Great List! I walked Oct 2019 and before couldn't understand why anyone would want to go more than once. Now that I have done it I can't wait to go back ha. Hoping late this year things will be better.
Ha, I agree! There's something about it that just pulls you in... so many people who walk end up going back! Really, really hoping that later this year a Camino becomes possible!
This post is by far more helpful as the presenter goes into more details. Something’s suggested maybe non-essential but still knowing they’re options. I’m determined what the weight of my pack is going to be including water weight: the presenter’s minimalist approach yet functional in Camino is very helpful. THANK YOU!!
Perfect! Just what I am looking for as I prep for the Camino Frances. I’d never heard about the concept of “packing your fears”, but there is absolute truth to that three word phrase. Thank you for your comprehensive video!
Hi Nadine, thank you for sharing your experience. Your advice for summer is probably spot on. I’ve walked twice. The fist Camino was the French way in April from St Jean. It was cold, wet, and snowing. As a motorcyclist I know how awful it is being wet and cold, so I was prepared to carry wet weather gear, just in case. And I used it often; plastic (over) pants, rain jacket, beanie and gloves with a poncho over everything including my pack. I took a set of light weight thermal underwear, so I was never really cold. Because of the mud and snow I opted for waterproof boots. I also used walking poles. I bought these at the last minute and highly recommend them. I’m older (60) and the poles helped ease the weight and provided stability. The second Camino was the Portuguese from Lisbon in September and October. It was mostly fine or hot weather, but it did rain a couple of times and I did use the wet weather gear, but it wasn’t as cold. I was glad to have the gear and happy to carry it, but I’m not sure my daughter thought it was worth the effort. Our third Camino has been postponed due to COVID but my wife and I are now planning the Northern route from Irun sometime in late 2022 or early 2023, so time-of-year will definitely factor in how light I can manage to travel. And as a final thought, all the way to Santiago the first time I was sure once would be enough. I’m hooked. I can’t imagine life without planning my next Camino! Peace and love fellow pilgrims. ✌️❤️🙏
Haha, that was actually *17*km without a break (when I listened back it does, indeed, sound like I said 70). There's no way I could ever manage- or want to attempt- a day that long!
Yay for Chico bags! I was an exchange student at CSU Chico in the last century and a friend who still lives there sent me a Chico bag. It's in my handbag and still gets used often. Oh, all the memories...
I can do one better - I carry TWO extra shoelaces. When tied together they make a nice clothesline. Occasionally needed for drying clothes indoors. Never actually needed for what they were intended.
i had not heard of the Camino de Santiago before a few days ago after watching a movie recommendation video and the guy recommended the movie The Way and said that if anyone wanted to learn more abou the Camino that they should check out 3 or 4 youtubers and youre one of them he recommended and so far youre my favortie. I've watched 4 of your videos and only like one of each of the other youtubers and youre really smart and make I can tell youre a good person. cant wait to watch more.
Thank you Bob, I'm so happy that you've found your way to my videos! I really like making video-diaries of my walks, but I'm also trying to create some informational posts too.
wonderful list & vid! thank you. Hoping to do our first Camino this May/ June for our 40th Anniversary, can't wait!! this video packing list helped greatly, I'll have to get back to you post Camino, until then, Buen Camino!
A great camino footlube which is in great easy supply in France and Spain is Olive Oil. I carry a small plastic bottle of T tree oil and a small bottle for olive oil. I put two drops of t tree into the Oo bottle before putting a bit of Oo in, usually available for the asking at cafes along the way, I always ask whilst showing the Small bottle. Never been refused. ( the t tree is a mild antiseptic so if you do have abrasions it helps keep them clean from germs.)
Oh what a nice idea! I never would have thought of this. I love tea tree oil... and I also love that you'd only have to carry that little bottle of olive oil, but would have nearly unlimited chances to refill along the way. What great advice, thank you!
Love that our packing list it’s so alike, I have walked my 2 caminos with the same backpack as yours and I love it! I had use trail running shoes and I’ll do the same for my next one this coming summer!
I love my backpack so much!! It's getting quite worn at this point, but I just can't bring myself to even look at buying another (not yet, anyway). Trail running shoes are a really good footwear choice as well- very light, which is even more important when walking in the summer! (which Camino will you be walking?)
Thank you Nadine your videos are so helpful! Love your videography and editing too on the recent walking videos. I swear by packing cubes, total game changer, very helpful to keep things organized especially when staying in shared accommodation.
Thank you Megan! (one day I might re-record this packing-list video, it was one of the first I ever made and the quality is just not great!) But I really love packing cubes too!
Add Mosquito net for your head (drapes down over your hat). Weighs almost nothing, takes almost no space. On both my caminos (summer), I had 4 full days that the air was full of thousands of flying insects that would land on your face, fly up your nose, into your ears, etc. In 2019 they were kind of like big gnats, 2021 the were baby flies that had hatched by the millions along the camino. Somebody mentioned it on some video, and I am SO glad I got it. I was the only one wearing one, and I was the envy of every pilgrim that walked by, swatting away hundreds of bugs off their face as they walked. I wish I could post a picture that I have of me with dozens of baby flies on my mosquito net.
Great list. I made my list out then watched this video. I had carabiners on mine and thought "she won't have these" and you had them ! The only other things I had different were sunglasses (on a cord), elastic bands, electrolyte sachets, shampoo sachets and a pillow slip.
Ah, I carry elastic bands too! Forgot to include those. And often I take electrolyte tablets :) But rarely sunglasses (I don't wear them like I should, and prefer to just go with a hat). However, sunglasses and a pillow slip are great additions!
You're welcome Beverley! The video turned out to be MUCH longer than I intended (I could talk about the Camino for hours!) but I'm glad it was helpful.
I've been thinking about carrying a small clothesline- there are times when I need to get really creative about where to drape all my still-wet clothing overnight...
@NadineWalks This may be too late for you to ever read, but... You've been carrying a small clothesline on every single Camino! Just need to rig up your spare shoelace with a couple of S hooks or something :D. Thank you ever so much for your concise, detailed, approachable videos, they are a godsend for preparing for my first Camino!
I just looked it up and yes, what a great option! Thanks for mentioning it, I've looked a few times to see if I could find something similar but never could (and I'll know include it in my packing list so that other pilgrims have the option). Bonus points that it comes with its own compression sack!! I had to buy mine separately :)
Hi, Nadine. It was interesting to hear what you take along. Regarding the Keen products, I used Keen boots on two Caminos and various other hikes for about 1150 kms before they were retired to yard work. I recently bought their hiking shoes and boots again, but when I later looked online for some reviews I found a surprising number of people who said their Keen boots and shoes fell apart with very little use. This hasn't been my experience yet, but now I keep a suspicious eye on them when I hike. About the shoe laces, you can always tie the two parts of the lace together for awhile. Thanks so much for the generous sharing of information.
You're very welcome, Doug! Good tip about tying two parts of the lace together, if one ever breaks... I'm not sure why I carry an extra shoelace (of all things!), and I've never had to use it, but I guess it's small enough and light enough that I don't mind always packing it. My Keens have always held up well, but I suppose over the years things can change, or you could always get a faulty pair! But for now, the model I like fits my wide feet (and it's not always easy to find a pair of shoes that does!), so I'm sticking with them :)
@@NadineWalks The Keen products are notable for their wide fit, as you said. This makes them a great help to me personally. Almost no breaking in is required. I hope to use them on a Camino. If they were to fail, I could always replace them at a sports shop in one of the cities. The best knot for tying two parts of a lace is the sheepshank, I think, although there are other choices. Happy trails.
Good point about greasing up feet. I figured that out fast, keeping your feet in order is very important. I used body glide, I also bring kt tape, works on hotspots and a kneecap issue I have. As far as this year, so far most municipal albergues remain closed, but there are many private ones open. If you Speak Spanish, there is a TH-cam channel by Alvaro Lazago Busto and he does 3 or 4 caminos every year. Worth following as he's often on trail posting without any editing delay. Ultreia!
Thank you for the tip, I'll look at Alvaro's videos! I'm most likely going to be on a Camino later this month, I'm hoping that the situation in Spain will continue to be okay-enough for the Camino routes to be possible! I think it will mean booking ahead but I'm totally okay with doing that. Hopefully I'll have more videos to come soon!
I highly recommend the two suggestions here: put bits of athletic tape each morning on any spots on your feet that are hot or are feeling the slightest wear. After that, put something on your feet before socks. My personal choice is coconut oil.
@@tomgocubs I think I'd read somewhere about another pilgrim using coconut oil, that's an interesting option! How do you store it/carry it while you walk?
I also bring a head lamp just in case i walk early in the morning. Toilet paper, and i remove the card board core of the toilet paper, so it lies flat. Even though my backpack as a cover, i also bring a garbage bag and use it as a liner, just in case it rains really hard. I also find that a Tilley hat works the best as it covers the face and neck.
Thnx for sharing! I can relate! :D I always bring my old hammam towel.. I find it to be an awesome alternative to a standard travel towel. It's lightweight, it dries fast and it has some sort of comfort level.
A few years ago I was looking into bringing a towel like that- I can imagine it has other uses as well! I would really like something a little larger than my current towel (though honestly it does the trick ;)
Thank you for sharing your packing list! Mine is very similar, in fact. I always bring a feel-good item, usually a graphic t-shirt (for the evenings and as pyjamas). It's good for the morale. Planning a camino in 2021? I'm hoping to finish the last half of the Le Puy this fall, and then onward to the Frances. Plague willing, of course.
It's funny, I'm also thinking of that last half of Le Puy (from Moissac, where I stopped) if I can get over to Europe this summer! It feels unlikely, but then again, things with the virus change all the time so I'll just have to wait and see. And I love the idea of bringing a comfort/feel-good item, so important on a long trip!!
I'm going to be doing my first camino and doing the Portuguese route. This video is really helpful. I'm going for 3 weeks, late June, early July and the items I am dithering on are the sleeping bag (my summer bag is 700g) and tops. In uk summer I have a thin top with my logos on as well as a fleece and whilst this feels excessive I'm struggling to imagine not having both. I'm also spending the night in the airport in Scotland in both directions (out flight is very early and return flight very late and airport hotels don't feel worth it for what is half a night) Do you think I will use both) so imagine I'll be wearing every item of clothing I have with me in the airport, especially if I don't bring the sleeping bag. I'm doing my camino by wheelchair and last year on hadrian's wall was carrying a tent and associated paraphernalia so I have carried much heavier but not in the heat of Spain and Portugal. Any insights would be really helpful. Thanks for a great video
How exciting to be planning your first Camino! (I did Hadrian's Wall as well- but no camping for me!) I know others have done their Camino by wheelchair (have you seen I'll Push You? It's such a wonderful documentary and I'm probably the 100th person who has mentioned it to you, but I just had to!) I hate being cold (and can get cold easily!), so my vote would be to bring the fleece AND the sleeping bag. Evenings in northern Spain/Portugal can get chilly- even in the summer- and you will probably be happy that you have that comfort. Worst case scenario is that you realize it's too much and don't want to carry it but then you can always send things ahead to Santiago, to pick up once you're there. Bom Caminho and happy planning!
@@NadineWalks Thank you for responding and yes I've seen I'll push you. I think I'll take them. I'm going to really need to sleep well. Hope you get back out on the Camino soon x
Because you hike in the summer, instead of long sleeve shirt, i would recommend taking look at the Outdoor Research echo sun hoody. Protects against sun, super light weight at 2.3 oz or 63 grams, quick dry and odour resistant. And it is an investment but not overpriced at 65 $. You can find lots of reviews on YT about this hoody.
Uniqlo also do I nice sun hoodie (zippered) which is quite affordable. I often use it as a cardigan/light jacket for work in the summer as well as hiking/sports
This is very helpful information Nadine, especially when you are doing it on your own. I am always interested in the bra , underwear and socks that absorb all the sweat, as well as skin and hair care. The devil is in the details, and makes for a more enjoyable trip. My first I am planning for next April of 2023. Would love to know how the "blanket" situation is in the hostels. thanks again love from Western CAnada.
Check out ultralight backpacking equipment. You could really cut down your pack weight significantly without sacrificing any comfort. In fact , a lighter pack would be much more comfortable.
thank you! helped a lot What i came across and loved it, is a small piece of solid shampoo to add to my bronners and tooth paste tabs, they weigh nothing and are so much more enviormental friendly.
That's a great idea! I tried using Dr Bronner's soap bar as my shampoo on my first camino (as well as soap to wash my body, and my clothes), and my hair didn't ever feel that clean. But maybe I should try a solid shampoo bar next time!
Hi Ann, I used the Cicerone guide, though this was back in 2015! The guide has been updated (I think as recently as last year), and I thought it was decent. Certainly worth checking out to get an idea about stages, things to see, basic directions, where to stay, etc. This particularly guide combines the Norte and Primitivo, but you can always cut out the Primitivo section if you're not going to walk it: www.cicerone.co.uk/the-camino-del-norte-and-camino-primitivo
With regards to rain gear, I’m going to take a poncho on my first Sept-Oct Camino Frances. A jacket & backpack cover combo means your backpack straps still get wet. I’m thinking the straps can take way too long to dry for my comfort.
I'm doing Frances in October and will be buying an Altus poncho in SJPDP for that very reason - first time I walked I had seperate rain jacket and pack cover and it just wasn't fun as the pack did get quite wet 🙈
Sandals definitely work for some pilgrims! I love having the sturdiness of a hiking shoe, but I also like to stop for breaks to take off shoes/socks and let my feet air out, and I can see how sandals could be really comfortable!
Not a stupid question at all! Yes, people DO use the sleeping bags on the albergue beds; some albergues will give you a set of disposable sheets, but many won’t, so you’d be sleeping on just a mattress. In those cases you’ll really want to have something to put between you and the mattress! Plus, the sleeping bag or sleeping liner can give you a bit of warmth, many albergues do not provide blankets. Hope that helps!
Thank you for a great video! When packing clothing, are the clothing items you mention in addition to what you're wearing when you start walking, or should I consider what I'm wearing to start as part of my list?
Hi Linda! The clothing items I mention in the video are ALL that I bring on the trip with me... so I show two hiking t-shirts, and a pair of hiking pants and a pair of hiking shorts. On the plane ride over, I'll wear one of the t-shirts and the hiking pants. (and then of course carry the other items in my pack). When I make my list, I always write down everything I'm going to be wearing on the trip over and then include the rest of what I am going to need to bring in my pack. :) I hope that makes sense!
So true, I realized that using both Vaseline and Aquaphor were redundant, but I've always used them separately and have gotten stuck in the habit! And I suppose Vaseline would be fine on the lips/face as well... yet another way to save a bit of weight!
Some albergues have sheets and blankets, but not all (some are just a mattress!) So if you're planning to stay in albergues you'll want some kind of sleeping bag/sleep sad/sleeping bag liner to put down on the bed. And you'll just about always need your own towel!
@@NadineWalks Hi Nadine, thank you so much for your response. I have learned from your trip so much, that I feel so prepared. My husband and I are so excited to go. We will do the 100 kilometers because we don’t have a whole month but I’m still excited for that!! Thank you again!! And maybe we’ll meet there one day!!
The day bag for passport and money packed on top wouldn't work for me. I can see myself accidentally leaving it behind. I would feel more comfortable stuffing my Passport either deep in my pack or in a Fanny pack that never leaves my body.
I usually scan flights until I find something good- I like to use Scott's Cheap Flights for updates on when there are good deals! And I like to fly into and out of Paris (but I often do a bit of traveling in France after my Camino so it's the most convenient for that). But flying into Madrid is a good option as well!
After Sahagún I took a variant that follow the roman road; Calzadilla de los Hermanillos to Mansilla de las Mulas was a 23.8km stretch without services. I didn't have any instant coffee with me on that trip, and I left before any village bars were open, so I walked all that way without coffee!!
It's about 13-14 pounds (about 6kg) with water and a few snacks. Sometimes it's weighed a bit if I'm carrying a lot of food or if extra items creep in. But that's about the general weight!
It depends on where you start walking- if you're walking the Francés and beginning in St Jean Pied de Port, you can get it at the Pilgrim's office. If you have enough time, you can order one from Ivar's Pilgrim's Forum (which is a nice way to support!): www.santiagodecompostela.me
Nadine, thank you for your practical advice. Very helpful. How did your Keen Targhee Vents do in rain? As I understand, the vents are great for ventilation but keep them from being waterproof.
They're not bad in the rain... if it's a light rain/drizzle they keep the water out really well, and it can take awhile to feel like my shoes are getting saturated. Steady or heavy rain is a different story, but I think it's only ever rained so much a couple of times that my socks have gotten wet. Mostly these shoes handle a light rain really well!
@@NadineWalks Thanks for the info! I bought the shoes a couple of years ago when we first contemplated the Camino. We are planning El Norte in September and early October, so anticipating a lot of rain.
Hi Graeme! I think one of the easiest ways to travel to SJPD from Spain is to get a train to Pamplona, and then a bus to SJPD. When I did the Camino Francés I flew into Paris and so took a train from there, but I think most pilgrims arriving in Spain go to Pamplona and then take a bus from there! And getting the credential at the start should be easy, you can get one in the pilgrim’s office!
I know, and I apologize! (I did put a note about that in the write-up of the video, though I know not everyone sees/reads those) This was the first informational video I ever made, and I had a lot to learn! Still do! But hopefully, if you turned the audio up and were able to hear, there was some good info here for you. Or, follow the links to the packing list!
why it would take 44 minutes for a packing list is beyond me..unless it is to provide inks and make $ from selling things..or you are packing far too much!
Or I have trouble being concise! If you watch other videos, you’ll see that this is just my style, for better or worse. I do explain a lot in this video- the whole idea is to be helpful- but I appreciate that the length will deter some. Luckily, there are lots of other great resources out there to help!
@@shawnieadams1319 Thank you so much Shawnie, this was so kind of you to say and also so generous! I'm happy that some of my videos might be helpful- they've also been a lot of fun to make!
Great List! I walked Oct 2019 and before couldn't understand why anyone would want to go more than once. Now that I have done it I can't wait to go back ha. Hoping late this year things will be better.
Ha, I agree! There's something about it that just pulls you in... so many people who walk end up going back! Really, really hoping that later this year a Camino becomes possible!
This post is by far more helpful as the presenter goes into more details. Something’s suggested maybe non-essential but still knowing they’re options. I’m determined what the weight of my pack is going to be including water weight: the presenter’s minimalist approach yet functional in Camino is very helpful. THANK YOU!!
Perfect! Just what I am looking for as I prep for the Camino Frances.
I’d never heard about the concept of “packing your fears”, but there is absolute truth to that three word phrase.
Thank you for your comprehensive video!
I think the bottle opener solved one of mine 😉 I was thinking about my Swiss Army knife but maybe I can't get that through airport security?
Hi Nadine, thank you for sharing your experience. Your advice for summer is probably spot on. I’ve walked twice. The fist Camino was the French way in April from St Jean. It was cold, wet, and snowing. As a motorcyclist I know how awful it is being wet and cold, so I was prepared to carry wet weather gear, just in case. And I used it often; plastic (over) pants, rain jacket, beanie and gloves with a poncho over everything including my pack. I took a set of light weight thermal underwear, so I was never really cold. Because of the mud and snow I opted for waterproof boots. I also used walking poles. I bought these at the last minute and highly recommend them. I’m older (60) and the poles helped ease the weight and provided stability. The second Camino was the Portuguese from Lisbon in September and October. It was mostly fine or hot weather, but it did rain a couple of times and I did use the wet weather gear, but it wasn’t as cold. I was glad to have the gear and happy to carry it, but I’m not sure my daughter thought it was worth the effort. Our third Camino has been postponed due to COVID but my wife and I are now planning the Northern route from Irun sometime in late 2022 or early 2023, so time-of-year will definitely factor in how light I can manage to travel. And as a final thought, all the way to Santiago the first time I was sure once would be enough. I’m hooked. I can’t imagine life without planning my next Camino! Peace and love fellow pilgrims. ✌️❤️🙏
Gee, you walked a 70k day, nearly 44 miles! You are my new superhero, that would take me 18 hours without a break!
Haha, that was actually *17*km without a break (when I listened back it does, indeed, sound like I said 70). There's no way I could ever manage- or want to attempt- a day that long!
Yay for Chico bags! I was an exchange student at CSU Chico in the last century and a friend who still lives there sent me a Chico bag. It's in my handbag and still gets used often. Oh, all the memories...
Oh wow! What fun memories... I really do love Chico bags and use them every year for my Camino. I'm about due for a fresh one...
This is the best gear video I've seen and I've watched a lot!
Thank you Nadine for this very nice video. I put a nice smelling dryer sheet in my backpack. Every time I open it the contents smell nice.
What a great idea! And a dryer sheet is so small and lightweight- it's perfect!
Great idea
I can do one better - I carry TWO extra shoelaces. When tied together they make a nice clothesline. Occasionally needed for drying clothes indoors. Never actually needed for what they were intended.
i had not heard of the Camino de Santiago before a few days ago after watching a movie recommendation video and the guy recommended the movie The Way and said that if anyone wanted to learn more abou the Camino that they should check out 3 or 4 youtubers and youre one of them he recommended and so far youre my favortie. I've watched 4 of your videos and only like one of each of the other youtubers and youre really smart and make I can tell youre a good person. cant wait to watch more.
Thank you Bob, I'm so happy that you've found your way to my videos! I really like making video-diaries of my walks, but I'm also trying to create some informational posts too.
@Nadine Walks do u walk alone, do you arrange walking groups?
wonderful list & vid! thank you. Hoping to do our first Camino this May/ June for our 40th Anniversary, can't wait!! this video packing list helped greatly, I'll have to get back to you post Camino, until then, Buen Camino!
A great camino footlube which is in great easy supply in France and Spain is Olive Oil. I carry a small plastic bottle of T tree oil and a small bottle for olive oil. I put two drops of t tree into the Oo bottle before putting a bit of Oo in, usually available for the asking at cafes along the way, I always ask whilst showing the Small bottle. Never been refused. ( the t tree is a mild antiseptic so if you do have abrasions it helps keep them clean from germs.)
Oh what a nice idea! I never would have thought of this. I love tea tree oil... and I also love that you'd only have to carry that little bottle of olive oil, but would have nearly unlimited chances to refill along the way. What great advice, thank you!
Love that our packing list it’s so alike, I have walked my 2 caminos with the same backpack as yours and I love it! I had use trail running shoes and I’ll do the same for my next one this coming summer!
I love my backpack so much!! It's getting quite worn at this point, but I just can't bring myself to even look at buying another (not yet, anyway). Trail running shoes are a really good footwear choice as well- very light, which is even more important when walking in the summer! (which Camino will you be walking?)
Thank you Nadine your videos are so helpful! Love your videography and editing too on the recent walking videos.
I swear by packing cubes, total game changer, very helpful to keep things organized especially when staying in shared accommodation.
Thank you Megan! (one day I might re-record this packing-list video, it was one of the first I ever made and the quality is just not great!) But I really love packing cubes too!
Add Mosquito net for your head (drapes down over your hat). Weighs almost nothing, takes almost no space. On both my caminos (summer), I had 4 full days that the air was full of thousands of flying insects that would land on your face, fly up your nose, into your ears, etc. In 2019 they were kind of like big gnats, 2021 the were baby flies that had hatched by the millions along the camino. Somebody mentioned it on some video, and I am SO glad I got it. I was the only one wearing one, and I was the envy of every pilgrim that walked by, swatting away hundreds of bugs off their face as they walked. I wish I could post a picture that I have of me with dozens of baby flies on my mosquito net.
This is a good tip! I’m lucky to have never experienced bugs like this on my Caminos, but if I ever did I think a mosquito net would come in handy!
Excellent list. Superb presentation.
Thanks Richard, this was a long video (sometimes it's hard for me to be concise), but I hope it was helpful!
Great list. I made my list out then watched this video. I had carabiners on mine and thought "she won't have these" and you had them ! The only other things I had different were sunglasses (on a cord), elastic bands, electrolyte sachets, shampoo sachets and a pillow slip.
Ah, I carry elastic bands too! Forgot to include those. And often I take electrolyte tablets :) But rarely sunglasses (I don't wear them like I should, and prefer to just go with a hat). However, sunglasses and a pillow slip are great additions!
Thank you, Nadine, for sharing all this, and your thinking behind the choices you made. Very helpful.
You're welcome Beverley! The video turned out to be MUCH longer than I intended (I could talk about the Camino for hours!) but I'm glad it was helpful.
Thanks Nadine! Super precious tips! Going to Camino on june 30th 2022, hope to see you around! Hugs from Brasil!
I'll be walking *somewhere* in France/Spain/Portugal then, maybe we'll cross paths!
@@NadineWalks amazing! Hope can see you there, Nadine! @gustavomokusen, here I will post my journey!
I always pack a small flat torch (about 5-6cm long) for early mornings in hostels as well as a peg less clothesline. Light, small and invaluable!!
I've been thinking about carrying a small clothesline- there are times when I need to get really creative about where to drape all my still-wet clothing overnight...
@NadineWalks This may be too late for you to ever read, but... You've been carrying a small clothesline on every single Camino! Just need to rig up your spare shoelace with a couple of S hooks or something :D. Thank you ever so much for your concise, detailed, approachable videos, they are a godsend for preparing for my first Camino!
Marmot makes a 55 degree bag. It's the same size as yours. I've used it on all of my caminos AND it comes with its own compression sack.
I just looked it up and yes, what a great option! Thanks for mentioning it, I've looked a few times to see if I could find something similar but never could (and I'll know include it in my packing list so that other pilgrims have the option). Bonus points that it comes with its own compression sack!! I had to buy mine separately :)
Hi Nadine, thanks for this great gear review for Summer. Just wondering about feminine hygiene which wasn't mentioned!!
Hi, Nadine. It was interesting to hear what you take along. Regarding the Keen products, I used Keen boots on two Caminos and various other hikes for about 1150 kms before they were retired to yard work. I recently bought their hiking shoes and boots again, but when I later looked online for some reviews I found a surprising number of people who said their Keen boots and shoes fell apart with very little use. This hasn't been my experience yet, but now I keep a suspicious eye on them when I hike. About the shoe laces, you can always tie the two parts of the lace together for awhile. Thanks so much for the generous sharing of information.
You're very welcome, Doug! Good tip about tying two parts of the lace together, if one ever breaks... I'm not sure why I carry an extra shoelace (of all things!), and I've never had to use it, but I guess it's small enough and light enough that I don't mind always packing it. My Keens have always held up well, but I suppose over the years things can change, or you could always get a faulty pair! But for now, the model I like fits my wide feet (and it's not always easy to find a pair of shoes that does!), so I'm sticking with them :)
@@NadineWalks The Keen products are notable for their wide fit, as you said. This makes them a great help to me personally. Almost no breaking in is required. I hope to use them on a Camino. If they were to fail, I could always replace them at a sports shop in one of the cities. The best knot for tying two parts of a lace is the sheepshank, I think, although there are other choices. Happy trails.
Good point about greasing up feet. I figured that out fast, keeping your feet in order is very important. I used body glide, I also bring kt tape, works on hotspots and a kneecap issue I have. As far as this year, so far most municipal albergues remain closed, but there are many private ones open. If you Speak Spanish, there is a TH-cam channel by Alvaro Lazago Busto and he does 3 or 4 caminos every year. Worth following as he's often on trail posting without any editing delay. Ultreia!
Thank you for the tip, I'll look at Alvaro's videos! I'm most likely going to be on a Camino later this month, I'm hoping that the situation in Spain will continue to be okay-enough for the Camino routes to be possible! I think it will mean booking ahead but I'm totally okay with doing that. Hopefully I'll have more videos to come soon!
I highly recommend the two suggestions here: put bits of athletic tape each morning on any spots on your feet that are hot or are feeling the slightest wear. After that, put something on your feet before socks. My personal choice is coconut oil.
@@tomgocubs I think I'd read somewhere about another pilgrim using coconut oil, that's an interesting option! How do you store it/carry it while you walk?
@@NadineWalks coconut oil can just be kept in a little shampoo bottle - super easy. I live in Bali and have used it a lot here 🥰
it's hard to imagine all of that goes into 24 litres. Is there a video of the actual packing process for reference?
I also bring a head lamp just in case i walk early in the morning. Toilet paper, and i remove the card board core of the toilet paper, so it lies flat. Even though my backpack as a cover, i also bring a garbage bag and use it as a liner, just in case it rains really hard. I also find that a Tilley hat works the best as it covers the face and neck.
Thank you. I keep hearing that I should pack light. This video is so helpful,
I’m glad that you found it helpful!
great packing overview, thanks! Proof that you don’t need 36 liters + of stuff
Thnx for sharing! I can relate! :D I always bring my old hammam towel.. I find it to be an awesome alternative to a standard travel towel. It's lightweight, it dries fast and it has some sort of comfort level.
A few years ago I was looking into bringing a towel like that- I can imagine it has other uses as well! I would really like something a little larger than my current towel (though honestly it does the trick ;)
You can always use cold water to mix instant coffee…keep that in mind if you are in another 70km pinch ;)
Thank you! I'm going to be a first time pilgrim and your list helps me alot
Thank you for sharing your packing list! Mine is very similar, in fact. I always bring a feel-good item, usually a graphic t-shirt (for the evenings and as pyjamas). It's good for the morale. Planning a camino in 2021? I'm hoping to finish the last half of the Le Puy this fall, and then onward to the Frances. Plague willing, of course.
It's funny, I'm also thinking of that last half of Le Puy (from Moissac, where I stopped) if I can get over to Europe this summer! It feels unlikely, but then again, things with the virus change all the time so I'll just have to wait and see. And I love the idea of bringing a comfort/feel-good item, so important on a long trip!!
I'm going to be doing my first camino and doing the Portuguese route. This video is really helpful. I'm going for 3 weeks, late June, early July and the items I am dithering on are the sleeping bag (my summer bag is 700g) and tops.
In uk summer I have a thin top with my logos on as well as a fleece and whilst this feels excessive I'm struggling to imagine not having both. I'm also spending the night in the airport in Scotland in both directions (out flight is very early and return flight very late and airport hotels don't feel worth it for what is half a night) Do you think I will use both) so imagine I'll be wearing every item of clothing I have with me in the airport, especially if I don't bring the sleeping bag.
I'm doing my camino by wheelchair and last year on hadrian's wall was carrying a tent and associated paraphernalia so I have carried much heavier but not in the heat of Spain and Portugal.
Any insights would be really helpful. Thanks for a great video
How exciting to be planning your first Camino! (I did Hadrian's Wall as well- but no camping for me!) I know others have done their Camino by wheelchair (have you seen I'll Push You? It's such a wonderful documentary and I'm probably the 100th person who has mentioned it to you, but I just had to!)
I hate being cold (and can get cold easily!), so my vote would be to bring the fleece AND the sleeping bag. Evenings in northern Spain/Portugal can get chilly- even in the summer- and you will probably be happy that you have that comfort. Worst case scenario is that you realize it's too much and don't want to carry it but then you can always send things ahead to Santiago, to pick up once you're there.
Bom Caminho and happy planning!
@@NadineWalks Thank you for responding and yes I've seen I'll push you. I think I'll take them. I'm going to really need to sleep well. Hope you get back out on the Camino soon x
Because you hike in the summer, instead of long sleeve shirt, i would recommend taking look at the Outdoor Research echo sun hoody. Protects against sun, super light weight at 2.3 oz or 63 grams, quick dry and odour resistant. And it is an investment but not overpriced at 65 $.
You can find lots of reviews on YT about this hoody.
This is a great tip, I've seen other hikers with shirts/hoodies like these and they look great. I'm going to look into it!! Thanks :)
Uniqlo also do I nice sun hoodie (zippered) which is quite affordable. I often use it as a cardigan/light jacket for work in the summer as well as hiking/sports
This is very helpful information Nadine, especially when you are doing it on your own. I am always interested in the bra , underwear and socks that absorb all the sweat, as well as skin and hair care. The devil is in the details, and makes for a more enjoyable trip. My first I am planning for next April of 2023. Would love to know how the "blanket" situation is in the hostels. thanks again love from Western CAnada.
Check out ultralight backpacking equipment. You could really cut down your pack weight significantly without sacrificing any comfort. In fact , a lighter pack would be much more comfortable.
thank you! helped a lot What i came across and loved it, is a small piece of solid shampoo to add to my bronners and tooth paste tabs, they weigh nothing and are so much more enviormental friendly.
That's a great idea! I tried using Dr Bronner's soap bar as my shampoo on my first camino (as well as soap to wash my body, and my clothes), and my hair didn't ever feel that clean. But maybe I should try a solid shampoo bar next time!
Checking out my late 2021 packing review video straight from the Camino :) it’s an autumn packing list so a little different x
Great advice!
Love your videos. Thinking of doing the Norte this fall and Frances next year. Is there a guide book for the Norte you would recommend.
Hi Ann, I used the Cicerone guide, though this was back in 2015! The guide has been updated (I think as recently as last year), and I thought it was decent. Certainly worth checking out to get an idea about stages, things to see, basic directions, where to stay, etc. This particularly guide combines the Norte and Primitivo, but you can always cut out the Primitivo section if you're not going to walk it: www.cicerone.co.uk/the-camino-del-norte-and-camino-primitivo
With regards to rain gear, I’m going to take a poncho on my first Sept-Oct Camino Frances. A jacket & backpack cover combo means your backpack straps still get wet. I’m thinking the straps can take way too long to dry for my comfort.
I'm doing Frances in October and will be buying an Altus poncho in SJPDP for that very reason - first time I walked I had seperate rain jacket and pack cover and it just wasn't fun as the pack did get quite wet 🙈
I like to use my buff as an eye mask when sleeping!
Yes!! Great suggestion :)
Thanks for sharing
The best shoes for Camino are by my experience sandals. At least on Frances you don't need anything more than that.
Sandals definitely work for some pilgrims! I love having the sturdiness of a hiking shoe, but I also like to stop for breaks to take off shoes/socks and let my feet air out, and I can see how sandals could be really comfortable!
Do you have a name list of the items you spoke about in your amazing video. I couldn’t catch all of them like your pack, undies etc…thank you!
This post has most of the items listed, with links to a bunch of them! nadinewalks.com/camino-de-santiago/camino-packing-list/
Awesome!! Thanks so much!!
You could always use that extra shoelace to tie your shoes together so another pilgrim won’t mistake them for theirs.
Ooh good idea!!
When you pass water drink at least 8oz , and then top up any bottles. Stay hydrated.
I tried a floppy hat but the back of it kept hitting my back pack and was annoying! 😕
That's a really good point, I could see myself getting annoyed by that, too. Maybe my ball cap/buff combo IS the way to go!
Try a Tilley hat....made in Canada! UV50 protection and lifetime guarantee
Hi Nadine,I’m sorry if this is a stupid question,but you use a sleeping bag *on* the bed in albergues? Thanks
Not a stupid question at all! Yes, people DO use the sleeping bags on the albergue beds; some albergues will give you a set of disposable sheets, but many won’t, so you’d be sleeping on just a mattress. In those cases you’ll really want to have something to put between you and the mattress! Plus, the sleeping bag or sleeping liner can give you a bit of warmth, many albergues do not provide blankets. Hope that helps!
@@NadineWalks Thank you so much for the quick reply!
I’m hoping to hike it mid May-July, what would you recommend for warm layers, jacket shell, fleece, rain coat, down…?
Did you get a whole or half size up on the Keens?
Thank you for a great video! When packing clothing, are the clothing items you mention in addition to what you're wearing when you start walking, or should I consider what I'm wearing to start as part of my list?
Hi Linda! The clothing items I mention in the video are ALL that I bring on the trip with me... so I show two hiking t-shirts, and a pair of hiking pants and a pair of hiking shorts. On the plane ride over, I'll wear one of the t-shirts and the hiking pants. (and then of course carry the other items in my pack). When I make my list, I always write down everything I'm going to be wearing on the trip over and then include the rest of what I am going to need to bring in my pack. :) I hope that makes sense!
Aquaphor is good for foot lube as well. Eliminates need for Vaseline.
So true, I realized that using both Vaseline and Aquaphor were redundant, but I've always used them separately and have gotten stuck in the habit! And I suppose Vaseline would be fine on the lips/face as well... yet another way to save a bit of weight!
Hi, I see you had a sleeping bag. So the albergues don’t provide a blanket nor towel? Can you tell me.
Some albergues have sheets and blankets, but not all (some are just a mattress!) So if you're planning to stay in albergues you'll want some kind of sleeping bag/sleep sad/sleeping bag liner to put down on the bed. And you'll just about always need your own towel!
@@NadineWalks Hi Nadine, thank you so much for your response. I have learned from your trip so much, that I feel so prepared.
My husband and I are so excited to go. We will do the 100 kilometers because we don’t have a whole month but I’m still excited for that!! Thank you again!! And maybe we’ll meet there one day!!
Go Phils!!
Haha yay, go Phils!
Nadine ,,, Muchas gracia por tus videos son preciosos,,,, continua así,,,,
Thank you!! I hope to make more videos soon!
Great and helpful video !
Thank you! :-)
Thanks!
The day bag for passport and money packed on top wouldn't work for me. I can see myself accidentally leaving it behind. I would feel more comfortable stuffing my Passport either deep in my pack or in a Fanny pack that never leaves my body.
Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome Noel, I hope it was helpful!
Thanks
What time is the best season to there?
You leave from the US. Where do u find the best airfares? Where do u fly into?
I usually scan flights until I find something good- I like to use Scott's Cheap Flights for updates on when there are good deals! And I like to fly into and out of Paris (but I often do a bit of traveling in France after my Camino so it's the most convenient for that). But flying into Madrid is a good option as well!
I really want to know where you were when you couldn’t get coffee! 😮😅
After Sahagún I took a variant that follow the roman road; Calzadilla de los Hermanillos to Mansilla de las Mulas was a 23.8km stretch without services. I didn't have any instant coffee with me on that trip, and I left before any village bars were open, so I walked all that way without coffee!!
What does your life weight summer hiking kit weigh??
It's about 13-14 pounds (about 6kg) with water and a few snacks. Sometimes it's weighed a bit if I'm carrying a lot of food or if extra items creep in. But that's about the general weight!
Where do you get the pilgrim credential?
It depends on where you start walking- if you're walking the Francés and beginning in St Jean Pied de Port, you can get it at the Pilgrim's office. If you have enough time, you can order one from Ivar's Pilgrim's Forum (which is a nice way to support!): www.santiagodecompostela.me
@@NadineWalks Thank you!
Nadine, thank you for your practical advice. Very helpful. How did your Keen Targhee Vents do in rain? As I understand, the vents are great for ventilation but keep them from being waterproof.
They're not bad in the rain... if it's a light rain/drizzle they keep the water out really well, and it can take awhile to feel like my shoes are getting saturated. Steady or heavy rain is a different story, but I think it's only ever rained so much a couple of times that my socks have gotten wet. Mostly these shoes handle a light rain really well!
@@NadineWalks Thanks for the info! I bought the shoes a couple of years ago when we first contemplated the Camino. We are planning El Norte in September and early October, so anticipating a lot of rain.
Awesome video! What’s the best way to S Jean PD Port from Spain? And is it easy to get the Pilgrim Passport at the start?
Hi Graeme! I think one of the easiest ways to travel to SJPD from Spain is to get a train to Pamplona, and then a bus to SJPD. When I did the Camino Francés I flew into Paris and so took a train from there, but I think most pilgrims arriving in Spain go to Pamplona and then take a bus from there! And getting the credential at the start should be easy, you can get one in the pilgrim’s office!
70 K in one day, OMG
I think I must not have spoken clearly there… I’ve definitely never done 70km in one day!
Take me to your next camino. I'm sorry, I forgot you like to walk alone ajajajaj.
Audio is poor....
I know, and I apologize! (I did put a note about that in the write-up of the video, though I know not everyone sees/reads those)
This was the first informational video I ever made, and I had a lot to learn! Still do! But hopefully, if you turned the audio up and were able to hear, there was some good info here for you. Or, follow the links to the packing list!
@Nadine Walks my iPad volume is on high. Several You Tube channel hosts have the same problem.
Add a whistle! You never know you may need help!!
The sternum strap buckle on many backpacks contains a whistle.
why it would take 44 minutes for a packing list is beyond me..unless it is to provide inks and make $ from selling things..or you are packing far too much!
Or I have trouble being concise! If you watch other videos, you’ll see that this is just my style, for better or worse. I do explain a lot in this video- the whole idea is to be helpful- but I appreciate that the length will deter some. Luckily, there are lots of other great resources out there to help!
Thanks!
Thanks, Nadine! I find your videos so inspriational and helpful and love your calm style. :)
@@shawnieadams1319 Thank you so much Shawnie, this was so kind of you to say and also so generous! I'm happy that some of my videos might be helpful- they've also been a lot of fun to make!
Thanks!
Vicky thank you so much for your generosity! I hope the video was helpful- are you planning a Camino at the moment?
Learning and dreaming, but not yet planning! Love your blog and channel- thank you for sharing your experiences.
Thanks!
Thank you so much!!