in the USA is based on their bulky size and unnecessary contents. Yes, some band aids, antibiotic ointment, painkillers... but I would be fully irresponsible if I didn't mention anti-histamines (Benadryl). I mean, you never know what's out there that may just end your life... learned that the hard way ON A CAMINO. Darn wasps. That, IMO, is the most important thing to carry as far as health kits are concerned. Unless, you now know, and you always have an epi-pen with you too,

BTW - you can't buy benadryl in Spain. They have their equivalents, but figuring out the right one is tough.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

BTW - you can't buy benadryl in Spain. They have their equivalents, but figuring out the right one is tough.

Loratadine or Cetirizin are viable over the counter medications for allergies : I don't include those in my first aid kit because they're part of my personal medication anyway... .

Every country seems to have their own brand but the active ingredient is the same - any pharmacist will know exactly what you mean if you show them those words.

I don't know what plasters are but I assume "band-aids"

Yep, the two words are interchangeable in New Zealand: we speak both English and American

I agree, most commercially available first aid kits are too bulky and unnecessary on Camino; but even a couple of plasters/ band aids, some painkillers and some tape in a plastic bag is still a first aid kit.

Like with most things, homemade versions were used long before the commercial variants.....

 

[KDub]

I've not come across powdered shampoo or deodorant, though I remember my father, in the 1950s, whisking up a powder with water to make liquid shampoo. Could you provide more information, please, @KDub ?

Mineralized Deodorant and Powder Shampoo

 

[dramig]

A friend of my sister told her once after taking a wilderness emergency class the importance of having a small amount of powder sugary drink in the event a diabetic having low sugar issues. Hours from help. Good info IMO

 

[Anhalter]

A friend of my sister told her once after taking a wilderness emergency class the importance of having a small amount of powder sugary drink in the event a diabetic having low sugar issues. Hours from help. Good info IMO

I think that nowhere on any Camino in Spain (and likely Europe) you can be "hours away from help". It is not a "wilderness trip".

But anyways, having some carbs available is usually a good idea. Instead of a fancy hard to come by powdered whatever i prefer Oreos. Readily available, lots of sugar, vegan, good to share... and then they also taste good.

 

[drgalvin]

A few considerations from my experience:

- Start with the lightest load possible. You get stronger / more used to the "burden" of walking as you go. Even if you can't find replacements in small sizes, say deodorant or toothpaste, that extra weight will be much less a problem once you walked your first 200km.

- Minimize "just in case" items. There are plenty of shops. Even if those items are of lesser quality, they will likely be good enough for the moment.

- Weigh everything. Consider every item in regards to worth to weight. You want a journal or a guitar or a deck of cards? Absolutely fine if you are aware that those xxx added grams will bring you pleasure. Just be very careful with the "i might need this" things.

- Also: First aid. Yes it is important. Be sure you bring items you know how to use. Bring items that will get you out of a situation and into the hands of professionals. With very few exceptions they are never far away. I've seen too many people with kits that weight half of my whole pack that didnt know how to use the things in them and could just as well been on a wilderness trip.

Watch the ounces; the pounds will take care of themselves.