New list of bonus items to pack?

[JCarpenter]

There is a wonderful old thread with "unexpected items" to pack, and I am hoping for more updated finds...items to pack repurposed or problem solving or items just for comfort.
One I have brought is a colorful batik cloth to use as a very quick drying towel that can double as a wrap, or as a skirt for cathedral visiting to twist over my hiking pants.
I am sure there are other new items you could add. June can't get here fast enough!
Buen camino.

 

[David]

Oh, I SO hope this revives that old thread! What fun!

I am still quite minimal, only taking what I will use, except for one practical extra I can think of. I take a linen napkin (died brown) and added to the laundry many times to make it soft and flexible.
Can be opened out over the knees to lay out a packed lunch .... soaked in a stream to use to wipe down head and face, etc .... laid over a meal outside at a restaurant if needing the bathroom to keep flies off ... cover the face and eyes if having a siesta .... oh, and is pretty good as a napkin too

 

[Introibo]

I hope the "you must love your wife more than I love mine" rice cooker gets a mention.

 

[tjb1013]

COVID-19 rapid tests and just-in-case Paxlovid?

 

[JCarpenter]

COVID-19 rapid tests and just-in-case Paxlovid?

Paxlovid is not handy here in US. Must go through some hoops and being very sick already is one of them, at least where I am. (WA)

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

Oh, I SO hope this revives that old thread! What fun!

I am still quite minimal, only taking what I will use, except for one practical extra I can think of. I take a linen napkin (died brown) and added to the laundry many times to make it soft and flexible.
Can be opened out over the knees to lay out a packed lunch .... soaked in a stream to use to wipe down head and face, etc .... laid over a meal outside at a restaurant if needing the bathroom to keep flies off ... cover the face and eyes if having a siesta .... oh, and is pretty good as a napkin too

I just happen to be a beneficiary of a new "said napkin," from @Kathy F.

which she is making to test. Now I have had my understanding of possibilities broadened! Thank you David!
P.S...mine is a rich green with lovely stitching on the edges. If anyone would like to support her cottage Camino enterprise I would reach out to her!

 

[tjb1013]

Paxlovid is not handy here in US. Must go through some hoops and being very sick already is one of them, at least where I am. (WA)

Yes, definitely. With current availability, the only ethical thing is to require a diagnosis before prescribing.

I expect that at some point there will be enough (production and inventory increase, epidemic waning) that we’ll be able to get Paxlovid and other oral treatments that emerge much like we get the prophylactic meds for traveling in malaria areas, or what you take with you for traveler’s diarrhea (which require a prescription in the US).

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

COVID-19 rapid tests and just-in-case Paxlovid?

Yep, bringing 6 of those in a plastic bag minus boxes.

 

[trecile]

Yep, bringing 6 of those in a plastic bag minus boxes.

Rapid covid tests are available in Europe, and cheaper than in the US.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

I think I may have posted one of the earlier discussions of “little luxuries”. I think it is fun if people don’t jump to judgement. I have a crazy one that is bigger (although it is lightweight). I never travel without it… drum roll…no shame…I take a European electric plug in heating pad. I have used it when I am cold, and just for lovely comfort. I have shared it with other sore pilgrims. It folds down and I put it where my water bladder should have gone. Perfect and at the end of a gruelling day, I dream about how good it will feel. Okay, cat’s out of the bag!

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

Rapid covid tests are available in Europe, and cheaper than in the US.

Fortunately our state has given two sets of five to anyone wishing. They showed up in time to go into my bag before starting the first leg of my journey (yesterday) to visit my 7 grandkids ❤ in CA.

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

I think I may have posted one of the earlier discussions of “little luxuries”. I think it is fun if people don’t jump to judgement. I have a crazy one that is bigger (although it is lightweight). I never travel without it… drum roll…no shame…I take a European electric plug in heating pad. I have used it when I am cold, and just for lovely comfort. I have shared it with other sore pilgrims. It folds down and I put it where my water bladder should have gone. Perfect and at the end of a gruelling day, I dream about how good it will feel. Okay, cat’s out of the bag!

Nope, I've slept with a heating pad for decades. I don't have European one, but ordered a USB version (testing before I go). Great idea about bladder area!

 

[Left Coaster]

A small can of WD 40 lubricant to deal with the incessant squeaky hinges, particularly the ones on the door to the loo twice per night. A pet peeve of mine.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

A small can of WD 40 lubricant to deal with the incessant squeaky hinges, particularly the ones on the door to the loo twice per night. A pet peeve of mine.

Love this! Thank you.

 

[Phoenix]

A length of 550 paracord (appx 20' or 7 meters) and a few clothes pins... always have your own clothes drying line if the one at the albergue is full.

 

[alexwalker]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/things-you-do-not-need-to-bring-on-the-camino.5268/#post-927231

 

[JCarpenter]

A small can of WD 40 lubricant to deal with the incessant squeaky hinges, particularly the ones on the door to the loo twice per night. A pet peeve of mine.

Can you travel just ahead of me? Then I don't have to carry the can, but benefit just the same.

 

[Former member 92300]

Rapid covid tests are available in Europe, and cheaper than in the US.

Depends. I get mine for free. That said - I don't think I will be carrying even one in Spain!

 

[Theresa Brandon]

Sketching/watercolor kit and a lightweight stool (It is easier to sketch if I am sitting elevated than on the ground). I have the 17" version https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084TD93ST/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[Mycroft]

A small can of WD 40 lubricant to deal with the incessant squeaky hinges, particularly the ones on the door to the loo twice per night. A pet peeve of mine.

You remind me I have a "pen-shaped" tiny tube of WD 40 which would be easier to use since I don't think aerosols are allowed as carry on. I wonder if they still make them.

 

[SeñorJacques]

My little extras are three:

• a small rubber massage ball that makes my feet/shoulder/lower back feel excellent after a long day;
• a lightweight/quick drying Japanese exfoliant washcloth to get me super clean and energize me post-shower;
• and a small beard brush (custom painted from a friend's shop) to keep my facial tresses in check and moisturized. (I expect my beard to be positively Biblical by the time I get to Muxia!)

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Rapid covid tests are available in Europe, and cheaper than in the US.

I have four free rapid covid tests at home laying in wait for the "what if". An easy link to sign up was provided by the US federal government.

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

Here are things I've gleaned through books, beyond what has already been mentioned...
1. Two huge safety pins than can hang a pero for a curtain, or your shirt to dry off your pack, etc.
2. Not a thing persay, but write your name on the back of your shoes.
3. Converter
4. Thai massage stick, slender about 6" long...really gets into neck and similar muscles (I can attest).
5. Zipped travel pillow case can hold clothing for a pillow without spelling out.
6. The old-scool buzz-cut combs that men would slip over their finger. I picked one up recently and I tested it for a clothing scrubber, works wonders...also awesome on mosquito bites

 

[domigee]

I hope the "you must love your wife more than I love mine" rice cooker gets a mention.

Deffo rice cooker!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Deffo rice cooker!

Where's @Robo?

 

[trecile]

The old-scool buzz-cut combs that men would slip over their finger. I picked one up recently and I tested it for a clothing scrubber, works wonders...also awesome on mosquito bites

I'm trying to picture what this is, and how it works for mosquito bites?

 

[jl]

I always carry a golf ball! It happens to a bright yellow one.

I asked my doctor if one was susceptible to plantar fasiitis once having had it. Her response was "yes - carry a golf ball in your pocket". I don't carry it in my pocket, but it is always easily accessible in my pack and with the slightest twinge in my feet, I stop, remove my boots - using them to make a "baricade", and roll my foot on the ball - being careful that it doesn't roll away! I stop immediately a twinge appears, and that, combined with the rest, has meant that I have not had any problems for the last ten years.

 

[Martin Cole]

I always take a metal (unbreakable and weighs little) hanger so if the washing lines are full my shirt and shorts can hang and dry on the end of the bed, door handle or wherever.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I always take a metal (unbreakable and weighs little) hanger so if the washing lines are full my shirt and shorts can hang and dry on the end of the bed, door handle or wherever.

Nice tip. I'm wondering if it is allowed inside your backpack in the cabin of the plane, or do you send yours below as checked luggage?

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Rawlogy Original Ultralight Cork Massage Ball (Mini 1.9") for Muscle Recovery and Tension Relief https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RV6X4YC/?tag=casaivar02-20


This mini cork ball for the feet or even a sore neck muscle. 19 g.

Hodeco Nature Silk Pillowcase Toddler Size for Hair and Skin Double Side 600 Thread Count 19MM Grey Silk Pillow Case 14x20 Inches 100% Mulberry Silk Pillow Cover for Bed 36x51CM, Silver Gray, 1 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079684C76/?tag=casaivar02-20

A toddler sized silk pillow case. Holds my sleep system but can shove clothes in it and use it as a pillow. 37 g.

And many thanks to whomever it was that suggested an empty crystal light container to hold glasses. Weighs less than my lightest glasses case and also is big enough to fit both my sunglasses and my regular glasses.

If you’re switching between 2 pair of shoes, at your local stuff-mart-variety store you can buy a bag of single use shower caps for under a US dollar. They make great covers for the bottom of the grimy shoes before tossing into your pack.

And this one made me laugh. Z packs sells an ultralight dyneema change purse. The last time I was at ikea I noticed a mini “frakta” for 79 US cents. Once I cut off the extraneous “handles” it weighs less than the Z packs model. 6 grams total. Yea you can use a ziplock baggie. But I appreciate something a bit sturdier for all the euro coins that eventually weigh a baggie down.

 

[Casserole]

Yoga toes! I carried them on both of mine. I would spend a few minutes in bed each night with them on and massage my feet.

Also, acupuncture needles for daily treatments. But I’m an acupuncturist so that’s a little more of a niche item.

 

[trecile]

I also take a massage ball - this one from Decathlon. In addition to using it for self massage I'm going to try using it in my dry bag clothes washing method as an agitator.

 

[J Willhaus]

I'm trying to picture what this is, and how it works for mosquito bites?

My husband calls it his bald man comb.

 

[Phoenix]

I'm going to try using it in my dry bag clothes washing method as an agitator.

Good idea. Will try this.

 

[J Willhaus]

We each take a light scarf. Multi uses such as pillow case, neck warmer, privacy screen, light napping cover, table cloth, etc.

 

[trecile]

My husband calls it his bald man comb.View attachment 121335View attachment 121336

Thanks. I've never seen one before. I can see that it could have a myriad of uses!

 

[SeñorJacques]

My husband calls it his bald man comb.View attachment 121335View attachment 121336

My grandpa always carried one of these, so they're very nostalgic for me. They're great for massaging your scalp during a shampoo too!