hi, its gonna be my first time to join the camino de santiago. And we will be doing that hopefully on the second week of April this year. Honestly, i dont know what kind of preparations i need to do? what important and necessary things to bring? any idea please? thanks
Hi Roy,
As Kathy has already said, there is an abundance of information on this site and on mundicamino. No one could ever recreate the years of information that has been given.
However, there are certain things that always come up.
1.Make sure you have an excellent pair of walking shoes,boots or sandals that are well broken in and comfortable. (There are differences of opinion about what is best to wear on your feet and no one right answer). You will most likely meet a fair amount of rain and mud at some points. You socks should fit well too so they don't slip and slide around in your boots or shoes.Bring light sandals or runners to change into at the end of the day.
2. Bring as little as you can and pack things that will dry overnight without a dryer although there are more dryers every year.In April you will still have some cold nights in the mountains so you may need a fleecy vest or jacket and, of course good, light rain gear. many people bring layers of light clothes since as well as being cold it can be scorching hot.
3. Make sure you are getting lots of training in ahead of time - some of it on hilly paths if possible. You need to build up your endurance to be able to walk with a pack for 6 or 8 hours a day.
4. Make sure your backpack fits you well and is as light as possible. Also figure out how you can comfortably carry a liter or so of water. Don't buy all new stuff. After you've carried everything over a mountain you may want to leave some things behind.
5. Prepare to have a wonderful time although when you're grinding up a hill in the rain or hot sun I guarantee you will have moments of wondering what on earth you're doing.
Buen camino, Cecelia
I think even if you simply stick to what Cecilia suggests, you'll be fine! However, searching through previous posts will ease your spirit and allow you to have the most amazing time of your life.
Hi Roy,
I will be returning to walk some of the Camino this year. I walked from St Jean to Finnisterre via Santiago, the Camino Frances. I was given expert advice regarding footwear. I was told to wear leather boots. Nothing else will last they said. Well the leather boots obliterated my feet, I got so many blisters and ended up in hospital with a foot infection. I actually walked two thirds of the Camino in training shoes. So there you go on the boot front mate, my advice would be to wear breathable boots, one pair of socks and just vaseline your feet lightly in the mornings before you put your socks on. Get yourself an EHIC card in case you do need treatment it saved me a lot of hassle. Keep your rucksack and contents down to 10kg overall if possible you`ll get used to the weight in a couple of days, keep the hip support above the hips it makes the bag feel much lighter. Drink plenty of water during the day. I personally did not do any training - apart from going to the gym three times a week to do weight training which doesnt help much for walking. I do however have a physical job and am on my feet all day every day. I personally think that pain is part of the Camino. I am fifty and also a smoker at the time of writing this. The main thing is to totally enjoy the freedom and company of some beautiful people and hosts. Buen Camino my friend you are about to begin a journey that will never end. The spirit of the Camino stays with you.
Hi Roy its me again, walk at your own pace my friend for it is your Camino you will soon find a metronomic pace. I myself was being overtaken up a lot of the steep inclines and passing those same people on the decents and flatlands. So find your rythymn and go with it.
p.s. dont forget to smell the roses.