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What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?
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Northern Laurie said:
Noooo not the Macabi

That was easily my favourite item of clothing, and I wore it constantly. Quick dry, comfy, quicker to convert to something shorter than pants. Could hitch it up while wading and use it as a change room.
Click to expand...

So we can both say one thing we're glad we brought was a Macabi skirt!
 
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My first Camino I took a pack
That was really way to big
I crammed in almost anything
What I needed most stayed hid

My second was much better
Large pack, ice tongs now gone
With little space for “just might needs”
I trod happily along

Third time out a veteran
My Way shown bright and clear
Though age now added walking sticks
To my “must have” Camino gear

Four times back along the Way
Familiar faces and place names
A waistline of a younger lad
No backsliding...only gains

As far as wishing of might bes
For my fifth time I would say
Take the best version of yourself
Each time you walk the Way
 
Def agree with the towel!
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. Vital content training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
1. What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?
I sent home a long-sleeve, lightweight, sun block shirt. I just did not wear it. I used Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunscreen instead. I had a long-sleeve merino wool for cool evenings.

2. What did you wish you had taken with you?
I agree with @Anamiri and @Pops , a bigger towel!

Back to the fly topic. In general, flies were not a problem. But this 5km stretch of the Via Aquitana was horrible.
 
I've never had to use my micro first aid kit, compeed plasters or ear plugs thank goodness, but I will always take them. Have always taken a SOL bivy and superlight air mat (600g total) but have never had to use them yet - but I like the idea I can always camp out by using my poncho/tarp as a shelter, so no bed race stress. Took diy gaiters on 2 of my 3 caminos and never had to use them - Won't take them in future. Have taken a button torch everytime but never used it. May leave it behind next time (although it only weighs about 10g). Always miss a knife and corkscrew (I always take cabin luggage/pack) but by magic there's always someone better prepared than me in that respect so I never get around to buying one in Spain!
 
A proper towel is important. I have tried the high-tech ones, but they're no good. Forget the weight, and allow yourself this little luxury.

The most stupid person I have experienced on The Camino, was this guy who carried a 750 grams (!) bicycle chain lock in order to lock his backpack to a chair or table, when he needed to leave it for a while, without understanding that for a thief, all that was needed was a knife to cut up the pack and take whatever he needed/wanted (dirty underwear, sour socks, etc.). He even carried the chain lock all the way back home and only then threw it away.

That stupid person was me on my first Camino.

Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from bad decisions.
 
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Camino Preparation Guide
Fail to prepare? reduce your risk by buying this book full of practical info.
2nd ed.
There were three of us, and we all shared the same books - one of them was a giant hardback! It was a great book and we were all addicted to it.
It was HEAVY
 
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.
I didn't need headlamp and first aid kit, but I met other pilgrims who used mine, and headlamp and bandaids, so I can't say that it wasn't useful.
And definitely I wish I had taken with me a waterproof trousers! On a rainy days (and there were a few in a row ) I nedded those for keep my legs dry. I had a good raincoat though, but it only reached the knees.
 
I did not need my external battery pack, as outlets were usually available. I was the opposite of some of these folks - I REALLY needed my backpack rain cover and rain coat AND got a poncho on the way. It depends on your route, I hear the Freshness Frances has more plentiful resources in general, but I did the Norte/Primitivo and you can easily go days without a store or an ATM - so while I carried some things with me I didn't need (camp utensil set), I was grateful for all that I did. Next time, I will bring better waterproofed items, more vaseline, better tape.
 
Did you take your own poles or buy them there ? I find that interesting as they are most expensive in South Africa, I would not think of leaving them behind and as for our poor exchange rate you have to take as much as possible with.
 
Train on the 4-day Catalina Camino
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 30 to April 2
PaulCat said:
Two questions:

1. What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?

2. What did you wish you had taken with you?
Click to expand...

1. we brought sleeping bags and towels and neither were used as we elected to stay mostly in small hotels rather (time in Navy wore off novelty of dormitories). Also water reservoir was hardly used as we bought water in 1.5 litre bottles that fit in our packs well and could be reused.

2. we were on Norte where pilgrims are not plentiful and would pack better light weight evening wear as we felt like hobos sometimes in nicer restaurants. Nothing fancy but our repetoire of lightweight crew neck smart wool and hiking shorts and plastic birkenstocks didn't feel right sometimes
 
We walked in the spring of 2016. I wish I had taken some down slippers as my feet were often cold at night. The only warm place was the bar! (We mostly stayed in hostels - heat only comes on for an hour or so) We had light gore tex rain jackets and super light umbrellas, which we strapped to our packs with heavy duty covered wire, instead of ponchos. This worked really well except in very windy conditions. I took a small journal, a glue stick and a small pair of scissors (which was actually in my blister kit) and as we went I cut up our guide book and made a nice keepsake. I loved the Brierley guide book. We also used our knife a lot. We had silk sleeping bag liners which worked well in places with no bedding. My gators kept my boots and feet dry, and they kept stones out of my husband's shoes. He bought his on the trail. We taped our feet up every morning, including toes, and had no serious blister issues.
 
Anamiri said:
I never experienced the flies, what months are they around.?
Click to expand...
we too experienced the flies on 1 day. Quite annoying till they left....swarmed the heads as we walked in June
 
Camino Jewellery
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Not so stupid....I too thought of the chain till my kids said :"MOM!!"
 
PaulCat said:
Two questions:

1. What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?

2. What did you wish you had taken with you?
Click to expand...

People told us to bring duct tape for blisters. Never used it. Flashlight. Never walked at night. Clothing. Over packed. About 2 weeks in I packed a box with my friend that weighed 10 lbs and we shipped it via Corrio to Santiago. I can’t remember everything in it but our packs got considerably lighter.

There was absolutely nothing I wished I had taken because everything you might need is available along the way. I replaced my sticks in Longoria. I purchased sunscreen, buffs, better wicking shirts all along the way. Pack light! When I go back next year I think I will take far less.
 
 
Train on the 4-day Catalina Camino
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 30 to April 2
Not used:
- clothes, clothes, clothes.
- camera, used my photo instead, easier.
- book

Used a lot:
- rain jacket (Must) We only had 2 days of rain, of which one was an all day soaker, still we walked 38km that day. But we would walk early-ish, around 6-7-8 and it would be dark and cold. (Aug/Sept). So good for the mornings and evening. It’s light and blocks wind and rain.
-Head light (must), for waking in the morning, but also for in the dorm, going to the bathroom or leaving the dorm quietly in the morning. Yes, can use phone as someone mentioned, but I would still bring headlight.
- Pocket knife, I used a lot!! For cheese, salami, bread, oranges etc etc! Spain has such great food and snacks, that are great to pick up in a local store and bring with you.
- Silk bed liner (more of a bag really) was warm enough, and I no bed bugs the whole trip. My wife had the same, and she had bedbugs twice. But pretty sure because she used the thick blankets they provided.
- Band aids band aids band aids!! Wow, never gone through so many band aids and tape and “fluff”. First 10 days (through Pyrenees) no problem at all. Then it started. Somehow my little toe started to get squiched and to hurt. Long story short, lost both my small toe nails (infected). I would soak foot in piping hot water and lots of salt to get the infection out. Some friendly American lady gave me some antibiotics in drop form? I think that’s what it was... something to help with infection.
Cleaned it up, and wrapped it all day everyday. And blisters... endless! I wore only wool socks, and would change them out 1-2-3 times a day. But still.. Blisters underneath blisters. You learn to walk through them. Hurts for a bit.
- tiger balm or cold/ice gel: something to rub your muscles with, they are taking a beating. We walked long days, min 20km, some days 30, some days even 38-43km.
- SWIM WEAR, or something to swim in. A lot of towns have a public pool (piscina) and it is a treat. Colder the better. Tip: if you see accommodation with a pool advertised, sounds nice.. but that’s what everyone is thinking, so if you want quiet, stay clear from those.
- Buff, some days were scorching, and this was good to have to block the sun on your face/neck. I like sun, but you’re out in the sun walking everyday for 20-30-40 days. Also good for cold mornings. It’s cold enough you can see your breath.
- Flip flops.. must! Shower, post walk toe freedom, walk around dorm etc.
- Good belt.. you will lose weight... lost 20lbs and we ate and drank whatever we wanted. You walk and burn so much, it doesn’t keep up.
- Inflatable pillow. Worked good, comfy enough. Put a silk pillow case over it.
- clothes pins, to hang up laundry. Bar of soap, although most of time they have one. They usually have clothes pins to, but others might have used already.
Haha.. I also brought a sink-stop, so fill water in the sink. More of a joke, it hang on my back pack. Had to use it a couple of times when there was none and no buckets or bins.
- Travel mug! Bonus!! We brought these super light little travel mugs from MEC. Used them a lot! I had a water blatter (great, kind of a must) and had my cup hand on the side of my pack. At every fountain, I would fill the cup and walk with it and drink it. Also great for coffee to go or for wine. Especially (!!!!) at the wine fountain. Got some jealous looks there
I had people asking me where we got those and wished they brought one.

Wish I would have brought:

- a secondary walking shoe-type. I opted out cause it takes a lot space and weight, but that’s something I would definitely bring. Something different than you’re main walking shoes. Either soft comfy running shoes or sandals. I’m leaning more towards sandals, cause you can switch it up and give your toes a bit of breather for a day. My toes were in that shoe day after day after day, and, they weren’t happy. I think I walked in pain for all of the trip except for the first 10 days. And every day, the pain was somewhat different. One are would be better, but the other would be worse today. And next day different again..Constant struggle and at least 30-45min each morning for massaging, taping and bandaging. I sound like an old person (no offence) I’m 37 and 6’ and 210lbs and somewhat fit.
 
PaulCat said:
Two questions:

1. What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?

2. What did you wish you had taken with you?
Click to expand...
I did not use my small tablet and because my hydration bladder broke on seconds I fid not use thst..found my water bottle to be much better anyway
 
Desere said:
Did you take your own poles or buy them there ? I find that interesting as they are most expensive in South Africa, I would not think of leaving them behind and as for our poor exchange rate you have to take as much as possible with.
Click to expand...
I bought trekking poles there. Just standard, telescoping aluminium variety. I think they were approximately 20 euro a pair. They worked great for me. I find that I don't need an expensive, latest and greatest set, as the inexpensive set does what they're designed to do just fine and if they get lost or pinched by a fellow pilgrim, no big deal. They assist me in walking more efficiently and take some shock off of my knees. I left mine in Santiago as I just did not feel like dealing with the possible hassle of bringing them back home, but I suppose you could try and if you do have problems, just leave them at the airport.
On the Camino Frances I saw inexpensive trekking poles for sale (early stages) in Saint Jean, Pamplona and Puente la Reina.
 
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.
domigee said:
A thin sarong does the trick, weighs less than 100 gr (or close)
Click to expand...
I’m new to the world of Caminos AND sarongs. What is the best fabric for a lightweight but not too sheer sarong? And where’s a good place to shop for one?
 
PaulCat said:
Two questions:

1. What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?
A physical book... and a large camera

2. What did you wish you had taken with you?
Click to expand...
A larger hat... mountaneering sandals
 
AZ Hiker said:
I’m new to the world of Caminos AND sarongs. What is the best fabric for a lightweight but not too sheer sarong? And where’s a good place to shop for one?
Click to expand...
Have a search on the Internet for 'cotton sarongs', I think mine came from Amazon and it is ... cotton. It only cost a few pounds.
I have only used it as a sarong over a swimsuit, the rest of the time it is an extra towel or a sheet or a shawl to cover shoulders in church....Very easy to wash and it dries quickly.
 
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Possibly my favorite thing I brought is my tiny <7 ounce Montbell down blanket. When tucked inside my silk liner it adds just the right amount of warmth.
https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=1124593

For a cheaper version you can buy a Costco down blanket, cut it in half, and finish the raw edge. To keep from making a mess with feathers sew two rows of stitching about a quarter inch apart and cut between them.
 
One of the items I was most thankful I brought was safety pins. I bought the larger sized pins and used them as clothes pins. Yes, some places provide clothes pins but there never seemed enough. Also, if your clothes are attached to the drying line by a pin, it is less likely to be mistaken as belonging to someone else. Your clothes also don't fall off of the line.
 
Camino Jewellery
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I like this idea. Just a question, if there are bedbugs and you use the sarong as a sheet, aren't you just bringing them with you?
 
Camino Preparation Guide
Fail to prepare? reduce your risk by buying this book full of practical info.
2nd ed.
Jodean said:
Never used my Swiss Army knife, bathing suit, or extra plastic bag to be used for transporting my pack on the plane.
Wished for a fitted sheet for the beds so I could unzip my sleeping bag and use it as a blanket.
Click to expand...
I think a light weight sleeping bag and or rei sleep liner is essential for all albuergues where the floor is the surface. Plus it is your own stuff- known bacterium.
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery
james walter purdum iv said:
Fear.. turned that into adrenaline for first three days. And wish I had brought more confidence that I was always going to make it
Click to expand...
Fear was a factor for me then. I did make it . I was in good shape but I did still get monster blisters so less with keen hiking back closed sandals.(need orthodics) . Wore those exclusively even tho carried tennis shoes. But even the keens need to be broken in prior. (Socks used)
 
We walked the Frances and Finisterre in July and August and never needed our rain gear. I'm not exactly saying it never rained. Just that when it did, we were always indoors. I don't think I would have left it at home though. That would be asking for trouble!

I wish I had brought hiking poles with me. I picked some up in Viana, but by then the damage had been done. I think f I had used them from the beginning, the physical challenges of the Camino would have been a lot less.
 
Sorry to hear about your blisters. I too had keens....the socks were very important. If I wore the wrong ones, definitely hot spots showed up. I learned the thickness was very important to avoid blisters.
 
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.
PaulCat said:
Two questions:

1. What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?

2. What did you wish you had taken with you?
Click to expand...
1. My first Camino I brought eye cream that I Didn't even touch it for the whole time. And 2 more t-shirts can Stay home as well.
2. None.
 
Jun Meng said:
1. My first Camino I brought eye cream that I Didn't even touch it for the whole time. And 2 more t-shirts can Stay home as well.
2. None.
Click to expand...
1) too big emergency kit,
2) nothing.
 
PaulCat said:
Two questions:

1. What did you bring on the Camino that you wound up not using?

2. What did you wish you had taken with you?
Click to expand...
Headlight, sleeping bag, knee braces, couple of pairs of socks that were too big, bottle of arnica, aluminum tape, over supply of bandaid. There is more but I am not remembering all of it. None of it weighed anything, but all together it was too much.
 
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.

On some days I really could have used a second pair of legs! I had some few medicines that I didn't use, blister treatment kit (still would bring it), and when I got home, realized I had a second bandana that I didn't use, but only because it got lost in my pack and I didn't know I had it. I got a terrible cold and could really have used that second handkerchief. Because of that cold, I wish I had brought some "Cold Eze" lozenges. I couldn't find anything in the parmacias that worked quite so well for me. Bringing some this time.
 
Where did you get the toiletry bag?
 
Let us pick up your suitcase once you arrive in Europe....
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
DebR said:
Kathmandu adventure store in australia.
Click to expand...
I used to work in a building where a Kathmandu store was on the bottom floor. So tempting....
 
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1. THINGS TAKEN BUT NOT USED - headlamp, walking sandals and my stupid mirco-fibre towel that just pushed the water around my body! I would take a baby muslin next time (gauze), too many shirts that weren't needed
2. THINGS NOT TAKEN BUT WISHED I HAD OF BROUGHT - I debated forever about taking my packable down jacket. I ended up buying a bulky fleece when in got cold in October, and it was way heavier and way bulkier than my packable down jacket....
3. THINGS I LOVED USING - merino wool cap, lightweight gloves, my iPad that I used to take pics, write my journal, read books, communicate with family in Canada....etc....and makeup. I'm a makeup girl so wouldn't have been comfortable without it. Mind you, it was used very sparingly. Another thing I loved was throwing my buff over my wet, long hair to let it dry au naturel!! Liberating!!
 
1. Selfie Stick, Rain Pants (not enough rain)

2. a). A shower caddy large enough to handle everything taken to the shower - wet/drenched floors and benches, not many hooks, only place with privacy. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075JSB2NC/?tag=casaivar02-20 .

b). Comfortable hiking sandals that could be worn after hours and double as shower shoes, like the Keen Newport H2s.
 
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.
In response to the OP

Roll mat on several Camino's, however the time I didn't take it I ended up shivering laid on a stone portico in January on a sub zero night in Santa Catalina.
Trangia on my 1st camino, it was sent back from Comillas on my 3rd day, in addition to excess t-shirts, books, 2nd towel etc. I sent my waterproof coat back as well, I had worn it once when it was slightly raining, I got soaked from condensation, I took a chance that if I did get soaked from rain then the warm conditions in July would keep me drier than my coat.
 

Flies just after Lorca, at the end of September ... nowhere else though.
 
Selfie stick (inspired with ambition by the many vlogs I had been watching, didn't last long, won't bring again)
Rain jacket (it never really rained while we were walking, although sometimes at night or while we were having coffee, would still bring next time, you can't count on that)
 
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,-
Great list! Just ordered a theraband, had forgotten all about those! We heading out Sept, Oct on CF. Did you find a small, down jacket useful on your trips?
 
Tawny said:
Great list! Just ordered a theraband, had forgotten all about those! We heading out Sept, Oct on CF. Did you find a small, down jacket useful on your trips?
Click to expand...
I really do...if it’s lightweight, you’ll use it in the evenings and maybe early mornings as the autumn sets in...I recall a very cold and foggy morning out of Ponferrada in mid October when I was very glad of mine. That said, a good merino hoodie also does the trick...
 
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