Dollar Store gear

[trecile]

I mentioned in the thread about dry bags for the shower that I purchased Extra Large ziplock bags from the Dollar Store for this purpose.

I thought that I'd start a thread about other Dollar Store bargains that I have found for the Camino.

• I actually just visited my local Dollar Store and found that they now have Compeed type blister bandages - a box of 4 for $1!
• I use the small zippered mesh bags to hang any laundry that hasn't dried on the back of my pack. I don't mind pinning a couple of socks to my pack, but when I need to put my undies, and other walking clothes on the outside of my pack I prefer to have them contained.
• Small bottles of hand sanitzing gel
• Folding pocket brush with mirror
• Tiny single use tubes of super glue
• Paper first aid tape for taping feet
• Travel size deodorant
• Antibiotic ointment
• Snack size ziplock bags - good for transferring medications to

Anyone else have some Dollar/Pound Store or other bargains to share?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I mentioned in the thread about dry bags for the shower that I purchased Extra Large ziplock bags from the Dollar Store for this purpose.

I thought that I'd start a thread about other Dollar Store bargains that I have found for the Camino.

• I actually just visited my local Dollar Store and found that they now have Compeed type blister bandages - a box of 4 for $1!
• I use the small zippered mesh bags to hang any laundry that hasn't dried on the back of my pack. I don't mind pinning a couple of socks to my pack, but when I need to put my undies, and other walking clothes on the outside of my pack I prefer to have them contained.
• Small bottles of hand sanitzing gel
• Folding pocket brush with mirror
• Tiny single use tubes of super glue
• Paper first aid tape for taping feet
• Travel size deodorant
• Antibiotic ointment
• Snack size ziplock bags - good for transferring medications to

View attachment 32812

Anyone else have some Dollar/Pound Store or other bargains to share?

Yes, for my Caminos I buy what I can at the Dollar Store, too! Thanks for your great list.
I buy...several colorful bandanas for $1 each. Used for washing my face in the morning. Another one goes around my neck if it's chilly, or to jazz up my walking clothes at dinner, etc. A very small 10 power mirror for tweezing brows when I get opportunity. Both large and small stretchy hairbands used for purposes other than hair. Makeup bag to hold my toiletries. Tiny scissors to cut moleskin. Synthetic dry wicking t-shirts for $6 each, they are attractive and so comfortable I sleep in them, too.
(P.S. I like your new avatar.)

 

[whariwharangi]

I mentioned in the thread about dry bags for the shower that I purchased Extra Large ziplock bags from the Dollar Store for this purpose.

I thought that I'd start a thread about other Dollar Store bargains that I have found for the Camino.

• I actually just visited my local Dollar Store and found that they now have Compeed type blister bandages - a box of 4 for $1!
• I use the small zippered mesh bags to hang any laundry that hasn't dried on the back of my pack. I don't mind pinning a couple of socks to my pack, but when I need to put my undies, and other walking clothes on the outside of my pack I prefer to have them contained.
• Small bottles of hand sanitzing gel
• Folding pocket brush with mirror
• Tiny single use tubes of super glue
• Paper first aid tape for taping feet
• Travel size deodorant
• Antibiotic ointment
• Snack size ziplock bags - good for transferring medications to

View attachment 32812

Anyone else have some Dollar/Pound Store or other bargains to share?

You're collecting junk you don't need.

 

[trecile]

You're collecting junk you don't need.

Thank you for your kind words.

I brought and used just about everything on that list last year. I didn't bring the super glue or hand sanitizer, and I already had antibiotic ointment, and much more expensive blister bandages at home.

 

[trecile]

(P.S. I like your new avatar.)

Thanks!

 

[Mark Lee]

You're collecting junk you don't need.

I always bring the travel sized (TSA approved) toothpaste, hand sanitize gel, deodorant (dry variety), etc with me. As long as all under 3 oz and all of it will fit in a single quart size ziplock, you can have it as a carry-on.
Last year I could have used the antibiotic ointment for sure. Had a skinned knee. Managed to get some band-aids, but couldn't find antibiotic ointment and had to settle on betadine.

 

[nycwalking]

Wal-Mart has walking sticks for under $20 a pair.

 

[whariwharangi]

Thank you for your kind words.

I brought and used just about everything on that list last year. I didn't bring the super glue or hand sanitizer, and I already had antibiotic ointment, and much more expensive blister bandages at home.

You're welcome. Hopefully it will lead to a lighter pack.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Great thread @trecile - we often forget that just because something is less expensive or comes from somewhere other than the Specialty Outdoor Shop, it is not suitable for the Camino. I will have a look in our version of the dollar shop (known here as Reject Store). Cheers

 

[jo webber]

Other than my backpack and sandals, everything has come from the discount stores. Oh, a couple of pair of socks were pricey. Airfare was affordable by watching the sales. When we are not walking the Camino, we will be staying in hostels.
Cutting costs where possible is what makes the Camino possible for us.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

A couple of Dollar Store items I brought:

• plastic hook for hanging up pack
• small notebook and pen
• tiny LED flashlight in lieu of headlamp

 

[t2andreo]

I buy a large drawstring, mesh laundry bag at the local Dollar Store, usually in some awful bright color. I use this to ship my rucksack as checked baggage.

Don't forget to securely attach an address label to the drawstrings BEFORE you knot them. I add a spring toggle cord retainer, and use simple but multiple knots. I want the bag to be easy to open, but not to open in transit just from handling.

Also, leave a portion of the drawstring exposed, at the neck of the closed bag for airline folks to securely adhere the destination tag...VERY IMPORTANT!

The color makes it easy to identify on arrival, and less likely to "grow legs" and walk away enroute. The sack protects my loaded rucksack. On arrival, it either goes at the bottom of the rucksack, or is used as needed throughout the Camino.

For example, a mesh bag can be hung on the outside of the rucksack on a dry day to dry previously washed, but not yet dry clothing. It can also be used in the rucksack for general organization.

Check this out. The bags weigh only a few grams and take very little space if you get the mesh variety.

I hope this helps.

 

[Trude]

I mentioned in the thread about dry bags for the shower that I purchased Extra Large ziplock bags from the Dollar Store for this purpose.

I thought that I'd start a thread about other Dollar Store bargains that I have found for the Camino.

• I actually just visited my local Dollar Store and found that they now have Compeed type blister bandages - a box of 4 for $1!
• I use the small zippered mesh bags to hang any laundry that hasn't dried on the back of my pack. I don't mind pinning a couple of socks to my pack, but when I need to put my undies, and other walking clothes on the outside of my pack I prefer to have them contained.
• Small bottles of hand sanitzing gel
• Folding pocket brush with mirror
• Tiny single use tubes of super glue
• Paper first aid tape for taping feet
• Travel size deodorant
• Antibiotic ointment
• Snack size ziplock bags - good for transferring medications to

View attachment 32812

Anyone else have some Dollar/Pound Store or other bargains to share?

Yes. ......I have walked five Caminos and have always suffered from a swelling right foot, pressure blisters, black toe nails. I bought a pair of walking sandals from the $1 bazaar somewhere along the Camino for $14 and they were the most comfortable shoes I have ever walked in. They were Men's and called Corals.
I am walking the Via de la Plata at the moment and am checking every Bazaar store, as my Merrills are certainly not as comfortable. And yes, about 150 kms of walking, so far I have 2 pressure blisters and 3 black toe nails. My back pack is about 7kgs I can't get it any lighter. I hope I find a pair of Corals soon.

 

[cher99840]

Yes. ......I have walked five Caminos and have always suffered from a swelling right foot, pressure blisters, black toe nails. I bought a pair of walking sandals from the $1 bazaar somewhere along the Camino for $14 and they were the most comfortable shoes I have ever walked in. They were Men's and called Corals.
I am walking the Via de la Plata at the moment and am checking every Bazaar store, as my Merrills are certainly not as comfortable. And yes, about 150 kms of walking, so far I have 2 pressure blisters and 3 black toe nails. My back pack is about 7kgs I can't get it any lighter. I hope I find a pair of Corals soon.

Off topic--Trude, where are you on the V de la P? I'm at Zafra and that's about 150km in.

 

[notion900]

My dad is a terror for pound shops. I do find the bumper packs of pocket tissues are amazing value, but much of their stuff is a false economy I fear. The mad top shelf in Lidl on the other hand....

 

[Jeff Crawley]

You're collecting junk you don't need.

Obviously not. My impression of Trecile is that of a sensible, competent pilgrim - I doubt she'd collect junk she didn't need.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

You're welcome. Hopefully it will lead to a lighter pack.

I'm guessing they don't do irony down the street where you live?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

My dad is a terror for pound shops. I do find the bumper packs of pocket tissues are amazing value, but much of their stuff is a false economy I fear. The mad top shelf in Lidl on the other hand....

I only go to Lidl for the weekly specials . . . and the fresh baked croissants.

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

I used, and still use, a small bright red eyeglass case that has a clip to attach to any loop, I attached it to a belt loop. It keeps my glasses from getting crushed or left behind. I start out the day with regular glasses on my head, sunglasses in the case. About time for second breakfast change that position. On the trail I kept a cleaning cloth in there too. It is just visable in my profile picture under the hand on my leg.

As I am a little lost without glasses I also picked up an eyeglass repair kit, tiny tube with some screws and screwdriver, stashed in my first aid kit. And I did use it once.

whariwharangi, please forgive me...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Obviously not. My impression of Trecile is that of a sensible, competent pilgrim - I doubt she'd collect junk she didn't need.

I totally agree!

 

[brian560]

Great thread @trecile - we often forget that just because something is less expensive or comes from somewhere other than the Specialty Outdoor Shop, it is not suitable for the Camino. I will have a look in our version of the dollar shop (known here as Reject Store). Cheers

Try Aldi. I am using a lightweight mummy bag bought from Aldi two years ago which cost me 20 bucks. It's done 2 caminos and will do more. I wore Aldi Crane zip off hiking pants which cost me 20 odd bucks on the VdlP. They did not fall apart as did my Columbia predecessors on another camino. I have just bought a merino T shirt from Aldi for 25 bucks which looks and feels the same as my Icebreaker T shirts at a third of the cost. I will be using a small microfibre towel purchased from those nothing over 2 dollar japanese stores. I refuse to pay the outrageous prices charged by a certain outdoor company in Oz. I have a lot of expensive Katmandu gear and in my opinion the gear cannot handle serious use. I think people get too carried with thinking that equipment will make the walk easier. All you really need is reasonable, well worn in shoes and socks. the rest is not mission critical.

 

[Paddington Bear]

Try Aldi. I am using a lightweight mummy bag bought from Aldi two years ago which cost me 20 bucks. It's done 2 caminos and will do more. I wore Aldi Crane zip off hiking pants which cost me 20 odd bucks on the VdlP. They did not fall apart as did my Columbia predecessors on another camino. I have just bought a merino T shirt from Aldi for 25 bucks which looks and feels the same as my Icebreaker T shirts at a third of the cost. I will be using a small microfibre towel purchased from those nothing over 2 dollar japanese stores. I refuse to pay the outrageous prices charged by a certain outdoor company in Oz. I have a lot of expensive Katmandu gear and in my opinion the gear cannot handle serious use. I think people get too carried with thinking that equipment will make the walk easier. All you really need is reasonable, well worn in shoes and socks. the rest is not mission critical.

I just bought wool hiking socks from Aldi and they fit well and feel really nice - almost as good as my smartwool socks at 1/6 of the price just a tiny, tiny bit thinner maybe but not much.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I just bought wool hiking socks from Aldi and they fit well and feel really nice - almost as good as my smartwool socks at 1/6 of the price just a tiny, tiny bit thinner maybe but not much.

LOVE the avatar!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Try Aldi. I am using a lightweight mummy bag bought from Aldi two years ago which cost me 20 bucks. It's done 2 caminos and will do more. I wore Aldi Crane zip off hiking pants which cost me 20 odd bucks on the VdlP. They did not fall apart as did my Columbia predecessors on another camino. I have just bought a merino T shirt from Aldi for 25 bucks which looks and feels the same as my Icebreaker T shirts at a third of the cost. I will be using a small microfibre towel purchased from those nothing over 2 dollar japanese stores. I refuse to pay the outrageous prices charged by a certain outdoor company in Oz. I have a lot of expensive Katmandu gear and in my opinion the gear cannot handle serious use. I think people get too carried with thinking that equipment will make the walk easier. All you really need is reasonable, well worn in shoes and socks. the rest is not mission critical.

Thanks Brian - some good advice, unfortunately Aldi is not a regular supplier of the items you mention. I find its very much hit & miss and if you arrive late on Wednesday or Saturday the special items are all gone and the Aldi staff offer nil, zero help in finding them in other stores.

 

[Glenn Rowe]

Obviously not. My impression of Trecile is that of a sensible, competent pilgrim - I doubt she'd collect junk she didn't need.

We all should probably remember this saying;

Opinions are like noses; everybody's got one, and a lot of 'em smell.

Present company/opinions excepted, of course!

 

[Jenny267]

And to revive this one....I just bought these 3 dry bags from The Reject Shop for $10, 2 minutes in the shower and all was dry but next time it rains a bag of clothes will go outside in the bag as a better test before committing to depending on them

 

[brian560]

Very true, you ha

Thanks Brian - some good advice, unfortunately Aldi is not a regular supplier of the items you mention. I find its very much hit & miss and if you arrive late on Wednesday or Saturday the special items are all gone and the Aldi staff offer nil, zero help in finding them in other stores.

Very true, you have to keep your eye on the catalogues and be quick

 

[Deleted member 29041]

Well, not exactly dollar store, but close.

I'll be bringing my £25 backpack on it's third Camino in a few days, along with the cheap no-name runners t-shirts and zip-off trekking pants bought from Lidl and a previous-year-model fleece bought at a huge markdown. Etc. My (like new) rain poncho was bought second hand, from a returning pilgrim.

My only "brand" items are my socks, my boots, and my beloved down sleeping bag. But even those I got at markdown.

With a little patience, you can get great bargains on just about all the things you'll need for walking a Camino.

I guess I'm cheap - my Camino gear certainly was

 

[Telboyo]

I mentioned in the thread about dry bags for the shower that I purchased Extra Large ziplock bags from the Dollar Store for this purpose.

I thought that I'd start a thread about other Dollar Store bargains that I have found for the Camino.

• I actually just visited my local Dollar Store and found that they now have Compeed type blister bandages - a box of 4 for $1!
• I use the small zippered mesh bags to hang any laundry that hasn't dried on the back of my pack. I don't mind pinning a couple of socks to my pack, but when I need to put my undies, and other walking clothes on the outside of my pack I prefer to have them contained.
• Small bottles of hand sanitzing gel
• Folding pocket brush with mirror
• Tiny single use tubes of super glue
• Paper first aid tape for taping feet
• Travel size deodorant
• Antibiotic ointment
• Snack size ziplock bags - good for transferring medications to

View attachment 32812

Anyone else have some Dollar/Pound Store or other bargains to share?

Carabiners for hanging backpacks or keeping shower shoes in a pair.I would not trust them on anything heavy!

 

[KinkyOne]

Carabiners for hanging backpacks or keeping shower shoes in a pair.I would not trust them on anything heavy!

Don't buy those plastic ones but classic firemen or climbing carabiners. They are really lightweight. I carry just one smaller and this would be enough to stand a fall of my 90 kilos body because they are tested and approved by UIAA.

 

[iWander]

Try Aldi. I am using a lightweight mummy bag bought from Aldi two years ago which cost me 20 bucks. It's done 2 caminos and will do more. I wore Aldi Crane zip off hiking pants which cost me 20 odd bucks on the VdlP. They did not fall apart as did my Columbia predecessors on another camino. I have just bought a merino T shirt from Aldi for 25 bucks which looks and feels the same as my Icebreaker T shirts at a third of the cost. I will be using a small microfibre towel purchased from those nothing over 2 dollar japanese stores. I refuse to pay the outrageous prices charged by a certain outdoor company in Oz. I have a lot of expensive Katmandu gear and in my opinion the gear cannot handle serious use. I think people get too carried with thinking that equipment will make the walk easier. All you really need is reasonable, well worn in shoes and socks. the rest is not mission critical.

OMG. I had no idea Aldi sold sleeping bags. Now I'm curious. Gotta go check.

 

[iWander]

I just bought wool hiking socks from Aldi and they fit well and feel really nice - almost as good as my smartwool socks at 1/6 of the price just a tiny, tiny bit thinner maybe but not much.

Great avatar

 

[Camino Chrissy]

OMG. I had no idea Aldi sold sleeping bags. Now I'm curious. Gotta go check.

Well, I hope you don't live in the Midwestern USA, cuz you aint gonna find them at these Aldi's!

 

[iWander]

Aaaw. New Yorker here.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Aaaw. New Yorker here.

Well then, maybe you have a chance. Let us know the outcome!

 

[Telboyo]

Well then, maybe you have a chance. Let us know the outcome!

I don't know if the US ALDI is the same as European ALDi. In Europe the every day items are around the wall the centre aisle has Special themed items, currently in the UK it is petcare bathroom and kitchen. These change twice per week but so you have to get them quick. The camping gear in Lidl ( Aldi's main competitor, IMHO the better of the 2) and Aldi is usually at the end of spring beginning of summer.


Edited for typo

 

[iWander]

Well then, maybe you have a chance. Let us know the outcome!

No luck. But now I know to keep an eye on the sales.

 

[Trude]

OMG. I had no idea Aldi sold sleeping bags. Now I'm curious. Gotta go check.

I use the Aldi lightweight sleeping bag it is the smallest money can buy. They have them as a special about twice a year. I buy about 5 when they get them in as I dump my sleeping bag when I get to SDC to make room for new clothes.