Hi everyone,
I have spent so long researching items to pack that I "can't see the wood for the trees".
It appears that:
Merino wool is a must for socks.
Light layers work best for tops.
Shorts or long trousers that convert to shorts with a zip are ideal.
A poncho is as effective as light weight waterproof jackets.
My backpack needs a rain cover. (I have purchased an Osprey Kestrel 48)
Light weight sandals or flip flops are essential for the end of the walking day.
Can anyone recommend particular brands that they regularly use please?
Hi Bear!
My camino gear is bought on a budget. It is expensive enough to get to Spain without spending a fortune on fancy technical clothing.
Many do prefer merino socks, but most important is that they are comfortable and don't give you blisters, so dual-layer socks or a pair of liners and a pair of outers. The key is to avoid cotton. Wool or even nylon is better. In the UK, Bridgedale are available at Millets and Blacks. I pair Injinji liner socks (which separate my toes, because otherwise my toenails do damage) - which I buy online - with cheap woollen hiking socks from the market! Practise some longwalks on consecutive days with your sock and footwear choice. If it isn't comfortable to begin, it won't become more so after several hundred kilometres.
First thing in the morning, I wear a polyester t shirt, a long sleeve nylon running shirt (Ron Hill) and a buttoned, long sleeve hiking shirt (Peter Storm), with a down-filled gilet if it is really cold and my rain jacket if it is windy. But once I'm moving I start removing layers and often end up wearing a t-shirt and sun cream. A buff is useful to keep the wind out of your collar and/or the sun from your neck.
I bought my down-gilet 2nd hand on ebay, for £15 delivered. They go in and out of fashion for non-hikers, so they are often available. Make sure it is down-filled though, the synthetic ones are much heavier. I manage a whole camino without having to wash it, since I've always taken it off before I start sweating.
I think your Osprey pack will have a semi-integrated rain cover hidden in a base pocket.
I wear a Sprayway rainjacket which has a removable peaked hood. I previously wore an old fashioned Fjallraven waxed-cotton jacket, with a thin Regatta cagoule on top when rain was persistent. Whatever brand you choose, the most important word is 'breathable'. Again, Regatta and Peter Storm have affordable versions. Poncho is preferred by many, but I don't like the idea of doing a Mary Poppins when it catches the wind!
I wear Craghopper shorts or Brasher shorts - alternating. They are slightly different lengths, so my knees' tan marks aren't so stark! They are polyester and dry quickly. They have zip pockets for loose change and my phone. I have a pair of Peter Storm hiking trousers too, but usually only wear them in the evening.
I take light hiking sandals for the evening. I don't wear them in the shower. My wife Carol takes very light flipflops in addition, which she does wear in the shower.
I wash my walking clothes everyday, except the gilet and rain jacket, and carry a complete spare outfit in case not everything dries. Woollen socks usually dry slowest, so I have three pairs, and often use nappy pins to dry them on the back of my pack while walking.
As others have said above, when packing it is best to take not enough and buy in Spain than to take too much and either carry needless extra weight or discard it.
I know the planning and the trial packing is part of building the excitement, but don't worry that your kit isn't the best, the lightest, the smartest or anything else. From being on this forum, you are already better prepared than more than half of pilgrims who arrive successfully in Santiago!
Buen Camino!
Graham
