Just between us girls

[revrenjen]

As I get ready for my first El Camino in May and June of this year, I need some help from the wise women of the forum.

Undergarments--
What sort of bra did you wear? I'm thinking a lightweight sports bra. And I certainly hope you don't have to buy the expensive, high-tech, super-duper wicking underwear I saw in a sports store, and that comfy panties of good quality, quick-drying synthetic are fine.

Skin Care--
At almost 60, I am in what I fondly call the high-maintenance stage of life. I use a variety of cleansers and moisturizers every day. I plan to leave them all behind (along with my make-up!), but am wondering what to use instead. What do you use to cleanse and moisturize your face? Just sunscreen and soap? Or something more? Any brand recommendations?

Going au naturel--
I can't think of a delicate way to put this--do you shave your legs when you're walking--and how on earth do you manage in a shared bath with a long line of folks waiting to get in the shower?

Clothes--
Having looked over the many excellent packing lists, I see some folks say 2 changes of clothes are plenty, while others insist it's better to have 3. What do you all think?

Extras--
Is there some little extra that you took that was especially appreciated and was totally worth the extra few ounces? I'm thinking especially of something a woman would appreciate.

Thanks so much!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I am a minimalist, but I carry soap, shampoo, and a sunscreen-and-moisturizer on every camino. Travel-size. I do my laundry with the shampoo, and I top-up my supplies when I stay at a hotel or hostal room that provides them.

The clothes decision depends on how long you are on the road, and what season it is. You do not need Everest-worthy sporting goods, no matter what people tell you -- but quick-drying, seamless, and lightweight fabrics really are a godsend when it´s raining for days. When something gets too manky (and they will!), go to a store in a larger town and replace it with a new one. As you go along, you will realize what you need and what you don´t. You will also become stronger, able to bear the extra weight that comes with that newly purchased tube of sunscreen or heavy-duty poncho, or a third pair of socks.

You will be amazed at how little you can live with. Only you know what little things you are not willing to give up... I always carry a little squish-able travel pillow, because I can´t sleep without it!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Here are my answers:

Undergarments--
a lightweight sports bra - yes!
comfy panties of good quality, quick-drying synthetic are fine - YES!

Skin Care--
I did nothing. I washed my face with soap and after 2 or 3 days, the oils adjusted and my skin was fine. I'm 58.. 59 this year? How old am I? old! lol

Going au naturel--
do you shave your legs when you're walking - not even once!

Clothes--
I took ONE change of clothes and was fine. Anything extra you need, you can find in a "free box" or purchase in Spain.

Extras? My feminine urinary device which allows a lady to pee while standing up! Came in handy many times in the woods, dirty toilets, etc. Weighs near to nothing.

 

[kaylfrazer]

Strangely, after a month on the road, with only a little soap and oil of olay and tiny bit of a shampoo bar, my skin and hair were better than usual. I also found that my hair didn't grow as fast.. Usually it needs cutting every 5 - 6 weeks but this time I was able to wait a little longer. I did try waxing my legs before my first camino, thinking it would last longer than shaving .. my first and last time ever, as it was more painful than anything I met on the camino! In fact I wore zip off pants and never actually zipped the the bottoms off so it wasn't too big an issue.

As for clothes.. yes to a light sports bra. I also took a very light sarong that I was able to wear as a skirt in the evening (as well as use as a pillowcase, shower curtain, picnic rug, curtain from my bunk etc). I am trying to find another one now for my next camino only to discover that they have vanished from the shops.. I may have to make one.

For my first camino I had read somewhere that silk underwear would be breathable and comfortable and dry easily. Unable to buy any, I sewed some only to find that they did not stand up to daily hand washing and had to be replaced by Burgos.

My camino luxury is a tiny sliver of really good soap. It won't last and I will probably lose it anyway but it is nice to start with! One suggestion, if you have any creams that you are not sure whether to take or not, you can put a small amount into a tiny ziplock bag and it will probably be OK and if you find you can live without it , it is easy to dispose of.

Kay

 

[jl]

I use a moisturizer and sunblock in one (Nivea). I take a small shampoo (hotel giveaway size) and I take a small soap. I never use anything on my face other than water in the shower (at home and on the Camino) and then I put the moisturizer on. I then top up the moisturizer at an appropriate time in the day for sun protection. I hike in shorts and so I do the same with the legs once the sun is up.

Be carefull that the elastic in the legs of the undies will not cause chaffing - you could be a sorry girl if that is the case! I always get them with the elastic covered by a hem (triumph sloggi's - if that means anything to anyone) - avoids any catastrophes! Cheers, Janet

 

[Canuck]

Do I shave my legs?
No, I don't even shave ma face!

Oups! Sorry, I don't belong here.

Jean-Marc

 

[gittiharre]

Hi here is my packing list with rationale for each item, refined again and again after 3000 km on mainly pilgrim trails in mainly early summer and late summer conditions. At times it was cold in the mornings and evenings, down to frost even, but warmed up during the day, there were a few rainy days and a few days of cold wind with temps around 5 to 8 degrees C and what I took was totally perfect in every way. Cheers, Gitti

 

[gittiharre]

I use Neutrogena, there is a moisturizer with about 70 SPF and I put it on my legs and hands as well.
Cheers Gitti

 

[gittiharre]

I had my legs and underarms waxed before I left, regrowth was slow. No makeup, washed face, hair, body and clothes with pure olive oil soap, Neutrogena 70 SPF for face and exposed skin, mini deo, that was it really.
I did not wear a bra under my loose sunprotection long sleeve day time shirt. In the evening I wore a thing called a bodywrap, which is a one piece somewhat supporting garment with a lightweight merino t shirt over it. The lava lava is essential for me too. I wear it to the shower, get changed under it, wear it as a shawl, skirt in combo with fleece, while everything else gets washed.....it is useful as a pillow case also or a lightweight cover on a hot night, it can even be tied in a creative way to make a swimsuit.
Anyway, the rest is in my packing list, which I posted earlier. Regards, Gitti

 

[Hobbes]

Two things to consider.. One is hair and nails grow less while on the camino because your food intake may not be as high and your calories expended are higher. So your body decides where to focus it's repair and growth just as it decides what fuel to burn (sugar vs. fat) based on the intensity and duration of your physical activity.

The other thing is soap.. I make a soap that I use as soap, shampoo, and shave cream. It has Olive and other moisturizing oils, raw silk melted into it for hair conditioning, a bit of clay for razor glide. One bar lasts the camino (as long as you don't leave it in the shower). Less to carry which is always a good thing.

 

[Nandy61]

My one splurgy purchase for my camino was a couple of pairs of those spendy high-tech Ex-Officio underpants. And I can say they were brilliant. They were always dry the next morning despite the damp, wet and cold weather that we encountered the first few days of our Camino walking out of StJPP. I can say the same for the high-tech, quick drying shirts I bought. Those however, I bought at bargain basement prices on Sierra Trading Post, so they weren't expensive. I was given a pair of North Face zip-off hiking pants that also were a godsend. Dry every morning and very light weight. I would not have purchased these myself beforehand however; at $89 I felt they were too expensive. Seeing how well they wore and performed, I'm not sure I would hesitate in the future. I brought more than two changes of clothing, big mistake, and ended up sending stuff forward to Santiago. All you need is clothes to walk in and then clean clothes for after your shower. So two pairs of ___x___. My bra was not a sports bra as I wasn't sure it would dry as well as my synthetic underwire everyday one.

Moisturizer with SPF in it was all I took, and I used only water or maybe a little soap in the shower on my face. I had a big bar of glycerin soap that I would use to shower with and to clean my clothes with. I kept it in a ziplock bag. (I brought extras of those btw)

I brought a disposable razor and had no problem shaving in the showers.

the little extra thing that I brought, though i never saw it on this forum, was a bungy cord. I used it everyday. I would stretch it head-to-toe under the bunk bed (I slept on the bottom bunk) and would hang my quick drying towel on it every afternoon/night (or my other items if it was raining outside) It gave me a little privacy from at least one half of the room and made it very convenient to find all my clothes in the morning darkness. In fact, if my clothes were mostly dry by the time I went to bed, I would bring them in and hang them from it as well, for convenience. My comrades were quite jealous of my little arrangement, and would often try to squeeze their socks or undies on it if needed.

Best of luck! Jealous of your upcoming travels!!

 

[annakappa]

I think we are all more or less on the same wave length here! However, I'll reply in order of the questions:
Bra - sports bra bought in a supermarket.
Panties - Sloggies (as Janet mentioned) - they are extremely comfy and dry quickly.
Skin care - #50 sun proctector for face and #20 for hands & arms. I use the same in the afternoon after a shower. So far, I've never taken a moisturer cream (I'm nearly 69), but I might this year.
Hair - those sachets or little plastic bottles of shampoo that you find in hotels. I use a hair conditioner, which I decanter some into one of these mini bottles, leaving the big bottle at home. In fact, try and buy your sun protector, etc. in TUBES instead of bottles - they weigh less and are handier to slip into a side or trouser pocket. Oh yes, I use a lip protector - Labello.
Take a ladies plastic shaver if you want to shave your legs - it hardly weights anything!
Clothes: 2 pairs of zip-off light weight pants, 3 T-shirts (I like to have a better looking one for Mass), 2 pairs walking socks, plus one lighter weight pair for afternoons/evenings if it gets cold. Rain hat, gloves (if you walk in October), rain cape, fleece, jacket and a micro fiber towel. My only other item, which I take everywhere with me, is my large, square, light weight Arabic head scarf, which "does" for soooo many things. I use it primarily for wrapping around my neck to avoid sun burn, over my head when it gets too hot, as a curtain on my bunk bed sometimes, as a sheet to sit on in the fields, etc. etc. Anne

 

[Lydia Gillen]

Hi
Great advice from everyone. One thing not yet mentioned. Bring about 8 or ten safety pins for hanging up your washing. There are always outdoor clotheslines but pegs are a rarity.

I'll be walking in May and June too. we may meet up

Buen Camino
Lydia

 

[CaminoGen]

I've never done the Camino but I've been experimenting with some products from Lush when I go to the gym. The solid shampoo weights less than nothing and is very efficient. As for the face cleanser, I plan to bring a tiny chunk of about 30 grams for the entire trip.

http://www.lush.ca/shop/products/hairca ... -shampoos/

http://www.lush.ca/shop/products/face/c ... sh-farmacy

 

[revrenjen]

Thank you, thank you, thank you--for your wisdom and your generosity in sharing it.

Rene

 

[nellpilgrim]

..the little extra thing that I brought, though i never saw it on this forum, was a bungy cord. I used it everyday. I would stretch it head-to-toe under the bunk bed (I slept on the bottom bunk) and would hang my quick drying towel on it every afternoon/night (or my other items if it was raining outside) It gave me a little privacy from at least one half of the room and made it very convenient to find all my clothes in the morning darkness...

I'll second that Nandy, we each took a twisty two ply 'no pegs clothsline' these not only dried out our undies but also secured loose rain covers to packs, acted as belts for over excited ponchos and even provided a basic security device. The best euro I've ever spent.
If you wear cotton undies and the seams prove a problem try wearing them inside out (cut the labels off so it's not too obvious), I do this with socks to, and it really works.
I have to have at least factor 50 and need to reapply thoughout the day so those pocket sized squashy sachets with nozzles worked best for me. Frances brought a small tube of moisturiser but we only used it when the front of our legs got abraded by cold winds crossing the Meseta.
As to shaving.... the air tramped by body hair provides a vital layer of insulation you'll be glad of in cold/wet weather :lol:
Nell

 

[nellpilgrim]

Do I shave my legs?
No, I don't even shave ma face!
Oups! Sorry, I don't belong here.
Jean-Marc

Jean-Marc I'm afraid the penalty for trespassing on this post is an all over man wax :shock: ......with the funds donated to an appropriate charity :lol: .
Nell

 

[Tia Valeria]

Lightweight, quick drying layers of clothes (t-shirt/vest; long-sleeved T- pyjama top/lightpullover; polyester, thin longjohns - pyjama bottoms/cold evenings; thin polyester bra - the sports ones here were like boards!; hi-tec pants with flat seams; fleece; zip-off trecking trousers; socks). Basically two of everything but 3prs of pants is a good idea. Last year was so cold, in May, we had to buy a second fleece each so this year will be taking both. Cue for a heatwave :lol:
The elastic washing line plus either 3 or 4 plastic pegs and a round piece of rubber from an old inner tube as a plug (5cm diameter) and a small piece of soap was laundry equipment.

I took a mini bottle of shampoo, which doubled as shower gel, and a disposable razor. Keep all hair short or shaved as appropriate.
I didn't 'do' my legs again, on our partial Camino, last year but probably would on arrival in Santiago this coming year. My hair is short anyway but I will have a 'Camino haircut' again and it should be a nice length for the whole trip. I like to keep shaved under-arm as it feels less sweaty.

We are also taking an extra shirt each for 'best' when we reach Santiago, but they are very lightweight. The longjohns earned their keep in the evenings and as pyjamas, but I wouldn't choose to walk in them. If it is that cold early morning it is easier to wear waterproof trousers, you can get them off when it warms up!
Buen Camino
Tia Valeria

 

[Portia1]

So much depends on when you are walking. You are planning May-June so it will be moving from warm to warmer. This is good and cuts down on what you need to plan for in the way of layers. It also means your laundry is likely to dry efficiently and effectively. Also a big plus. I took a pair of quick-dry shorts and a pair of zip-offs. I also took 2 quick-dry tees, a long sleeve quick dry shirt, and a lightweight fleece jacket and microfleece pants. I also made a sarong out of lightweight cotton. And I carried an Altus poncho and a wide brimmed hat. That way I could layer up and also get some sun protection when I needed it. I walked September into October so the weather gradually got colder and boy, did the rain fall! There were some evenings when I put on anything that wasn't hanging on the clothes line because I was chilled.

As far as undergarments, I used Barely There--purchased on sale at Kohls for something like $2 a pair and took 3 at 1.1 oz each. I took two bras--both quick drying at 3 oz each. I think the major difference with sports bras over regular (which I took) is the modesty factor. The sports bras tend to be more opaque and thus a little less revealing when dressing, etc. in mixed company. There were several times when laundry either didn't get done because of arrival time or it was raining and NOTHING dried. I was very glad to have a spare dry set of panties. I hate putting on wet ones!

I carried a disposable razer, Liggett shampoo bar, a small bar of Dove--it works well on my skin (used a used bar from home), and a very small tube of body lotion and chapstick. I cut a bar of Naptha soap in half with another pilgrim and used that for laundry. That's it.

I am walking the Portuguese this fall and am carrying the same things I took on the French--the only thing I didn't use was my first aid kit--other than sharing the contents with others who needed compeed, etc. Needless to say, I will carry it again. Everyone's needs and wants are different. You can either start with stuff that makes you feel prepared and leave things you find you don't need behind in hiker boxes or start out and purchase for the gaps. If you are starting in SJPP, the first place you can find shops of any size is Pamplona. By then you will have a fair idea of things--what you need and don't. By Burgos, definitely!

Buen Camino!

 

[hel&scott]

Och, some of this advice is getting pretty detailed and shows that it's really painful being a modern woman. Let's just remember you have to carry this stuff and a layer of road grime is going hanging off you and everything you own for much of the trip. And your never far from a farmacy on the camino.

Sunblock moisturiser, foot cream, tampons, layers of quick drying clothes a must - hair brush and bra optional - razer and makeup, well thats probably going a bit far.

I am walking the Portuguese this fall and am carrying the same things I took on the French...

Having completed the Portuguese Way in late Autumn last year I'd make sure you have good wet weather gear and don't expect to dry stuff overnight as most places don't have heating.

 

[Kitsambler]

Bra: - I actually used one of my regular ones; the sports bras have extra layers of fabric, meaning they take longer to dry, and the shoulder straps were uncomfortable under the pack. Your mileage may vary, so be sure to test all your clothing (and rain gear) during your training walks at home. Think of them as Shakedown Cruises.

Undies: One more vote for ExOfficio. I am a high-sweat exerciser, so I found their absorbancy/wicking qualities (not to mention quick drying) to be admirable. Frequently available on sale at one-third off from the usual vendors.

Condiments: I tried the dry sheets of leaf soap, which were a disaster. Next walk, I'll be going back to Dr. Bronner's instead. Since I frequently stayed in hotels, I pilfered their shampoo containers, and I had just enough for the trip.

Razor: Took a lightweight disposable, used it once a week on general principle.

Nightwear: The technical T-shirt with undies was very comfortable and sufficiently modest.

Something special: one of those tiny one-LED flashlights was excellent for finding one's way around dark towns, dark halls, and dark packs.

 

[jennysa]

Hi here is my packing list with rationale for each item, refined again and again after 3000 km on mainly pilgrim trails in mainly early summer and late summer conditions. At times it was cold in the mornings and evenings, down to frost even, but warmed up during the day, there were a few rainy days and a few days of cold wind with temps around 5 to 8 degrees C and what I took was totally perfect in every way. Cheers, Gitti

Thank your for such a useful and comprehensive list. What was the total weight that you carried?

 

[gittiharre]

Hi Jennysa, it was 6.5 kg including water, cheers, Gitti

 

[dislp38]

Instead of a bra, I used shelf-tank tops. It was good and provided an extra layer of clothing that I could also sleep in. Granted, I don't need *trying to think of a way to put this delicately* a lot of support.

The underwear... ex-officio (?) sells a great pair of underwear. I think next time, I will make sure my underwear is black or darker in color, because sooner or later, you will be literally airing out your dirty laundry or having someone launder your clothes and then hold up your underwear asking "who does this belong to?" and you want to claim it without much embarrassment especially after you've been wearing it for weeks.

I only packed one pair of shorts and two pairs of pants, so I think I shaved my legs every 4 or 5 days, but honestly, I didn't worry about it much.

Skin care -- My mom sells Mary Kay, so I had a lot of small tubes of things. I also had facial wipes (dove/ponds) that worked well too. There's tinted moisturizer on the market that I've used in place of a foundation a few times. I know I'm not the only women to masque my face either. I had bought a little "trail size/travel" kit from H2O that worked well.

 

[Guusje]

Vaseline! At first i only used it on my feet to avoid blisters, but later on I applied a thin layer on my face before sleeping. Perfect moisterizer! Enjoy!

 

[caminoforme86]

I used a sports bra and took a normal bra for wearing in the evenings.

Without being too personal but giving and honest answer I don't wear underpants as I find them too uncomfortable and they just annoy me. So I didn't have that problem on the Camino. I just wore winter runners tights. I took two pairs and washed them every second day or so.

I took a razor but didn't shave often probably one twice.

Took Nivea but didn't use it much.

 

[hecate105]

Cheap sports bra, sloggis pants - easy to dry - don't buy bright colours unless you want to be stared at as they dry on your rucksack/panniers! Take a few nappy pins for washing line or rucksack drying.
Ecover washing up liquid - a little goes a long way - use for mug/dish, shower and hair, washing clothes (in bottom of shower - just keep walking on 'em)
2 sets of clothes are good - but if you can bear the weight - either waterproofs (can be worn when everything else is minging) or a sarong (wear or use as privacy shield - or even as towel)
Sun protection essential - I left mine off one day and ended up with a face like elephant man...
I make my own moisturiser - just decanted some into a small, light plastic pot.
#Micro towels are brilliant, as are Tilley hats, as are hipflasks....

 

[Sue Kranz]

Hi here is my packing list with rationale for each item, refined again and again after 3000 km on mainly pilgrim trails in mainly early summer and late summer conditions. At times it was cold in the mornings and evenings, down to frost even, but warmed up during the day, there were a few rainy days and a few days of cold wind with temps around 5 to 8 degrees C and what I took was totally perfect in every way. Cheers, Gitti[/QUO

I had my legs and underarms waxed before I left, regrowth was slow. No makeup, washed face, hair, body and clothes with pure olive oil soap, Neutrogena 70 SPF for face and exposed skin, mini deo, that was it really.
I did not wear a bra under my loose sunprotection long sleeve day time shirt. In the evening I wore a thing called a bodywrap, which is a one piece somewhat supporting garment with a lightweight merino t shirt over it. The lava lava is essential for me too. I wear it to the shower, get changed under it, wear it as a shawl, skirt in combo with fleece, while everything else gets washed.....it is useful as a pillow case also or a lightweight cover on a hot night, it can even be tied in a creative way to make a swimsuit.
Anyway, the rest is in my packing list, which I posted earlier. Regards, Gitti

This might be a cultural difference, but, what is a LAVA LAVA? Sounds like an essential item! Is it like a Sarong?

Sue

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hahaha! I laughed when I read this. It's an old post because I took a standing-up pee device.
I've long since discarded that thing!

Here's my latest answer based on many Caminos:

Undergarments--
Boy cut cotton underpants
Comfortable sports bra

Skin Care--
Nothing. I use olive oil or butter on the trail.

Going au naturel--
Never do I shave underarms or legs while walking. Forget it!

Clothes--
I take ONE change of clothes.

Extras--
I do take my tiny travel pillow. It is down and squishes to about the size of my phone.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hahaha! I laughed when I read this. It's an old post because I took a standing-up pee device.
I've long since discarded that thing!

Here's my latest answer based on many Caminos:

Undergarments--
Boy cut cotton underpants
Comfortable sports bra

Skin Care--
Nothing. I use olive oil or butter on the trail.

Going au naturel--
Never do I shave underarms or legs while walking. Forget it!

Clothes--
I take ONE change of clothes.

Extras--
I do take my tiny travel pillow. It is down and squishes to about the size of my phone.

Hey, Annie, I'm glad you clarified your non use of the peeing devise! I've been curious about them for a long time and was going to PM you with more specific questions! Guess I won't bother with that now! Apparently, they're not as "good as gold"!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hey, Annie, I'm glad you clarified your non use of the peeing devise! I've been curious about them for a long time and was going to PM you with more specific questions! Guess I won't bother with that now! Apparently, they're not as "good as gold"!

Well, after trying it and peeing down my leg a few times, I tossed it.
Now I wear my Macabi skirt and just squat! lol!

 

[Kanga]

I use a Pibella - after reading the reviews on OutdoorGearLab. I've tried a couple of others and had the same experience as Annie, but the Pibella works. You need to understand the instructions, but once you do, the thing is foolproof. Well, me-proof anyway.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I use a Pibella - after reading the reviews on OutdoorGearLab. I've tried a couple of others and had the same experience as Annie, but the Pibella works. You need to understand the instructions, but once you do, the thing is foolproof. Well, me-proof anyway.

I just looked at their website pictures. There is one picture that shows about 5 different brands and shapes layed outside by side. The Pibella is the narrowist of all, which would be great for ease of packing, but leaves me wondering if it's harder to place in the correct, ahem...area, thus more prone to leaks. Is that what you mean by getting used to it? Are you sure your big yellow funnel isn't more foolproof?

 

[notion900]

Love this women's thread. Love that it has a zillion views, probably half from 'intrigued' guys.

For me it's a very fine line between being a sunkissed earth goddess and a wild woman of Wongo. I do carry a razor, and like a few feminine touches to keep me in touch with my womanliness, like my sequinned flip-flops for the shower. I love love love Neutrogena sunscreens too but we can't buy them retail in the UK, never seen them in Spain either. I love stretchy boy shorts from Pure Lime (they call them hipsters), and nice running tops. Love a cropped trouser or a buttoned tab turnup (zipoffs make me feel like a clown in hooped trews). Always have footbalm, shampoo bar and mooncup. Never used a she wee - nothing wrong with squatting behind a bush! Love my little floppy hat. Sometimes I pin a silk scarf to the back of it, Foreign Legion style. Silky bed sheet and pillowcase.

For me the life changing luxury is a SWIMMING COSTUME AND GOGGLES. Secret: many many small Spanish towns and even villages have an outdoor pool in summer (June to Sept). Often hidden away and not signposted at all. Always cheap and sometimes free. You just have to ask around. [O Pedrouzo has one of the biggest and most beautiful, in case you need to wash off some road dust before entering the holy city.]

 

[trecile]

I brought a P Style stand up peeing device, but it was the only thing in my backpack that I never used. I always managed to find a real toilet when I needed one. But I'll bring it again this year, and hopefully it goes unused again. I did test it out at home, and it worked well.

I brought a disposable razor last year, and will bring one again this year.

I don't like pulling a tight sports bra on over my head when I'm still damp from the shower, so both the bras I bring hook in the back. I have one like this from Jockey that doubles as a bathing suit top, and I bring bathing suit bottoms that double as extra underwear, because there's nothing like a dip in a pool after walking on a hot day.

I walk in my homemade merino wool dresses, which keep me cool and comfortable in hot weather, and add merino leggings underneath for cooler weather

 

[Kanga]

The Pibella is the narrowist of all, which would be great for ease of packing, but leaves me wondering if it's harder to place in the correct, ahem...area, thus more prone to leaks. Is that what you mean by getting used to it? Are you sure your big yellow funnel isn't more foolproof?

Surprisingly no, I'm not going into detail here, but the design of the Pibella actually works much better than the big yellow funnel.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Surprisingly no, I'm not going into detail here, but the design of the Pibella actually works much better than the big yellow funnel.

Thanks, Kanga, that's all I really need to know!

 

[Kiwi-family]

I use a couple of drops of rosehip oil on my face every day after washing with water. So I take it with me on the camino. Sometimes - especially after windy days - I needed a little more than at home!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I use a couple of drops of rosehip oil on my face every day after washing with water. So I take it with me on the camino. Sometimes - especially after windy days - I needed a little more than at home!

I've never heard of rosehip oil.
Now I have to Google it!

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

No-one has mentioned hand cream! Your hands will get quite sore with hand washing your laundry every day. Just as important as sunscreen.

 

[gittiharre]

Yes a lava lava is a Sarong or Sulu.

 

[Kiwi-family]

No-one has mentioned hand cream! Your hands will get quite sore with hand washing your laundry every day. Just as important as sunscreen.

The rosehip oil works a treat for that too ;-)

 

[alaskadiver]

I just looked at their website pictures. There is one picture that shows about 5 different brands and shapes layed outside by side. The Pibella is the narrowist of all, which would be great for ease of packing, but leaves me wondering if it's harder to place in the correct, ahem...area, thus more prone to leaks. Is that what you mean by getting used to it? Are you sure your big yellow funnel isn't more foolproof?

No, it's easier than those ridiculously large funnels. Seating it in place is easy and fool proof. I have one in green that I use on the boat and I plan to take it with me on my Camino.

 

[notion900]

We need a new thread: Fanny Funnels - Ladies Only. That would get plenty of views.

 

[alaskadiver]

I made the horrible mistake of wearing cotton panties once during a long backpacking trip. Way too sweaty and too long to dry. Never again. I now wear only synthetic one. ExOfficio and Patagonia make very good ones.

Same thing for a bra. I wear the ExOfficio Crossover Bra. No support but I only use it for hiking, not running. Dries super fast and I barely feel that it's on. Perfect for a bit of modesty under light colored shirts.

I absolutely will not be seen in public with hairy legs or under arms. That's just me. I have certain standards that are too easy to maintain, even on long hikes, that I won't lower. I wax and that takes care of things for 2 weeks. After that I use a razor for new growth. I don't care what other women do. To each their own.

I'm taking a small tube of hand cream and tiny sample size of face cream.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

No, it's easier than those ridiculously large funnels. Seating it in place is easy and fool proof. I have one in green that I use on the boat and I plan to take it with me on my Camino.

Is yours the Pibella brand or another?

 

[alaskadiver]

Is yours the Pibella brand or another?

Pibella

 

[november_moon]

Here are my answers:

Undergarments--
I wore sports bras - the same ones I wear when exercising or hiking at home. Panties - I like Patagonia ones for hiking, so I wore those. But whatever fits well and dries quickly should be fine. This is walking - not an extreme sport

Skin Care--
I used soap to clean my face and brought a good facial moisturizer. I also brought a good body lotion. And of course, sunblock. I used a lot of sunblock, but that can be replenished along the way. It's one thing to go minimalist. It's quite another to let your skin be uncomfortable. My skin is very dry, so without good moisture it is flaky and itchy.

Going au naturel--
I had laser hair removal on my legs, so it isn't much of an issue. I have some remaining hairs, but I removed them with an epilator before I went on the Camino. Toward the end, I shaved a bit as the remaining hairs started to grow back.

Clothes--
I like 3 changes of clothes because I like options and I don't like wearing wet clothes (either that didn't dry or that got wet while walking).

Extras--
I brought a pillow case, which I would absolutely take again.

 

[hecate105]

Pillowcase is a wonderful luxury. I have all my clothes in a dry bag and use it inside the pillowcase as a pillow, either at albergue or camping.
Never shave, but i do amuse my husband by letting him pluck chin hairs out of me with his tweezers...!

 

[rojasa]

wonderful suggestions. Been seeking answers to the same questions - going on first camino beginning Sep 2021, and am wanting to be as minimalist as possible without harming myself. I especially appreciate the swimming reminder...and the commando concept, which I've always preferred but have lacked confidence to carry out. Question: How do you carry oil/liquid soap without leaking? Prefer oils over lotions, and have been a Dr Bronner devotee all of my adult life, but routinely leak both when traveling. Gracias camino familia!

 

[Wanderingfriend]

I've never done the Camino but I've been experimenting with some products from Lush when I go to the gym. The solid shampoo weights less than nothing and is very efficient. As for the face cleanser, I plan to bring a tiny chunk of about 30 grams for the entire trip.

http://www.lush.ca/shop/products/hairca ... -shampoos/

http://www.lush.ca/shop/products/face/c ... sh-farmacy

I really grew to hate the lush bars for shampoo and conditioner on the Camino. They never had time to dry and were a slimy mess. The container weighed more than two little travel shampoos. Never again. I think it may be different going to the gym, going home and giving time to dry.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

wonderful suggestions. Been seeking answers to the same questions - going on first camino beginning Sep 2021, and am wanting to be as minimalist as possible without harming myself. I especially appreciate the swimming reminder...and the commando concept, which I've always preferred but have lacked confidence to carry out. Question: How do you carry oil/liquid soap without leaking? Prefer oils over lotions, and have been a Dr Bronner devotee all of my adult life, but routinely leak both when traveling. Gracias camino familia!

I bought small bottles with flip top spouts for shampoo—I’ve never tried carrying oil but maybe that would work for oil as well. Alternatively, double zip lock bag and make sure you pack it upright.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

As I get ready for my first El Camino in May and June of this year, I need some help from the wise women of the forum.

Undergarments--
What sort of bra did you wear? I'm thinking a lightweight sports bra. And I certainly hope you don't have to buy the expensive, high-tech, super-duper wicking underwear I saw in a sports store, and that comfy panties of good quality, quick-drying synthetic are fine.

Skin Care--
At almost 60, I am in what I fondly call the high-maintenance stage of life. I use a variety of cleansers and moisturizers every day. I plan to leave them all behind (along with my make-up!), but am wondering what to use instead. What do you use to cleanse and moisturize your face? Just sunscreen and soap? Or something more? Any brand recommendations?

Going au naturel--
I can't think of a delicate way to put this--do you shave your legs when you're walking--and how on earth do you manage in a shared bath with a long line of folks waiting to get in the shower?

Clothes--
Having looked over the many excellent packing lists, I see some folks say 2 changes of clothes are plenty, while others insist it's better to have 3. What do you all think?

Extras--
Is there some little extra that you took that was especially appreciated and was totally worth the extra few ounces? I'm thinking especially of something a woman would appreciate.

Thanks so much!

Not sure you want another opinion but I walked part of the Camino in 2018. My bag was double the size it will be this fall.
my bag became my burden…why? Because I packed for my what if’s…aka my fear. This time: no expensive shirts that can’t be laundered in a wash machine. I am even debating my sleep sack and taking my silk liner instead. Anything that can come out of a plastic bottle is going into small mini sized containers to be refilled as needed (I like the quarter sized ones with plastic screw lids). I will wrap my k-tape around my poles. I will take 6 plastic clothes pins and a couple of safety pins. I will wear my Columbia sunscreen long sleeve vented hiking shirt instead of slathering sunscreen all over my arms (they are cooler than short sleeves esp. with sunscreen all over). I am bringing a hair wrap instead of a bulky towel. Those are some of my hacks.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Not sure you want another opinion but I walked part of the Camino in 2018. My bag was double the size it will be this fall.
my bag became my burden…why? Because I packed for my what if’s…aka my fear. This time: no expensive shirts that can’t be laundered in a wash machine. I am even debating my sleep sack and taking my silk liner instead. Anything that can come out of a plastic bottle is going into small mini sized containers to be refilled as needed (I like the quarter sized ones with plastic screw lids). I will wrap my k-tape around my poles. I will take 6 plastic clothes pins and a couple of safety pins. I will wear my Columbia sunscreen long sleeve vented hiking shirt instead of slathering sunscreen all over my arms (they are cooler than short sleeves esp. with sunscreen all over). I am bringing a hair wrap instead of a bulky towel. Those are some of my hacks.

I may buy a cheap umbrella just before the mesata and give it away when done.

 

[deniseketcham]

One hack for bar soap/shampoo. I put mine in a mesh bag with ribbon pulls (bridal favor bags) and hang it in the clothesline to dry. Worked great for my first Camino.

I’m also packing the Venus mini razor and the lightest deodorant I could find, Secret on-the-go.

 

[ApproachingBliss]

I really grew to hate the lush bars for shampoo and conditioner on the Camino. They never had time to dry and were a slimy mess. The container weighed more than two little travel shampoos. Never again. I think it may be different going to the gym, going home and giving time to dry.

Lush is a vegetable oil soap and I can see the allure of it from the environmental vegan perspective. I'm not an environmental vegan but respect that choice. The vegetable oil soaps do get soft and mushy, compared to those made with lard or animal fats. So try some harder bars. Anything that gets mushy in your home shower is probably going to get mushy in the container you carry. I like bars with half animal fat and half vegetable fat. They aren't as slimy.

 

[trecile]

Our own @JillGat makes a very nice shampoo bar, though it looks like she is currently taking a break.

LaRiojaSoap - Etsy

Shop La Rioja Natural Soaps from New Mexico by LaRiojaSoap located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rave reviews! Average review rating is 4.8 or higher

www.etsy.com

 

[Moorwalker]

As I get ready for my first El Camino in May and June of this year, I need some help from the wise women of the forum.

Undergarments--
What sort of bra did you wear? I'm thinking a lightweight sports bra. And I certainly hope you don't have to buy the expensive, high-tech, super-duper wicking underwear I saw in a sports store, and that comfy panties of good quality, quick-drying synthetic are fine.

Skin Care--
At almost 60, I am in what I fondly call the high-maintenance stage of life. I use a variety of cleansers and moisturizers every day. I plan to leave them all behind (along with my make-up!), but am wondering what to use instead. What do you use to cleanse and moisturize your face? Just sunscreen and soap? Or something more? Any brand recommendations?

Going au naturel--
I can't think of a delicate way to put this--do you shave your legs when you're walking--and how on earth do you manage in a shared bath with a long line of folks waiting to get in the shower?

Clothes--
Having looked over the many excellent packing lists, I see some folks say 2 changes of clothes are plenty, while others insist it's better to have 3. What do you all think?

Extras--
Is there some little extra that you took that was especially appreciated and was totally worth the extra few ounces? I'm thinking especially of something a woman would appreciate.

Thanks so much!

1. Cheap, over the head bras from the supermarket clothes section. No you don't need the horribly expensive stuff from the posh travel shops, the thing that's important is that it fits and is comfortable. Try out whatever you think you will take beforehand to make sure.
2. Skin care - soap and water. I never use anything else. Same for hair, a shampoo bar, but note that some shampoo bars are actually made of soap and are actively bad for your hair, you need a detergent based one. One thing you probably do need is a good sunscreen if you're walking in summer.
3. Do people shave their legs anyway? I never do. Nor armpits.
4. One set of clothes on, one spare set. Wash the things you have been wearing each evening. And if you want to look pretty in the evening a very light travel dress.
5. No. I'm weird, I can't see the point of most of the things that women seem to think are necessary. Never have.

 

[Moorwalker]

Lush is a vegetable oil soap and I can see the allure of it from the environmental vegan perspective. I'm not an environmental vegan but respect that choice. The vegetable oil soaps do get soft and mushy, compared to those made with lard or animal fats. So try some harder bars. Anything that gets mushy in your home shower is probably going to get mushy in the container you carry. I like bars with half animal fat and half vegetable fat. They aren't as slimy.

Lush shampoo bars are not soap, fortunately. They are a detergent which is much better for your hair.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

5. No. I'm weird, I can't see the point of most of the things that women seem to think are necessary. Never have.

Nor I, in general...and especially not to bother with on the Camino.

 

[ApproachingBliss]

Lush shampoo bars are not soap, fortunately. They are a detergent which is much better for your hair.

Okay Lush shampoo bars are not soap, if you say that I'll take that at face value. Why are detergent bars better for your hair? I would like to understand.

 

[Kanga]

I'm amazed at this thread. It started in 2011, was dormant for two years, fluttered its eyes briefly (3 posts) in 2013, went back to sleep until 2017 when it woke up and had a good conversation, then fell back into deep sleep until this week!

Some of our concerns seemingly never go away. I've had a quick glance and much of the advice is still current. But do check the date of the post you are answering or relying on. I'm doubting that the undergarments with a quoted price of $2 in 2011 are still only that!

 

[Former member 91017]

Beware that lush products stink to high heaven. If you have any scent product allergies, Lush bars will sting your eyes, nose, maybe exacerbate asthma, cause skin reactions etc. I hate that there are LUSH shops in the closed spaces of airport terminals. Nothing as great as having asthma before getting on a plane.

There are other options -- I get a peppermint oil shampoo bar and a vanilla conditioner bar (that I also use as a shave bar). If I don't condition my hair I can't brush it. I'm not prepared to shave it off for camino.

I do remove my anti perspirant stick from its dispenser and wrap it in plastic wrap -- less space required, and yes, much lighter.

I do buy a travel sized toothpaste, and pick up more on the way at the grocery stores.

I can't manage my hair -- that is both very fine and increasingly curly as I age -- without my "wet brush" -- that's the brand, but it's very light. Only wish they made a smaller travel version.

I do shave my legs and underarms. If I didn't, I would like like Atapuerca Man, and would likely smell about as appealing. I do find it necessary not to stink. My companions not having to think about it is one of those things they probably don't know they appreciate. But if I treated these aspects of personal hygiene as "unnecessary", I'd not be very much liked at the communal dining table... nor in the dorm.

 

[Moorwalker]

Okay Lush shampoo bars are not soap, if you say that I'll take that at face value. Why are detergent bars better for your hair? I would like to understand.

Soap is highly alkaline and it opens up the tiny scales on the surface of your hair. That makes it rough and vulnerable to damage. If you are using hard water (ie there are a lot of minerals in the water) it will also then deposit scum under the scales that makes the hair dull and slightly sticky and tangly.

You sometimes see "shampoo bars" that claim they are not really soap because they are made with particular oils but that doesn't change the fact that chemically they are still soap. You can tell by the labels, soap will have ingredients that look like sodium olivate, or sodium cocoate. I make soap, I've done so for 50 years starting out from first principals of chemistry, well before it became a fashionable hobby. I've written control and calculation systems for a couple of people who make soap commercially and I wrote a spreadsheet for hobbyists that I give away freely.

Man made detergents are usually neutral or very slightly acidic so they don't lift the scales on the hair surface and they don't produce scum. Lush's shampoo bars are a bit harsher than some, they are based on sodium laureth sulphate, but unless you have very dry or curly hair it works fine. Many good shampoo bars are based on a couple of detergents, sodium cocoyl isethionate and disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, both of which are very mild. There are several other detergents but those are very common and pretty good.

If you need a conditioner you might try a tiny bit of plain oil. Olive oil is great and easy to get in Spain, often in little sachets in cafes. Or I like cocnut oil, a friend who was a chemist for l'Oreal reckoned that it worked as well as most of the things they sold in their conditioners. Just rub a few drops on your hands and then rub your hands through your hair, damp or dry.

 

[HaveringRob]

There are other options -- I get a peppermint oil shampoo bar and a vanilla conditioner bar (that I also use as a shave bar). If I don't condition my hair I can't brush it. I'm not prepared to shave it off for camino.

Do you have suggestions for these? I have dry curly hair that is pretty much impossible to manage without conditioning.

 

[C clearly]

Do you have suggestions for these? I have dry curly hair that is pretty much impossible to manage without conditioning.

If you have special needs, then simply take what you use at home. Get a travel-size container (with a label showing <100 mL) and put up with the tiny weight.

 

[rorerich]

Maybe this is WAY too personal, but hey, the topic of using nature's facilities has been ALMOST thoroughly discussed...I wear a panty liner to help me feel fresh without dealing with toilet paper. And by the way, they also help when hiking gets hot and sticky. I can't be the only one who has figured this out!!!

 

[Wanderingfriend]

One hack for bar soap/shampoo. I put mine in a mesh bag with ribbon pulls (bridal favor bags) and hang it in the clothesline to dry. Worked great for my first Camino.

I’m also packing the Venus mini razor and the lightest deodorant I could find, Secret on-the-go.

Took my deodorant out of case. Put into small ziplock! Crazy

 

[ApproachingBliss]

Soap is highly alkaline and it opens up the tiny scales on the surface of your hair. That makes it rough and vulnerable to damage. If you are using hard water (ie there are a lot of minerals in the water) it will also then deposit scum under the scales that makes the hair dull and slightly sticky and tangly.

You sometimes see "shampoo bars" that claim they are not really soap because they are made with particular oils but that doesn't change the fact that chemically they are still soap. You can tell by the labels, soap will have ingredients that look like sodium olivate, or sodium cocoate. I make soap, I've done so for 50 years starting out from first principals of chemistry, well before it became a fashionable hobby. I've written control and calculation systems for a couple of people who make soap commercially and I wrote a spreadsheet for hobbyists that I give away freely.

Man made detergents are usually neutral or very slightly acidic so they don't lift the scales on the hair surface and they don't produce scum. Lush's shampoo bars are a bit harsher than some, they are based on sodium laureth sulphate, but unless you have very dry or curly hair it works fine. Many good shampoo bars are based on a couple of detergents, sodium cocoyl isethionate and disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, both of which are very mild. There are several other detergents but those are very common and pretty good.

If you need a conditioner you might try a tiny bit of plain oil. Olive oil is great and easy to get in Spain, often in little sachets in cafes. Or I like cocnut oil, a friend who was a chemist for l'Oreal reckoned that it worked as well as most of the things they sold in their conditioners. Just rub a few drops on your hands and then rub your hands through your hair, damp or dry.

I appreciate your knowledge of chemistry and thank you for sharing what you shared.

What is the ph difference between say, for instance, the most ph neutral soap and the most ph neutral detergent? (not that neutral is closest to skin or hair) Or does the ph cross the central point with both depending on the formulation?

They both (soap and detergent) create the precipitate (scum) from the minerals in hard water but also from the dirt on our skin and hair, by dirt I mean oils and sweat.

(also, your avatar, is very special and I love it! Did you paint that?)