Camino Frances: Gear Review!

I made this Gear Review just a few hours after arriving in Santiago... June 1st, 2019. It was my first Camino and I spent hours researching what to take, how to get my pack lighter, etc. In the end, the pack weighed around 15 lbs without water and it wasn’t a problem at all for me. I was stoked with the overall choices I made, and also found I could have paired down perhaps even more. Hope this helps you as you embark on your own journey of preparation! Buen Camino, and yes, I’m in withdrawal!! 👣

[@waynethomas5742]

For the past 6 nights my wife and I would sit down after dinner and watch several of your videos. Tonight we came to the end of your spectacular journey. Thank you so much for sharing. You really bared your soul. My wife and I are planning doing the Camino Frances in September 2020. We’re in our mid sixties and plan on taking a much slower pace. Once again thank you for sharing and all the best to you in your future endeavors.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Aw, thank you Wayne! I’m so so happy to hear this! Part of my intent was to provide some content that was a full journey from start to finish. I was thirsty for these kinds of videos when dreaming of the Camino. I’m so glad I put them together, because now I can look back and see the evolution and how it affected me. Your Camino will come up quickly! September should be a gorgeous time as well. If I had had more time I would have loved to have savoured and lingered in some of the quaint hamlets we walked through. I will definitely be going back as I can’t shake the pull to return. It’s Camino magic, I tell you! 🤗 Buen Camino to you both.

[@nbenefiel]

We’re in our late 60’s and early 70’s and hoping to do the Camino Frances in Set/Oct 20/20. Maybe we’ll see you there.

[@janetryan5566]

Awesome review, and yep I was going to take the dirty girl gaiters so they are now off my list!

[@dawns7980]

Very helpful on all fronts, thank you

[@davidmendiola5828]

your videos were so real to life like, that I got blisters. Thanks.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hello David, Thanks for watching! Have you gone on the Camino Frances yet? Would love to hear your story.

[@davidmendiola5828]

@@SamanthaPlavins Hi Samantha. I have done three aminos and will do another one next year. I will also do another run with the bulls in July. I am not sure when I will do my next Camino, mayby May or Sept.

[@chumccurry1765]

It looks like, everybody on Camino use osprey backpack. Good series of videos , lady.👍👊

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Thank you! Yes the Osprey packs are everywhere on the trail.

[@ComradeLeonTrotsky]

Well done Sam. Was on the fence about a sleeping bag, but, you have changed my mind.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Ryan, the sleeping bag was a must for me! Buen Camino!

[@Talletc]

How sad that you hate the legs that carried you through this incredible journey.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

I totally agree with you. I said it tongue and cheek... but have to be honest with my insecurities. I'm grateful for what God gave me and to walk is to feel free. Thank you for this reminder.

[@philiptobin1540]

Well done with this great review for all the ladies planning to go on Camino and trying to decide what to pack or not.By now you will be """back in the old routine """ but missing the carefree days in Spain. I hope you get your wish and get to go back with your daughter's.Buen Camino.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Thanks Philip! Back in the old routine. Not gonna lie it’s culture shock in reverse. Definitely miss those carefree days.

[@cyrilsola6214]

Thank you so much for the gear review. Your videos are wonderful. So informative! I'm planning to walk September 2021, hopefully during a Covid free world.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hello Cyril, thank you for these kind words. A magnificent journey lies before you. Also praying for a Covid-free world... it's very surreal, what's happening right now. Buen Camino!

[@steveclayton4249]

Thanks Samantha, really good review. Went with Osprey Kestrel 48 rucksack which was spot on Salomon trail running shoes which were brilliant. I took 2 water bottles and a water bag for the ruck sack too much. Same with medical things. I just didn't take into account you will walk through towns which sell these things. Best thing for me quick dry towel. Regards Steve.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi steve, yes it was amazing all the access we have to pretty much anything. Osprey bags are the best! Love the lifetime guarantee. Thanks for watching!

[@lynnesunshine]

This was sooooo great! Thank you 😊 How do you feel now looking back? Will you do another? 🇪🇸🇨🇦

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Lynne! Sorry for the EPIC delay in replying here. I have not been getting all my notifications! It's coming up on four years since I left for my Camino. I feel..... grateful. It was a pivotal moment in my life. Just before the pandemic, and gave me the clarity to leave my career and start fresh. I am still in touch with all my Camino friends, they are among my greatest blessings. I hope to absolutely do another some day! All the best to you. Sam in Canada

[@buencaminodesantiago]

Thank you!! Buen Camino!! 😉👏👏

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Thank you so much.

[@soulsnotsmiles336]

Great review Sam. Thank you

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Thanks Paul!

[@jacquelinedunbar8328]

Thanks for sharing....I guess I can return my headlamp. lol

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Yup. Mine was useless!

[@charlesdarwin1523]

Why throw away garments yiu could wash and donate to charity or even use again?

[@laurelaplin5245]

Thank you for all this helpful info! I'm wondering if you found the Gore Tex on those North Face shoes trapped too much heat in your shoes or are they actually breathable as well as being waterproof? I've heard conflicting reports about waterproof shoes on the Camino. Thanks!

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Laurel! Sorry for the delay replying. I found the shoes just the perfect balance, to be honest. The small amount of Goretex on them really didn't bother me but they were enough to keep my feet pretty dry on the one rainy day we had. More important, I found, was getting the sock combination with the shoes right. In the beginning I wore two socks, some liner ones and then smartwool. WAY TOO MUCH SOCK and heat for my foot's liking. I was concerned about thwarting off blisters. After a few days I learned to just trust the use of one pair of good socks and it was beautiful. I wish you the best of luck!!

[@thomaslandry403]

Enjoyed your videos,

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Thank you Thomas

[@keaneyoga1170]

really! 18 miles in one day! wow!

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Quite a few days like that! You get used to it, though. I miss it terribly!

[@mengiequirante2460]

Hi! Thank you for this. Preparing for my Camino this august and hit a lot of practical tips from your video. I was about to ask you about your shoes but towards the end you said you had to take meds for heel pain. Could It be because of the shoes? Tho I was happy to hear to didn’t get blisters. That’s one of the things I’m Most worried about.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hello Mengie, I sincerely apologize I am replying to this so late. Hopefully you are on your Camino and that all is going well! No, it was not the shoes. I wore North Face Hedgehogs and they were perfectly fine. I used to be a dancer, so I have trouble with my arches. And that extends into the back heels. It was literally just the wear and tear resulting from all the days walking. My best advice is to try and avoid pavement and/or asphalt of any kind. The softer walking paths in the forest are like a gift! If you have decent socks to swap throughout your journey (like, each day, I would change my socks mid-way), you should be fine. I never worried about blisters and I really didn't have any. Same thing with bed bugs. What we worry about we tend to attract. So go with the flow, thank your feet, and you will be just fine! Buen Camino to you!

[@ruthchow665]

What brand/model sleeping bag was it? Looks like a nice size.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

It was a Marmot nanowave 45

[@magnoliablossoms8720]

So helpful! I got the same backpack in blue! I'm starting CF on Thursday, what do you think of bringing a foam roller?

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Buen Camino!! So exciting! I think if you have it you will use it but you may also wind up wishing you didn’t have to carry it. They aren’t heavy just take up lots of space.

[@margmarilynr9061]

I really enjoyed watching your videos from day 1. We did the Camino Sept2017, we being my sister and I. I did a blog with entries for each day so I compared our blog to your videos as you went along. We just completed the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way in Scotland this past May 2019. Did you have a selfie stick, (something to face and talk, something you could also rotate to video what was ahead)? If yes, what brand, how long, etc. Thank you for your reentry video with your well thought out 7 ideas!!! So fabulous!!! I read “Walk in a Relaxed Manner” by Joyce Rupp before I left and reread it upon my return. The DVD “Six Ways to Santiago” was at our library and on PBS, a great watch. Take care!

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hello Margaret!! I will definitely have to read that! I’ve heard of those other treks and seen some gorgeous photos. Friends of mine just completed the same in the month of May. Congrats!! No I didn’t use a selfie stick just good old fashioned arm power lol. My hubby bought me something fancy to bring but I abandoned it at the last minute. I was happy to just have my arm stretched out! 🤗

[@DalesOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you for vlogging your camino, I leave in September and the information has been invaluable. I do have a question about your gear. I am also planning to vlog my camino using only a 64GB iPhone. Were you able to store all your video and pics or did you need to back up? If so what would you recommend?

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Dale! I just used my iPhone 8 and bought extra storage with me. I used the iBridge from Leef to store all my extra photos etc. In the end I still had storage issues and had to delete old videos and all my music. It was a struggle sadly but it was the only system I had. Just a simple iPhone and my arm! Buen Camino to you!!!

[@DalesOutdoorAdventures]

Samantha Plavins ok thanks. I’m blogging also so I guess I’m going to need storage also. More weight

[@happyfeetwanderers5034]

I loved my dirty girl gaiters, appreciated not getting stones in my shoes. But thank you for this good vlog

[@SamanthaPlavins]

I was all about the gaiters as during my training I’d get annoying stones and sand in my shoes (they’re low cut). But in the end I found my feet overheated and I just didn’t need them. But they’re light and take up no space so nothing wrong with bringing them!

[@shesgotthis]

Hello! Great Review! Just a question, did you notice any Cetaphil brands over there? i have eczema and need this brand for lotion and body wash. i thought i’d just buy it there and keep my pack’s weight down. thanks!

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi there sorry for the late reply! I did not see any, though I also use cetaphil and I brought enough to use. (Sparingly)

[@susan196three]

Can I ask, did you buy a larger size of.shoes to allow for feet swelling? Have loved your journey, thanks for sharing the experience

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Susan! Thank you for this question! Yes, I went up a half size from normal. And I never had any real foot problems (other than sore balls of the feet).

[@susan196three]

@@SamanthaPlavins Thanks so much for the prompt response 🙂 I will have 3 months long service leave due in 2 1/2 years, so planning my Camino for 2023. So appreciate you sharing.

[@lynnesunshine]

Thank you for sharing especially after 30+ km day! What was Voltera for ? What did you sleep in? I missed some of your brands .

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Lynne! Thanks for your patience! The Voltaren was for sore and aching muscles/tendons. I slept mostly in my cotton yoga pants but I also sometimes walked in them. Usually I wore clean clothes to bed and they’d be the ones I walked in next day. I used North Face hiking tights, Patagonia smart wool tops, Arcteryx for a few shirts. My jacket was cheap and cheerful, I think a McKinlay. Sleeping bag was Marmot.

[@lynnesunshine]

@@SamanthaPlavins thank you 🙏 hoping to hit the trail next May or June

[@Croftermom]

Good job! What did you use the day pack for? Thanks for sharing!

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Thanks Val! Well, I used it when I was sick and had to send my bag ahead. I did this for about 4-5 days in total. Also came in handy in the larger towns so I could be out and about and stash my hat, sunscreen and other odds and ends.

[@kevinkrisciunas4162]

How much did all of that stuff weigh? And how many days did you have your backpack transported to the next planned destination? My pack was 22 pounds, which was 12% of my body weight.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Kevin! My bag weighed 15 lbs. it’s definitely more than ten per cent but by that standard I would have needed 12 or 13 and just couldn’t get it down to that level. It didn’t matter much though the pack was no trouble. I think I shipped it a total of five times. Once for the 43 km day in the Meseta, then several times when I was recovering from that bug.

[@francomf27]

Hi Sam, I am leaving for the camino in 3 weeks. I am allergic to the sun and I don't like to wear sunscreen so I am bringing long sleeves shirts and buffs, are the days pretty hot?

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Miguel, yes the days are very hot. I also used breathable long sleeves and wore pants as I don’t love sunscreen. It makes a big difference if you leave early in the mornings. Buen Camino to you!!

[@2chill2]

Hello lovely Canadian, congrats for your success. I'm in the initial planning stage and am already excited. How warm are the albergue at May nights?

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hello! Thank you for reaching out! The albergues are decent in May. But I’m always cold in general so I was pleased with my decision to bring the sleeping bag.

[@frnchgrl26]

What was the product in the yellow and white tube? Vultara?

[@SamanthaPlavins]

Hi Brigette! Yes, that's Voltaren. Definitely a life saver along the Camino.

[@sherryduffenais4815]

Where did you get your cheapy down jacket?

[@SamanthaPlavins]

hi Sherry! I actually got it in a Macy’s in San Diego, randomly. I can’t recall the brand unfortunately. but even places like Costco should have (soonish) gear like this. I have other higher quality light-weight downs but knew they’d take a beating on the trek. I hope you’re well!

[@lindseysbooklife]

The ibuprofen might have been the cause of your gastro issues! Ibuprofen wrecks my stomach. Thanks for the great info! I'm taking my headlamp out now. 😊😊

[@SamanthaPlavins]

You know I never thought of this? Could be, could be. But my symptoms were more flu like. Ditch the headlamp girl! 🤗

[@ar2nl]

terrible sound! how come you didn't notice yet? Your mic is too far away from you either your voice is too low or you need a visit to a speech therapist.

[@SamanthaPlavins]

I didn't have a mic. I'm not a professional; I simply recorded the gear thing on my cell phone. Speech therapy not required, but thank you!