Packing for the Camino: What NOT to bring! (and what to bring instead) ❌🧳

Do you really need a guidebook to walk the Camino de Santiago? Here are my tips for what NOT to bring on your pilgrimage! Please share in the comments the things that you’re choosing to leave behind!
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[@johnsallstrom-vx4sq]

Although a lot of snacks aren't a necessity, I would definitely recommend carrying some emergency food. Last year on the Norte there were two separate days when all the shops and bars were closed when I passed by them and I went 24hrs without a meal. This year, on the VdlP I had to go 48hrs without any food, except for my rations on the two days before Salamanca because none of the villages I stayed at could take cards and I only had enough cash for my accommodation. The guide book I had for the VdlP was not very useful but neither was the Buen Camino App. That didn't cover any of the right hand option before Salamanca. Incidentally, on my 2nd night, I had to sleep outside because the previous village was full and I ran out of energy before I could make the next village. I'd walked 55kms, without any meals but I did have my rations and I had to charge my phone, using my power bank, but that was an unusual occurrence. I love your videos and used your suggestion for putting my rucksack in an IKEA bag for the flight to Spain. In fact, I slept on that bag when I slept outside.

[@NadineWalks]

You're so correct, I should have mentioned carrying some emergency food! On my last few walks I've carried "emergency tuna" (last summer I carried it for my entire walk, never needing it... an Irish pilgrim I met on the way to Finisterre teased me about it and it became such a joke). But I'm still happy I carried it with me! I'd say that it's pretty important to have some backup food on the lesser-traveled routes, especially.

[@AM-fo1jp]

Having emergency cash on hand in general is advised, you never know when payment or banking systems will work down for a few hours or days,

[@caminoforeveryone9169]

I like having a guide book for the maps and I write the names of the people I met each night on the pages. It helps me remember them.

[@NadineWalks]

Writing down the names of people you met on each stage is such a good idea!!

[@EagerFeetFamily]

Hi Nadine, thanks for another excellent video. My daughter and I just walked the Frances (1st time Camino-ers), and I have some thoughts on this subject. 1. I definitely agree about the guide book - we did not bring ours and used apps instead. Save the weight! 2. I also agree about the power bank. However as you pointed out, people who have an older phone with a battery that is not as big or does not hold a charge should bring one. Also people who use just their phone for everything - all their photos, videos, planning, etc should bring one. I have a newer phone and also use a GoPro for videos, so I really didn't need one. That said, I brought one anyway. 😄 3. Food. I definitely agree that people shouldn't worry about bringing food from their home country/city/town. However a couple times we stayed in very small towns where there was no where to buy a meal. After that we always each carried a couple fruits (apples and/or bananas) and had some other snacks as well (e.g. cookies, chips). 4. Toiletries. I agree ... with a couple caveats. I have short hair, and a shampoo bar was sufficient for me. My daughter however has long, curly hair, and quickly found that a shampoo bar did not work for her. She ended up buying bottles of shampoo and conditioner that were admittedly heavy, but made her life more pleasant. In terms of deodorants, I much prefer the deodorants I can buy in Canada or the US over the ones I have found in Spain (and Europe). Next time I would bring a large deodorant from home (maybe two if I'm gone a long time). Another thing I discovered is that drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and especially allergy pills, while not hard to purchase at pharmacies in Spain, are way cheaper to buy in Canada. I have terrible allergies and next time I would bring more pills from home. When we first set out I had a small, travel sized toothpaste. However I was only ever able to find full size toothpaste tubes in Spain. Next time I might just start with a full sized one. And finally - I learned the hard way to ALWAYS carry plenty of good sunscreen. I found the sunscreen products available in Spain were great - I like the spray on kind personally. Lots more I could say on the topic, but I've rambled on too long. Maybe I should make a video! 😄Thanks again!

[@rayrushton1862]

Many guide books are available in Kindle editions including the cicerone 'Camino de Santiago'. So no extra weight; I find them more convenient 🐭

[@johnavery5384]

I don’t carry a power adapter as I brought a EU plug with a usb outlet. Smaller and much lighter. I got one with two outlets as wall sockets can be rare in some places and it’s nice to share.

[@NadineWalks]

That sounds like something I should invest in!

[@pismorichy]

As an older backpacker guy out here on the best coast I love your subliminal message on your shirt as 30 plus years ago the girls were huge and I'm still a big fan. Hike on. PismoRichy

[@NadineWalks]

I love when people notice the tshirt (I've worn it in a couple videos now)... the t-shirt is nearly 30 years old at this point!! (gifted to me by my sister, who got it for working their concert when she was in college)

[@robertwilkes2105]

Pack needle, thread & betadine for blisters, plus plasters, gauze. Just pierce blister with needle & pass through blister to remove the liquid. The thread is covered in betadine and passes through the blister, disinfecting. The skin stays intact. Apply plaster.

[@wolfgangkeldorfer3837]

This is the ONLY right way to treat blisters ... the thread is like the wick from a candle - it drains the liquid out of the blister ... I always leave the thread through the blister at least for 4 to 5 days ... then inside the blister there is already new skin and it can`t infect any more ... and it keeps the blister without liquid. AND ANTI BLISTER SOCKS also help a lot ... or use thin and narrow socks directly on your skin and other socks above ... then potential friction is betwees the socks and the chance to get blisters is much decreased. Many people say you should not use fresh socks ... they use the same socks for several days ... I find that disgusting ... I use fresh socks every single day.

[@RC-qf3mp]

No, that’s packing your fears. If pilgrims research blister prevention and train with the right shoes/socks , they can likely avoid blisters. If you get blisters, there’s a pharmacy every few km. And other pilgrims. If you packed everything you *might* need, then your pack would be really heavy and, ironically, increase your chances of blisters and other injuries. Don’t pack what you can buy every few km.

[@peterexpatkiwi]

We all walk our own Camino. You're right, reducing your pack weight is important - the whole point of Nadine's video. And preparing your feet (training), the right sock/ shoe combo, even more so. BUT- Sometimes packing your fears is the right thing to do. I'm assuming you're talking about the needle and thread? I agree, there's normally help at hand, chemist/ other pilgrims etc. BUT if no-one carried basic first aid , no one would be able to help. And sometimes shop's are closed, or 10 km away - which worsens the problem, and means your walking in pain. For 35 years I've carried a minimal first aid kit, it's now based on my own fears and experience. Including a needle and thread, and a mini bottle of Betadine. Total weight 57grams. 87 if you include my (seperate) stretch bandage. I've only once used it on my own BLISTER - and that, on my recent Camino! (I changed my foot routine and used Vaseline for the first time - BAD idea! The change, not necessarily the Vaseline - it works for N. just not me) . I've used & replaced ALL of the items over the years, sometimes even as intended! And I've often been able to help others, including on that same Camino. It felt good!!! Just my opinion Buen Camino

[@robertwilkes2105]

@@RC-qf3mp Pharmacy on top of the Pyrenees was closed when I crossed over into Spain. Slight misinformation that there's a pharmacy every few km. Small first aid kit doesn't weigh much. Also depends what time of year you walk the camino. In the summer, your feet tend to swell up in the heat. In winter, much cooler, damp feet becomes an issue

[@RC-qf3mp]

@@robertwilkes2105 reread my comment. If you train properly and research blister prevention, you won’t get them on the Camino. People getting blisters on the very first day of the Camino obviously didn’t do their homework and will have plenty more problems besides blisters. Nadine’s video is about what NOT to bring m, yet the original comment is on what one must bring. If you do basic research and training with a loaded pack and the shoes you’ll wear on the Camino and make sure you account for foot swelling, and put Vaseline on your feet, and wear a thin liner sock and wool hiking socks and take off your socks during lunch and perhaps other breaks, and if you’re super sensitive or sweaty, swap out socks midday, you will not get blisters on the Camino. Ultra marathon runners and hard core thru hikers have done the dirty work so we know how blisters form and how to prevent them. If you get to the point that you need a first aid kit just for blisters, then you obviously weren’t listening to your body for the warning signs (hot spots). The real problem is the “what if” fear mongering that leads to carrying way too much stuff. It’s easier to buy things than it is to train and do research. That’s why people load up their packs with unnecessary stuff instead of doing their homework.

[@chiarab5802]

My to go are: anti-friction cream for feet and oxeego socks( never had a blister along my entire camino despite the wet feet for constant rain), powerbank, buff and hat and laundry detergent in sheets. I use the phone notes as journal, I don’t carry any book ( I use the kindle app on my phone), switched to a water resevoir instead of my Nalgene bottle and downsized my backpack from a 40 liters to a 32 liters, also I now have non goretex shoes as they dry much faster if it rains.

[@timhoyte7531]

Really like Nadinea videos, I find them very useful, and I like her upbeat and friendly way of presenting them. It feels very generous to 9feer these for people, especially like myself who haven't done much pilgrimage walking before, though I walked for two weeks on the Frances a few years ago. This is very much in the spirit of the Camino, which is basically kindness. Thankyou Nadine. 🌿🙏

[@liafiol-matta2736]

Thank you so much. Your videos are very helpful.

[@jillpannill2578]

Hi! I’m doing my first Camino Frances in a few days. These videos have been great for my preparation.

[@NadineWalks]

I'm so happy to hear this, and I hope you have a wonderful journey. Buen Camino!!

[@WandererOfWorlds]

Really nice video style! Thanks for the great tips (toiletries…. I’m listening! :) First Camino Frances in 12 days! Woo hoo!!

[@scooterdmc]

Is that an indigo girls tshirt wow another reason to like you and your videos

[@NadineWalks]

Haha yes, it is! It's "vintage" (can we call it vintage if it's from the late 90's??)

[@mulliedog1]

Great tips!! My friend is on the Primetivo now and found he bought too much. It’s his second time doing the Camino also. It’s important to reevaluate your packing list every time. Thanks for your videos!

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, I find that over the years my pack has gotten heavier... I think- "Oh, just one more little thing!" and before I know it I'm wondering what in the world I'm carrying! I think reevaluating each time is important, and I try to reminder myself that I don't actually need to carry all that much :)

[@glennwojcik2342]

I would bring blister aids. Moleskin or something. Good socks. Inserts for the shoes. Everything in Spain is not very expensive. I have 100 miles to go. Talk about registration and going to the Camino office in Santiago before seeing the Church. Good video.

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

All my long distance hiking has been done on the big trails in the US and I've gotten down to an ultra light weight but I do carry sunblock for my lips and usually an extra one another pair of cheap reading glasses and if I want to bring shampoo I go to REI and get the small refillable bottles lueko tape is a must It can do so many things in the backcountry although it sounds like these trails aren't really like that I also never go on any trail without my sungloves sun glasses hat no way.. I would have a tough time giving up my tent and it only weighs 13 oz but it sounds like you can't really camp on these trails anyhow I would also probably bring coffee and element to mix in my water... Oh and a bandana those things come in handy!

[@ericaalbini6037]

Really really thank you for your videos! I have been following your channel for a few months now, and it's been invaluable to prepare for my first Camino 😊 I have decided to bring some snacks with me, but mainly because I don't want to travel with a lot of cash on me, and I worry about cafes on the way not accepting card payments: I don't want to use the cash that I regard as "emergency money" to buy snacks...🤔 This might not make any sense, but hopefully this won't be my only Camino, and I will learn from this experience for future ones 😊

[@NadineWalks]

I totally understand this! And like you said, once you walk the Camino and see how it works for you, you'll have a good sense of what to do next time. Honestly, even if I don't travel with many snacks, sometimes I go overboard in a grocery store along the way and buy WAY TOO MUCH food! Ha! But I suppose the beauty of carrying food is that you'll gradually eat it up, reducing your pack's weight :)

[@mikebaginy8731]

Good advice, Nadine, which mirrors my experience as well. As a photographer I used to carry a camera too, which necessitated a spare battery and charger. That took up space and added weight. Every gram counts!! Since I forced myself to explore the camera in my iPhone in depth (model 7, so somewhat vintage by iPhone standards), I've found that I actually greatly enjoy using it and it's completely adequate! That power-bank though, is absolutely necessary.

[@nbenefiel]

We were planning to do the Camino when Covid took ever. We’re older now. I would like to try next year but I’m not sure I’m up to it.

[@martink8080]

I suppose every Camino is different but on the Portuguese, which we just finished last week, you can buy food everywhere so bringing stuff from home to carry is bringing your fears. With double socks and a bit of NOK cream there were no blisters. Also helps to have the correct shoes, both size - larger than normal to account for swelling and shape - a roomy toe box and space to not bang your toes when going down hill.

[@shoshanafox727]

I've never used sunscreen. I wear a broad brimmed cotton hat. 😊

[@seakyle8320]

powerbank is useful because its so cheap, you can leave it unsupervisioned the charger. nobody would steal it. Later on you load your expansive gear with the charged powerbank right in your backpack.

[@jacklonergan9991]

I think ditching the guidebooks is great advice, it seems like apps have replaced their use although the older pilgrim might still actually pull out the folding map 🗺….ah the days of old:)

[@NadineWalks]

Referencing a map or a physical guidebook is still great... but the apps give me what I need and saving the weight is really nice!

[@erwinveenhoven]

I had a lot of trouble to let go of my paper Guidebooks. Some do a great job at providing information on buildings, churches, rivers, people and history of places. Internet does provide great information but sometimes in the moment it can be a trouble to find info. Choices... :) And: don't skimp on the sunscreen!

[@NadineWalks]

I know, sometimes I like to buy the guidebook and read through it before a walk... and even sometimes take pictures of the photos to reference throughout the walk. It's not the same as actually having the book with me, but when I want to save weight by not carrying the books, it helps a bit.

[@kathleenmarshall7812]

Thanks!

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much for your generosity, Kathleen! This will be a coffee on my next Camino, for sure :)

[@peterfontaine4627]

Great advice and recommendations--I am going to be using a 55L mountaineering pack (I have four and I don't want to have to buy a brand-new smaller pack) but I don't want to fill it up with unnecessary items and fears!

[@NadineWalks]

That's my only fear with buying a larger pack, that I'll end up filling it completely!

[@AfterCoffeeWithJess]

Nice video . I'm so reluctant not to bring a power bank but I desperately need to cut down something in my bag so might go for that! I don't want to be on my phone much anyways so that could be good motivation to stay off!

[@NadineWalks]

I can understand this feeling… I think- even with all the video I take- I could get away with not bringing the power bank, but it’s just so reassuring to know it’s there! But I’d say if your phone holds a decent charge, you should be okay!

[@billkrueger9305]

many thanks, Nadine for all of your videos! this one especially so...apologies for not keeping up with all of your walks lately, as life happens...looking forward to catching up with you...many blessings, and, of course, buen camino!

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Bill, and please don't feel the need to apologize for not keeping up on my walks! It's so hard to do when you're also trying to, well... live you own life :) But seeing a comment from you always makes me smile. I'll be back in Spain soon- just a few weeks!- and I can't wait to be walking again.

[@billkrueger9305]

@@NadineWalks thanks, Nadine! hoping to return to Spain next year...looking forward to your next adventure...glad to make you smile! buen camino!

[@tomslaughter9436]

Hi Nadine, love your style on videos! Walking frances in 8/23/2023, I have new pair of boots (ankle, stability) and wonder if they last all the way to the coast. I do have Teva for casual when I reach next stop. I don't wear these normally so hiking with them would be risky. Do I pack my fear and put brooks sneakers in bag? Be well

[@Eileen-v7d]

What size backpack did you use

[@jackg7225]

I broke some of these rules and I don’t necessarily feel I would do it any differently when I go again. I don’t carry the expanded guide book, usually the smaller version with the map. I feel it is easier to turn the page in the book vs having to use the back and forward buttons on some of the apps. I like to have a little food with me. I packed some instant oatmeal, either 4 or 6 packages and 3 packages of PB filled crackers. I think I came back with 2 oatmeals. It was just nice to have the food. My battery packs are also have warmers. I did end up using them as battery backups a couple of times (especially when I did the Del Norte, because of some longer legs.) I did only take one on the Portuguese vs the 2 or 3 battery packs I had on the Norte. I did cut down on the stuff I took on my recent Camino. I had the experience from my first Camino to let me feel confident that I didn’t need to take all that I did the 1st time, main extra clothing, and half the blister repair stuff (didn’t need at all the first time but did use this last time.)

[@NadineWalks]

Of all of these that I mentioned, the guidebook is probably the item I'd most want to bring with me. I know it's not strictly necessary anymore with all the apps and online info, but I also really like having a book to reference during the walk. But that's also the beauty of the Camino... you really don't need to bring too much, and so there can be a little extra room for the things that will most help you on your journey (or, the things that bring you joy or comfort!)

[@JanetLugas]

You recommend not to bring snacks, what is a type 1 diabetic suppose to do?

[@NadineWalks]

It's totally fine to bring snacks! I nearly always do- these are just some recommendations to really want to save weight in your pack- but they won't work for everyone. I like to try to provide tips and suggestions here, but there are no "rules" for a Camino and everyone will differ based on want/need/preference, etc.

[@AnnPull]

What app do you recommend

[@NadineWalks]

I like the Buen Camino app!

[@glennwojcik2342]

Also. Flights to London are inexpensive.

[@ShadowdancerWereldvreemd]

Thank you for the video. Unrelated but relevant question; how do you deal with jetlag? I've seen some of your previous videos and it always seems like you just arrive and the next day you're all chipper and ready to go walking :) I live in the same time zone for most camino's, but will actually visit the US before starting my very first camino. I'm usually pretty drowsy for a couple of days after I get back from the US and am now wondering if I should just go to St Jean pied de port, once I get back to Amsterdam, or wait a week until I'm used to the time zone again.

[@NadineWalks]

I DO try to start walking right away if I can, I think that might actually help me with any jetlag. For me it's a little worse traveling back to the states... but going to Europe I'm always on an overnight flight, and I can never get any sleep on planes, so I arrive in the morning in Europe exhausted. But I try to power through that day of traveling to the start of the Camino and then am usually so tired that I sleep decently at night, and that pretty much gets me on track. And the chipperness you see is probably mostly excitement to be walking! I'm often still tired for a few days but just so happy to be back on the Camino and walking :)

[@sherikennedy4117]

seriously? women are concerned about their makeup on a camino???? bwahaha. no....i just have to laugh. great video.

[@NadineWalks]

I think there are definitely some who still like to walk while wearing makeup! But given that I rarely wear makeup in regular life, it's never been a concern of mine (honestly, with all that fresh air, movement and sunshine, I think people on the Camino are glowing! Best makeup there is!!)

[@sherikennedy4117]

@@NadineWalks hard to believe they want that paint on their face, but as you said...

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

I agree! I can't imagine lugging around makeup but I don't wear it on my regular life anyhow this past spring I hiked Foreigner miles on the Arizona Trail and the girl I started out with actually had hairspray and the whole thing I had never seen anything like it

[@miadifferent7306]

@@sherikennedy4117let people live! Their choice doesn’t affect you. No need to put shame on them.

[@peterhorne1541]

Apps and Phones fail, books don't!!!!

[@NadineWalks]

Very true... unless, like me, you accidentally leave your guidebook behind in an albergue not even halfway through your first Camino! And in that case, the BEST thing to do was just follow the arrows.