The Weight of Water

Camino Resources

Camino Planning Sep 21, 2023

If you're a planner like me, there is a lot to consider before you step foot in whichever country you wish to begin your Camino. Hopefully my input can put your mind at ease.

This post assumes you know the basics about the Camino de Santiago.
  |   Visit Our Camino, Our Way to read our story, and brush up
  |   Camino Planning

Background

My mom chose to walk our Camino in late September to mid October 2023, because it would be cooler and less likely to rain. I am 'always' cold--temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or lower, can give me a chill. So, with that in mind, I planned accordingly. Also, since we were staying in hotels, we were not carrying our lives on our backs--we only needed daypacks with hydration bladders, trauma and blister kits, and whatever else we needed for the day's hike.

All of these product recommendations are based on my personal opinions from direct use. I have no affiliation with any brands mentioned. I merely gave them all my money...

Clothing

I did laundry by hand every day, using an 8 liter drybag and 'Eucalan' brand soap [because it does not need to be rinsed out]. In my suitcase, I brought 3 pairs of everything just in case something did not dry completely the night before. But, I brought 6 pairs of socks because I changed them out halfway through the day's walk (to keep my feet dry). I also brought 2 different pairs of shoes to alleviate foot fatigue.

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NOTE: 'Everyone' recommends you purchase hiking shoes a half a size, or an entire size, up from your regular size. They say it is because your feet will swell. My feet don't noticeably swell (my hands do, though). I ignored the advice. What they DO NOT tell you is that your feet will become buff. After 4 months and hundreds of practice-miles, my feet were buff--my toes touching the fronts of my shoes. I had to buy a new pair of one set of shoes, and quickly break them in before we left for our Camino...
  • 32 Degrees Cool, Women's Cool Fitted T-Shirt - lightweight, fast drying; meant to be form-hugging to wick moisture
  • Outdoor Ventures Women's Convertible Hiking Pants (Amazon) - lightweight, fast drying, all pockets zippered; also come in Men's sizes.

    These were so amazing. I needed hiking pants that could convert with my shoes still on [cold mornings, warmer afternoons], and these were SOOOO handy!
  • Smartwool socks - These Merino wool socks did not bother me at all [other Merino products, like shirts, do], and dried quickly. My parents preferred the Darn Tough brand.
  • Injinji toe socks - I cannot wear these, but brought a pair just in case. My parent swear by them, wearing them against their skin, with their Darn Tough on top.
  • 32 Degrees Cool, Women's Cool Bralette - lightweight, fast drying
  • Reebok Women's Underwear, long leg, seamless boyshorts - to prevent chafing - lightweight, fast drying
  • Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex hiking shoes - I love these shoes so much, I'm going to use them as my everyday shoes post-Camino!
  • Merrell Women's Moab 3 GTX hiking shoes

Backpack

I bought a 24 liter Camelbak Fourteener hydration backpack (for women) with a frame and 3 liter bladder. I will be the 'first responder' if one of our party gets hurt (I am not trained), so I am carrying the trauma kit.

  • Rain Poncho
  • Pearl Izumi Gravel Gaiters - even though my shoes are Gore-Tex, water can get in at the foot hole. I bought both available sizes, and only the L/XL fit on both pairs of my women's 7.5 shoes. They were very snug, but I got them on with only a little effort. I doubt they will fit on men's shoes.
  • Sunglasses
  • Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Microfiber Hand Towel
  • Kula Cloth (pee rag)
  • Doggie Poop Bags (just in case...)
  • Lip Balm
  • Gluten Free Snacks - having hypoglycemic tendencies, a fast metabolism, and Celiac Disease makes traveling difficult
  • Celiac Cards from Coeliac Sanctuary (in both Portuguese and Spanish)
  • Nanobag
  • Hiking Poles
  • Biker Gloves - for the hiking poles
  • Activewear 'jacket' - for when I am chilled
  • Extra Pair of Socks - to change out halfway
  • Coin Purse
  • Journal and Pen
  • Pocket Battery Backup Charger for Cell Phone
  • Pilgrim Credential
  • Passport
  • Blister Pack [Ibuprofen, cloth Band-Aids, Neosporin, Band-Aid Hydro Seal all-purpose, Band-Aid Hydro Seal Blister Heels, ACE bandage, Self-Adherent bandage, Alcohol Pads, Sterile Gause Roll]
  • Trauma Kit [Israeli Bandages, Celox, Scizzors, Sterile Gloves, Mylar Thermal Blankets, Liquid Skin, CPR Mask, more Alcohol Pads, Sharpie] - If you buy Israeli Bandages, be sure to research how to properly use them, and buy an extra to pratice with.

There is a wealth of good information available online. What we found the most useful were the several Facebook groups that came up when searching Facebook--groups for all-routes, as well as route-specific groups. The majority of the people were very knowledgeable and helpful, and the information was quite current since many boots were on the ground.

Otherwise, here are some additional resources:

Bom Camino!

Tags

Stacy P.

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