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Key Last Minute Purchases

RJE

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
August-September 2024
8 straight days of walking and I’ve made it from SJPDP to Najera. The Camino has exceeded my expectations - beautiful scenery, interesting people, and ample time to think.

For those preparing for their first Camino, there were 4 things I purchased just before starting that have been extremely valuable and glad I decided on them.

1. Shoes one size up and wide. I bought bigger versions of what I was training in.

2. Merino wool sun hoodie. I love the sun, but this light layer is a game changer in the heat. Hood up over my ball cap creates constant shade.

3. Trekking poles purchased in SJPDP. I don’t think I’d be feeling as good without them.

4. Swiss army knife purchased in SJPDP. This was a throw in afterthought but for $5, I’ve already used it numerous times.

Buen Camino.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
What's the knife for
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
I wonder how useful was the swiss army knife, on what exactly did you use it 5 times?
 
Giorgio Braga said:
I wonder how useful was the swiss army knife, on what exactly did you use it 5 times?
Click to expand...

I carry one of the smallest versions I could find.
Knife blade, corkscrew, that's about it.
I think it was the smallest one I could find that has a corkscrew!
It gets used a lot, for cutting food, opening wine, fixing gear.

Note. Just checked. It's called the Waiter.
(Victorinox Waiter Swiss Army Knife)
But 52 gms though!
Must find a lighter one...........
 
Last edited:
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Sounds like the same simple one I have. I’ve used it to open things, cut bread, cut tape to repair something.
 
I also bought poles and Swiss Army knife in SJPP and was so glad I did. Expected to drop the poles after crossing the Pyrenees but kept them all the way to Santiago. Great for rhythm, balance, keeping the beat, etc. And the Swiss Army knife was so useful for taking care of my feet—cutting off dead blister skin and other surgical things I’d rather not detail… The other item I found super useful was my camping clothesline, which I used every afternoon when drying clothes… Buen Camino @RJE!
 
Giorgio Braga said:
I wonder how useful was the swiss army knife, on what exactly did you use it 5 times?
Click to expand...
How useful? My goodness! Cutting cheese, bread, chocolate. Cutting pesky threads that poke you, cutting your towel in half. Making holes in things that don’t have them, cutting thread to sew up things that do.

And the corkscrew? Well that’s a whole other topic…….
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Oh I see, many more things than just 5, I see haha. I think any pocket knife will do, I was wondering about more on the actual swiss part of the knife
 
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