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Little nail scissors! Never leave home without them!
Wow! Baling twine. That's interesting. I can think of it as a wash line. What else?Baling twine. Came in VERY handy for a multitude of Helps. Small pack in front to easily get to items
of necessity. Extra socks to change when walking ones get wet. Tape for "hot spots". No blisters then.
Thanks Tom!Other items I’d add to this list:
- Knife
- Cork puller
- Keychain LED light
- Safety pins
Thanks for response. Did you manage to sleep through the snoring pilgrims? Were the handkerchiefs cotton?I took a few items on your list and used not one. I did find my scarf, handkerchiefs and nail scissors indispensable.
Please don't do this. There are many threads here on why this is a bad idea, as you are basically creating a pathway for bacteria to enter a wound.Needle and thread in case you need to 'bleed' a blister.
The snoring only bothered me once or twice. And yes, the handkerchiefs are cotton. They're small and well broken in so they dried just fine overnight.Thanks for response. Did you manage to sleep through the snoring pilgrims? Were the handkerchiefs cotton?
Oh yes, another small essential item came to mind, a bandana. This came in handy for so many uses: drying hands when towels were not present (which was often), drying fruit after rinsing, cleaning glasses, drying off my camera, wiping a sweaty brow...etc.Thanks Tom!
Bandana, mesh bags, pillow cover and clothes pinsWhat little thing made a big difference to your Camino?
Being judgmental is easy. Erasing it from my character is an ongoing challenge, sometimes I succeed, sometimes not. I think it is a goal worth reaching for though.I tried to bring a positive attitude.I have a lot of tattoos and met a lot of judgmental people who were real jerks.
So true!leaving all my preconceived ideas at home of what I thought it might be because it was never that
Is that like duct tape?Leukotape P to prevent blisters where I know I am prone to get hotspots. The tape sticks like no tomorrow and does not come off easily.
I've been doing this for the better part of two decades without any problems. Clean socks and proper hygiene might make difference.Please don't do this. There are many threads here on why this is a bad idea, as you are basically creating a pathway for bacteria to enter a wound.
What type of metal hook? an S hook? Sounds like a great idea. About what size?Small water heating coil, boil water for that morning Coffee,or that evening instant Soup,plus small tube of superglue for those instant repairs, metal hook to hang my pack onto the bottom of the bed.
tying the poncho around the waist in whipping wind, using as a shoelace, tying backpack straps together for the flight, using as thread when picking apart the strands, wash line under the above bed in a rainstorm, etc.Wow! Baling twine. That's interesting. I can think of it as a wash line. What else?
How did you get a knife through customs?I always bring a Fiskars Tomato Knife. Very handy for butchering bread, tomatoes, cheese and sausages, plus works just fine as a general kitchen knife - decent knives are not exactly plentiful in Albergue kitchens, but rather handy when you get fed up with pilgrim menus and want to cook a decent meal.
I personally met two different pilgrims who used the needle and thread, both became septic and the gentleman so much so he was hauled off the Camino in an ambulance to Leon. Not the way to end ones Camino. I agree, PLEASE don't do this. (retired RN speaking here)Please don't do this. There are many threads here on why this is a bad idea, as you are basically creating a pathway for bacteria to enter a wound.
yes, the S hook was an essential forWhat type of metal hook? an S hook? Sounds like a great idea. About what size?
metal hook also indispensable for hanging clothes and toiletry bag in shower area....about 4" long.What type of metal hook? an S hook? Sounds like a great idea. About what size?
I live in Denmark, so no problems with customs, as both countries are EU members.How did you get a knife through customs?
I buy them from the china shops, the largest size fits over most beds, keeping your pack off the floor.What type of metal hook? an S hook? Sounds like a great idea. About what size?
Hi my brotherOther items I’d add to this list:
- Knife
- Cork puller
- Keychain LED light
- Safety pins
Brilliant! Thanks for that!tying the poncho around the waist in whipping wind, using as a shoelace, tying backpack straps together for the flight, using as thread when picking apart the strands, wash line under the above bed in a rainstorm, etc.
Swiss Army Knife, clothes Pins, l use 12, whatever works to care for your feet.
If you don’t have anything on your backpack to hang stuff,
Safety pins. silk sleep sack way up on my list too
WHAT IS A BUFF????
It's a tubular cotton band that can be worn around the neck or on your head. It might be called a bandana outside of UK?WHAT IS A BUFF????
you are most welcome. It weighs next to nothing and strong enough to support your backpack. Doesnt break etc...Brilliant! Thanks for that!
Mine is a synthetic fabric, and I've also seen merino wool, but no cotton.It's a tubular cotton band that can be worn around the neck or on your head. It might be called a bandana outside of UK?
agree. Lots of antiseptic, clean socks and hygieneI've been doing this for the better part of two decades without any problems. Clean socks and proper hygiene might make difference.
Adaptable, nice! Great idea.I would add to the list of essentials a soft cotton t-shirt. It is a t-shirt, and a pillowcase.
Adaptable, nice! Great idea.
Adaptable, nice! Great idea.
Haha! That's a step toooooo far for me!If you like that one, try peas in your ears!
Worked for everyone I witnessed doing itPlease don't do this. There are many threads here on why this is a bad idea, as you are basically creating a pathway for bacteria to enter a wound.
Maybe a big caribeenerWhat type of metal hook? an S hook? Sounds like a great idea. About what size?
Hello brother!Hi my brother
Mole skinWhat little thing made a big difference to your Camino?
You have to be a certain "age" to even know what bailing twine is! Unfortunately I doBaling twine. Came in VERY handy for a multitude of Helps. Small pack in front to easily get to items
of necessity. Extra socks to change when walking ones get wet. Tape for "hot spots". No blisters then.
One of the high points of my first Camino was watching my pixie sized Irish doctor friend berating a major/doctor from the Spanish army about this - SO funny but so serious.I personally met two different pilgrims who used the needle and thread, both became septic and the gentleman so much so he was hauled off the Camino in an ambulance to Leon. Not the way to end ones Camino. I agree, PLEASE don't do this. (retired RN speaking here)
Please don't do this. There are many threads here on why this is a bad idea, as you are basically creating a pathway for bacteria to enter a wound.
Can You suggest a company for the Simm cardMole skin
Swiss Army Knife
Cell Phone (Get Spanish SIMM card)
Band Aids
Customs doesn't care about knives. Do you mean security? A knife isn't a problem if you check a bag.How did you get a knife through customs?
@Janade Draining a blister with a sterile needle is different than leaving a thread in the blister that can carry bacteria into the wound.I just went to a foot care on the Camino lecture by a local podiatrist and she was asked specifically about this. She said that as long as the needle was clean, this can actually be very useful to drain the fluid from a large blister. I think it just comes down to common sense and hygiene. People can also get infections from leaving blisters alone if they don't keep things clean.
Or work on a farm...You have to be a certain "age" to even know what bailing twine is! Unfortunately I do
The three most important things to bring, are an open mind, common sense and a sense of humor. If you forgot to bring any of those, then please abort the journey immediately and return home.
yes, the S hook was an essential for
metal hook also indispensable for hanging clothes and toiletry bag in shower area....about 4" long.
Me too!You have to be a certain "age" to even know what bailing twine is! Unfortunately I do
My ear plugs a 'must' even at home. I have noisy neighbours. I will have snoring neighbours on the CaminoAmazing spread of what people consider essential. I must admit that I'd place most of the mentioned items in the 'nice to have' category.
In reality, the only important physical items are: a passport or EU citizen ID, a comprehensive travel-/health insurance, a credential. Anything else, including ear plugs, are nice-to-have items. Work up from there
You don't need a separate mp3 player. Just download a white noise app to your phone. Rather than earplugs or white noise I listen to podcasts when I'm going to sleep. I set a timer on my podcast app for about twenty minutes, but I'm usually asleep in five minutes or so. I find that having something to listen to works better than trying not to hear something like snoring.Earplugs are a big one for a majority of people. I had the disposable ones and was challenged by how to carry enough for a month and a half. I just read in a post here something that I thought was a brilliant idea. A small MP3 player with a loop of white noise and earphones to block out snoring and other noise. The person said you can get one with a timer that will shut it off in a few hours (when you figure you will be sound enough asleep not to notice the snoring).
Hi Galax1 Duct tape was made for the hardware industry and has many uses. It can be used to prevent blisters but it does not stick properly and come off easily. Leukotape however was made for the medical industry. You get various types of Leukotape and the one I am using is the "P" type. The P stands for Physiotherapy and it is: "a high strength, rigid strapping tape, with a very strong, zinc oxide adhesive. It is porous and hand-tearable, yet offers extra strong support for sprains and strains. Ideal for patellofemoral taping. Use in conjunction with Cover Roll Stretch".Is that like duct tape?
You don't need a separate mp3 player. Just download a white noise app to your phone. Rather than earplugs or white noise I listen to podcasts when I'm going to sleep. I set a timer on my podcast app for about twenty minutes, but I'm usually asleep in five minutes or so. I find that having something to listen to works better than trying not to hear something like snoring.
Yes, but buy them once you arrive, or stash in checked luggage for the flight. Ditto any knife. I had them confiscated. Can be bought in Spain.Little nail scissors! Never leave home without them!
Thanks for that!Hi Galax1 Duct tape was made for the hardware industry and has many uses. It can be used to prevent blisters but it does not stick properly and come off easily. Leukotape however was made for the medical industry. You get various types of Leukotape and the one I am using is the "P" type. The P stands for Physiotherapy and it is: "a high strength, rigid strapping tape, with a very strong, zinc oxide adhesive. It is porous and hand-tearable, yet offers extra strong support for sprains and strains. Ideal for patellofemoral taping. Use in conjunction with Cover Roll Stretch".
So in simple terms it is normally used for the strapping of joints and other sport injuries.
The zinc oxide adhesive is very strong and does not come off easily or slide in a moist environment like sweaty feet. You can wear it for a couple of days without the need to replace.
Please keep in mind that this tape should not be used directly on a blister. It will cause more damage. I only use to prevent blisters and to eliminate friction.
Read more about the product here: http://www.bsnmedical.us/products/o...herapy/leukotaper-p-rigid-strapping-tape.html
WHAT IS A BUFF????
It's a tubular cotton band that can be worn around the neck or on your head. It might be called a bandana outside of UK?
A Camino branded one sounds cool. Can you remember where you bought it?They're both primarily headwear but buffs and bandanas are not exactly the same thing. Buffs are more versatile but are less popular among pirates.
My wife and I bought camino-branded buffs before our walk and loved having them. Actually, my wife still wears hers almost every day.
What little thing made a big difference to your Camino?
GREAT!!!! I will buy that, thank you!Poles... And ice-breaker when passing elderly locals, walking with a stick - I smile and say "Mejor con dos," lifting my poles, and we laugh together. Never fails to make us both smile.
I use Leukotape as well and have, unfortunately, gotten blisters under the tape.Leukotape P to prevent blisters where I know I am prone to get hotspots. The tape sticks like no tomorrow and does not come off easily.
A Camino branded one sounds cool. Can you remember where you bought it?
That is not a smart thing to use for blisters.Needle and thread in case you need to 'bleed' a blister
Thanks to allThey're both primarily headwear but buffs and bandanas are not exactly the same thing. Buffs are more versatile but are less popular among pirates.
My wife and I bought camino-branded buffs before our walk and loved having them. Actually, my wife still wears hers almost every day.
I got mine in Sarria and one for my friend from the forum store. Here they are on the Buff site: http://www.buffwear.com/buff-adult-headwear/camino-santiago-collectionA Camino branded one sounds cool. Can you remember where you bought it?
The biggest thing by far that makes a Camino the best possible, fun trip is to take as much of nothing as you can. The more nothing I can stuff into my bag, the better. I'm planning on going out to the shops and buying more nothing in preparation for April 13th this year, and will have a trial pack to make sure it all fits into my rucksack. The second thing I think is essential is a credit card, to buy whatever I need when the nothing won't do the job.
You can buy them from the Ivar Store on this siteA Camino branded one sounds cool. Can you remember where you bought it?
Something to sit on out on the path. I often use a small self inflating pillow - it means I can avoid the sometimes yucky ones in albergues, and it also makes a good seat.