Top 4 items I Wish I'd Brought on My First Camino
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2024
- Overall I was happy with my packing list for my first Camino (Camino Francés, 2014), but there were a few places where I might have sacrificed comfort for weight a little too much. Plus, there was one item that would have made my Camino a little easier, another that would have made it more enjoyable.
What do you wish you had brought on your first Camino that you didn't?
Check out my basic Camino packing list here:
Video: • Lightweight Summer Cam...
Blog Post: nadinewalks.com/camino-de-san...
![LISA - ROCKSTAR (Official Music Video) REACTION [SHE'S BACK!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QBxE30vavMQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks. Am prepping for my first camino in spring of 2023. At 72 I am or sure how far I'll get, but expect to give it a go.
I will be going in the spring time as well, you got this!
hope you'll have a great one!
I am 72 as well. We hope to go next September.
Me, too! About to turn 74. I’m looking for inspiration.❤ August or September. Frances or Portugues?
Did the Frances with my daughter years ago. Because she was going traveling later after the walk, had way too much to carry. After 3 days, we went to the post office and mailed some of our things to Santiago and picked it up at the end. The best idea for the none prepared LOL
Large safety pins are good option, I find them more useful than clothes pegs. You can use them to hang damp items on the pack.
I agree, I often use them to hand my socks from my pack as I walk!
That's what was also suggested to me by my city chapter of Company of Pilgrims
I use large diaper pins with colorful heads. They are so unique that no one can confuse my items for their own on the clothing line. I gave some away to others so they could pin broken packs, jacket zippers, etc.
@@CaminoTurtle Thank you Cathy, that sounds like an awesome suggestion that I might use for my upcoming Camino
I was thinking the same thing. You could even attach/leave the pins on the shoulder of your Tshirt and hips or hems of your pants so you dont have to worry about forgetting to grab the clothes pins. And the pin can double as a hook to hang a bandana (for hand washing/sunshade) and a trash bag (pack in pack out trash) as you walk.
I'm a professional photographer and on my first Camino (the northern route), I took a camera but barely used it as it was always a pain to get out - and the extra weight was a drag. I'll be doing Camino Frances in 5 weeks and will take only a new iPhone this time 😂 Save on weight, it still has a 3x lens and I can give them that special look on post production. As I'm not going to exhibit them anywhere, only for social media - it's just not worth the weight and hassle for me
Great video as always Nadine. While I came very heavy on my first Camino, as I'm a larger man anyway, the principle of 10% of bodyweight never became a problem. :{ On subsequent caminos, I've always brought an evening outfit, and a pair of shorts for sleeping in (we guys get it so much easier). Shampoo i don't worry too much about, but i did get some friendly banter from my camino group as once my shower gel (washing hair, body and clothes) ran out, the only replacement I could find in an Estella pharmacy on a Sunday was Lavender. So I smelled like a grandmother for the remainder of the camino!
Oh I love this story about the lavender shower gel! This made me smile big time :)
🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for this information. Doing my first Camino (solo) in four weeks time and trying to figure out what to pack. Hadn’t considered clothes pegs but will definitely be taking some now.
Thanks for another good video. My tip for long hiking trips and hair washing from a guy. Medium long thick hair. Quit shampoo..all together ideally but for a long trip.. Wash hair with just water a month prior to going away. Sucks the first week or so then your body stops over producing oil as a defense to us nuking our hair with detergent all the time. Honestly all you really need is water and a good natural bristle brush.
After a month my hair is amazing..doesn't smell and very soft. Just brushing through spreads the right oils around I guess and keeps it clean. Look it up
Very interesting! I did experiment with not washing my hair much during the initial months of COVID, and I noticed a difference. I think this could be an interesting thing to try out on a long walk!
One thing I think is really important is good shoes to wear at the end of the day, for me the weight of my Birkenstocks is so worth it! I sometimes walked in them if my feet were sore too, the good old socks and sandals!
Every long distance hike I’ve done I’ve carried my beloved Birks, it’s so lovely to know if a get to reasonably flat section of trail I can change shoes and let my feet breath for a bit. Also Birks and socks for the win, I have no shame when thru hiking.
This is great insight!
❤ I did enjoy your video!! Thank you!
What I left behind in Roncevalles was a cheap lightweight duffle bag that I used to put my backpack in so I could check it in at the airport in the USA and not worry about the straps getting snagged on the conveyor belts at the airport. I didn't worry about the backpack snagging on the way back to the USA since I could get it repaired. (I had to check my bag because I was bringing hiking poles)
Absolutely exceptional content :) it was so good and so intriguing :)
My first Camino a walking partner told me "No need for deodorant, everybody will smell like goats after a few days anyway". I got tired of smelling like a goat and have carried a small deodorant ever since. Since I literally only use about 5 drops of shampoo per wash, a 1.5 ounce travel container with a dropper cap lasts about 2 months and is worth it. I also bought a knit cap and gloves in late October when it was quite cold in the morning. ¡Buen Camino!
Haha, I also always bring a small deodorant with me (well, I was on a very short Camino in France one year, and for reasons that I won't get into here, my pack was incredibly heavy... so after the first day of walking I tore through the contents and tossed anything I didn't absolutely need. The deodorant was sacrificed but I never quite felt comfortable without it...)
I plan to do my first Camino this coming September, thank you for your suggestion
@@NadineWalks
First time viewer! Wish I had found your videos sooner! You are great! We walked the Camino Frances in 2016, sent a number of things home in Burgos. I like your minimalist approach, but you are right there are a couple of things to have in the evening. 2-3 changes at most, with only 1-2 extras...could be pants or shoes, whatever is most comfortable. I took a small camera with a zoom that worked great, and have some closeups of the stained glass windows in Leon that are stunning. Not to mention the stork nests! I look forward to the 'collaboration'. Many blessings!
Hi Bill, thanks so much for commenting, and I'm glad you're here! I'm looking forward to the collaboration, too :) And I've always wished I had a good zoom lens to capture the stork nests- one of my favorite parts of the Camino!
I have been struggling whether or not to bring my camera to the upcoming camino in September. Your video help me finally decided to take the came with the trip.
Nice video. I used a 24L Gregory on Ingles. Next challenge possibly Portuguese with same size. I took light gym shorts for my evening and sleeping. I also had a slim tablet for reading and trip planning. I didn't bother with shaving gear. A light jacket a must. I'll look at your packing list video. Two pairs of pants seams excessive for a 2 week or less trip in good weather. Pair of light shorts good alt. I wore one pair and washed mid week.
thank you for this vid Nadine 👊🏼 i do believe these are essential items to consider 👍🏼 i still have to make my first Camino, i hope its gonna be this 2024
I also hope that you can be on the Camino in 2024!!
i really appreciate your channel :) thanks for creating it!
You’re welcome, it’s fun to make and share these videos!
this is really reassuring and helpful! thank you so much :)
I'm so glad!
I only did laundry in the pay machine washers and dryers. Was worth the expense!
Nice tips, nice video. My "good" camera is a 4/3 format Olympus. I think I'll try to find or make a case that attaches to the pack strap.
Great video and tips, certainly agree with the shampoo . For me, not the camera, I use my phone camera. But I’m just an amateur. Suggestion, instead of clothes pegs, would recommend taking safety pins, they are lighter, can be used to hang clothes as well as other purposes such as pinning damp clothes to your pack which have not dried overnight.
Loved your video Nadine! I also brought Dr. Bronner's soap and loved it for cleaning body and clothes. I also agree it didn't work well for my hair. I found shampoo easy to find on the Camino, but conditioner was not that easy to locate in 2013 on the Camino Frances. So I'd bring both on my next Camino. I use diaper pins for hanging clothes...that way if I had wet socks I could hang them from my backpack during walking to continue to dry without falling off. The 10 diaper pins were light, distinctive and could work on a clothes line if needed. And I had a tank dress that was perfect for after walking and a shower to go out to dinner, then sleep in! I could wear only the dress (sans bra and undies) and be able to wash all undies and bra when needed as well.
I love the idea of the dress, it seems functional AND comfortable! I don’t have a great evening wear top solution (I just bring some kind of black tank/tee shirt)… maybe on my next Camino I’ll try a dress!
I took a knee-length dress (that doesn't wrinkle) with me on Primitivo this July as well to wear after shower/ in the evenings and it worked so perfectly! Plus it was a nice "girly" option not to be in the shorts/leggings all the time.
thanks for this! even after all the research I've done, I haven't come across the clothes peg advice anywhere😮 will def be packing some now 🙂
I'm glad it was helpful!
Learned the clothes pin trick 25 years ago in USMC, forgot glad I saw the video.
Absolutely loved your videos. Your tips/advice are so different from the others but so helpful! One question: is one set of sleeping clothing enough? How often do you wash them? I’m off to my first Camino next month and was contemplating if I need 2 sets so that I can wear one while the other is in the wash or if they don’t dry in time 😅
Loved the video! Wasn't thinking of taking my DSLR on my first Camino in June, but I think I will now! I absolutely love taking pictures of architecture and landscapes, and I know there will be plenty of both on my walk from Tui!
Sometimes when I am choosing to carry a “bonus” item, I think of what I can leave behind to help with weight. But I think if you love taking photos then you might really enjoy having the nicer camera!
Wonderful video and great advice. As a Camino walker I carried a larger backpack. I am a birder and took pictures I carried my binoculars and DSLR, which drew a lot of "helpful criticism" from other pilgrims. I love your advice to carry what you feel comfortable with and do what you enjoy doing. Looking forward to your future adventures.
Hi Sonya! I can certainly believe you that got a bunch of 'helpful criticism' for the heavier objects you were carrying with you on your Camino! But I get that camera and the binoculars made your Camino even more enjoyable and special for you... I'm a big supporter of carrying what makes us feel comfortable and happy (as long as we can manage the weight...)
After all this was YOUR Camino ...🥰 I also plan to take my DSLR on my first Camino this coming September
What is DSLR?
@@LetsDanceTampa Digital single lens reflex
@@LetsDanceTampa It is a camera like a Canon or Nikon that has a removable lens. The body of the camera and the glass lenses make it heavier but these cameras take amazing photos.
My Fuji and Rokinon 14mm lens are sitting here by my while watching your video-- that seals it!
I think the fact that they were right beside you while watching the video was a sign...
Weight is the main reason I changed to Fuji. I carry it on all my hikes/long walks. It'll be coming with me on my Camino.
@@Ms_Tex I ended up using only the 23mm f2. What a wonderful light lens
My hot water hearing rod. Too many early mornings I needed a cup of coffee. I have that and a few tunes of instant coffee as well as a collapsable cup. You can buy more coffee once there.
Great tips, thank you. For me the DSLR is non-negotiable, it is a must have. I had a lot of people giving me quizzical looks when I hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc carrying the extra weight, but the pictures were fantastic. I plan to bring it along on my Camino as well.
I think that's great Frank, there will probably always be someone that questions the weight, but especially for those of us who love photography, carrying a larger camera is really worth it!
I agree, for me my DSLR is also non negotiable ... I am used to people giving me odd looks and will carry it on my first Camino this September
I know some good korean solid soap in a tin and it works great for hair and body. Also I refommend carrying a little conditioner, our hair need it.
Seems like those clothes pins are never around when you need them. Good call. 😊✌️
So true!! (also, I tend to lose at LEAST one on every Camino...)
2:41 shampoo (reccomendation from Germany for body&hair bar soaps: the brand "Duschbrocken" known from german shark tank)
4:13 evening outfit
5:45 Clothespins
6:47 good camera
Nadine. You've done many walks on the Camino. May I ask if you could do a video about ladies having going to the 'toilet' while out on the walk? How much water we should drink etc?
Much thanks
i was thinking the same thing... plus, when you are on your period ? like are there enough toilets along the way? lol :)
Been meaning to ask the same..
Thank you for the great information! I'm so excited to try my first Camino with your advice. Have you ever tried Lush shampoo and conditioner bars or Dentab toothpaste tablets? They would reduce the weight a little and the Lush products are so great I use them at home.
Hi Jessica- I've never tried Lush products, but I've heard all about them! Maybe one of these years I should try a shampoo bar out to see if I like it (or, experiment with it BEFORE I go on a Camino!)
@@NadineWalks I have used Lush shampoo- and conditioner bars for years. They are great and last for many months 👍😊
Lush smells so strongly I bought it for my Camino, but had to let it go. The scent is just too overpowering for me. It was okay for hair, perhaps a step better than the Dr. Bronner's...but shampoo seemed best for my long wavy hair.
I've only done long trip in the USA ..AT PCT and others where you bring a tent and all the other stuff . I have gotten down to a 40 liter . I buy very light gear my tent is under a lb as is my sleeping bag . I don't go anywhere without my OR sun gloves, my poles, sun screen and face scrub ( oh so nice after 100 miles without a shower) dirty girl gaiters can be wonderful to keep shoes and socks free of grit . I bring an extra pair of reading glasses and a pair of tweezers. the caminos sounds very different from my trips but I'm fascinated ! food coffee beds oh my !
That seems like a very light pack for a walk like the AT or PCT! (I've never backpacked... at times I've thought about it, but I think the Camino model is a bit more my speed). Gaiters and tweezers are great suggestions... actually all of your items are! And I'd encourage you to keep looking into the Camino if it's something you think you might like... it's definitely going to be different than a US long-distance trail, and some people who have done both struggle a bit with the "boring" parts of the Camino, because it's definitely not a wilderness hike. But having a bed and a warm meal and coffee breaks are so wonderful!! And so is the pilgrimage aspect, to be walking in so much history and having a very specific and meaningful ending point. I could go on and on!
@@NadineWalks you might actually like the long hikes in the US and be very good at them . There are plenty of shorter hikes or just section hike the AT a bit and see what you think . Yes I've had friends who have gone over to do a Camino and they've had to learn to dial it back as a long distance through hiker I'm up at the crack of dawn and I hike all day trying to do good mileage so I don't have to carry a lot of food so it would be a very different experience to have everything reach I did the Kings Trail in Sweden and that was kind of a mix of both and that was a beautiful walk do you live in the states?
There is a clip you can attach to your backpack shoulder strap that will carry your camera. Many Through Hikers use it.
Ah, I've seen some backpackers/hikers with those! That's something I may look into in the future...
Great topic. I was the opposite. I brought too many things on my first camino. I did take a camera but realised after a while that I wished I could get closer to storks high up on their nests. So after the first camino I traded my compact camera for one with a longer zoom.
I'm a classic "under-packer", always have been (which, on a Camino, I suppose is a good thing!) Although year to year, I keep adding more to my pack...
I wished I had a second pair of shoes to use both in the shower and around the albergues. I hiked in Chacos and carried a pair of flip-flops for the shower. The flip-flops weren't at all comfortable for afternoon/evening relaxing and exploring, so I got rid of them and bought some plastic slides. Much better!
I've always been okay with just the flip flops, but you're right- they're not the most comfortable or supportive, and a different sort of sandal could be really useful!
My advice is pack lite and just walk it You'll learn as you go.
You being it... You carry it.
Bringing a nicer camera is a given to me. I have a small Lumix camera that does a lot, but I am still on the fence as to whether I should bring my regular camera. Smartphones have become the primary camera for most people, but they still have lots of limitations.
I'm so glad that these videos are bringing back good memories for you! :)
Such the debate. I m torn between my camera what has amazing zoom, as I love photos of the cathedral and churches with sculptured figures and I love zooming in on them...but the weight....not water proof.... not stabilized....heavy...., then my Gopro.....no zoom...... but light, compact. We did buy the backpack, hands free Euro schirm UV umbrella, that I hope makes it to the end with us. I m planning a sun dress for after showers, sleeping in, as it it light weight and easy to wear. I also just made myself a sun arm cover for hot days, I 'll post a video on its concept soon. Keep inspiring.
I know, to bring or not to bring the big camera… that is the question!! I think a hands-free umbrella is a good idea, especially for a summer walk- I’ve seen other pilgrims use them! I’m actually in Portugal walking a Camino as we speak (!!) so I’ll make sure to reply to your other comments/questions when I get back!
I’m thinking of bringing a monocular with mobile phone adaptor - see eg Gosky 12x55 High Definition Monocular and Quick Smartphone Holder Love the arm cover idea!
there are many compact DSLR's with great zoon and movie taking abilities that weigh a lot less and are more than adequate for the normal pilgrim. I am going to take my very first digital camera with me, a Kodak C643. Fits is a shirt pocket. Uses batteries, but yes, Spain does have batteries.
This is a great suggestion! My own camera is larger, but something smaller and more compact will deliver great results (and won't take up too much room/weight in your pack, either)
Hi Nadine! 😇
great video.. very helpful.. On the camera.. do you do all your videos with the phone or do you take a go-pro for some of that?
All of my videos have been with my phone!
Have always brought light weight clothes pins, but this time, they got stolen in Pamplona! I had my clothes hanging up and people simply took them off my clothing and took them. I was shocked.
Agree about shampoo and having a nightgown to wear to bed. Not sure how people sleep in their clothing, but it is not for me. Had brought leggings to possibly wear walking or as long underwear but ended up just wearing them every night with a light sweater I bought in Burgos. Wore the same outfit walking every day, and then this different outfit every night.
My pack is 6+kg, and would like to reduce the weight, but think it may involve buying one of the new, lighter weight packs?
I'm so sorry that your clothespins were taken, that's such discouraging behavior to witness! I hope it doesn't happen again. And I agree about the weight of your pack contributing to overall weight... I think some of the REALLY lightweight packing lists that people have include those super light weight packs. Something to save up for? :)
Hi my idea of doing the cemino is taking my bicycles and trailer so i can camp on some of the way im keen photographer to photo the routh im doing and the path look good for cycling on. Question to your viewers is you bought some clothing on your camino is there trift or charity shop that i can use in on the routh plus im keen film camera so i would be looking for place to purchase film for the camera as i will developing them whem im home in Ireland 🇮🇪 Any ideas out there. Brendan.
Tks :)
You're welcome!
I carried a film camera on most of my Caminos it was pretty heavy. The one item I really wanted was a real washcloth. I want a real towel, too, but it's too much weight.
I have an old film camera that I really love, and once or twice have considered bringing it (but yes, very heavy! Plus needing to carry the film!!)
I packed a large Turkish towel. It folds up small and isn't as heavy as traditional looped towels. I like having a towel that can wrap all the way around me, especially in the mixed-gender shower rooms. Like Nadine said, we all have our luxury items and for me the towel was the thing that made me really happy.
I wonder if there is mosquitoes at night ? do you think a mosquino net would be useful ?
Pilgrimage = bible & prayer rope for me. Great tips, thank you.
Yes, great additions!
My neck just spazzed when you said you had it around your neck for the day. I too love photography but there is no way I could of hauled it around. I need a Sherpa for my camera gear.
Well, it's not a super large/heavy camera, and I wore it cross-body, so maybe that helped?? :)
Did you find any stores selling Film on your Camino ?
I would say ditch the camera and bring biscuits 😂😂
Aren't there stores all along the way where you can buy these things? I head out in two days!
Yes, there are! It may have changed but 10 years ago, on my first Camino, it was a little harder to find travel-sized shampoo/toiletries along the way. Now I think it's easier to find pilgrim-sized items at many places, especially along the Camino Frances.
Should you bring ipad
Two years old video, you probably know by now, but get a peak design Capture Clip.
A great tip, thank you!!
Nadine, are hiking sticks a necessity, luxury or a burden? I saw on many videos people carrying hiking sticks.
And yea, shampoo and skincare are essentials for me though these liquids pile up the weight
I think it all depends on the pilgrim, whether they want to use hiking poles/sticks or not. I think for many, they are very useful and even a necessity. For others, they could be a burden. I never use two poles, but always one hiking stick (I bought one in St Jean for my first Camino, and then just found a suitable stick somewhere in the woods for my subsequent Caminos). I've gotten very used to walking with one stick, and just love having it when I'm on the Camino. It gives me some stability (especially with downhills), and since I've gotten used to it I don't think it's a hindrance to be carrying something in my hand. However, I DO like having my other hand free, so I'm not sure how I would feel about having two hiking poles. I know this isn't a clear answer, because it's so dependent on the individual! Maybe try one out (or try out two hiking poles) on some training walks and see how you like them? Or you can wait until you're on the Camino, buy a cheap hiking stick in one of the stops, and if you don't like using it you can always pass it on to another pilgrim!
@Nadine Walks Thanks Nadine for the great suggestion about buying one on the trip... You are right.. it all depends on the person I guess.
I found the perfect stick on the 2nd day of my walk...It became my trusty steed. Very useful walking on rocky terrain and for support.
How many Camino have you done?
I've done 10 different Camino routes! (well, technically, 9.5)
Too little hair to bother with shampoo, plan to take a lightweight evening outfit, large multi-function safety pins rather than clothes pegs, and and the diminutive Pentax Q mirrorless camera body 200g, probably with the standard lens 37g, fisheye 29g and telephoto zoom 90g. Not forgetting spare batteries and the charger.
I really do think, for those who love taking photographs, a camera is worth the weight :)
Are you sitting in a cupboard or a wardrobe?
Haha, a cupboard, I think? I call it a closet... it's a strange little room off the side of my living room and I've always used it to keep my books and a desk :) Now I record videos in there!
Graeme, you cheeky monkey.... you just made me laugh out loud ! :)))
I took a 'uixi' with me to pee. I'm so glad i did!
That's a great tip and definitely an item that can be very useful on the Camino!
I hate bronners on skin (hair even worst). Not for me. Clothes ok. But not body. Shampo and condicionar for me
A great item to bring is a bicycle with saddlebags. Maybe even an electric bike.....ha haha 😂umh🤔
Too much sugar...
Get to the point!!!
This Video could have been 3 min long and been helpful, 10 min is just a big middle finger to the people who click on this to get useful info, even watching at 2x speed it was still way too long.
It seems you didn't learn anything from your Camino. Detachment should have been the most essential realization
I learned a lot from all of my Caminos, and continue to learn! This was just a packing list video.
Kindness and tolerance might be another…
How about not being toxic, negative and judgmental.Nonoy Lopez
@@chakaka801 so you're not being stupid for saying that hahaha