ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

There’s a lot of debate about what you should or shouldn’t bring with you on the Camino, just remember whatever you bring you have to carry for your whole journey. You should aim to carry no more than 9 or 10 kg. This may seem like a lot, but you will get used to having such a large amount on your back after a while. Some items for me are absolute must haves. For others they are optional. Each person has to follow their own path, but here are some tips about what equipment got me through my first four Caminos.

1. A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS. This is an absolute must. Don’t skimp on the cost either. A pair of boots that wears out after a week are of no use. Certainly you can buy another pair along the way but you’ll have to wear them in as well. Best to invest in a good pair and have them worn in before you go.

2. SEVERAL PAIRS OF GOOD HIKING SOCKS: Don’t skimp on this area. Ideally you should wear two pairs of socks, an inner light pair, and an outer thicker pair. Merino wool is a good bet for the inner socks. They might cost a little more (although discount shops like Aldi and Lidl often have them on sale), but they will protect your feet and reduce the likelihood of blisters. 

3. A SOLID BACKPACK. Everything you carry with you will have to fit into it, so a 65 litre one is advisable. Ensure you get one with adjustable and comfortable shoulder and waist straps. Waist straps are very important as they redistribute a lot of the weight away from the shoulders. Choose one with lots of pockets and compartments where you can access items easily.

4. WALKING POLES. For me a very important thing to have. They help to reduce the impact on the knees, and make walking a full body exercise. They also help a lot on the hills, especially coming down. Don’t forget to bring rubber ferules for the tips so you can use them on hard surfaces. A small item like that can make a big difference.

5. A WIDE BRIMMED HAT. You’re walking in Spain, where it can be hotter than hell in a heatwave. A hat is essential for protecting you against the sun’s rays.

6. TWO PAIRS OF PANTS. I’m quite happy walking in long cotton pants, although some people advocate more specialised hiking pants, with removable lower leggings for when it gets warm. Cotton absorbs more sweat than manufactured fabrics, but as you’ll have to wash your clothes frequently anyway that mightn’t make that much different. Cotton is heavier than other fabrics too, so whatever type of material you choose two pairs of pants should be sufficient.

7. TWO OR THREE T-SHIRTS: Artificial fabrics like polyester, are more advisable here. Your upper body will pump out a lot more sweat, so a fabric that wicks it away is more comfortable and easier to maintain.

8. FIRST AID KIT: A few basic things like plasters, blister pads, needle and thread (for bursting blisters and preventing them from reforming), antiseptic creams, vaseline to provide lubrication between your toes to reduce the likelihood of blisters, and suncream to prevent being burnt to a crisp. Most towns and villages in Spain have pharmacies, so there’ll usually be a place to pick up any emergency supplies. 

9. EARPLUGS: If you’re the type of person who can fall asleep in a Delhi train station consider yourself lucky. If not, earplugs are a very important addition to your Camino kit. Albergues can often resemble a Delhi train station, with snoring, rustling of paper bags, people surfacing at ungodly hours, and unsolicited social media alerts likely to disturb the slumbers of the jaded pilgrim. A simple pair of earplugs can reduce a lot of the cacophony. 

10. RAINGEAR: The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain, and you’ll spend a lot of your Camino crossing this part. Actually you’re not likely to experience a whole lot of rain here, but in Galicia, the location of Santiago, you could experience downpours where the description of biblical is an understatement. A good poncho, or rain jacket, plus a rainproof cover for your backpack are vital.

11. A SLEEPING BAG: Some albergues offer fully made beds, others offer blankets, some just provide a mattress. In the latter case, you’ll need to supply the rest. Get a compact one that can easily fit in your backpack. 

12. A GUIDEBOOK: John Brierly is the most popular companion for pilgrims walking the Frances, but there are a wide selection of choices available for that Camino. For the less popular routes the number of guidebooks available is more limited. The Spanish supermarket chain Eroski has a very comprehensive app, giving information on all the caminos, stages, and albergues. It is in Spanish, so you’ll need to swot up on you language skills before you go. 

13. A DIARY: Good to keep a written record of your travels. You never know when you might need it to start a blog.

14. A HEADTORCH: Very useful around the albergues late at night or early in the mornings. Also, don’t forget that while most of Spain is west of the Meridian, they are one hour ahead of GMT, so the sun doesn’t rise until 8 AM or later at certain times of the year.

15. OTHER BITS AND PIECES: Toothpaste, shampoo, a towel (possibly a lightweight microfibre towel), underwear, phones, chargers, toenail clippers, passport, wallet, sunglasses, reading materials, a shell, a pair or flip flops or sandals, and a sense of humour. This last one is compulsory.

16. A REFUSAL TO GIVE UP: The Camino will test you. Keep going no matter what it throws at you, and remember the Universe will provide and it will all work out in the end. Usually.